Its name means rhythm workshop. And with the musical genres involved, there will be plenty of it.

Taller de Compás de Almanjáyar, an award-winning flamenco music group, will perform at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Central Park.

This is the group’s first time at NIU, and the event is being sponsored by the Center for Latino and Latin American Studies. Taller de Compás de Almanjáyar, which means “rhythm workshop” in Spanish, plays music based on the rhythm of flamenco music but also is influenced by African, Cuban, Brazilian and American rap.

The workshop was created to “break down the barriers between Gypsies and non-Gypsies,” said Katrina Edbrooke, the group’s manager. “It’s also a music project for children to get the community involved.”

Professor Michael Gonzales, the director of Latino and Latin American Studies, said he is very excited about the response NIU students will have.

“I hope that they’ll enjoy it and learn something about music, dance, and the Gypsy culture,” he said.

The members of Taller de Compás de Almanjáyar range from ages 14 to 19. Zairah Santiago, one of the youngest, is one of the singers along with Carmen Jiménez. Andrés Jiménez is the dancer, and the percussion section is made up of three more members: José Luis García Puche, the band leader and teacher, Israel Muñez and Israel Bermúdez.

“They’re all really very different, but all have wonderful personalities,” said Edbrooke. “They’ve grown a lot through the project.”

Tom Ward, a second-year law student, is looking forward to the performance.

“I’m excited to hear the music and also to see them,” he said. “They are a unique group because of the cultural fusion involved.”