Students will discover Spanish music and the different genres unique to the culture from 4 to 5 p.m. today in the Effingham Room of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

The Latin American Association Organization hosts this award show titled “Premio lo Nuestro.”

“Premio lo Nuestro” honors the best of Latin music.

Spanish club advisor Kristin Routt said she will be running the event solo, but has some good activities planned.

“We will not be physically dancing,” Routt said. “But, we will talk about the popular Latino singers, watch a variety of video clips, and then compare the music in the Spanish culture to today’s American music.”

For instance, they may compare rock ‘n’ roll in Spanish as well as the similarities between Spanish and English music.

This is not an academic presentation, but more of an introduction to Latin music as well as other genres of music.

“The purpose of this event is to teach language and culture, which will help us to understand what’s going on in the Spanish music culture today,” Routt said.

LASO’s purpose is to introduce students to another culture other than their own, and also help Latin students get in touch with their culture.

LASO President Elizabeth Smith said she is thrilled that the month is here.

“Even though I am African American, it is always good to learn about the Latino culture, and be a part of it,” Smith said. “It allows me to have knowledge about what is going on around me with another culture, and this helps me to be a better person as well.”

Dana Barnard, advisor for LASO, said LASO helps put the event together between the months of January and February with the help of Juanita Cross, the Latino Recruitment and Retention Coordinator.

“We try to get professors and students involved with us,” Barnard said. “I will be participating in whatever event LASO will be doing. This month is a time to embrace and appreciate different cultures that we may take for granted and see how they have evolved and affected people.”

Dana Jackson can be reached at 581-7943 or dajackson@eiu.edu.

Linda Rose-Spence owner of Spence’s on Jackson decides where to place clothes Wednesday. Rose-Spence has owned the store for 38 years in Charleston, but has only had this store for nine years. (Danny Damiani

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