EVENT LOCATION: Virtual via Zoom

Payomet's Open Arms: Aurelio Martinez
Wednesday, May 26 // 6:40pm** via Zoom
  6:30pm virtual doors open
  6:40pm workshop
  7:00pm performance

Tickets by donation // Pay what you can

**The show will begin at 7:00pm, however you are invited to join us for an interactive introduction to Garifuna music with the artist preceding the concert at 6:40 pm.

Payomet is honored to welcome the prevailing Ambassador of Honduran Garífuna Culture, Aurelio Martinez, to kick off our new Open Arms global music series on Wednesday, May 26 at 7:00pm.

Open Arms seeks to bring music, language and culture of different lands and indigenous peoples into performance spaces of every kind on the Cape, from living rooms to schools. As often as possible we will create opportunities to welcome into our homes and break bread with these artists touring from far and wide.

Singer-songwriter, guitarist and percussionist, Aurelio Martinez is one of Central America's most gifted performers. Born in Honduras, the artist is known for his powerful and evocative voice and his charisma on stage. He is a major tradition-bearer and represents the Garífuna Nation worldwide through his music. Aurelio is considered nowadays as the International Ambassador of the Garífuna Culture.

Aurelio's music is a lush mix of traditional percussion, acoustic and electric guitars, maracas, claves and congas. Comprised of traditional rhythms such as Paranda, Punta, and Gunjei, the songs tell stories with different inspirations such as the history of the Garífuna people, ritual ceremonies, love, daily life, emigration, and politics. The lyrics are at once poetic, metaphorical and satirical. The songs are always sung in Garífuna, Aurelio's first language. Some melodies are imbued with emotion, melancholy, sweetness while others contagiously transmit a joy and brightness. The sound of the drum is very unique and this reminds us strongly of the protesting and revolutionary side of Garífuna music. www.aureliomusic.net