One of Cape Verde's most acclaimed young stars, 28-year-old Lisbon-based singer, songwriter and guitarist Sara Tavares, will perform Friday, Sept. 21 at 7;30 p.m. at the Strand Theatre.

Tavares embraces Lisbon's Creole mix of language, culture and rhythms. She infuses her songs with infectious African rhythms, Angolan and Portuguese slang, Cape Verdean Creole and English, and musical tastes that include Afrobeat, reggae, pop and jazz.

"I want to be a part of a movement like the African Americans were, like the African Brazilians were," Tavares said. "Instead of doing the music of their ancestors, they have created Sara Tavares this musical identity of their own. And it is now respected. It is considered whole and authentic and genuine. It will be a long time before the people from my generation do not have to choose between being African or European. I think you shouldn't have to choose. You should just be there. Celebrate that. Be that."

Tickets cost $16 and are available at 594-0070 and rocklandstrnd.com.