Acclaimed pioneering son jarocho ensemble Conjunto Jardín is proud to announce their exciting new production, “Fiesta Jarocha: Conjunto Jardín’s 15^th Anniversary” on June 2, 2012 at the Ford Amphitheatre in celebration of their quinceañera—or 15 years of charming audiences with their music. The highly anticipated all ages show promises to be a spectacular evening of music and culture from the beautiful state of Veracruz, Mexico.

The Harding sisters, Libby and Cindy, have assembled a group of the most renowned musicians from the Veracruz region to share in the festivities, including maestros Alberto de la Rosa and Don Fallo Figueroa & Son Candela. The concert will bring together these two outstanding representatives of the two principal wings of son jarocho—which usually do not mix. Alberto de la Rosa is identified with the urban, upbeat sound of the port of Veracruz along with the more academic, northern interior city of Xalapa; from the University of Veracruz in Xalapa, de la Rosa and his group Tlen-Huicani tour all over the world. Don Fallo Figueroa & Son Candela hail from the opposite pole of the jarocho universe: the southern colonial town of Tlacotalpan, where they add contemporary flash to the rural tradition championed there, which is also associated with a different manner of presentation, clothing and dance.

Until recently, these two leaders of the respective wings of jarocho music had never played together. “Through a chance meeting at last summer’s local Encuentro de Jaraneros here in L.A., the two maestros played together briefly along with Son Candela. A good time was had by all, so they pledged to do it again. Out of that encounter was born the concept and talent lineup of this concert. This is a combination, and a concert, that would simply not take place in Veracruz,” explains Libby Harding.

Don Fallo Figueroa & Son Candela will open the show. Alberto de la Rosa will join them for a few songs at the end of their set. The audience will be treated to a brief solo set by de la Rosa, followed by an intermission.

Although the concert will primarily focus on the music, the traditional zapateado dance style (flamenco-inspired percussive footwork) will also be performed courtesy of the elegantly costumed Tierra Blanca Dance Company. Their original choreography to “De Puerto en Puerto” from Conjunto Jardín’s Floreando album will accompany the song’s live debut, one of two songs that will receive their first live performance. The thrill of the music coupled with the dynamic footwork of the dancers will undoubtedly inspire audiences to rise from their seats and dance in the aisles.

The elaborate stage will be dressed with visual elements coordinated by Reyes Rodriguez of Latino artspace Tropico de Nopal. Also adorning the space will be a large mechanical puppet skeleton (calavera) to be controlled by three people. It will be used to seamlessly transition between acts and to mimic the decimas being recited to add some drama. 

 Be sure to visit the Ford Amphitheatre on June 2, 2012 to experience a true fiesta jarocha! For more information and tickets, please visit http://fordtheatres.org/en/events/details/id/353.