Born in the rural countryside near Santo Domingo, Joan (“YO-an”) Soriano made his first guitar from a discarded metal box and a fishing line, then formed a band with his 15 brothers and sisters.

Today, he still lives in a house without running water, but he’s considered The Duke of Bachata, a music born in the poorest neighborhoods of the Dominican Republic.

Originally infused with languid laments about broken hearts and lonely nights, dance rhythms began weaving their way into the sound. Since the ‘80s, bachata has blossomed like salsa in the ‘70s around the world.

Next stop: Cedar Rapids. Soriano, his brother Fernando and sister Griselda are bringing their music — light and joyful yet filled with longing and melancholy — to the CSPS stage, spiced with free dance lessons at 7:15 p.m.

The details

Joan Soriano performs at 8 p.m. Friday at CSPS Hall, 1103 Third St. SE, Cedar Rapids, $20 advance, $25 door, Legionarts.org