In the early nineties, in a tiny cafe on the outskirts of Little Tokyo Los Angeles, Quetzal Flores, a son of two community organizers, formed Quetzal - A new experience in Chicano Music. His goal was to push the boundaries of Chicano Music as we knew it. Twelve years later Quetzal has become of one Los Angeles' most important and successful groups. Proclaimed by no less an authority than Los Lobos as "ready to carry the torch for Los Angeles's Chicano community," Quetzal embodies the soul and the struggle at the heart of the Mexican-American legacy. Their mix of Mexican and Afro-Cuban rhythms, Jazz, R&B, and Rock is supercharged by the dynamic vocals of Martha Gonzalez. Their commitment to using art as a tool for social change is informed and inspired by global grassroots movements. Aside from touring, the band frequently engages in organizing and participating in opening spaces for transnational dialogue. For the past five years they have been instrumental in developing Fandango Sin Fronteras, a dialogue between Chicanos from California and Jarochos (musicians from Veracruz, Mexico).
The music of Afro-Latino percussion ensemble Concepto Tambor carries the spirit of collectivity and celebration, melding traditional rhythms like sambas, guaguancos, and festejos with contemporary sounds like hip hop—all with a rock n' roll attitude. Concepto Tambor originated in New Mexico in 2000 as a
musical project among local drummers and percussionists from the rock scene in Albuquerque. The idea was to
create an all drum and percussion troupe that blends
Afro-Latin grooves, call and response style of singing and chanting combined with a rock 'n roll attitude for a raw and energetic performance. The band has members from very diverse musical and cultural backgrounds—from Peru, USA, Brazil, Colombia and Chile.
The sextet currently spends their time between Southern California and New Mexico.
Ticket info:
$20 advance, $25 day of show. $10 for children under 12.
See both Quetzal and Hassan Hakmoun for only $30!
Available at the NHCC Box Office and Ticketmaster (505-883-7800, Smith's stores and other outlets). Tickets will go on sale mid-May.
The NHCC box office is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Saturdays from 12 PM to 5 PM. There are no service charges at the box office.
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The music of Afro-Latino percussion ensemble