The moon will serve as the inspiration for this month’s concert by Azul Barrientos at the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center where the singer will present Noche Azul: La Luna on November 11.
Every month since 2007, Barrientos’ performances have showcased traditional Mexican music featuring a new theme with each concert and, over time, embracing all genres including boleros, rancheras, folk music, jazz and electronic music.
According to a press statement from the Esperanza Center, Barrientos, who was born in Mexico, “has used her music as a way to make political statements and give voice to various social justice issues. From singing about women in the Mexican Revolution, to sharing the story of the 43 student teachers from Ayotzinapa who went missing in 2014 in Mexico.”
George and Aaron Prado (Video capture via YouTube.)
For this latest concert, Barrientos will be joined by two of her favorite San Antonio collaborators — pianist Aaron Prado and his father George, a bass player. Both usually perform with the Aaron Prado Sextext.
The elder Prado played with the Jim Cullum Jazz Band; started the Regency Jazz Band, which led to the annual saxophone extravaganza Holiday Saxophones; and was the music director at Dick’s Last Resort for six years.
Son Aaron trained at New York University’s Jazz Studies graduate program, and has performed with dozens of jazz legends. For a time he was the music director for Trinity University’s KRTU-FM where he helped build that station’s reputation as a regional jazz powerhouse. He received a Doctor of Musical Arts with a jazz performance specialty from the University of Texas Austin.
Noche Azul: La Luna, Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 8 p.m. at the Esperanza Peace & Justice Center, 922 San Pedro Ave. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Seating is first-come, first-served. Suggested admission is $7 but more is appreciated. Parking is available at San Antonio College in Lots 21, 28, 29.
