The popular world music band Children of the Revolution returns to Lopez Center Saturday, July 5 at 7:30 p.m. after a two-year absence. The group will perform in the Outdoor Pavilion.

They have not been idle, having crossed the Atlantic Ocean multiple times to study with Gypsy musicians, flamenco artists, Middle-Eastern vocalists and also traveling to Columbia to study Latin and salsa music and dancing.

The Children of the Revolution band is remembered well for giving exciting concerts here and elsewhere, including hair-raising flamenco dancing by Encarnacion. Independence Day weekend is a perfect time for them here, as the outdoor venue allows a larger crowd of islanders and visitors, with dancing room, than Lopez Center usually holds.

Eric Jaeger, lead guitarist, described the intense experience of playing for five months with veteran Gypsy musicians in Seville, Spain. His wife and fellow performer, Encarnacion, also studied flamenco dancing while in Spain. “She held her own with the other Spanish dancers,” Eric said. “We also quickly formed friendships with the gypsy players.” Eric, Encarnacion, and lead singer Vassili all speak Spanish, which helped. They hope to bring Gypsy musicians from Spain to the U.S. in 2009.

Tickets will be $15 general admission and $10 for under 18. They can be purchased online at www.lopezcenter.com or at Paper Scissors on the Rock, Islehaven Books, Blossom Organic Grocery or at Lopez Center (468-2203).

If the weather does not cooperate, the concert will be inside Lopez Center.