Bridging the generation gap, young trumpet king Irvin Mayfield and legendary percussionist Bill Summers have combined forces to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of New Orleans.

A fusion of modern acoustic jazz, New Orleans soul, Latin grooves and Afro-centric rhythm, Los Hombres Calientes will bring its taste of the Crescent City to the Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater in Medford May 5.

At age 28, Mayfield is one of the most recorded young jazz artists of his generation, according to his official Web site. He has established himself as a musician who embodies and represents the great New Orleans jazz legacy, as well as becoming an international jazz and cultural spokesperson.

Director of the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, Mayfield was appointed as the cultural ambassador for the city of New Orleans in 2003. In the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, he has positioned himself at the forefront of the rebuilding process. He is dedicated to returning the Crescent City to its lofty perch as Americas cultural Mecca, according to the bands Web site.

Only a seasoned veteran like Summers could match this prolific young artist. At age 58, Summers has had a long, illustrious career working with several musical pioneers ranging from Quincy Jones to Herbie Hancock. Playing anything from traditional African instruments to pop bottles, Summers brings hundreds of African, Cuban and Latin rhythms into the mix.

Sharing Mayfields commitment to education, Summers founded the Summers Multi-Ethnic Institute of the Arts in the early 90s. A nonprofit education center, it provides opportunities for students to study Afro-Cuban music in Cuba.

Late-night sessions at the Summers residence resulted in the formation of Los Hombres Calientes in 1998. Their latest album, Los Hombres Calientes Volume 5: Carnival was recently nominated for the Billboards 2006 Latin Jazz Album of the Year.

Ticket prices range from $23 to $29 for adults and $16 to $22 for youth (18 and younger), depending on location of seats. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact 541-779-3000 or visit www.craterian.org.