Papalote go bush

Papalote go bush

One of Australia's longest running and most popular Latin American bands, Papalote, are to take audiences from country towns in south-west New South Wales on a rhythmic journey through Latin America.

They will introduce country people to the huge array of instruments and styles encompassed by the term "Latin music": the haunting and ancient sounds of the Andean Indian flutes and pan pipes, intricate guitar and charango rhythms together with the irresistible syncopated dance beat of the African drums of the Caribbean.

Justo Diaz, a founder of Papalote, explains that "Latin music" is a broad term which refers to a wide range of musical styles from very different countries.

"Latin American music is alive and constantly evolving. Papalote does not only play traditional folkloric music with the traditional instruments of Latin America. We also play the music being created now. It is still distinctively Latin in rhythms, but we may include an electric bass in an arrangement. It's very exciting music."

Papalote will release their first CD soon. Tracks will combine contrasting styles and moods, representing the search for new ways of expression that characterises Papalote's views of folk music and multiculturalism. Jeanne Lewis and Margaret RoadKnight also contribute their unique talents.

Papalote's tour dates:
Hay: Wednesday Oct 28, 8 p.m. at the Hay Memorial Hall, Lachlan St. Ph (069) 931 085 to book.
Deniliquin: Thursday Oct 29, 8 p.m. at the Deniliquin RSL, Cressey St. Ph (058) 811 279.
Griffith: Friday Oct 30, 8 p.m. at the Griffith Regional Theatre. Ph (069) 627 466.

When not on tour, Papalote perform most Fridays from 5 p.m. at the Kingsway Hotel, Cronulla.

From GLW issue 77