Trumpeter Etienne Charles infuses his music with Caribbean themes, and Creole Gallery audiences will get a chance to hear his unique take on the music of his native country on Friday, Sept. 30.

In addition to compositions fresh off his pen, we'll also hear tunes from his new CD, "Kaiso"

Charles, the youngest MSU Professor of Jazz, was born in Trinidad. If you’ve heard his Folklorico CD, or his 2011 release, a tribute to calypso, you know this 20-something cherishes his roots. And they run four generations deep: His great-grandfather was a folk musician; his grandfather, Ralph Charles, had a distinct cuatro style that can be heard on the classic folk and calypso recordings of the Growling Tiger; and, Etienne’s father, Francis Charles, was a member of Trinidad progressive steel band Phase II Pan Groove.

Charles is recognized as one of the new generation of influential jazz musicians. He has performed and recorded with Wynton Marsalis, Marcus Roberts, Roberta Flack, Count Basie Orchestra, Gerald Wilson, Marie Schneider and many others. In 2006, he won the National Trumpet Competition, jazz division, in Fairfax, Va.

He’ll be backed by the always-stellar MSU Professors of Jazz, led by bassist Rodney Whitaker and enhanced by saxophonist Diego Rivera, drummer Randy Gelispie and newest member, pianist Reggie Thomas.

The term “kaiso” is used by Caribbean audiences to exhort the musicians to “Play on!” We think you'll be saying just that on Sept. 30 at Creole Gallery.

This is the final of four concerts by the Professors paying homage to the cultural influences that inspire their music.

Tickets available at Elderly and Archives Book Shop on Saturday, 9/3.