Los Pleneros de la 21, the premier Spanish Harlem-based performing ensemble and non-profit organization, was founded in 1983 by JUAN GUTIÉRREZ (1996 NEA Heritage Fellow) and MARCIAL REYES ARVELO.
Having toured extensively both nationally and internationally for over two decades, LP21 are considered as New York’s preeminent BOMBA AND PLENA AMBASSADORS, bringing Puerto Rican culture to Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, Cuba, Latin America, Australia, Berlin, and countless other countries and prominent venues. They are the first Puerto Rican ensemble to perform in Carnegie Hall and the only Bomba & Plena ensemble to perform in the former Soviet Union’s “The Kremlin”.
The group--an exceptional intergenerational mix of Puerto Rican Folk Masters and professional musicians united to expose the importance of traditional Puerto Rican music and cultural legacies--has pioneered the road for Bomba and Plena performance and is responsible for paving the way for many of the emerging Bomba and Plena groups in NY and beyond.
LP21’s landmark community programming has created a common space for the recognition, education and practice of Puerto Rican culture and identity, educating thousands of individuals, young and old and influencing dozens of aspiring musicians and groups.
LP21’s performances convey their unique musical style, integrating traditional and modern influences, while dynamically engaging the public: “While Bomba and Plena music is lots of fun all on its own, this group takes it to another level…Catch one of their performances; I guarantee you won't be sitting down for long, they'll make sure of that!” (Album review)
In New York City and United States, Los Pleneros have been the major custodians as well as tireless advocates of the Bomba and Plena traditions and traditional Puerto Rican values and identity. The group most specifically accomplishes this through its quality and accessible community-based programs, offered year round to individuals of ages, backgrounds and locations.
(SEE OUR BLOG FOR FULL PROGRAMMATIC DESCRIPTIONS)!
AFTER 25 YEARS, LP21 CONTINUES TO TOUR INTERNATIONALLY, PROMOTING BOMBA, PLENA AND PUERTO RICAN CULTURE AS EXPRESSIONS THAT ARE CELEBRATED ON A DAILY BASIS AND ENJOYEABLE BY ALL!
LOS PLENEROS DE LA 21
1680 LEXINGTON AVENUE, NY NY 10029
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR PROGRAMS OR TO BOOK US: WWW.LOSPLENEROSDELA21.ORG
|
