Experience two uniquely traditional Puerto Rican musical styles, Bomba and Plena, with the Cultura Plenera Ensemble as part of COFAC’s Latin American Arts Festival. 

Bomba is a Puerto Rican musical genre that dates back more than 300 years. With heavy African influences, Bomba expresses the sentiments of Puerto Ricans and their culture through barrel drums, maraca, cúa, singer and dancers. Plena is another Puerto Rican musical genre dating back more than 100 years, and it too narrates stories of the Puerto Rican experience through hand drums, güiro and singers. Both Bomba y Plena are central to life in Puerto Rican communities inside and outside of the island.  

You can join in interactive fun before the concert too! Come to the Center of the Arts 3071 at 3:00 p.m. for a free Bomba workshop with the ensemble. 

Cultura Plenera is a non-profit organization dedicated to community building in the Maryland, DC, and Virginia region through the traditional Puerto Rican musical styles. Its mission is to strengthen communities by promoting awareness of Puerto Rico’s contribution to the universal musical tapestry through quality educational presentations and authentic Bomba and Plena performances. Learn more about the work of Cultura Plenera at www.culturaplenera.org. 

Events are supported in part by the COFAC Diversity & Inclusion Grant, the New Music Ensemble at Towson University and the Maryland State Arts Council. Learn more about MSAC’s great work at www.msac.org.  

September 12 - 24 - Enjoy the College of Liberal Arts Hispanic Heritage Film Festival 

Sunday, September 21, 3 p.m. - Música de cámara

Sunday, September 28, 3 p.m. - Bomba Workshop with Cultura Plenera: Rhythms of Puerto Rico 

Sunday, September 28, 4:30 p.m. - Afro-Puerto Rican Sounds with Cultura Plenera

Wednesday, October 8, 8 p.m.  - Deep Listening: The Story of Pauline Oliveros

Wednesday, October 15, 8 p.m. - Clarinet Studio Recital: Music by Latin American Composers

Saturday, October 18, 3 p.m. - The Making of “Canciones de amor y soledad”

Monday, October 20, 6 p.m. – Whistling Hens | Big Crass Monster

Tuesday, October 21, 6 p.m. - Student Composer Works Workshop

Wednesday, October 22, 2 p.m. - Guest Artist Masterclass with Sonia Morales-Matos

Thursday, October 23, 6 p.m. - Pre-Concert Talk with Sonia Morales-Matos

Thursday, October 23, 7:30 p.m. - TU Music Ensembles Celebrate Latin America