Iowa State students who make it to the Caribbean for spring break are lucky — but for those who can’t, the sound of the steel drums is not too far away.

As part of the 1997-98 Arts Midwest Jazz Satellite Touring Fund granted to the Iowa State Center, The Caribbean Jazz Project will be bringing its unique sound to Ames.

“What you’ll hear is straight ahead traditional jazz,” Paul Ferrone, Iowa State Center’s performing arts programming director, said. “You will be able to hear the influence of the Caribbean and Latin America and a definite Afro-Cuban influence.

“There is also a lot of energy in that part of the world and that affects the music,” he continued. “So it will make everyone happy.”

The idea for the Caribbean Jazz Project began in 1993 at a summer concert at the Central Park Zoo in New York. It was here that a promoter asked Dave Samuels (vibes/marimba) to put together a special event.

At the top of Samuels’ playing wish list was Andy Narell (steel pans) and Paquito D’Rivera (saxophone/clarinet). The trio formed and each member brought his own experience and background to the forefront creating an exotic and original sound.

“It’s a melting pot of a melting pot, throwing together south of the border rhythms from Latin America, Brazil, the Caribbean, Cuba and slowing it up for a waltz,” D’Rivera said in a press release.

The melting pot of sound is what called the group to Ferrone’s attention.

“I was particularly intrigued with the instrumentation,” Ferrone said. “They play instruments not traditionally seen in jazz, including the use of vibes and steel drums.

“It’s not very avant garde but mainstream,” he continued. “It’s enjoyable and stimulating.”

The Caribbean Jazz Project will be performing at Stephens Auditorium tonight at 7:30.

Tickets are $5.50, $7.50 and $9.50 for students and $11, $15 and $19 general admission and are still available through the Iowa State Center Ticket Office and TicketMaster.

Samuels will also be teaching a master class today for ISU students. For more information call 294-3347.