Los Utrera, an international ensemble from Veracruz, Mexico, is coming to Bismarck as part of Arts Midwest World Fest.

Beginning Monday, the ensemble will perform concerts for the public and for community schools through Oct. 4

Arts Midwest World Fest is a community-wide cultural exchange program that brings traditional music ensembles from all over the world to Midwestern communities to share traditional music and to foster greater appreciation for other cultures. In the two-year cycle that began in the fall of 2007, Bismarck will host international performance groups representing four distinct cultures.

Los Utrera interprets and recreates music in verse and dance from the "son jarocho" tradition, which blends Spanish, African and indigenous influences. Highlights of Los Utrera's performances and workshops include demonstrating "zapateado," which is percussive dancing on a wooden platform, and performing with a variety of traditional instruments.

"The caliber of talent Los Utrera brings to Bismarck is amazing," said Linda Christman, executive cirector of Bismarck Art & Galleries Association, in a release. "These expressive, powerful performers capture their diverse Mexican culture through festive songs and dance."

According to Christman, nonprofit organizations typically do not have the resources and the opportunity to host international ensembles like Los Utrera. Arts Midwest, a regional arts organization based in Minneapolis, offsets much of the cost and handles the coordinating of Arts Midwest World Fest tours in order to offer communities throughout the Midwest this international arts experience.

The goal is to make lasting impressions on the communities that host Arts Midwest World Fest, said David Fraher, executive director of Arts Midwest. The musicians do not perform one evening and leave, but conduct extensive residencies, perform at schools and at community venues, and conduct dozens of workshops about their culture, music and language. To support the learning experiences for children, Arts Midwest has created comprehensive curriculum materials for various grade levels.

Los Utrera's community schedule is as follows:

* A reception will be held at Bismarck Art & Galleries Association from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday. The reception is an opportunity for the Bismarck community to welcome the group to the Bismarck community. The reception is free and open to the public.

* Los Utrera will perform a public concert on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Sidney Lee Auditorium at Bismarck State College. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at Bismarck Art & Galleries Association and at the door the night of the performance. Bismarck State College students get in free with their college ID.

The group's school schedule is as follows:

* Tuesday: Morning workshops at Bismarck High School.

* Wednesday: Two concerts at Belle Mehus Theater for fourth graders in Bismarck.

* Thursday: Workshop at Wachter Middle School.

* Friday: Three workshops at Century High School.

For more information, go to the Arts Midwest Web site at www.artsmidwest.org/programs/amuf. For a copy of their scheduled workshops throughout the week, contact the gallery at 223-5986.