LA GRANDE — Eastern Oregon University’s Instrumental Department will present their annual winter concert on Friday, March 17. This year’s concert theme, “Cuban Rhythms,” will be sure to have you dancing in your seat.

The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. in EOU’s McKenzie Theater, One University Blvd. Admission is free, but donations toward the music foundation scholarships are welcome.

EOU’s music group 45th Parallel will be playing Latin jazz that focuses on Cuban rhythms, such as the mambo, cha-cha, Son Montuno and many more.

The 45th Parallel will be joined by Luke McKern, EOU’s senior instructor of music technique. McKern is a multi-instrumentalist and sound engineer who has performed on National Public Radio’s Prairie Home Companion and was featured on Oregon Public Broadcasting’s Oregon Art Beat.

After spending a year in post-Katrina New Orleans, McKern began sharing the rich musical culture of New Orleans jazz with La Grande by directing The Depot Street Syncopators at annual Mardi Gras events. He performs regularly throughout the region in a wide variety of bands and music productions.

For more information, contact Greg Johnson at gjohnson2@eou.edu.

What: 45th Parallel’s winter concert

When: Friday, March 17, 7:30 p.m.

Where: McKenzie Theater at Eastern Oregon University

Admission: Free