Sound, Art, and Spectacle

Tonight the University of Miami brews a potent coffee and drum medley for a Celebration of Afro-Cuban Culture, a pair of events honoring the island’s rich cultural history. At 6:30, the Lowe Art Museum serves up steamy shots of Pilon cafecito during a coffee reception for “Afro-Cuba: Works on Paper, 1968-2003.” The head-turning exhibit features more than 60 prints and drawings by 26 artists from Havana and Santiago de Cuba for the first time in a major U.S. exhibit. Don’t miss Juan Roberto Diago’s powerful dark drawings boasting “All blacks do not drink coffee” and “My skin is also good.” Ibrahim Miranda weighs in with gut-twisting woodblocks depicting a shower of tears printed over historical maps of Cuba and the transatlantic passage. The event is free. Call 305-284-3535, or visit www.lowemuseum.org.

At 8 p.m. in the Gusman Concert Hall (1314 Miller Rd., Coral Gables), Latin Grammy-nominated saxophonist Ed Calle heads an Afro-Cuban big-band blowout with the Frost Concert Jazz Band. The Frost Bata Drum Ensemble and the Frost Latin Jazz Ensemble will also heat up the rumbling rumba. Tickets cost $15. Call 305-284-5813.
Thu., Jan. 24, 2008