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 African, Spanish, and the indigenous culture of the Caribbean. 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 will be 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 some dancing by 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 will get a chance 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.

This is a free event! There are no tickets and seating will be on a first-come basis. The Donald Wright Auditorium, inside the library building, is a beautiful, restored theater that holds 150 people. If you are unfamiliar with the Pasadena Central Library, see the Google map to 285 E. Walnut Street, Pasadena. There is free parking behind the Library off of Garfield Avenue. If the lot is full, there will be free parking just north of that lot in a commercial lot. The sign there reads “299 North Euclid Parking.” Rest assured that this is auxiliary Library parking and that it is free. If the gate is down, take a ticket and that ticket will open the gate when you leave. All spaces are available on Saturdays.