Join us for a very special concert featuring master Son Jarocho artist and teacher Patricio Hidalgo, directly from Minatitlán,Veracruz, México. Don Patricio is a singer, poet, jaranero (jarana player) and founder of Afrojarocho, who has been reviving the “conga” genre, a part of the musical heritage of southern Veracruz, for over 20 years. He is part of the new generation of Veracruz musicians who have multiplied their collaborative efforts to recover an authentic version of Son Jarocho, deeply rooted in African rhythms. Mr. Hidalgo, who has  performed at major international Jarocho gatherings in México and abroad, will perform with María de la Rosa (vocals, dancer), Dominic García (percussion) and Claudio Vega (requinto jarana).

“Son Jarocho is a lively traditional art form from the Southern Mexican State of Veracruz. It is a lyrical and danceable music genre that formed in the melding of three cultures: Arabic Spanish, African and Indigenous Mexican. It is at the same time highly improvised and highly structured- filled with complex polyrhythms and musical dialogue in its dance song poetry and music. The basic instrumentation of Son Jarocho includes the jarana jarocha and the zapateado(percussive footwork). Regional variations include guitarra de son (requinto), harp, violin, and various percussive instruments such as a quijada (donkey jawbone), pandero, marimbol and cajon, with the latter two instrument being contemporary additions. 

On a communal level, the Son Jarocho is used to celebrate various life occasions and often speaks of love(including courtships), happiness and beauties of life as well as the hardships including sadness, loss and death. Hundreds of years old, the Son Jarocho is a living contemporary art form that continues to evolve with time and under the influence of trans-cultural exchange and intergenerational dialogue.” (written by Maria De La Rosa)