During Carnaval 2017, the National Hispanic Cultural Center and Frank Leto Musical Ventures will turn the Albuquerque Journal Theatre into the set of a television dance show, where the Odara Dance Ensemble and the band PANdemonium will take you on a journey through the Carnaval traditions of Cuba, Trinidad, Brazil, and New Orleans, in addition to providing a space to dance and opportunities to win prizes. The show, a dazzling spectacle of vibrant dance, engaging music, and beautiful costumes, is Friday and Saturday, February 24-25 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $17, $22, and $27, and may be purchased at www.nhccnm.org, or from the NHCC Box Office, in person or at (505) 724-4771.
Frank Leto is a multidimensional artist who has found a balance between professional musician and professional educator. His lifelong pursuit of musical knowledge has led him to appreciate the music of many cultures, and his talent as a composer has allowed him to share this love for music with his peers, students, and community. A talented instrumentalist, Frank plays Brazilian percussion, Afro-Cuban percussion, and Trinidadian steel drums; his band PANdemonium features him on vocals, steel drums and percussion. Frank writes all the music for the band, which blends diverse musical styles such as reggae, ska, soca, calypso, samba, salsa, and zouk into its own unique sound. PANdemonium has recorded two world music CDs.
Pilar Leto, a creative and well-versed dancer, choreographer, and producer, is the founder and Artistic Director of the Odara Dance Ensemble. She has been actively performing and instructing Brazilian, Caribbean, and Afro-Cuban dance in San Francisco, Japan, Philippines, Hawaii, and now Albuquerque, for more than 25 years, and travels extensively to perform and continue her studies of the dances of South America and the Caribbean. The Odara Dance Ensemble performs regularly for community and cultural events; and appears nationally and internationally as well.
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