In small towns around Mexico, community members come together informally on the night of the full moon to share stories, poetry and music. Join us as this tradition is celebrated several times throughout the year. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., performances are from 6 to 7:30 p.m, and open Mic begins around 7:40 p.m. Scheduled Performers: Masanga Marimba Ensemble, Ballet Folklórico Tonantzin, and Mariachi Media Luna.
Performances
Masanga Marimba Ensemble: Masanga comes from an African word that means the coming together of rivers or roads; for this group, it represents the meeting of African, Latin, and American traditional and popular music. Directed by ethnomusicologist, Dr. Ric Alviso, Masanga Marimba was formed in 2000 and has performed at venues all over California. The ensemble played for the inauguration of Los Angeles Mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa, and was selected to perform for the World Festival of Sacred Music. Their music is upbeat, danceable, and family-oriented. For more information, visit their web site.
Ballet Folklórico Tonantzin: Directed by Maestro Zenon Barron, the group has been in existence for 7 years. Maestro Barron has spent his life preserving the rich tradition of dance from Mexico and teaches his young students dances from all regions of the country. Tonantzin makes its home at Half Moon Bay’s Our Lady of the Pillar Church. Dancers perform at community celebrations all over the Bay Area.
Mariachi Media Luna: This group of young musicians has opened for the likes of Los Tigres del Norte and Mariachi Vargas de Tenochtitlan.
Both Tonatzín and Mariachi Media Luna are sponsored by Ayudando Latinos a Soñar (ALAS), an organization whose mission is to develop youth leaders and honor the cultural strengths of families in Half Moon Bay. Visit their web site or find them on Facebook.
But wait, there’s more! Visit the Art Loft where you will learn to create an assemblage!
Don’t forget the free food and drinks.