Audience members are in for an arresting display of Latino culture through dance when Luna Negra Danza Teatro performs at Stockton Performing Arts Center on Friday, May 1.

"It's not folkloric. It steers away from stereotypes," says Eduardo Vilaro, the Havana, Cuba-born founder and artistic director of Chicago-based Luna Negra. "This is a repertory company that brings forth young Latino choreographers working in a contemporary context."

Luna Negra's name means "black moon" and Vilaro says that represents duality.

"You can be both black and white. You cannot take someone at face value," Vilaro says.

After growing up in the Bronx, Vilaro was trained by the Alvin Ailey American Dance School and danced in New York City.

He founded Luna Negra 10 years ago in hopes that it would be a springboard for Latino artists. Apparently, it has been successful - as critics rave about the performances.

"Luna Negra artists dance their hearts out," wrote Hedy Weiss, dance critic for the Chicago Sun.

The Stockton show includes three choreographies - a masterwork by Jose Limon, a Mexican-born choreographer who died in 1972; a brand new dance, "Nube Blanco," or "White Cloud," by up-and-coming choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, who is of Colombian and Belgian descent; and a creative, fun take on the samba by Vicente Nebrada, an influential Venezuelan choreographer who died in 2002.

According to Luna Negra's Web site, Ochoa's new dance was inspired by her childhood memories of beautiful songs of Maria Dolores Pradera.

"Lopez Ochoa integrates brilliantly the Spanish zapateado techniques, or footwork that is found in flamenco dance, and gives it a contemporary twist," is how the Web site describes the dance.

Weiss, the dance critic, called last month's world debut of "Nube Blanco" a showcase for "flamenco footwork with a touch of 'Stomp!-like playfulness, a bit of breakdancing, and a zany ballroom-circus allure."

Vilaro says the dances together are "quite an interesting blend" that will appeal to "anybody who's interested in sharing culture and having a dialogue. It's open to anyone - it's art; it's open to everyone."

Luna Negra Danza Teatro

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 1

WHERE: Stockton Performing Arts Center, Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway Township

HOW MUCH: Tickets are $30 and $45 and can be ordered online at www.stockton.edu/pac or by calling the box office at 609-652-9000.

MORE INFO: www.lunanegra.org

Gala benefits Cold Spring

The 9th annual Feasting on History, a fundraiser for Historic Cold Spring Village, will feature a variety of fine wines and cuisine, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 5, at Cape May Airport in Lower Township. More than 35 of Cape May County's favorite restaurants donate signature entrees, dishes and desserts. Also, four wine distributors provide samplings from various regions. Tickets are $70 per person or $650 for a table of 10. Buy tickets by Friday, May 1. Call Sydney Perkins, 609-898-2300 ext. 18, email sperkins@hcsv.org or go to www.hcsv.org/feasting.htm.

Symphony promises fun

The Bay-Atlantic Symphony shows its youthfulness and effervescence - not to mention a few pyrotechnics - during "Let's Play," its upcoming concerts. Performances are 8 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Frank Guaracini Jr. Fine and Performing Arts Center, Cumberland County College, Sherman Avenue and College Drive, Vineland, and at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 3, at the Richard Stockton College Performing Arts Center, Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway Township. Music Director Jed Gaylin conducts. Brilliant young Corsican pianist Olivier Cangelosi is soloist. Both performances are preceded an hour prior to starting time with a "Pre-Concert Conversation with the Maestro." Tickets for the Vineland show are $30 for adults, $26 for 55 and over, $15 for students, and $8 for children; call the box office at 856-692-8499. Tickets for the Stockton show are $40 adults ($35 for senior citizens) for orchestra level seats, $30 ($25 for senior citizens) for mezzanine level and $15 for children (with an adult ticket). Call the box office at 609-652-9000. Call the symphony at 856- 451-1169 or go to www.bayatlanticsymphony.org.

Tournament of Bands

returns Cape May County

The Tournament of Bands, below, marches into the Wildwoods Convention Center and the Middle Township Performing Arts Center from Thursday, April 30, through Sunday, May 3. More than 200 bands from nine states will strut their stuff. They range from middle school through college level and include marching bands, indoor guard, majorette, percussion and dance teams, plus jazz bands. The Convention Center, 4501 Boardwalk, Wildwood, hosts the competition, except for the 6 p.m. show on Friday, May 1, which is at the PAC, 1 Penkethman Way, Cape May Court House. For times, ticket prices and more, go to www.njatob.org.