The music of the Roma people,
Oct 13, 2006

Concert, Gypsy guitar of “El Javi” Estrada 

Monday, October 16, 7pm, Teatro Santa Ana, Reloj 50, 60 pesos

Roma music is very important in Eastern European cultures such as Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, Hungary, Russia and Romania, and the style and performance practices of Roma musicians have influenced European classical composers such as Franz Liszt and Johannes Brahms. Many famous classical musicians, such as the Hungarian pianist Georges Cziffra, are Roma, as are many prominent performers of manele. 

The distinctive sound of Roma music has also strongly influenced bolero, jazz, flamenco and Cante Jondo in Europe. European-style Gypsy jazz is still widely practiced among the original creators (the Roma people).

Roma people who came to the Americas contributed to almost every musical style. Salsa, rumba, mambo and guajira from Cuba, the tondero, zamacueca and marinera from Peru; mariachi music from Mexico; llanero from the borders of Venezuela and Colombia; and even American country music have all been influenced by their mournful violins and soulful guitar.

A Day in the Village

Afro-Cuban festival & workshop

Friday & Saturday, October 13 & 14, 9pm, La Carpa, Calzada de la Aurora

50 pesos

African and Cuban rhythms stir San Miguel as La Carpa hosts Cuban percussionist Roberto Vizcaino during a two-festival and workshop called “A Day in the Village.”

The schedule for the performance is as follows:

9pm African dance and percussion

9:30pm Performance by students of the workshop

10pm Afro-Cuban music

10:30pm Percussion improvisation with Roberto Vizcaino

11pm Performance of a variety of musical styles, including guaguanco, yucca, macuta and fusion