TUJUNGA. On Tuesday, May 28 at 7:00 p.m., the Friends of the
Sunland-Tujunga Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library present an evening
of traditional Latin American folk music with Cusuco. The program is part
of a monthly series during which the Friends will bring live music to the
library on fourth Tuesdays. The program is free and all are welcome.
From the African influenced rhythms of Brazil, to the ancient flute and
drum incantations of the Andes, Cusuco reflects the history of the American
continent, celebrating our diversity and our harmony in the most literal
sense: through the universal, unifying traditions of music.
Cusuco is a musical group dedicated to widening the appreciation of
traditional and contemporary folk music of Latin America. As a band, Cusuco
delights its audience with infectious high energy music that get the most
unlikely people toe-tapping. As an educational tool, it presents listeners
with an aural cornucopia of musical styles from various cultural
traditions, which are brought forth with compelling bits of history and
fascinating anecdotes. From early California contradanzas, played at the
local haciendas in the last century, to the rally songs well known to
soccer game crowds in little towns in El Salvador today, Cusuco takes its
audience on an interactive musical journey through the Americas of past and
present.
Cusuco coalesced suddenly in the fall of 1995 at the California Institude
of the Arts, where founding members Alex and Julissa Bozman were students
in the acclaimed music department. Cusuco grew out of a request for
Mariachi music at an Institute function. Together with guitarist Marco
Alvirez, the Bozmans quickly recruited a large and enthusiastic band. The
common interest and highly compatible personalities which came together
were such that this group did not disperse after the "gig", but rather
began regular rehearsals which would continue for years. More musical
styles were adopted as Cusuco grew, and the band reflected a more and more
varied cultural basis as subsequent members contributed from their own
backgrounds experiences, and curiosities.
The Bozmans had long been interested in the folk music Latin America,
researching and collecting the stringed instruments and flutes used in the
folk music of Julissa's native El Salvador. Some other founding members,
particularly guitarrist Marco Alvirez, were familiar with many styles of
Mexican folk music and were able to guide the group in those directions.
Joao Junqueira has greatly enriched us with the music of his native Brasil.
Music continues at the Branch when jazz composer and pianist Jim Gitter,
back by popular demand, will present an evening of George & Ira Gershwin
songs on June 26. In July, the supremely talented and uncompromising Jake
La Botz brings his guitar and Chicago and Mississippi Delta blues to the
branch.
The Friends of the Sunland-Tujunga Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library
is a private, non-profit organization that sponsors literary events and
provides financial and volunteer support to the Sunland-Tujunga Branch of
the Los Angeles Public Library. Its mission is to encourage children to
become life-long readers and library patrons. To donate books or volunteer,
call the Branch at (818) 352-4481.
The Branch is located at 7771 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga. Parking is available
and the library is fully accessible to people who use wheelchairs. Call
(818) 352-4481 for directions.
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Jamie O'Halloran
ohalloran@...
