DECORAH -- A multi-media presentation of the life of Josephine Baker, highlighting the American and French repertoire of Josephine Baker's era, "Josephine Baker, A Life of Le Jazz Hot!" comes to the Center for Faith and Life stage at Luther College(www.luther.edu) on Friday, Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m.

Tickets go on sale Thursday and cost $21 for adults, $19 for students and senior citizens. For ticket information, telephone the Luther College Box Office, (563) 387-1357, open Monday-Friday, 9-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; extended hours Thursdays: open until 7 p.m.

Tickets may also be ordered online at Web site http://programming.luther.edu -- click on Center Stage Series.

"Josephine Baker: A Life of Le Jazz Hot!" is part of the Luther College Center Stage Series of professional performing arts events. Created by Imani Winds, an innovative Latino and African-American wind quintet, the performance is a musical biography celebrating the spirit of the internationally renowned entertainer and her contributions as a performer and public figure.

The concert is multi-dimensional, including original music composed and arranged by Imani Winds and some of Baker's signature songs. The show's French and American jazz age repertoire features the talents of acclaimed jazz vocalist Maria Howell and choreography by Christopher Huggins, complemented by archival film footage.

Imani Winds' appearance in Decorah will include a "meet, listen and talk" session with the jazz quintet Saturday, Feb. 16, 10:30 a.m., on the Mezzanine of Decorah Public Library, 202 Winnebago St. The program is free and open to the public

St. Louis native Josephine Baker was one of the most acclaimed, controversial and beloved African-American performers of the 20th century. Her sensual allure and sharp comic timing caused a sensation in Paris during the 1920s at a time when U.S. popular culture remained largely segregated.

Imani Winds, founded in 1997, explores the links between European, African and American musical traditions. Their name is derived from a Swahili word for "faith."

The group's innovative repertoire combines classical wind instrumentation -- horn, flute, bassoon, clarinet and oboe -- with influences drawn from jazz and world music as well as original compositions by ensemble members.

Imani Winds has performed extensively across the United States. The ensemble has released three recordings that feature their innovative sound, and their CD recording "The Classical Underground" was nominated for a Grammy award as best classical crossover album.

Howell combines sounds such as R&B with jazzy punctuations and brings an international flavor into her recordings.

She has been the opening act for Ray Charles and shared the stage with Earth Wind & Fire's point man Philip Bailey.

For more information about Imani Winds and Maria Howell, visit www.imaniwinds.com and www.mariahowell.com .