Gabriel Muñoz & Melodias Borinqueñas: Puerto Rican Folk Music from New Jersey

Video Description

Using their unique sounds on display in this concert, Gabriel Muñoz & Melodias Borinqueñas hope to introduce Puerto Rican folk music to many people around the world, and also to provide a nostalgic experience to Puerto Ricans living away from their homeland. Speaker Biography: On his 15th birthday, Gabriel Muñoz received his first cuatro as a gift, which he says changed his life forever. He then began honing his skills on the instrument through constant practice and immersing himself in the cuatro and in Puerto Rican music. He sought advice and wisdom from other cuatro players, including the well known master Alvin Medina, in order to perfect his craft. Approximately 6 years ago Muñoz co-founded the musical ensemble Melodias Borinqueñas (Melodies from Puerto Rico). Speaker Biography: The Melodias Borinqueñas band features Gabriel Muñoz on cuatro, Anibal Ortiz on guitar, Mariano Medina on congas, Ivan Rodriguez on bongos, Ana Ortiz on guiro, and Hector Hernandez on vocals. For more information, visit http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=7759