Rhythm Is Gonna Get You

If you’re confused about the difference between a traditional bolero and some swift-footed salsa steps, the new exhibit at Centro Cultural Español Miami (1490 Biscayne Blvd., Miami) will get you pointed in the right direction. Thursday at 7 p.m., CCE Miami will open “A Tres Bandas” to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the 500th anniversary of Juan Ponce de León’s discovery of Florida. It’s a critically acclaimed traveling exhibit that will get booties swaying as it chronicles the evolution of musical culture in the Americas — specifically the dance revolution resulting from the sonorous fusion of the native indigenous peoples, the African diaspora, and the Spaniards. But don’t expect to find the perreo — the naughty Latin version of Miley Cyrus’ raunchy twerking — on display here. Instead you’ll discover a sensory-immersing exhibition featuring interactive touchscreens, a presentation of musical instruments from throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, photography, music, videos, and even some listening stations with nearby diagrams of dance steps emblazoned on the floor so you can properly get your merengue and cha-cha on while impressing your latest rumba partner. “Miami is the perfect place to introduce this innovative exposition to the United States,” observes Francisco Tardío, CCEM’s new director. “More than any other destination in the Americas, Miami truly mirrors the fusion of cultures and heritages in music and the arts — the message at the very heart of ‘A Tres Bandas.’ ”
Sept. 5-Oct. 27, 2013