April 21: Minnesota State Mankato’s Performance Series Features Cruzando in Concert

Tuesday, April 21, 2026
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Elias J. Halling Recital Hall

Minnesota State University, Mankato Department of Performing Arts News Release

MANKATO, Minnesota – Cruzando will perform as part of Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Department of Performing Arts Performance Series on Tuesday, April 21 at 7 p.m. at the Elias J. Halling Recital Hall of the Earley Center for Performing Arts, 320 Maywood Ave.

The seven-member group Cruzando takes listeners on a Latin Music adventure, paying tribute to classic Cuban Son, Puerto Rican bomba and salsa, and boleros from the Buena Vista Social Club. Showcasing a wide range of musical styles, Cruzando transports you on a romantic journey of classic Latin songs from the 1950s.

An evening with Cruzando feels like a high-energy, rhythm-driven celebration – where Latin grooves, jazz sophistication and pop sensibility all meet. Cruzando blends styles like salsa, Latin jazz, funk and R&B into something that feels both danceable and musically rich. Their arrangements are tight but lively – full of percussion layers, horn accents, and rhythmic interplay.

Fronting the group is Jennifer Grimm, whose voice brings clarity, power and versatility. She’s just as comfortable delivering soulful ballads as she is riding upbeat Latin grooves with precision and charisma. Her soulful delivery and confident presence pulls in both seated listeners and dancers.

This isn’t a passive listening experience – there’s always a sense that the room could turn into a dance floor at any moment.

Concert admission is $10 for general admission. University students are admitted free with a valid MavCARD. Advance purchase is strongly encouraged. Those who wish to purchase tickets online should go to hss.mnsu.edu/music-events. For more information, call the Performance Series office, (507) 389-5549.