Freebie Leads: Latin Music

In this period of recession, Queens Library deserves credit for continuing to give the public a myriad of free events especially on weekends, a real privilege, if one can find the branch location and get there on time. My pick for this month: Latin music that osmoses easily into the Pinoy bloodstream, guaranteed to melt away the frost in the arteries. (If only they'd let me in with my favorite drink, too!) Expect more events as the weather gets warmer.

Carnegie Hall Neighborhood Concert Series: Harlem Quartet, a Sphinx Ensemble

The Harlem Quartet, an innovative and daring all-Black and Latino string quartet comprised of First-Place Laureates of the Sphinx Competition, will perform classical and jazz music by African- American and Latino composers. This event is part of the Carnegie Hall festival "HONOR!", a celebration of the African-American cultural legacy, curated by Jessye Norman.

Saturday, March 14, 2 pm, Langston Hughes Public Library, 100-01 Northern Boulevard, Corona, Queens, New York 11368, phone (718) 651-1100

Music of Colombia by Folklore Urbano

Folklore Urbano uses traditional instruments to tell the history and culture of Colombia through its music.

Saturday, March 14, 2:30 pm, Jackson Heights Public Library, 35-51 81 Street, Jackson Heights, Queens, New York 11372, phone (718) 899-2500

Saturday, March 21, 1:30 pm, Hollis Public Library, 202-05 Hillside Avenue, Hollis, Queens, New York 11423, phone (718) 465-7355

Mestizo Music of Peru featuring Inkarayku
Traditional music and songs from Peru's northern coast and North Andean highlands, Central and South Andean highlands and valleys of Peru performed with Andean and European instruments. Funded by a Special Legislative Grant.

Saturday, March 21, 2:30 pm, Jackson Heights Public Library, 35-51 81 Street, Jackson Heights, Queens, New York 11372, phone (718) 899-2500

Saturday, March 28, 2:30 pm, Hollis Public Library, 202-05 Hillside Avenue, Hollis, Queens, New York 11423, phone (718) 465-7355

Andean Pipe Music from Peru with Ethereal and Haunting Melodies of Grupo Wayno

Join us for an evening of Andean music from Peru with Grupo Wayno. Formed in 1980 by Luis Vilcherrez, the group's name is taken from a popular style of dance of the native Andean people.

(Note: The Oriental-looking members of the band, I assume, are Japanese-Peruvians. Remember Alberto Fujimori?)

Monday, March 30, 6 pm, 38-23 104 Street, Corona, Queens, New York 11368, phone (718) 426-2844