Hispanic Heritage Month Concert
Featuring Mariachi Habanero and Makuza

Saturday, September 19, 2009 • 6:00 p.m.
Outside on the grounds of
Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site
1515 SE Monroe • Topeka, Kansas

Free and open to the public
RSVP by September 17, 2009 to
(785) 235-3939 or brownfound@juno.com

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed nationally from September 15 until October 15. This program will focus on the rich and diverse musical history of Hispanic and Latino communities.

Mariachi Habanero lives up to its name, performing lively dance music mixed with an occasional mellow ballad. The group borrowed its name from the habanero pepper, which is the spiciest type of chili pepper. Mariachi music began in the nineteenth century in the Mexican state of Jalisco - according to popular legend, in the town of Cocula. It was the music of country people; music that celebrated the joys, the struggles, and the triumphs of the Mexican people.

Makuza has become the premiere Afro-Cuban jazz band in Kansas City. They began as students at the University of Missouri, Kansas City (UMKC). Their name is synonymous with the musical rhythms of African and Latin American countries. The decade beginning in 1940 was a pivotal period in the development of Latin jazz, specifically Afro-Cuban jazz. From 1950 until 1960 and beyond, these influences became particularly strong. The cultural influences continue to be part of the musical landscape of today.

Presented by the Brown Foundation for Educational Equity, Excellence and Research and the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site as part of the 2009-2010 program series, Unfolding Untold Stories. Download the 2009-2010 program brochure (1.8 MB PDF).
			Series sponsored in part by:

All Rights Reserved.
Created: August 27, 2009.
URL: http://brownvboard.org/programs/200909brownscholar.htm.