Radio Jarocho

Formerly known as Semilla, Radio Jarocho is the continuation of the only New York City-based project devoted entirely to the son jarocho and fandango traditions from southern Veracruz, Mexico.The group has performed in notable events dedicated to Mexican and Latin American folk arts in the state of New York and Washington D.C. These include: Celebrate Mexico Now! Brooklyn Folk Music Festival, National Geographic's All Roads Film Festival, Lincoln Center's La Casita and Brooklyn Botanical Garden's Chili Fest, where they shared the bill with folk music legend, Pete Seeger. With their old moniker they have also performed in clubs like Banjo Jim's and Jalopy Theater. As part of the artist's roster in organizations like Brooklyn Arts Council, Mano a Mano, City Lore, and the Americas Society, they have promoted son jarocho in public schools and community events throughout the five boroughs of New York City. Radio Jarocho is committed to extending their research within the array of influences that have permeated this genre of Mexican music for nearly 300 years, and to bring its exciting and joyful sounds everywhere they go. The group's first recording: Radio Jarocho, produced by Gabriel Guzman and Carlos Salazar and recorded at the Cutting Room in New York City, will be available on June 27th.

Son Jarocho is the rich traditional music and dance from the coastal state of Veracruz, Mexico. This genre has its roots in Spanish secular music from the colonial period and an ethnic mixture of Afro-Caribbean and Mexican Indian elements. This mix is not surprising considering that the city-port of Veracruz has been a gateway to Mexico and Latin America since the sixteenth century.

The Band
Gabriel Guzman: jarana, harp; Juan Lucero: guitarra de son; Cecilia Ortega: dancer; Julia del Palacio: dancer; Carlos Marin: marimbol; Carlos Salazar: guitarra de son.