Free "Cri-Cri" Concert Friday, April 14 at A&M International

The whimsical world of musical legend Francisco Gabilondo Soler will come alive as Texas A&M International University presents "Cri-Cri: El Grillito Cantor" on Friday, April 14 at 7 p.m. at the University's Kinesiology/Convocation Building.

"Cri-Cri" will be performed by the A&M International Dance Performance and Flamenco Troupes for the University's annual Spring Dance Concert. The event is under the artistic direction of Bede Leyendecker, assistant professor of dance at A&M International.

Admission is free and the community is cordially invited to attend.

Mama and baby ducks, a cowboy mouse, a nimble goat, and comical cat, dog, and spider are among the colorful cast of costumed characters that will be brought to life on stage.

The costumed characters will be featured in a variety of dazzling dances, including numbers titled "El Gato del Barrio," "La Cotorra Viajera," "El Chivo Cyclista," "La Marcha de las Letras," "El Raton Vaquero," "El Fantasma," "La Muñeca Fea," and "La Maquinita," a rousing finale featuring the entire cast.

Performers include A&M International dance students Gladys Cardenas, Lizzette De La Garza, Melissa Gonzalez, Janie Gonzalez, Claudia Hernandez, Claudia Elia Hernandez, Roxie Hernandez, Valeria M. Hernandez, Monica Holguin, Jacqueline Hurtado, Oscar Hurtado, Robert Krochmal, Mary Jo Lopez, Patricia Lucio, Veronica Lugo, David Mancilla, Brenda Medina, Karina Mendoza, Amahet Peña, Jessica Ramon, Isabel Rodriguez, Laura O. Rodriguez, Sara Rodriguez, Erinn Taylor, Athena Valdez, Brissa Vela, and Aurora Villarreal, and, from the Leyendecker Dance Academy, Daniela Leyendecker, Katie Leyendecker, Isabella Locklear, Mikhaela Locklear, Sofia Locklear, and Christina Ramirez.

The entertaining evening will also include a special presentation of the Second Annual Terpsichorean Award, an honor bestowed to a loyal supporter of the arts, and the announcement of this year's recipient of the Blanche Flores Leyendecker Scholarship. Mrs. Leyendecker was a pioneer dance teacher in Laredo whose untimely death was felt by the many students and friends she touched with her art and kindness. The scholarship is given in her memory by her husband, Richard A. Leyendecker and sons, Richard, Gary, Paul and Mark.

The Spring Dance Concert is one of several fine and performing arts events that showcase A&M International's growth in the arts arena in preparation for Phase III construction of the University's multimillion dollar Fine and Performing Arts Center.

For further information, please contact Leyendecker at 326-2640. 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