News Release

09/29/08
A family-friendly evening of live music and dancing with Carlos de Leon and the UN Band, Oct. 19 to benefit free library literacy programs

Support Rhode Island library literacy programs at a family-friendly fundraiser at The Hi-Hat, Providence, on Sunday, October 19 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. Carlos de Leon and the UN Band will provide the Latin beat at a festive celebration in support of the Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative’s free ESL and Citizenship classes offered in libraries in Cranston, East Providence, Pawtucket and Providence.

Offering a sizzling performance of Latin jazz that incorporates salsa, meringue, cumbia, son and other Latin dance music, Carlos de Leon has been playing music professionally for over 30 years. Latin jazz master, trumpet player, vocalist and bandleader De Leon has called Providence his home since 1989, bringing his powerful interpretation of the Latin jazz tradition to New England. With a band of musicians from New England as well as world-class musicians from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic, DeLeon is a trumpeter/arranger whose former bandleaders have included Latin legends Tito Puente and Machito.

Proceeds from ticket sales and a Penny Social will benefit the Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative’s free English and Citizenship classes in Cranston, East Providence, Pawtucket and Providence Public Libraries. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door; children under 12 are free. Tickets can be purchased at the Cranston, East Providence, Pawtucket and Providence Public branch libraries and at Round Again Records, 287 Wickenden Street or by calling 401-455-8041 or emailing rifli.fundraiser@gmail.com. There is also free parking in The Hi Hat parking lot that evening at 3 Davol Square, near the Point Street Bridge.

The Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative (RIFLI) is a free, first-step family literacy program for adults and their children based at public libraries throughout Rhode Island. RIFLI offers English as a Second Language (ESL), citizenship preparation and computer instruction as well as children’s programming, student resource support and links to library resources and services. RIFLI programs are supported by the RI Department of Education, the Library Partners and WalMart.

Providence Public Library is committed to providing quality programming on a variety of educational topics. The views and opinions expressed therein are those of the individual presenters and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Library. We welcome community members to work with us to provide free, thought-provoking events of interest.

A 130-year-old private, not-for-profit institution, Providence Public Library is dedicated to providing free educational, lifelong learning and enrichment opportunities for all, regardless of background, age or income.