Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - "Hot. Hot. Hot" is how grammy.com describes Los Hombres Calientes, the New Orleans-based jazz septet that will be performing at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 23, in W.M. Turner Auditorium as part of the Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts' University Series.

Led by legendary percussionist Bill Summers and trumpet virtuoso Irvin Mayfield, the ensemble presents what The Washington Post calls "a tasty gumbo" and jazz musicians booking agency Ted Kurland Associates calls "afrocubopsoul."

The band's unique fusion of jazz, funk, Latin and African musical elements has been well received by the music world. Los Hombres Calientes' fifth album, "Volume 5: Carnival," has been nominated for a 2006 Billboard Latin Music Award: Latin Jazz Album of the Year.

The group's first album received a similar award in 2000, the second received a Billboard nomination and the third received a Grammy nomination. All of the albums are on the Basin Street Records label.

"Los Hombres Calientes" are known throughout the world for their high-energy performances," said Sylvia Bierschenk, director of Arts Information at SFA. "And their unique blend of music will have all sorts of East Texas music lovers dancing in their seats!"

Tickets for the performance are still available and can be purchased through the Fine Arts Box Office. Tickets are $30 for A seating, $24 for B seating and $15 for C, with discounts available for seniors, students and children.

Prior to the concert, the SFA 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 performance.

For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.