Afro-Cuban rhythms come to the Phillips Center

April 8, 2011

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Hailed as the “reigning regents of rumba” by the San Francisco Chronicle, the members of Los Muñequitos de Matanzas are among the highest regarded percussionists in the world, and masters of Afro-Cuban ritual and rumba music and dance. They will bring their Tambor de Fuego performance to the Phillips Center for Performing Arts April 10.

The group traces its beginnings to the 1950s and informal gatherings in the neighborhood of Marina. Young people would meet after work and on the weekends, listening to music and entertaining each other with their impromptu percussion sessions using anything that was handy – stools, tables and spoons “borrowed” from a nearby bar.

Eventually, this group of young people attracted an audience. As word of their talent spread, they found themselves invited to parties around the neighborhood, and soon decided to form a stable, regular performing group. Initially billed as Guaguancó Matancero with a repertoire devoted to rumba, the group changed its name a few years later.

This talented group spans three generations of an extended family of musicians, singers and dancers that have thrilled U.S. audiences and built a devoted fan base with their culturally rich performances. Los Muñequitos de Matanzas has shared the stage with various prominent artists from Cuba and around the world including Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, Herbie Hancock and Rubén Blades.

Ticket prices are $20 to $30.

To prchase tickets, call the Phillips Center Box Office at 352-392-ARTS (2787) or 800-905-ARTS (toll-free within Florida) or call Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 (toll-free). Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Phillips Center Box Office, the University Box Office at the University of Florida Reitz Union or from any Ticketmaster outlet, or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Cash, checks, MasterCard, Discover and Visa are accepted.

UF students may purchase $12 tickets (with a valid student ID) at the Phillips Center Box Office and the University Box Office at the Reitz Union. Other students may purchase $12 student tickets (in the balcony) at the Phillips Center Box Office.