Omara Portuondo Click above to listen.

Performing Arts BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB PRESENTS OMARA PORTUONDO WITH SPECIAL GUEST BARBARITO TORRES TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2000, 8 PM, $32 ($26 WALKER MEMBERS) NORTHROP AUDITORIUM, U OF M EAST BANK CAMPUS, MINNEAPOLIS TICKETS: 612.624.2345

In the wake of the emotional, sold-out Ruben Gonzalez/Ibrahim Ferrer concert of November 1999 come the newest stars of the global Buena Vista Social Club phenomenon. Omara Portuondo has been thrilling audiences in Havana with the passionate honesty of her voice for more than half a century, but it was the 1997 Grammy-winning recording (on which she was the only woman) that earned her wider international recognition. Twin Cities audiences responded rapturously to her irresistible stage presence and vocal prowess when she performed at last fall's concert and at the 1998 Afro-Cuban All Stars event at First Avenue (both copresented by the Walker and Northrop). This year, she fronts her own 12-piece big band of master Cuban musicians. Opening will be Barbarito Torres, one of Cuba's greatest laud (12-string lute) players, who captures the essence of Cuban country "blues" with musical expression that's a gutsy, heartfelt outcry of his origins. " (Torres) played with tremendous swing and intensity, and the audience rose in a standing ovation. It's country music, but it rocks . . . when he danced and played the laud, he seemed like a Cuban version of Chuck Berry" (The New York Times). Copresented with Northrop Auditorium. For more information, check out the Web site. Lower-tier-priced tickets are available through the Northrop box office at 612.624.2345.

IN THE WALKER ART CENTER SHOPS
Buena Vista Social Club Presents Omara Portuondo. The latest CD release in the global Buena Vista Social Club phenomenon. $18.47 ($16.62 Walker members).


THIS PERFORMANCE IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM THE DORIS DUKE FUND FOR JAZZ AND DANCE.