Posted by Marimba Sol de Chiapas Why this is newsworthy: Who is behind this: What is it all about: “I understand why many people are skeptical of us at first. Often I hear: ‘Four gringos playing Mexican Music?—Yeah, Right!!!’, especially from Mexicans and Americans of Mexican heritage. But, trust me, it only takes about five seconds of experiencing Sol live to win over even the worst doubter. This is a real testament to just how rich and universally appealing the art of the Mexican marimba is. We feel very honored to be the first US-based professional ensemble performing this magical musical tradition!” Sol’s musical emphasis is on the folkloric traditions of Southern Mexico and Central America, while mixing in a sampling of other well-known Mexican regional folkloric styles including favorites from the Norteño, Jarocho, and Mariachi traditions. A taste of popular Mexican and Latino “hits” rounds-out Sol’s “play list” with cumbias, salsa, romantic ballads, and more. This musical feast offers a little something for everyone, and all in the Quad Cities are invited to experience the magical music of the Mexican marimba at the Fiesta. Where is the event: When does this happen: More Information: It's the dawning of a new day for the first professional folkloric music ensemble of its kind permanently-based within the United States and calling Kansas City home since 1991. The June 1st, 2004 rising of Marimba Sol de Chiapas is the evolution of the group started by Laurence Kaptain in 1988 as Marimba Yajalón. Committed to the authentic performance practice and spirit of the marimba heard throughout Mesoamerica, Marimba Sol de Chiapas (which translates as The Chiapan Sun Marimba Group) maintains an active schedule of performances, recordings, and multi-cultural workshops. More than seventeen years of ensemble highlights range from a feature on National Public Radio’s Morning Edition, to a cameo appearance on ABC’s Good Morning America, from performances at three International Festivals of the Marimba, to several Compact Disc releases. So authentic is their interpretation and approach that the ensemble has toured Mexico on numerous occasions as guests of the Mexican Government. Dedicated to community as well as art, Marimba Sol de Chiapas is a teaching performance ensemble for Kansas City Young Audiences with well over thirty years combined in-school presentation experience. The group's emphasis on enriching as well as entertaining their audiences in a variety of local, national, and international venues and formats brings the music of the Mexican marimba to thousands of listeners, and furthers the reputation of Marimba Sol de Chiapas as North America's premiere professional Mexican marimba ensemble. Visit Sol’s website ( www.mexicanmarimba.com ) for more group information and current activities, and to explore the connection between the marimba and the latest location of CBS’ perennial smash-hit, Survivor! Marimba Sol de Chiapas (Please contact John Currey, Director regarding any aspect of this correspondence) Link: Marimba Sol de Chiapas--The Magic of the Mexican Marimba
on 8/25/2005, 3:13 pm
Guaranteed Forecast: ‘Sun’ in the Quad Cities for Labor Day Weekend Fiesta!
8/25/05
The first professional Mexican marimba ensemble permanently-based in the United States, Marimba Sol de Chiapas visits the Quad Cities for the Moline Community Center’s Labor Day Weekend Fiesta!
Marimba Sol de Chiapas (which translates as The Chiapan Sun Marimba Group)—Kansas City’s Professional Mexican Marimba Ensemble since 1991—is the quartet specializing in the musical traditions of Mexico and Central America via a beautiful and enchanting authentic instrument from Chiapas, Mexico.
Marimba Sol de Chiapas makes its first visit to the Quad Cities for the Moline Community Center’s Labor Day Weekend Fiesta. Don’t be fooled by the group members’ “gringo” names and faces, the ensemble boasts seven tours in Mexico and more than 35 years combine experience in the Chiapan marimba pura performance practice. This Mesoamerican “pure marimba” style features a quartet performing on one artisan-crafted, nine-foot-long, six-octave, VERY big sister to the xylophone often referred to as the “Mexican Piano.” Sol Director John Currey shares the following:
The Labor Day Weekend Fiesta is at the Moline Community Center, 1615 5th Ave., Moline, Iowa 61265, (309) 797-9962. Admission is only $5, and helps to underwrite the event entertainment.
The Fiesta is from 9pm – midnight on Sunday, September 4th, 2005. The timing of the Sunday night event coordinates perfectly with the Monday Labor Day holiday and with Sol’s trip back to Kansas City, Missouri from Holland, Michigan as feature performers at the 5th Annual Tulipanes Latino Art and Film Festival--a citywide annual celebration of Latino culture through music, art, and film.
Marimba Sol de Chiapas
John Currey--Director, James Schank, James Clanton, and Brian Fronzaglia
Kansas City's Mexican Marimba Ensemble
John Currey, Director
P. O. Box 22536, Kansas City, MO 64113-0536
816-333-6874, marimbasoldechiapas@yahoo.com
www.mexicanmarimba.com
For Immediate Release 8/25/05
Message Thread:
« Back to thread