Tropical fantasy

Caribbean influences color Latino music and dance festival

North Texans know that Latin American influences have be­come a part of daily life in the region. Just as Mexican, Cuban and South American restaurants pop up across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, reggaeton music — a popular form that merges Caribbean and African sounds and rhythm — and Latin hip-hop proliferate on the FM radio band.

For officials in the Texas Woman’s University School of Arts, it made sense to devote some time this summer to Latino music and dance. The university galleries got in on the festival with a joint exhibit featuring the work of two Latina artists.

The university is gearing up for the premiere of an original composition by a pre-eminent Mexican composer and guitarist even as it plans to spotlight the TWU International Dance Company, a group that has performed and studied a growing amount of Latino dance forms.

Wide awake

Folk musician’s gentle ways meant to nudge listeners

Mardi Garcia spent years carving out a folk-rock niche for herself in New England, where she picked up good press and some music awards from the local media.

When Garcia moved to Den­ton to be closer to family, she figured her music would keep going. The Rhode Island singer-songwriter has taken the stage in downtown Denton at Banter, and she’ll perform this week at Natalie’s Hookah Lounge, which has lent its intimate space to musicians before.

Garcia doesn’t apologize for her pop leanings.

“My songwriting revolves around a hook,” Garcia said. “Sheryl Crow is one of my stylistic influences. I didn’t start writing until 10 years ago, but I’d definitely say my music is driven by a hook.”

Garcia and longtime collaborator Adam Helmer, who will chip in with bass and vocals Friday night, lean toward folk-rock with its rough edges and introspection.

•  Denton Time

•  Denton Time (.pdf)

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