Aurelio Martinez to Perform at globalFEST 2011

Honduran Garifuna musician Aurelio Martinez will be showcasing at globalFEST 2011 on January 9 at Webster Hall., replacing Creole Choir of Cuba, who ran into visa difficulties.

Aurelio Martinez will be presenting material from his new album Laru Beya, scheduled for release on January 18, 2011. Many of the songs on Laru Beya draw on traditional refrains, little pieces of old melodies that intrigued Aurelio and his long-time friend, producer, and musical collaborator Ivan Duran, who was intimately involved in the album’s distinctive arrangements.

Senegalese Afropop legend Youssou N’Dour selected Aurelio as his protégé in 2009 and encouraged Aurelio to channel his virtuosity, to balance his evanescent stage presence with reserve until just the right moment. N’Dour also contributed his unique vocal abilities to several songs on Laru Beya, including “Wamada.”

Aurelio visited Dakar visiting clubs, where groups like Orchestra Baobab invited Martinez up on stage and later joined him in the studio, learning a verse of Garifuna lyrics phonetically, a first for non-Garifuna musicians. Baobab join Aurelio on two tracks.

Buy Laru Beya:

• In North America: Laru Beya. Other recordings available: Garifuna Soul
• In Europe: Other recordings available: Garifuna Soul

Tour Schedule

01/15/2011, Sat
Los Angeles, CA
The Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive
Show: 7:00 pm
Free Ph: 310.440.7300

01/16/2011, Sun
Los Angeles, CA
The Getty Center, 1200 Getty Center Drive
Show: 3:30 pm
Free Ph: 310.440.7300

01/17/2011, Mon
Seattle, WA
Triple Door, 216 Union Street
Tickets: $20/$23, Doors Open: 5:30 PM, Show: 7:30 PM
Ph: 206-838-4333

01/18/2011, Tue
San Francisco, CA
Yoshi’s, 1330 Fillmore Street
Tickets: $20, Show: 8:00 pm
Ph: 415.655.5600