April 23 Two performances only!
First U.S. tour by the ensemble in nearly a decade
(Philadelphia, March 29, 2011) The Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the 16 member Afro-Cuban percussion and dance ensemble Los Muequitos de Matanzas in two special performances on Saturday, April 23, 2011. The performances will take place at 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM in the Harold Prince Theatre and are part of the 2010/11 season at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Each show will feature different repertoire by the ensemble. The performance at 7:00 PM will feature ritual rhythms, songs and dances from the Afro-Cuban folkloric heritage. The performance at 9:00 PM highlights Cuban rumba and culminates in a final party with the Carnival rhythm Conga Matancera. Audience members are encouraged to buy a ticket for both performances. Tickets for Los Muequitos de Matanzas are $20-$35. For tickets or for more information, please visit AnnenbergCenter.org or call 215.898.3900. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the Annenberg Center Box Office.
Hailed as the reigning regents of rumba by the San Francisco Chronicle and the essence of Cubas musical soul by the San Diego Union Tribune, Los Muequitos de Matanzas are amongst the highest regarded percussionists in the world and masters of Afro-Cuban ritual and rumba music and dance. Founded in 1952, the group currently spans three generations of an extended family of musicians, singers and dancers. The current line-up consists of six singers: Rafael Navarro Pujada "El Nio", lead singer of the rumba; Israel Berriel Gonzlez, akpwon; Ana Prez, also a dancer; Luis Cancino, percussionist and dancer; and Jos Andro Mella Bosch and Reyniel Lpez Gonzlez, of the younger generation, previously of the group Rumba Timba. As percussionists the group is already well known to the American public: Agustn Daz Cano, son of founder "Goyito"; Freddy Jess Alfonso Borges, son of Jess Alfonso; Eddy Espinosa Alfonso, son of "Titi," and Facundo Pelladito Hernandez, also dancer and son of Angel Pellado, a founder of the group. The current dancers are almost all members of the Ramos family: Brbaro Ramos, Yogilda Vivian, Esther Yamilet, Diosdado Enier "Figurn," and Luis Deyvis, who started with Los Muequitos at just 3 years old and who, together with Jaime Ona and Yuniscleivis Ramos, as adolescents and grandchildren of Diosdado confirm the historical status of this group as an institution based on family and religious fellowship.
Named after Matanzas, Cuba, Los Muequitos de Matanzas last performed in the United States in 2002. Performances at the Annenberg Center are part of a special 16-city North American tour during March and April 2011 that mark the groups return to touring in the U.S after an almost decade long absence. The program, Tambor de Fuego en Homenaje a los Ancestros (Drum of Fire in Tribute to the Ancestors), features two performances highlighting work from their latest recording, tributes to legendary members and new pieces created especially for this eagerly awaited tour.