Los Cenzontles: Mexican American roots ensemble

The Red Poppy Art House is thrilled to present an evening of music and film collaboration featuring the vocal talents of Los Cenzontles and animated short film, Tata’s Gift, in a special matinee performance.

Los Cenzontles (Nahuatl for “The Mockingbirds”) dig deep into Mexico’s diverse cultural traditions while creating a vibrant, contemporary sound infused with the gusty soul of their rural roots. Los Cenzontles (senn-SONT-less) has released 21 albums and performed across the U.S., Europe, the Dominican Republic, and throughout Mexico. They have collaborated with numerous master folk arists as well as renowned musicians including Linda Ronstadt, Jackson Browne, The Chieftains, Los Lobos, Los Tigres del Norte, Ry Cooder and Taj Mahal, among others. Commited to cultural promotion, Los Cenzontles have trained neighborhood youth at their Cultural Arts Academy in San Pablo, California since 1994.

Los Cenzontles, in collaboration with animator Dionisio Cebellos and artisan Marie-Astrid Do-Rodriguez, have created a short, animated film, titled Tata’s Gift. Using original digital animation, folk art, and music, Tata’s Gift tells the story of a boy who finds strength and resilience in his family’s cultural heritage as he struggles with cyber bullying in the digital age. The band will perform live along with this film and other short videos for a fun, multi-scensory show for the whole family.

“[Los Cenzontles] both honors and upends traditional Mexican music, tapping deep roots as it flowers into something completely new, and distincly American.” – The New York Times

“Los Cenzontles’ gusty rhythms and delightful voices reinvigorated my love of Mexican music.” – Linda Ronstadt

Learn more about Los Cenzontles here: http://www.loscenzontles.com/band

Admission: $10-20. Doors open at 2:30pm. Show at 3:00pm. All ages welcome.

Tickets will not be sold in advance for this event. Please arrive at the Red Poppy when doors open to purchase tickets.