Talented musicians from all over Jalisco and points beyond will flock to Chapala over the coming week to engage in the 13th Encuentro de Arpas, Salterios y Mas, an offbeat music festival featuring traditional Mexican and Latin American sounds performed on folk harps, psalteries and a wide array of other string and acoustical instruments.
The main event is a rousing live show to be held Wednesday, June 10, on the grounds of the Centro Cultural Gonzalez Gallo, running non-stop from 2 to 10 p.m.
The program will showcase solo performances by stellar harpists William Faulkner, Luis Ku, Kevin Zabdiel and Angel Tolosa, as well as the father-son duo Los Centenarios and psaltery player Daniel Torres. Other instrumental and vocal ensembles invited to appear include the Grupo Nematatlín de Veracruz, Cita Salterio de Puebla, Orquesta Típica de Chapala, Orquesta Típica de Autlán, and the traditional mariachi troupes Amate, El Carrizo, Los Pitayeros, El Tequileño and Los Choznos.
It is a unique encounter that doubles as a lively entertainment event for music lovers and a sharing-and-learning experience for the performers. Once all participants have taken turns on stage, the gathering evolves into the palomazo, an improvised jam session in which musicians mix it to play favorite tune
Admission to the public is free of charge, although voluntary contributions to defray festival expenses are gratefully accepted. Spectators are welcome to come and go as they please throughout the eight-hour marathon and bring along their own snacks, drinks and outdoor picnic gear. Soft drinks and food catered by Tony’s Restaurant will be sold on site, along with music CDs and souvenirs offered by the performers.s in a relaxed party atmosphere until everyone runs out of juice.
The Centro Cultural is housed in Chapala’s former railway station, located at the north end of Avenida Gonzalez Gallo, two blocks from the intersection of Avenida Pepe Guizar and the highway to Mezcala.
Grupo Nematatlin is also lined up for a free performance Thursday, June 11, 7 p.m. at the Ajijic Plaza. And while they are in town, some of the other musicians will likely pop up to entertain at various local bistros.
In addition, the Encuentro agenda wraps in a series of musician workshops on playing Jarocho style harp, jarana and requinto guitar, set for May 6 through 8. For details call Javier Raygoza, telephone 765-3535.