The Pasadena Folk Music Society, in partnership with the Pasadena Public Library, presents a free concert for the entire family at the Pasadena Central Library in the Donald Wright Auditorium.  Note that the concert will not be in our usual Caltech venue.  Cambalache plays Son Jarocho music of Vera Cruz, Mexico, birthplace of founding member, Cesar Castro.  This music is popular on Mexico’s Gulf Coast, a cultural region shaped by indigenous and African culture, as well as Spanish. Cambalache’s name comes from the Spanish word for “exchange” which acknowledges the group’s emphasis on audience participation.  Cambalache features an aranja or two, a requinto (the “little guitars”), Chuy Sandoval’s occasional electric guitar, and Juan Perez’s electric upright bass, the East L.A. influence of the band. And then there is lots of great singing, all proving that this joyous music is for all ages.  Whether you are a longtime fan of Son Jarocho music or a newcomer, you will be delighted by this performance.  We will also be treated to the dancing of Xochi Flores.  Most of their songs are traditional, though they also compose originals.  Children (and accompanying adults!) will be encouraged to do a bit of dancing, and everybody gets to sing.  Cesar, Xochi, and Chuy sing in Spanish, but they describe the music in English, and nobody is left out. This show is funded by a generous cash award to the Pasadena Folk Music Society from the Topanga Banjo•Fiddle Contest, which has enabled the Folk Music Society, with the help of the Pasadena Public Library, to make this a free performance.

The Pasadena Central Library is located at 285 E. Walnut Street in Pasadena. Free parking is available in the back of the building, reached from Garfield Avenue, and on Saturdays, there are additional spaces at the adjacent University of Phoenix underground parking structure. To access it you enter the driveway near the southeast corner of Garfield and Corson streets. If you have questions, email us at [email protected].