4-piece band bringing authentic New Mexican sound to the Tack

By Valorie Brecht Music is an easily accessible way for anyone to gain a greater understanding of another culture. That will especially ring true in an upcoming performance at the LuCille Tack Center for the Arts in Spencer. On Friday, April 11, Lone Piñon, a four-piece string band, will perform traditional New Mexican music, taken from the many cultures that converge in the American Southwest.

“It’s a mix of all sorts of cultures — Spanish, Mexican, and Native American, with American country music influence — all woven together into one unique sound,” said Tack Center director Daniel Worsham. “They have a folksy, very lively sound.”

Hailing from Santa Fe, Lone Piñon has been around for about 10 years. The performance, which will be at 7:30 p.m., will feature four talented musicians, each with their own specialty. Band leader Jordan plays fiddle, guitar, accordion and sings in both English and Spanish. Tanya plays upright bass and sings, Santiago sings and plays guitar, and Karina plays fiddle and sings. While there is no percussion section per say, band members will sometimes stomp their feet or play the bass percussively to give that rhythmic feel. “Some pieces are purely instrumental; some will be sung in English, Spanish, or both,” said Worsham. “At least three of the band members are bilingual. They can sing in both, which is pretty cool.”

The band is what’s considered an “orquesta típica,” a LatinAmerican term for a band which plays popular music. Although they play pop music, listeners should not be deceived into thinking the music they play is all simple, four-chord choruses.

“I’m kind of a music nerd… For me, I need music to be different or complex. And Lone Piñon has that. Their music is very lively, but also very intricate. For example, on the guitar it’s not just strumming, but a lot of fingerpicking work. The violins are flying,” said Worsham. “So they definitely show their skill in what they play.”

Lone Piñon has performed at such elite venues as the Kennedy Center, all the way down to small community outreaches or educational programs. They have performed for festivals, free and ticketed events, indoor and outdoor, including summer gigs at Mayo Park in Rochester.

In addition to the Spencer community performance, the group will be offering two student shows, sponsored by the Spencer PTA. They will explain about “orquesta típica,” teaching students some of the rhythms they use and how they relate to dances.

People are encouraged to purchase tickets for Lone Piñon by visiting LucilleTackCenter.com, calling 715-659-4499, or visiting the box office at 300 N. School St., Spencer, on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $25.

The Tack Center is at 400 N. School St., Spencer. For more information, email info@lucilletackcenter.com or call 715-659-4499.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO