Month of the Bolivian Charango

I would like to thank those of you that have pledged for Viento Sur this past April 5, 2009! This month will be dedicated to a 3 part special on the bolivian instrument Charango that was created in Potosi, Bolivia in the 16 century. For more information regarding the bolivian Charango visit the following links:

http://www.charangobolivia.com/ http://antonio.perez.chez-alice.fr/elcharango.htm http://www.musica-andina.jp/~saulcallejas/ http://presencias.net/indpdm.html?http://presencias.net/invest/ht3027.html

Luzmila Carpio's music was featured today!

Today I dedicated the show to the International Women's Day by featuring music from renound female bolivian singer, Luzmila Carpio. This native bolivian woman offers not only beautiful vocals but also insight into the native culture of Bolivia. Having won many European and Latin American music awards her musical stylings will not disappoint.For more information see her web sit at http://www.luzmilacarpio.com/ and the following youtube links:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiEwAx5PYkEhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFDxWG_6uZs&feature=related

Boliva Manta Specials January 11th and 18th, 2009

Bolivia MantaCarlos and Julio Arguedas founded Bolivia Manta to help preserve and promote the traditions of the indigenous communities of the the bolivian Andes. "When the Spaniards arrived," notes the group, "thousands of men were uprooted from their communities and condemned to work in the towns and mining centers. Exploited, despised, they continued to play and the music endured through time, getting richer from the influences that mixed in with it." As is often the case with groups that strive to promote Native culture, they have experienced political and economic difficulties in their home country that forced them to live in exile in Europe. "Forced to give up part of ourselves, we leave in increasing numbers, pushed on by need and the hope of leading a less miserable life. When our exile and our loneliness are at their deepest, the music is there like a call that revives within us a world full of excitement and deep feelings."