Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Grammy-nominated and Billboard Award-winning ensemble Los Hombres Calientes will present its unique musical sound in a 7:30 p.m. concert Thursday, March 23, in W.M. Turner Auditorium. The concert is a part of the Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts' University Series.

Los Hombres Calientes is renowned for its high-energy performances on stages throughout the world. From the music of New Orleans to the Caribbean Islands, with jaunts to Brazil, Cuba and Africa, the band captures the rich multicultural heritage of New Orleans jazz. New Orleans trumpet virtuoso Irvin Mayfield and legendary percussionist Bill Summers co-lead the jazz septet.

Hailed by Newsweek as "One of the smartest, most fun bands anywhere," Los Hombres Calientes has played in many of the nation's most prestigious performing arts centers, including Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall, Kennedy Center, Kimmel Center, Hollywood Bowl, Ravinia Festival and Philadelphia's Independence Hall. The ensemble has also inspired audiences at almost all of the leading United States jazz festivals.

Mayfield and Summers travel the globe, delving into underground music scenes to seek inspiration for recording projects. As a result of their explorations and immersions in cultural traditions, they call their compact discs "Volumes."

The most recent release, "Volume 5: Carnival," celebrates the spirit of carnival in a fusion of jazz, funk, Latin and African musical elements. It has been nominated for a 2006 Billboard Latin Music Award: Latin Jazz Album of the Year.

In 2000, the group's recording debut, "Los Hombres Calientes," received a similar award from Billboard: Contemporary Latin Jazz Album of the Year.

The 2003 release of "Volume 4: Voudou Dance," was recorded in Trinidad, Haiti, Cuba and New Orleans and was nominated for a Billboard Latin Music Award. Grammy Award-nominated "Volume 3: New Congo Square," was recorded in Cuba, Jamaica, Brazil, the Dominican Republic and New Orleans.

Mayfield, a New Orleans native, has established himself as a prominent figure in the legacy of great jazz trumpeters. In addition to co-leading Los Hombres Calientes, Mayfield founded the Institute of Jazz Culture at Dillard University. He also leads the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, a non-profit institution that offers jazz performances and education outreach. In 2003, Mayfield was named Cultural Ambassador for the City of New Orleans.

Summers is a renowned percussionist whose virtuosity ranges from traditional African instruments to pop bottles. His mastery of literally hundreds of African and Cuban percussion rhythms color his recordings and performances.

He has collaborated with influential artists such as Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder and the Roots, and is an original member of Herbie Hancock's legendary ensemble, the Headhunters. He is the founder of the Summers Multi-Ethnic Institute of Art, which leads students on trips to Cuba to study Afro-Cuban music.

Prior to the March 23 concert, the College of Fine Arts will host a 6:45 p.m. reception in Griffith Gallery to honor the event's corporate sponsor, Regions Bank of Nacogdoches. At 7 p.m., there will be an informative talk about the concert.

Tickets are $30 for A seating, $24 for B seating and $15 for C seating, with discounts available for seniors, students and children. For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.