Yuri Juárez, Arcaceli Poma & Jhair Sala / Afro Peruvian

Yuri Juárez, Arcaceli Poma & Jhair Sala / Afro Peruvian  

Presented by Terraza 7. 

Date: Friday, April 26th, 2024.

Time: 10:00 pm.

Admission: $20 Cover charge Mezzanine

Featuring:

• Yuri Juárez / Guitar
• Jhair Sala / Percussion
• Araceli Poma / Vocals

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 Araceli Poma:

Araceli Poma, a Peruvian singer and cultural ambassador based in New York, is recognized as one of Peru's top 50 creative figures by Forbes and has earned two Latin Grammy nominations. Araceli's music blends traditional Peruvian elements with modern sounds, focusing on cultural advocacy and social issues.

She champions the Quechua language and women's roles in music, addressing racism, sexism, and marginalization through her work. Notable projects include her albums "The Sacred Leaf" and the documentary "The Warrior Women of Afro-Peruvian Music." In 2023, she was named a Heritage Ambassador by the Brooklyn Public Library.

Araceli leads the Afro-Andean Funk band, mixing Afro-Andean rhythms with electronic and funk music. Their latest album, "Flower on Fire," released in 2023, promotes Latin American cultures facing extinction.

Continually bridging cultures through her music, Araceli Poma is a significant figure in promoting cultural appreciation and social change on an international scale.

About Jhair Sala:

Jhair Sala, a Peruvian prodigy-turned-world-class percussionist, is known for his innovative take on Afro-Peruvian and Afro-Cuban beats, performing with the acclaimed Pedrito Martinez Group. A percussionist by nature, Sala began honing his craft on cajons in his childhood, with his skills blossoming after moving from Peru to New Jersey at six. Mentored by Lucho Gomez, Sala mastered traditional techniques across various percussion instruments.

His musical journey led him to stages worldwide, performing with his mother's band on The Mariela Valencia Show during his teens. Sala’s deep dive into Cuban rhythms came under the tutelage of his idol, Pedrito Pablo Martinez, mastering instruments like congas and bongos.

Sala's unique approach to rhythm was spotlighted with Kambalache Negro, leading to performances with Latin music luminaries like Hector Tricoche and Andy Montañez. As a sought-after studio musician, he's left his mark on recordings with icons such as Desmond Child and Ileana Santamaria.

Versatile and in high demand, Sala's style reflects the influence of Latin percussion legends, affirming his status as a transformative artist in the Latin music scene.