Las Cafeteras Performance Brings Message of Building Bridges with Music to Joplin on April 2nd

(Joplin, MO) – Las Cafeteras will perform in the Joplin Empire Market Courtyard (931 E. 4th St, Joplin, MO  64801) on Saturday, April 2 at 7:00 pm (doors open at 5:30pm). This will be the sixth and final performance in Connect2Culture’s (C2C) 2021–2022 Curtains Up Series.Formed in 2005, Las Cafeteras, which means “the coffee pots” in Spanish, began as a group of students who met while establishing the East Side Café in LA. The group was learning traditional Son Jarocho music, a style of folk music that originates from Veracruz, Mexico, and soon adapted the music to fit their realities. Since then, Las Cafeteras has evolved into a band that draws from multiple genres of music, infusing their unique sound with rich, meaningful lyrics.“We can’t wait to see Las Cafeteras perform live again,” says Frankoski. “Their infectious, high-energy performances are something we want to share with the Joplin area.”The band consists of six musicians and their eclectic instrumentation: Denise Carlos on vocals, the stringed jarana, and the tarima (a wooden platform used for Zapateado, a flamenco dance characterized by the rhythmic stomping of feet); Hector Paul Flores on vocals and the tarima; Jose Guadalupe Cruz Cano on drums and the cajón (a West African bass); Jesus Gonzalez Ramirez on keys and vocals; Jorge Pococ Mijangos on the stringed requinto jarocho, jarana, and vocals; and Moisés Baqueiro on bass. Singing in English, Spanish, and Spanglish, their music embodies a remix of sounds, from rock to hip-hop to rancheras.“Another thing that really drew C2C to Las Cafeteras is their purpose,” explains Frankoski.The group, says Frankoski, uses music as a vehicle to build bridges among different cultures and communities that have not always seen eye to eye. Their vibrant music presents modern-day stories of Latino and immigrant lives in order to create “a world where many worlds fit.” In a time where division and discord are increasingly prevalent, Las Cafeteras’ uplifting message of unity is vitally important.

In addition to their public performance, Las Cafeteras will share this message of unity with Missouri Southern State University students the day before during an outreach workshop titled, Shifting Culture Through Culture: A Journey in Bridge-Building & Reimagining Power.
“Las Cafeteras’ concerts are fun, energetic, and inspiring — they feel more like a party than a performance,” says Frankoski. “It’s definitely a high note for this year’s Curtains Up Series to end on — one not to be missed!”
Las Cafeteras have performed around the world in the good company of Mexican icons Caifanes, Lila Downs, Colombian superstar Juanes, Los Angeles legends Ozomatli, folk/indie favorites Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, and Talib Kweli. Their electric sound and energy has taken them around the world, playing shows from Bonnaroo to the Hollywood Bowl, WOMAD New Zealand to Montreal Jazz, and beyond. General Admission is $25 (price includes all processing and convenience fees). This is a BYOC (bring your own chair performance). Discounts for students, seniors, active military/veterans, and groups available. Groups must call to process the sale. Tickets are sold exclusively at connect2culture.org, over the phone at 417.501.5550, or at the Joplin Empire Market on Saturday, March 26.
Churros Colima will be the featured food truck for this performance. Churros Colima is a family-owned business that serves freshly made churros and Mexican food. Ticket holders are encouraged to come early (doors open at 5:30 pm) to enjoy dinner before the show. Just A Taste will be operating a cash bar and serving a variety of beverages, including fresh margaritas. Must be 21+ with a valid ID to partake.

About Connect2Culture:

Connect2Culture (C2C) is a not-for-profit arts organization founded in 2009 to enhance community through culture. Unlike any organization in the Joplin area, C2C is a respected community arts agency, a champion of the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, and a performing arts presenter. C2C strives to expand audience and resources needed to “ignite a passion for the arts, culture, and entertainment” in the Joplin area.

Reference:

Emily Frankoski
Connect2Culture
417.501.5550
emily@connect2culture.org

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