"Swingin' at the U" Concert Set at A&M International Sunday

If you dig jive, are hip to swing and find the occasional sudden samba cause for kicking up your heels, the Great Room of the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library at Texas A&M International University will be the place to be Sunday afternoon from 5-7.

"Swingin' at the U," the second in a continuing series of benefits for the A&M International Music Equipment program, will feature La Orquesta Internacional and special guest artists.

Admission, payable at the door, is $10 for adults and $5 for students and supports the purchase of music equipment for the A&M International Band. Refreshments will be served after the concert.

"La Orquesta Internacional, " directed by Dr. Humberto González, A&M International assistant professor in the College of Education, is comprised of a number of local music educators and performing professionals.

The group includes a broad spectrum of performers with decades of combined musical experience. Members are especially enjoying the resurgence of interest in Big Band and Swing music.

"With the new fascination with swing music by groups like the Brian Setzer Orchestra, the Cherry Poppin' Daddies and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, there's a lot of interest in this great music," Dr. Gonzalez noted.

Special guest artists for the event will include vocalist Norma Eliza, tenor saxophonist Eddie Galvan and vocalist and popular Pro-8 News anchor Richard Noriega.

A dance floor will be in place for those wishing to cut the rug and step out lively.

"Swingin' at the U" is the second effort of its kind and follows a September Jazz concert that featured Three Eighths Blue. The series will continue with additional performances in various musical genres.

The University will soon begin construction on a $15 million Fine and Performing Arts Center, and events like Sunday's "Swingin' at the U" will be among those events featured and designed to showcase arts and cultural enrichment activities in Laredo.

For further information, please contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at 326-2180. University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu