Poet Denice Frohman

The fourth annual Hispanic Heritage Banquet at Missouri Western State University will feature poet Denice Frohman and the music of Trio Aztlan. The banquet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27 in Blum Student Union, rooms 222-223, is free and open to the public, but advance reservations are required by Thursday, Sept. 22. Call 816-271-4150 or email cme@missouriwestern.edu to make your reservation.

Frohman is an award-winning poet, lyricist, and educator, whose work explores the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, and the “in-betweeness” that exists in us all. Born and raised in New York City, she is the 2013 Women of the World Poetry Slam Champion, 2014 CantoMundo Fellow, 2014 National Association of Latino Arts & Cultures Fund for the Arts grant recipient, 2013 Hispanic Choice Award recipient for “Creative Artist of the Year,” 2013 Southern Fried Poetry Slam Champion and 2012 Leeway Transformation Award recipient.

Trio Aztlan

Trio Aztlan has been involved in the Kansas City Mexican/Latino music scene since 1992. Trio Aztlan was created to showcase traditional trio performances live for all to hear. The group performs all styles of Latin folkloric music, but has focused on the traditional “bolero” style of Latin romantic music. Trio Azltan performs with traditional acoustic guitars, an upright bass and percussion, and all members sing in harmony, typical of the trio music of Latin America.

The Hispanic Heritage Banquet is sponsored by the Center for Multicultural Education at Missouri Western. It is part of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.