Get up and groove to some Cuban tunes

The tight and jazzy sounds of Tumbao Bravo will entice audiences to dance in the Elgin Community College Visual and Performing Arts Center's SecondSpace Theatre on Friday, March 12, and Saturday, March 13.

The Cuban sextet will perform at 8 p.m. on both nights at the arts center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

Known for their lively arrangements and professional presentation, Tumbao Bravo's music has been defined as exciting, danceable and entertaining. Many of the group's songs feature mambo, cha cha, rumba and bolero rhythms; original compositions; and classic Cuban tunes.

Tumbao Bravo's latest CD, 2008's "Un Systema Para Todo," was nominated in three categories for the Detroit Music Awards. Also, the CD's title cut was used on the soundtrack for an episode of the hit USA Network TV series, "Burn Notice."

Audiences are encouraged to enjoy a Cuban-themed preconcert gourmet dinner prepared and served by students of ECC's award-winning Culinary Arts and Hospitality Institute of Elgin. The menu includes a starter of spinach empanadas; an entree choice of grilled mojito chicken or Cuban pan-barbecued shrimp accompanied by black beans and rice; and a dessert of tres leches cake with caramelized bananas. The cost of the dinner is $19 per person.

Seating is available for $20 per person on March 12 and $25 on March 13. Tickets are available online at tickets.elgin.edu or at the ECC box office located in the arts center.