The Afro-Cuban All Stars, a multigenerational "dream team" of Cuba's hottest musicians, makes its Asheville premiere at UNCA’s Lipinsky Auditorium 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 21. The performance is co-sponsored by UNCA’s Cultural and Special Events Committee, International Student Association and Africana Studies Program.

Juan de Marcos Gonzalez, of Buena Vista Social Club fame, formed the Afro-Cuban All Stars with a mission to explore the island's rich musical heritage and to showcase the diversity and vitality of Cuban music. The band's Grammy-nominated debut, "A Toda Cuba Le Gusta" ("Everyone in Cuba Loves It"), is a tribute to the 1950s golden age of Cuban dance music. Their current release, "Distinto, Diferente" ("Unique, Different"), explores a variety of contrasting styles including classic, contemporary, jazz and tribal.

Gonzalez created the 17-member multigenerational band to showcase the continuity of Cuban music while creating a different edge and energy. Combining the experience of the elder musicians with the vitality of a new generation makes for a unique sound that audiences and critics love.

Currently touring to support the new album, the 17-member All Stars is made up of some of Cuba's greatest musicians. Vocals are provided by Feliz Valoy Valdes Santiez, Manuel Licea Lamot, Teresa Garcia Caturla and Luis Frank Arias Mosquera. Music is provided by David Alfaro Garcia, piano; Ricardo Munoz Martinez, double bass; Carlos Gonzalez Cardenas, bongos; Miguel Aurelio Diaz Zayas, congas; Amado Valentin Valdes Perez, timbales; Daniel De Jesus Ramos Alayo, trumpet; Yaure Muniz, trumpet; Yanko Pisaco Richardo, trumpet; Alberto Munoz Martinez, trombone; Antonio Leal Rodriguez, trombone; Raul Eleuterio Gutierrez Villanueva, sax and flute; and Policarpo Tamayo Garriga, flute.

Tickets are $18 general admission. Tickets are available from the UNCA Ticket Office, Highsmith Center room 27, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

For more information and to charge tickets by phone, call 828/251-6584.