Bachata’s origins are not for the faint of heart: Born of the racy mix of sweaty Santiago clubs and rural parties, the Dominican Republic’s rough-edged roots music slowly became refined and became a pan-Latin and often slick-sounding phenomenon. Some of its pioneers and veterans still play the old, rich acoustic way, the rustic troubadours of bitter love and sultry nights.

Edilio Paredes is one of them, with a long, vital career that helped take bachata off the streets and into the global spotlight. In an evening of acoustic, old-school Dominican grooves and ballads, Paredes will be joined by several other icons of the genre: Ramón Cordero, whose high, plaintive voice has been one of the most distinctive and influential in bachata; Andre Veloz, the stunning young female bachatera singer; and Silo \”Jeremias\” Jimenez on rock-solid guitar.

These legends and newcomers will unite for Bachata Legends Unplugged, a saucy, spirited installment of the world music series Live@365 on October 24, 2012, a new world music series curated and produced by Isabel Soffer/Live Sounds (full details at www.liveat365.org). Showcasing this bittersweet musical heritage in the wonderfully intimate setting of Elebash Recital Hall, this concert presents the perfect opportunity to savor bachata’s earthy roots.