Program: Latin Beats with the Colorado Symphony

The Mexican Cultural Center proudly presents

September 20th, 2018 • 7 pm

Presented by Featuring

Colorado Symphony

Christopher Dragon • Associate Conductor

Boettcher Concert Hall

Home of the Colorado Symphony Denver Performing Arts Complex

After Party

La Rumba • 99 W 9th Ave, Denver, CO 80204 September 20, 2018 • 9:30 pm Suggested donation for the Mexican Cultural Center: $20 USD

With special guests:

Extasis

The Denver-based tango ensemble, was first formed in 1997 by cellist Evan Orman and violinist Erin Furbee, both of whom shared an interest in the popular music Argentina, especially that of Astor Piazzolla. Various incarnations of the group emerged, including a variety of musicians and instrumental combinations that have led up to the present configuration of a quartet consisting of bandonéon, violin, piano, and bass: a classic orquesta tipica. The members of the current group are Claude Sim, Sara Parkinson, Evan Orman, and Susan Cahill. With the addition of bassist and arranger, Ken Harper, Extasis recorded an acclaimed studio album of Golden Era tango pieces with works and influences by Troilo, Mores, Pugliese and Sexteto Mayor.

Natural Tango

Nicholas Jones, from Denver, has been dancing & studying dance since 1996. Nick's main focus is Argentine Tango. He was one of the first North American tango dancers to have been invited to teach and perform at a festival in Buenos Aires (Pulpo's Tango Week). In addition to giving seminars, he has taught and performed at many tango festivals across North America & Europe. He has taught and performed with his partner, Diana Cruz, in Buenos Aires, as well as in many cities in Europe and Australia.

Ms. Diana Cruz has dedicated her life to understanding, creating, performing and teaching body movement. Originally from Asunción, Paraguay, she began her dance studies in her home country. Diana incorporates her multi-disciplinary techniques (Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Modern Dance, Latin American Folk Dances, Pilates, Yoga, Singing, Poetic Interpretation and many Tango Dance styles) into one cohesive dance. She uses these techniques to create powerful, musical, unique performances. She is currently teaching and performing Argentine Tango around the U.S. and abroad, in a dance partnership with Nicholas Jones, as well as continuing to develop her solo carrier as teacher, choreographer, producer, director and performer.

iZcalli

iZCALLi makes the kind of music you leave home to: melancholy folk phrases lashed to driving beats that pin the pedal to the floor. iZCALLi is named after the Mexican birthplace of member-siblings Miguel (lead guitar/vocals) and Brenda Avina (bass) and the Nahuatl word for rebirth. Born on both sides of the border (drummer Luiggy Ramirez hails from Colorado) and formed in Denver over a decade ago, iZCALLi has, over the course of four LPs and a thousand shows, swigged its evolving sound from both wells of tradition, from Latin-tinged echoes to punching rock to filthy blues, in English and in Español. The result is a loyal flock of fans of every color, from every background, rich or poor. The result is RETI=Rock En Tu Idioma, a community for making rock in Spanish, the music of the melting pot, which is deeply American and knows no frontiers. This is iZCALLi’s appeal: the kind of music that makes you leave home and return, exhilarating live shows that celebrate tradition and kin, that unite what you find with what you left behind, and open the heart, so you know you are home.

Gaby Moreno

Born and raised in Guatemala, Los Angeles based Gaby Moreno grew up inspired by artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, and Aretha Franklin. She immersed herself in blues, R&B and 60’s Soul and learned to speak English by singing the songs she loved. Her original blend of Jazz, Blues and 1960s Rock & Soul has earned her the respect and appreciation of audiences in Latin America, Europe and U.S. In 2013, she received a Latin GRAMMY for Best New Artist. Previously in 2006, she won the Grand Prize at the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. Moreno also co-wrote the theme song for NBC's hit television show "Parks and Recreation". Gaby Moreno has toured across the globe alongside artists like Tracy Chapman, Ani DiFranco, Ricardo Arjona, Van Dyke Parks, The Punch Brothers and Calexico. Armed with a warm, soulful horn inflected sound- Moreno creates a unique lane of music that straddles both the English and Spanish speaking world and blazes an intoxicating invitation into her musical world.

With special guests:

Gaby Moreno iZCALLi Mariachi Sol de Mi Tierra Extasis Natural Tango

Program

La Boda de Luis Alonso: Intermedio • G. GIMÉNEZ Adiós Nonino • ASTOR PIAZZOLA La Mariposa • PEDRO MAFFIA Milonga de Ángel • ASTOR PIAZZOLA Quita de Más • MIGUEL AVINA, SAM GOODWIN, JOSH LEE Solo se Morir • MIGUEL AVINA, SAM GOODWIN, JOSH LEE Cuba Libre • MIGUEL AVINA, SAM GOODWIN, JOSH LEE Amapola • JOSEPH MARIA LACALLE, ALBERT GAMSE Quizás, Quizás, Quizás • OSVALDO FARRES El Sombrerón • ARNIE SHINE, GABY MORENO México Lindo y Querido • ARR. NEVIN Qué Bonita es mi Tierra • ARR. NEVIN Cielito Lindo Huasteco • ARR. NEVIN Júrame • ARR. NEVIN

Mariachi Sol de Mi Tierra

Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra was formed through the idea to show people something fresh and different from the already existing groups in Denver, Colorado. On August 6th of 1999, four young enthusiasts, Oscar Vaca, Jesus Ramirez, Raul Romero, and Vicente Romero, gave their complete trust and hope to whom would be the leader of the group, Juventino Romero. Together sitting at a table they decided to plan this adventure that with a lot of determination, practice and hard work, soon would blossom into something wonderful. Throughout the years more musicians would join, which lead to the eight musicians that are a part of the group today.

Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra enjoys a prestige that they have gained along the years. The group has also accompanied great Mexican singers that have performed in Denver. With a firm belief to keep demonstrating a beautiful part of the Mexican culture, Mariachi Sol de mi Tierra is now more and better than ever offering to their audience dedication, love, and passion for their music.

Grupo Semblanzas de Mexico

Grupo Folklórico Semblanzas De México, under the direction of James Olguin, has performed for many local events in Colorado as well as private functions and public events in other states. Most recently, Semblanzas has made appearances in Disneyland, Disney World, and internationally at festivals throughout Italy.

Semblanzas De México was formed in order to continue the art and tradition of the Mexican culture, and also with the mission to educate and teach the next generation of their ancestor’s traditional values through the way of dance.

Upcoming Exhibits and Programs • “Alebrijes: Una historia en común” Denver Museum of Nature and Science | September, 2017 – December, 2019

• “Día de muertos” Longmont Longmont Museum | October 13 – November 6, 2018

• “Día de muertos”Aurora People’s Building | November 1, 2018

• “Día de muertos” MCC Mexican Cultural Center | November 2, 2018

• “Día de muertos” Breckenridge Breck Create | November 3, 2018

For more information please visit each institution or venue website.

About the Mexican Cultural Center The Mexican Cultural Center (MCC) is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization, established in April 1992. The Mexican Cultural Center’s mission is to promote the Mexican Culture in the State of Colorado. The MCC is dedicated to conveying the richness of Mexican culture through arts and education and working in collaboration with other institutions in the State and beyond to enhance the effectiveness of its programs and have a greater impact within the community. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our newsletter by visiting our website at www.mccdenver.org or by calling 303-331-0172 Help us advance our mission with a donation at www.mccdenver.org

We appreciate the support of our partners:

Special thanks to: Chris Swank

• A-1 Security • Allstate • Alfaro Multiservicios Profesionales • El Tamalero • Partner Colorado Credit Union • Spicy Catering Mexican Food • Ignez Talamantez • Rapido y Mas Taxes • Blooming Ideas • C. Klinger & Sons • Expresion y Estilo Studio • Yael Balleza y Salud Láser • Sandoval Agencies LLC • Restaurante las Delicias • Joyeria 0720 • Lupitas Event Center • Angello's Event Center • El Amigo Restaurant • Pallizi Farms