Rhythms of the Ancestors: A Journey through Afro-Venezuelan Soul with Luis Tovar
Thursday, March 27, 2025
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. - Be there to grab your seat
Programming begins at 6:15 p.m.
Concert begins at 6:30 p.m.
Memorial Park Library (1221 2nd St. S.W.)
Register here.
About the performance:
Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring rhythms of Afro-Venezuelan traditions. Join us for an extraordinary concert experience where we'll embark on a journey through the rich cultural heritage of Guatire. Our artist will begin by sharing their personal story, revealing the deep influence of Afro-Venezuelan traditions on their musical identity. Witness the vibrant San Juan de Guatire celebration through a captivating video presentation and then delve deeper with live demonstrations of traditional percussion instruments.
Participate in an interactive rhythm workshop, where you'll learn basic Afro-Venezuelan rhythms, and join in a communal call-and-response song, experiencing the unifying power of music. Discover the fascinating fusion of these ancestral rhythms with jazz, highlighting collaborations and a Juno-nominated piece that beautifully blends these musical worlds.
This concert is more than just a performance; it's a celebration of cultural exchange. We'll explore the importance of sharing and intertwining musical traditions, demonstrating how these interactions enrich our artistic voices and deepen our understanding of the world. Music, as a universal language, transcends borders, and through this experience, you'll witness its ability to connect us all.
About the artist:
Luis Tovar, a Venezuelan musician, has been nominated for the Juno Award for his outstanding percussion skills. Since arriving in Alberta, Canada, 18 years ago, he has made an indelible mark on the western Canadian music scene, with 29 years of professional experience in percussion of world music instruments.
Regardless of musical genre or collaborators, Luis brings a unique combination of energy and positive dynamics to the stage or recording studio, drawing on his Venezuelan and Afro-Caribbean roots to engage in any project. He has played a prominent role in a variety of local musical groups, such as the Esteban Herrera Quintet, Montuno West, Perpie Nwa Olisa, Notas de 4, THE GRANDSTAND SHOW, and DJD Decidedly Jazz Dance works. Additionally, he participated in DJD's "Sistema Nervioso" show last year.
In a significant milestone of his career, in late 2023, Luis had the opportunity to produce the album "Luz" by Venezuelan singer Arturo Marc. This experience allowed him to collaborate with two renowned Grammy-winning cuatro players, Héctor Molina and Jorge Glem, further enriching his career and consolidating his position as a renowned music producer on the international scene. Internationally, Luis has collaborated with renowned artists such as Oscar D León, Willie Colón, Johnny Reid, and Gil Coldstein.
Currently, Luis is in the process of recording two albums: one focused on Latin jazz and the other on Venezuelan Caribbean jazz. The Latin jazz project is scheduled to be released in September under the Chronograph Records label. His mission goes beyond music; Luis's aspiration is to share his talent with the community and promote unity within the Canadian territory through his performances and collaborations. He enjoys sharing his experiences and knowledge with the next generation of musicians, further emphasizing his versatility and dedication to exploring various musical styles and projects.
About Instrumental Stories:
Instrumental Stories is a monthly program in partnership with the Calgary Public Library held at the Calgary Public Library that will open up different worlds of music featuring instruments with cultural significance.
