The FAIR

BAHAREQUE (from Colombia)
“Bahareque” Latin American Rhythms Band has been an active participant in the UK Latin music scene for many years.  The name is derived from the ‘barro’ (clay) traditionally used for constructing houses in the Venezuelan / Colombian ‘llanos’ (plains) and is an expression of the group’s commitment to conveying the heart and soul of ‘Música Folklórica Latina’.  Their main instruments are Guitar, Cuatro, Pan-Pipes, Bandola, Venezuelan/Paraguayan Harps plus accompanying percussion and of course the vocals.

GABRIELA DI LACCIO (Bossa Nova)
Gabriela was born in Brazil and began her singing career under the guidance of the Brazilian soprano Neyde Homas and graduated with Distinction from the University of Music and Fine Arts of Parana-Brazil.  As well as a distinguished performer of the Classical Music repertoire, Gabriela is very interested in the Jazz repertoire, especially in Brazilian Bossa Nova and performs with different Jazz musicians in London and abroad. 

GUI TAVARES & BAND (Bossa Nova Band)
Is a professional musician based in London since 2003, who produces and coordinates many of his own projects and shows, as well as working in partnership with other individuals and organizations both in London and around the world.  In addition to his work as a performer, Gui also works extensively as project manager, producer and educator, involved in a variety of different formats.  Gui’s early musical influences included his brother, Guto Tavares, a singer in a Bossa Nova Band. www.guitavares.com

CUBA RITMO
This band is passionate about creating and playing exceptional music.  They will be playing an energetic mix of traditional Cuban Salsa, Son, and Timba Cubana, with a little Cumbia, Reggaeton and Merengue for good measure. www.lacubaritmoband.co.uk

LATIN CULTURE (Argentine Tango)
Latin Culture is a company that gives tango lessons and also performances in the UK to teach and enrich the community to learn more about Argentine tango. www.latinculture.net

MARIACHI MEXTECA
Mariachi Mexteca returns by popular demand, the UK's leading Mariachi band. They maintain the unique and traditional style of the original Mariachi and are the spicy ingredient of the fiesta. www.mariachimexteca.com/about.html

MALAMBO (Group from Peru)
We are a quartet of professional musician friends from London performing ‘canción criolla’ and black musical traditions from Peru, and popular music from Latin America.  We love the passion and vibrant intensity of this music and having fun! 

SEMILLAS DE BOLIVIA
The dance group Semillas de Bolivia (Seeds of Bolivia) was set up in October 2007.  They publicise and share Bolivian folkloric culture in the UK, by performing traditional dances and workshops.  Dances performed are mainly carnival dances and each has a story to tell (eg, Cueca, Caporales and Tinku).

Miss Marcela E Ashley (Chair)

Mrs Miriam Iturralde

Mrs Teresa Nemes

Mrs Andreina Palma-Urdaneta

Mr Paul Jarman

Mrs Lucila Clarkson

Mrs Luz Patterson

Mrs Blanca Iris Cane

Marisa Jara

Lady Ewans

Mrs Gael Clough

Mrs Judy Hardy

Mrs Janet Strangeways

Lady Heap

Mrs Lidia Collard

Mrs Hilary Hugh-Jones

Mrs Sheena Warr

Mrs Drina Flynn (Leader)

Mrs Ann Anderson

Mrs Helen Elam

Mrs Caroline Strachan