April 19, 2007

LIVINGSTON, Ala.—The heritage of American bluegrass, musical influences from Africa and the Mediterranean and the hot chili pepper flavor of Mexico combine for a concert by Grupo Siquisirí, appearing Thursday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. at The University of West Alabama’s Bibb Graves Auditorium.  

The event is sponsored by the Sumter County Fine Arts Council and funded in part by a grant from the Southern Arts Federation’s Cultural Connections/Mexican Exchange program and is the first American tour for the internationally recognized Grupo Siquisirí.

Grupo Siquisirí is a 5-member group that breathes new life into the folklore music of their native Veracruz, Mexico. Son jarocho is a style of folkloric music dating back to colonial times known as Sotovento, an interesting mix of Spanish with African and Mediterranean indigenous influences.

“Grupo Siquisirí is a wonderful choice for our Southern states. Their traditional music represents Mexico in much the same way as bluegrass music represents the South,” says SAF Executive Director Geri Combs.

Grupo Siquisirí tour of US Southern states debuts on Cinco de Mayo (May 5) at the Rialto in Atlanta. The ensemble was formed in 1985 and has performed throughout Asia, Central and South America to considerable acclaim.

The all-string group features Rafael Figueroa Alavés (acoustic bass and musical director); Raul Martinez Acevedo (requinto); Diego Lopez Vergara (requinto); Antonio Pérez Vergara (jarana primera); and Margarito Pérez Vergara (jarana tercera).

Alavés is a noted maker of musical instruments. His woodwork was chosen as gifts for dignitaries visiting Veracruz, including the King and Queen of Spain and Pope John Paul II. All members of Grupo Siquisirí are excellent teachers of their music.

Tickets for Grupo Siquisirí are $7 for adults and $2 for children. Sumter County Fine Arts Council members and UWA students admitted free.

Organizations participating in Cultural Connections/Mexican Exchange are Sumter County Fine Arts Council, Livingston, Ala.; Ballet and Theatre Arts Performing Companies, Gilbertown, Ala.; Clayton County Public Schools, Jonesboro, Ga.; Rialto Center for the Performing Arts, Atlanta, Ga.; Beaufort County Arts Council, Beaufort, N.C.; Newberry Opera House Foundation, Newberry, S.C.; University of South Carolina Research Foundation -  Consortium of Latino Immigration, Columbia, S.C.; and Global Education Center, Nashville, Tenn.

Atlanta’s Rialto Center performance also features Bluegrass legend, Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys.

This performance is funded in part by a grant from the Southern Arts Federation in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Alabama State Council on the Arts.

Southern Arts Federation is a nonprofit organization that partners with nine Southern states to promote and support the arts in the South; enhance the artistic excellence and professionalism of Southern arts organizations and artists; and serve the South’s diverse populations. SAF is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.