The Rialto Center for the Arts, Where Atlanta Meets the World, presents

Argentinian Dance Troupe Ché Malambo

By Darlene Hamilton

For over two decades, the Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University has offered the world to Atlanta with its signature Rialto Series programming. This season is no exception, featuring the fiery, all-male dance troupe direct from Argentina, Ché Malambo. French choreographer and former ballet dancer, Gilles Brinas directs this powerhouse company. This must-see show is a dance and music spectacle that celebrates the unique South American cowboy tradition of the gaucho. With amazing mastery, coordination and endurance, the dancers fire out rhythms using their toes, heels and sides of their boots, along with twisting, and cross over movements that are so quick and honed, their knees appear attached by a swivel. Che Malambo’s astounding agility, precise footwork and rhythmic stomping, drumming of the bombos and singing and whirling boleadoras (lassos with stones on the end), thrills audiences around the world!

Not only is the Rialto recognized for presenting stellar international artists, but also for presenting the best in jazz. This season’s roster of jazz greats include GRAMMY-winning trumpeter/composer Terence Blanchard with his band the E-Collective; NEA Jazz Master vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater; and GRAMMY-winning saxophonist Tom Scott with the Georgia State Jazz Band; and our tribute to Georgia’s own prolific songwriter, Johnny Mercer, featuring Joe Gransden and Tierney Sutton with the Georgia State Jazz Band.

Ché Malambo, photo by Frank Wiesen

There is a little comic relief too, as Washington, D.C.’s celebrated Capitol Steps comedy troupe brings an “unpresidential” evening of musical political satire, ripped straight from the headlines, just in time for election season.

The Rialto is also at the forefront for presenting global music in Atlanta, having brought many big-name global artists to the stage, but few are as well-loved as Peru’s most celebrated musical artist, Eva Ayllón, the “Queen of Afro-Peruvian Soul”. Ayllón will close out the Rialto Series season on April 25, 2020.

With new director, Lee Foster, at the helm the Rialto looks to the future and is reimagining its vision, mission and values to inform future programming. It is an exciting time at the Rialto — stay tuned. Tickets are available at 404-413-9849 or rialto.gsu.edu.