Biography

The Music

The region South of Veracruz, Mexico is called Sotavento. In this region traditions are very much alive (reviving) specially in music. Son Jarocho is a genre that has been developing since 300 years ago. In the past 30 years was almost extinct, due to migrations from the state of Veracruz, and the stereo-typed commercialization of this style of music. Son Jarocho has been through an evolutional stage with-out forgetting the deep roots where it came from, the gypsy/spanish like guitars, the African religious drumming and the mysticism of the Mexican indigenous.

Based in Chicago, Fandanguero recreate this intense colorful performance, where audience is part of the Fandango, which means Danceable Party. The instrumentation of Fandanguero consist of the traditional acoustic instruments from that region: jarana, requinto and cajón from Peru.

The Band

Fandanguero play an important role on this revival of the Son Jarocho movement/revi-
val, since it is based in Chicago where there is very few groups playing son jarocho. Fandanguero also teaches, perf-orms and lives these traditions in a far land from where this style was born. Fandanguero also adds a little Chicago in their Son adding non traditional instruments such as electric bass, bongos and music styles from around the globe: Samba, Cuban Son, Afro-Peruvian, and Flamenco.

Members




Juan Hernandez:
Electric Bass and Stand up Bass. (The only electrical instrument in the group)

Carlos Bueno:
Cajon, quijada de burro, Bongos and Cantaro.

Jesus Rojas:
Vocals and Jarana. (Typical instrument used in Son)

Emiliano Rojas:
Vocals, Requinto jarocho, Cuatro Puertoriqueño and Tres Cubano.

This group formed in the Pilsen community in Chicago, IL. They have proudly showcased their music at various settings: House of Blues-Chicago, Hot-House Chicago, Viva Chicago 2007, Clark St. Festival, Mexican Fine Arts Museum, Brookfield Zoo, Casa Michoacan, De Paul University, U.I.C, St. Francis University, Carlos Cortez Studio, Casa Aztlan, Meztli Gallery, Colibri Gallery, The Hide out, Carnival Restaurant, Zocalo Restaurant, Las Palmas, La Taverna Tapatia, Decima Musa, Café Mestizo, Café Catedral, Heartland Café, and at innumerable events and community centers.

With a distinct style and their brilliant versatility, Fandanguero has earned the respect and support of the community, by creating at every single performance, a true festival of color and joy, that invites one’s body to dance, the mind to think and the soul to feel.