Peru Negro - Ambassadors of Peruvian Culture

Saturday, February 9th at 8pm and Sunday, February 10th at 2:30pm at The American Theatre (Hampton)

A donkey jaw, a wooden crate, a tithing box from a church. Not the first things that spring to mind when thinking about world music and dance. Nonetheless, if Spanish colonizers several hundred years ago hadn’t banned slaves from using drums then Afro-Peruvian music would not have developed its unique and distinctive sounds.

When Rolando Campos de la Colina established Peru Negro 30 years ago during the height of the international black pride movement, little did he know that his ensemble would become the musical standard by which all other Afro-Peruvian groups would measure themselves. The group’s first internationally available recording, Sangre de un Don (Heritage of a Gentleman) is dedicated to de la Colina who died in 2001.

Initially Peru Negro was made up of twelve family members. Now, more than 30 people are involved and their government has named the Lima based company the “official ambassadors of Peruvian culture.”

Featuring a swirling, sweeping and intoxicating mix of singers, dancers and musicians, Peru Negro is a sensual troupe using melodic guitar, pulse-pounding percussion and passionate songs to create an unforgettable theatrical experience. Scorching and intense, Peru Negro is a revelation.

For more information or to order tickets for the Peru Negro performances at The American Theatre, call 757 722 2787.

TICKETS MAY ALSO BE ORDERED ON LINE AT: http://www.hamptonarts.net/
(Prices: $30 or $35 with discounts for students, seniors and military personnel).

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