Los Ciegos del Barrio will perfom on the CSI campus on April 13.

The bilingual New York-based Latin music group Los Ciegos del Barrio (The Blind Boys from the Hood) will captivate audiences with an invigorating fusion of salsa, bachata, merengue, cumbia, bolero, rock, and much more.  Los Ciegos del Barrio, who have been called “powerful, lively, and bold” will perform on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 8:00pm in the Center for the Arts (CFA) Williamson Theatre. Tickets are $22 and can be purchased in person, by phone, by mail, and online through the CFA Box Office, 2800 Victory Boulevard, 1P-113, Staten Island. Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm; Saturday, noon to 3:00pm; 718.982.ARTS (2787).

The Latino band version of Stevie Wonder has arrived – and while they can’t see, they can certainly make people groove. Created in 1997 by twin brothers Alvin and Derek Suarez, the eclectic Los Ciegos del Barrio are made up of five legally blind Americans of Latin origin. The Suarez brothers, who were born and raised in Harlem, and are of Guatemalan, Puerto Rican, and Cuban descent, share the stage with their Dominican cousins Arnaldo “Machete” Vargas and Jaime Diaz, and Puerto Rican bandmate Jimmy Fontanez.

Proudly representing the visually impaired and blind community, Los Ciegos del Barrio bring something much different to the table. Their music is fresh, inspiring, and is best described as having an upbeat fun-loving multi-genre Latin music vibe. Los Ciegos del Barrio radiate great pride in their songs and an incredible musical spirit. Join us for an amazing performance that has combined diverse music styles in both Spanish and English for all audiences to enjoy.

Los Ciegos del Barrio are from a sector in Manhattan called, El barrio. The band continues to reaffirm their great artistry in the tri-state region. They have played many events, from festivals to school functions, to college parties to corporate functions. With three CDs on the market and 16 years in the business, Los Ciegos del Barrio have experience and talent that surpasses many of today’s popular artists. Thanks to New York City-based Project Troubador, a non-profit organization that dedicates itself to sending musicians to developing countries, Los Ciegos del Barrio have been able to tour Russia, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic.  Join us for an evening of Latin music at its best.

“Luckily, to play music we only need our ears and not our eyes.”  –Alvin Suarez