Student Government Presents Ricardo Lemvo

Two events sponsored by Fairmont State University's Student Government will allow the campus and surrounding community to learn Latin dancing and then show off their moves at a concert with internationally recognized musicians. These events are offered in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month.

A Latin Dance Party with DJ Saenz is planned for 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, in the Colebank Hall gym. Light refreshments and dance instruction will be provided. Admission is free and open to the public for this event. For more information, call (304) 367-4705.

Student Government presents Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca, who appeared this year on West Virginia Public Broadcasting's "Mountain Stage," in concert at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 20, in the Colebank Hall gym. Admission for this event is free for Fairmont State students, $7 for the general public and $5 for Fairmont State Fine Arts Season Subscription holders and Fine Arts Guild members. Dancing is encouraged, and the event will feature a wine and cheese reception. To purchase tickets, call the Fairmont State Box Office at (304) 367-4240.

Ricardo Lemvo has established himself as a pioneer with his innovative music, combining Latin and African elements from salsa to soukous with an occasional merengue or Afro-Portuguese excursion. The Congo-born artist is the embodiment of the Afro-Latin Diaspora which connects back to Africa via the Cuban clave rhythm. Lemvo is truly multi-cultural and equally at home singing in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Lingala and Kikongo.

Since forming his Los Angeles-based band Makina Loca in 1990, Lemvo has refined his craft and vision. Through the years, Lemvo has performed countless shows and in many prestigious festivals throughout Europe, the Americas and Australia. His songs have been performed and recorded by such Latin luminaries as Colombia's Joe Arroyo and Orquesta Reve from Cuba.

Lemvo's four CDs, "Tata Masamba," "Mambo Yo Yo," "o' Salvador" and "Ay Valeria!" have been acclaimed by both print and broadcast media worldwide. The Beat Magazine named "Tata Masamba" the CD of the year for 1996. The Miami Herald calls "Mambo Yo Yo" "a treasure trove for listeners and, especially dancers." "o' Salvador" reached No. 2 on the European World Music chart for May 2000. The New York Post describes "Ay Valeria!" as "celestial, highly idiosyncratic."
Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca have also been nominated for various awards including the California Music Awards and The Los Angeles Weekly Music Awards. The American World Music Awards voted Lemvo and his band the Emerging Artist of 1998. Lemvo has been the subject of various national and international radio and television programs including BBC Radio, Radio France International, National Public Radio, CBS "Sunday Morning," the NBC "Today Show" and CNN "World Beat." In film, Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca appeared in the 1998 movie "Dance With Me" starring Vanessa Williams and Chayanne.