Cumbia Roots

Flushing Town Hall teaching artist Martin Vejarano and his band La Cumbiamba NY introduces the evolving sounds of the gaitas and tambores, originally developed when Colombia was a Spanish colony during the 17th century, that continues to evolve to this day. Cumbia Roots is an educational assembly with high energy that inspires students to explore their cultural roots and to celebrate diversity. This program is also available as a live virtual assembly, which includes a screening of the pre-recorded footage of music and dance performance, live demonstrations and a live Q&A.

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  Martin Vejarano is a Colombian multi-instrumentalist, performer, composer and educator. Born to a dancer/choreographer and a filmmaker in Bogotá, Colombia, Martin was surrounded by the arts from an early age. Based in NYC since 2000 as a free-lance musician and educator, Martín holds degrees in Jazz and Music Theory from The Brooklyn-Queens Conservatory of Music and The City College of New York. As an educator and Colombian music instructor Martín has shared his knowledge and experiences with students in grade schools and universities in the United States, South America and Europe. Martín currently directs and leads four music ensembles: La Cumbiamba NY, Cumbia River Band, Chia’s Dance Party and NYC Gaita Club.

  Martin Vejarano