Peruvian Night Celebration by Mariela Valencia, Yuri Juarez & Hector Morales / Afro-Peruvian & Criollo music.

Peruvian Night Celebration by  Mariela Valencia, Yuri Juarez & Hector Morales / Afro-Peruvian & Criollo music.

Presented by Terraza 7 Date: Friday, May 10th, 2024.

Time: 7:30 pm.

Admission: $20: Cover charge for Mezzanine seating

Featuring:

• Mariela Valencia / Vocals
• Yuri Juarez / Guitar
• Hector Moralez / Cajon

Aboiut this Trio:

Mariela Valencia, Yuri Juarez, and Hector Morales form this trio rooted in the musical traditions of their natal city Lima (Peru). Afro-Peruvian and Criollo music seamlessly and spontaneously interacts with the sounds of Jazz here, in the city that never sleeps. Come and share with us a night exploring the classics of the music of the coast of Peru as well as some gems of the American Songbook with a Peruvian twist.

This program is produced in partnership with the students of the New School’s Global Music/Dance Traditions: Peru course and will feature an interactive cajoneada!

About Yuri Juarez:

Yuri Martín Juárez Yllescas, born in Lima, Peru in 1973, is a renowned guitarist, arranger, and composer who has been pivotal in the Afro-Peruvian music scene since 1996. With a robust musical education from New York University, studying under notables like Gil Goldstein and John Scofield, and honing his craft with Peruvian guitar masters, Yuri's foundation is rich and diverse. He's performed alongside Eva Ayllón and Susana Baca and recorded with luminaries such as Arturo O'Farrill and Ron Carter.

Yuri’s career milestone came in 2008 with his debut album, "Afroperuano," featuring compositions from Chabuca Granda and Carlos Hayre. This album brought him acclaim and awards, solidifying his status in the Latin Jazz world. Another significant work, "Tangolandó," fused Argentinean tangos with Afro-Peruvian rhythms, earning international recognition. His 2016 album "Guitar Sapiens" showcases an amalgamation of his musical influences over two decades.

His music, especially the album "Afroperuano," evokes the essence of Peru, from the Andean winds to the vibrancy of its dances, through his expressive guitar playing. Yuri's unique style mimics vocal intonations, adding a distinct texture to traditional forms like festejo and huayno. His work is not only a tribute to Afro-Peruvian heritage but also a journey through various music forms, featuring talented collaborators who add depth to his vision.

Yuri sees music as a transformative force, far beyond entertainment. To him, it’s a spiritual journey that resonates with the rhythm of the universe. His dedication to his craft is not just professional but profoundly personal, embodying the soul of a culture and the heart of an artist committed to excellence.

About Hector Morales:

Hector is a seasoned Peruvian drummer and percussionist with 20 years of national and international performance experience, alongside a significant role as a teaching artist in the Tri-State area. He specializes in Afro-Peruvian, Latin, and Urban Percussion, having taught numerous music residencies through prominent arts organizations. In 2015, Morales was honored as “Artist Of The Year” by Young Audiences NJEP and in 2023, he was inducted into the “People’s Hall Of Fame,” receiving the "Token Of Appreciation" award by City Lore and a Heritage Fellowship Award by the NJ State Council On The Arts. He has developed curricula for the NYC DOE, led professional developments for music educators, and served as a grant panelist. Morales is an adjunct faculty member at William Paterson University, co-teaching a course on Performing and Teaching World Music. He is the author of “The Afro-Peruvian Percussion Ensemble,” an instructional book/DVD, and leads “The Afro-Peruvian Ensemble” and the “Lima In Blue Collective.” Additionally, he performs with other notable Afro-Peruvian Jazz ensembles in NYC. His performance venues include the Lincoln Center, Smithsonian Folk Festival, and international stages in Peru, Chile, Canada, and Israel-Palestine.

About Mariela Valencia:

Mariela is a vibrant and esteemed figure in Afro-Peruvian music, often referred to as the "Ebony Monument." She began her artistic journey at the tender age of 7, performing with Abelardo Vásquez's group, "Los herederos." Over the years, Mariela became a cornerstone member of "Perú Negro," a leading institution in Afro-Peruvian music, where she shined as a singer, dancer, and chorus member. Her travels with Perú Negro took her across Peru and various Latin American countries, enhancing her reputation as a versatile and talented artist. In 1986, she was honored to be godmothered by the legendary Celia Cruz, with whom she recorded her first album. Mariela's career boasts numerous albums, awards, and collaborations with renowned artists and has graced stages in the Americas and Europe. Her constant display of energy and passion for her art has rightfully earned her the title of Ambassador of Afro-Peruvian Music.