Family Field Trip at TPAC set for Feb. 10

?Strings of Fire? is a lively, interactive show with Ram?n Romero and the “Cuerdas de Fuego Ensemble,” featuring Romero on the harp; Santiago Maldonado of Mexico (guitar and vocals); and percussionist Carlos Caro of Cuba, all sharing music and folk songs from their native lands. The internationally renowned artists use a variety of fun-to-watch techniques to play traditional and contemporary music from Latin America.

“TPAC experienced such an overwhelmingly positive response to last season?s presentation of Sones de M?xico Ensemble that we decided to again include a world music offering in the Family Field Trip series. ?Strings of Fire? is more than just a performance?it is an entire cultural experience that engenders a broadening of community through its presentation, content, and affordability,” said Roberta Ciuffo, TPAC?s executive vice president for institutional advancement. “These musicians pay homage to many cultures, encompassing all of South America and Cuba in their music. In addition, this is just the type of performance that has no age limit. Children are completely taken by the exciting, playful nature of these traditional songs, and both children and adults are at once charmed and dazzled by the expansive repertoire and undeniable skills of these artists.”

Romero, a world-renowned concert and recording artist, plays the Paraguayan harp, the national instrument of his homeland. Much smaller than its cousin in the orchestra, the Paraguayan harp often sounds like a guitar, from rapidly picked melodies to rich combinations of chords. With more than 30 years of professional experience and a current repertoire of more than 700 pieces, Romero?s musical journey began at age three, when his father caught him tuning his guitar to perfect pitch. He started playing harp professionally at age twelve and built his first harp a year later, using guitar strings and an old window frame.

“Watching Ram?n Romero perform is simply thrilling,” said Ciuffo. “He is a virtuoso who has mastered five instruments in addition to his first “love,” the Paraguayan harp. TPAC is honored to present Music City the opportunity to experience such a passionate artist, such a unique sound, such a respected cultural tradition?with a touch of fire.”

TPAC?s Polk Lobby will be transformed into a fun, interactive space prior to the performance, offering activities and giveaways, including a free bilingual book compliments of Book?Em Nashville, and snacks, courtesy of Publix Supermarkets. Patrons are encouraged to arrive at 1 p.m. for the festivities.

Unlike anything else presented in Nashville or Middle Tennessee, the “Family Field Trips” are designed to give children and adults a fun, family-friendly experience with live performance. The lively, high-quality entertainment features artists with international reputations and a multi-cultural blend of art with broad appeal to people of different ages and backgrounds.

The new series builds on response to similar programming for families previously presented by TPAC, and the success of such family-friendly titles as Annie, Peter Pan, The Story Builders and Dora the Explorer, among others.

Individual tickets for ?Strings of Fire? and the other “Family Field Trips” are $9 for children twelve and younger, and $12 for adults. For individual tickets, visit the TPAC Box Office (Downtown or at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in The Mall at Green Hills), or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 615/255-ARTS (2787). Adult tickets are available for purchase online at www.tpac.org.

Two-show subscriptions are available for $18 per person, offering such incentives as a discount and preferred seating. Subscriptions can be purchased at the TPAC Box Office (Downtown or at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in The Mall at Green Hills) or by mail. Please call 615/782-4019 to be added to the mailing list.

A limited number of “pay what you can” seats will be available beginning at 12:30 p.m. on the day of each performance. With a minimal contribution to TPAC Education, patrons may gain admission based on an honor system of what they can afford to pay.

For more information, please visit www.tpac.org/shows/familyfieldtrip or call 615/782-4019.