Salsa, music and dance expert Jose Obando will discuss the evolution of salsa and perform with his musical group at Coastal Carolina University on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. in the James J. Johnson Auditorium. This is a free event that is open to the public with no ticket required.

"The 350+ Year Evolution of Salsa" traces the development of this dance form beginning with the manufacture and use of percussion instruments made by Africans. Salsa is a Latin American musical genre that incorporates an Afro-percussion style and variations of Afro-Puerto Rican and Afro-Dominican folkloric percussion.

Obando and his musical group blend musical entertainment and narrative as they relate the history of Caribbean music and its African roots. Obando will also share stories about the slave trade to the Latin American colonies and its profound impact on contemporary American musical culture. Obando's musical group will play authentic instruments and lyrics from African and Spanish Catholic rituals which provide a basis for salsa. They will also demonstrate how to dance the salsa.

Obando is the salsa consultant for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Department of Musical Instruments. Obando is also one of the founders of the Salsa Museum in Spanish Harlem, N.Y.

The Johnson Auditorium is in the E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration, at 119 Chanticleer Drive E. in Conway.

For more information, contact the Office of Multicultural Student Services at 843-349-2863.