National Hispanic Heritage Month is the period from Sept. 15-Oct. 15 in the United States, when people recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the United States and celebrate the group's heritage and culture.

In honor of the artistic contributions of the Hispanic and Latino community, on Friday TheCreativeUnderground, a local community arts initiative, is hosting an evening of live Latin Jazz music and a feature length PBS documentary about the life and legacy of a woman whose voice symbolized the soul of a nation, Celia Cruz. 

WTCI, Chattanooga’s PBS station, was able to share the VOCES documentary with TCU as a part of its mission to educate, engage and inspire a lifetime of learning and exploration. 

“I am so thrilled that we were able to share the Celia Cruz VOCES experience with TCU," said Jennifer Crutchfield, director of Public Relations at WTCI.  "Our mission to promote community engagement and education doesn’t stop at the television screen.  Today’s digital technology and trans media experiences allow us to take PBS and its message to families, schools and community groups through screenings, games, apps, online services and workshops that share our mission and help us support our city and its citizens.”

The evening will begin with the film being shown at Green Spaces on 63 East Main St. at 5:30 p.m. then immediately after will begin a live Latin Jazz performance  at Conga Latin Food Restaurant (directly across the street) featuring local band, Sabor.

“Latino and Hispanic culture and customs have a major presence in our city,” states Shane Morrow, director of TCU.  “Latin Music is a perfect reflection of the culture and is an overall popular phenomenon that has been recognized by people of all races and social backgrounds. This event is my way of honoring those who have contributed to our community’s growing rich culture and diversity.”

The event has a pay-what-you-want admission.  “Though contributions are appreciative, it is not required," said Mr Morrow.  "I believe that it shouldn’t block our community to accessing and appreciating the arts, especially a TCU production.  We just want people to come out and celebrate the diversity of our community through the arts.”

For more information about the event and/or TheCreativeUnderground, go to www.tcuchatt.com.