Harp, violin duo to light up BAC

For music lovers who enjoy the sound of the harp in its many guises, a treat awaits at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Brewery Arts Center's Performance Hall with "Music of Latin America."

Latin harp virtuoso Ram-n Romero and master musician Carlos Reyes -- the Cuerdas de Fuego "Strings of Fire" duo -- perform music of their native South America on the Paraguayan harp and violin.

Romero and Reyes are longtime friends and musical collaborators. A descendant of Guarani Indians, Romero built his first harp when he was 13 from guitar strings and an old window frame discarded during the renovation of the Presidential Palace in Asuncion, Paraguay. For more than 30 years Romero has performed for audiences the world; one concert in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, was to be a 10-minute performance for King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain, which, by the queen's request, turned into a 45-minute set with an encore performance.

Romero's recent recordings include the 2001 releases "Arpa Campesina" and "Rosas Para Ti," and "Strings of Fire" with his ensemble.

Reyes began his musical career at the age of 3 with the violin, then made his debut on harp with the Oakland Symphony at 14. Carlos' musical performance ranges from jazz and original compositions, played by his musical ensemble, to the traditional music of his native Paraguay.

Recordings include his jazz album "The Beauty Of It All" (on the Top 10 contemporary Jazz chart in Billboard magazine for more than 10 weeks), solo harp album "Harvest Moon" and two new CDs released in Europe.

Romero lives in California and is on the California Arts Council Touring Roster of Performing Artists. He tours year-around with his Paraguayan harp of algarrobo wood made by Velois Rojas.

IF YOU GO

What: "Music of Latin America" with harp virtuoso Ram-n Romero and master musician Carlos Reyes

Where: Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall, 449 King St.

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Cost: $12 general admission, $10 BAC members; seniors; $5 students with valid ID and free for children 12 and younger.

Information: 883-1976.