Masters of Mexican Music to Perform March 20

NEWS

West Virginia University at Parkersburg
300 Campus Drive Parkersburg WV 26104
Phone: 304-424-8203 | Fax: 304-424-8315

Masters of Mexican Music to perform in concert March 20.

CONTACT: H.G. Young III, professor of music, 304-424-8248.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The final program of the 2003-2004 Distinguished Performance Series will feature a celebration of the rich diversity of the "south of the border" musical heritage.

Masters of Mexican Music, featuring more than 20 musicians and dancers, will perform at 8 Photo of Nati Cano p.m., Saturday, March 20, at West Virginia University at Parkersburg. All of the performers were either born in the regions of their respective musical traditions or learned from a family member who is a native of that region.

The program will feature four distinct ensembles. Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano performs music from the state of Jalisco. Musica Jaracha is a Veracruz harp ensemble which plays jarocho music, a syncopated and driving blend combining Spanish and African influences. Conjunto Tejano performs the button accordion music of working class communities of the Texas-Mexican border. Marimba Chiapas features the percussive sounds popular throughout Mexico.

Three of the featured musicians are recipients of a National Endowment for the Arts’ National Heritage fellowship, the highest national honor bestowed upon traditional artists. They include Photo of Jose Gutierrez José Gutiérrez, 1989 National Heritage Fellow; Nati Cano, 1990 National Heritage Fellow, and Domingo “Mingo” Saldivar, 2002 National Heritage Fellow. Also performing will be Mingo Saldivar, a two-time Grammy Nominee who was recently featured on the widely acclaimed PBS television series American Roots Music.

Through music, song and dance, these master performers will provide a rare opportunity to experience the unique sounds of the Hispanic musical heritage.

In conjunction with the program, the WVU at Parkersburg Alumni Association is sponsoring a "fiesta" dinner to precede the performance. It will be held in the college activities center at 6:30 p.m. Dinner reservations are required and may be accomplished by calling the Alumni Office at 424-8340, by March 12.

Tickets for the concert are available in the college business office or at the door one hour before each performance. Adults $10, Students $5. WVU at Parkersburg students may purchase special advance tickets for themselves and one guest for $2 each. WVU at Parkersburg Faculty/Staff $5 advance tickets. All tickets at the door will be regular price. For tickets by mail, call (304) 424-8223. There are no reserved seats.

The DP Series is presented with financial assistance from the WV Division of Culture and History and National Endowment for the Arts with approval by the WV Commission on the Arts, Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, University System Board of Trustees Social Justice program, WVU at Parkersburg Academic Affairs budget, and student activity fee.

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For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Communications/Public Relations
(304-424-8203)