Bio

Since 2001, some members of this Chicago-based ensemble have interpreted Son Jarocho, a 350 year-old genre originating in Veracruz MŽxico, in the Sotavento area, where traditions are very much alive, specially in music through an evolutional stage without forgetting the deep roots from where it came, represented by the Gypsy/Spanish influenced guitars, the African religious drumming and the mysticism of the Mexican indigenous tradition.

Fandanguero recreates this intense colorful perfomance, where the audience is part of the Fandango, a musical gathering. The instrumentation of this group consists of the tradicional acoustic instruments from that region: jarana, requinto, quijada de burro (donkey jaw) and caj—n from Perś, interweaving several rythyms from Cuban son to Afro-Perivian festejo, along with hints of samba and flamenco while adding non-traditional instruments such as acoustic guitar, electric bass, congas and pandeiro.

Members

Juan Hernandez: Electric Bass and Stand up Bass.

Carlos Bueno:Cajón, Congas, Quijada de burro, Clave.

Jesus Rojas: Vocals, Guitarra, Jarana 3rd. (Typical instrument used in Son)

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

They have recently presented their first album, which is the result of their ongoing search for its own rythym stemming from the seeds of son jarocho, son montuno, and many other musical influences from the coast of the Americas.

This group was formed in the Pilsen community of Chicago Il. They have proudly showcased their music at various venues such as:

The Levitt Shell Memphis TN, Chicago Summer Dance, World Music Festival (Chicago Cultural Center), Viva Chicago, Clark St. Festival, Navy Pier, Taste of Chicago, House of Blues Chicago, St. Francis Univ. IN, Univ. of Chicago De Paul Univ. , U.I.C , Brookfield Zoo, Mexican Fine Arts, Caza Aztl‡n, Col’bri Gallery, Mestizarte Gallery, Calles y Sue–os Gallery, Hot House, Hide Out, Carnivale Rest. Zocalo Rest. Decima Musa, Heartland CafŽ, CafŽ Mestizo, Mundial Cocina Mestiza, Fogata Rest. And innumertable events in community centers.

They have also been featured in public broadcasts such as those of 89.5 FM Vocalo (CPR), 540 AM Tu voz, as well as in reviews published in the Chicago Reader, Extra and Hoy (local newspapers). In 2008 Fandanguero was nominated for ÓBest Latin EntertainerÓ and ŇBest New EntertainerÓ at the Chicago Music Awards.

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, which invites the body to dance the mind to think and the soul to feel.