Jarabe Mexicano brings an eclectic blend of Latin music, mixed with reggae and rock to Whitefish.
San Diego-based Latin fusion band Jarabe Mexicano, called “heartfelt and engaging,” makes its first visit to Montana, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.
Inspired by Latin American popular dance music and versatile modern mariachi music, Jarabe Mexicano embodies the dynamic energy and celebration of their bicultural roots. Jarabe means “mixture” in Spanish, and Jarabe Mexicano performs a mixture of traditional as well as popular genres.
Their renditions of classic rancheras, huapangos, sones and boleros fill their listeners with romantic nostalgia while their dynamic arrangements of cumbia, reggae, and rock ’n roll hits bring people to their feet.
Performing on traditional mariachi instruments accompanied by lively percussion, Jarabe’s arrangements feature stunning harmonized vocals in Spanish and English. The band’s mash-up of “La Bamba” and “Twist and Shout” is a crowd favorite. And their rendition of the folk song, “La Malagueña,” is “simply the best I’ve heard in decades, if not ever,” raves cultural anthropologist and award-winning author Alejandro Lugo.
Bursting onto the Latin music scene in 2015 with extraordinary momentum, Jarabe takes a special interest in celebrating Latino cultures throughout their multi-city tours. In 2016, the band embarked on a U.S. Consulate-sponsored outreach tour of Baja California Sur where they represented the U.S. at the 10th Annual International Arts and Culture Festival for Peace in La Paz, Mexico.
The quintet, with its eclectic border spirit, features lead vocalist Gustavo Alcoser, José Martín Márquez on requinto, Kevin Lomes on vihuela, Chris Behrens with his guitarrón, and musical director Danny Brito on percussion.
Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for students with reserved seating, and available at the Box Office, 1 Central Ave., Whitefish, by calling 406-862-5371 or online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org.