Peruvian band coming to town

The Hot Springs Greater Learning Foundation (HSGLF) was recently announced as a recipient of a grant from the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation (MAAF) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), through the 2018-2019 Southern Exposure: Performing Arts of Latin America program. The grants help communities across the United States bring performing arts groups from Latin America for performance and engagement activities to help build an understanding and appreciation for the richness and diversity of Latin American cultures.

For Thermopolis, it means a visit from brass band La Patronal from Peru. Rooted in the tradition of town festivities common in rural villages across Latin America, La Patronal honors these gatherings, which celebrate tradition through fireworks, dancing, and religious images. La Patronal members are direct descendants of rural musicians from Peru, and use this knowledge of folk culture in combination with their formal music studies to preserve their heritage while also bringing it to the present.

Jacky Wright with the HSGLF noted the 14-piece band will be here Sept. 6 and 7. Thursday, Sept. 6 is a public event in the auditorium at 7 p.m. The event is “pay what you can,” and is free for students. Friday, Sept. 7 is an assembly for middle and high school students in the auditorium during which the band will share Peruvian music and dance as well as information on their country, history and culture.

Wright noted HSGLF is the only Wyoming entity to make the list for the grants. “I applied for the grant, worked with the promoter and school district to arrange schedule, contract, etc.,” she stated. “On top of the grant HSGLF had to provide additional funding which was raised through house concert subscriptions and donations at past events.”

Mary Anne Carter, acting chairman of the NEA said, “The arts can serve as a bridge of understanding between people of different countries and cultures. Through Southern Exposure, the NEA showcases music and dance of Latin America for audiences in the United States, connecting people through the arts.”

“Southern Exposure continues to support presenters nationwide in their efforts to bring some of the finest performances from Latin America to communities across the United States. From Tulsa to Thermopolis, Southern Exposure will create opportunities to strengthen connections between the Americas,” stated Theresa Colvin, MAAF’s executive director.