Clinton, NY – Hamilton College Performing Arts continues the performing arts series with a performance by the Puerto Rican ensemble Plena Libre on Friday, February 28 at 7:30 pm in Wellin Hall, Schambach Center.
The trailblazing Plena Libre has been thrilling international audiences for nearly three decades. Masters of the traditional Puerto Rican plena and bomba styles, Plena Libre combines the traditional rhythms with other Afro-Caribbean styles and jazz to create a contagious dance music that honors the group’s deep sense of the unique indigenous musical traditions, while embracing modern sounds.
Led by founder and bassist Gary Nuñez, Plena Libre is recognized for taking the once dormant, Puerto Rican plena style of music and reclaiming it for a new generation of listeners to enjoy. The group became instantly popular in Puerto Rico, with National Geographic crediting Plena Libre among other Puerto Rican acts in “spearheading the Latin invasion of American popular music.
Featuring hand drumming, horns and vocalists singing in lush three-part harmonies – with an aggressive, tight, yet sensitive style, which balances the traditional with the contemporary, the global and the local, Plena Libre creates a brand of music and live performance that captivates the audience.
They are past artist-in-residence at the University of Chicago and are recipients of the prestigious Don Michael Randel Award.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens, and $5 for students. For more information, call the box office at (315) 859-4331 or visit www.hamilton.edu/performingarts.
