Unforgettable musical evening
February 26, 2010 7:45 PM
The Jan. 29 Paco Renteria concert in the Yuma Theatre was the debut of Paco's Spirit and Passion 2010 world tour of 166 cities. The concert played to a packed house, and deservedly so.
Mexico's acclaimed maestro of gypsy-fusion guitar and his band - each one a remarkable soloist in his own right - treated their Yuma audience to an unforgettable evening. Their performance was filled with dazzling displays of virtuoso technique, witty banter, original and traditional works and ingenious improvisations weaving together a surprising variety of musical sources and themes.
The audience response was electric. Audience members bantered back and forth, cheered wildly and consistently, gave standing ovations and demanded multiple encores.
Near the end of the evening, Paco said he hoped to "return to this beautiful place." Clearly, his Yuma audience hopes so, too. Paco is an artist much in demand, however, and is a true culture-hero of Mexico.
Arranging a toured performance by him is no simple matter. That is why the Cultural Council of Yuma (producers of the event) - and the enthusiastic Yuma audience - owe a debt of gratitude to those who made Paco's first Yuma concert possible:
• Mexico's President Felipe Calderon, who set in motion the Spirit and Passion world tour by appointing Paco "the ambassador of Mexican music abroad" in celebration of the centenary of the Mexican Revolution and the bicentennial of Mexico's Independence."
• Consul Miguel Escobar and staff of the Consulado de Mexico in Yuma for extensive guidance, cooperation and sponsorship on this and many other events.
• CCY's grantors and co-sponsors - the Arizona Commission on the Arts, the city of Yuma Arts and Culture Commission, KYMA Newschannel 11, El Desierto, the Yuma Sun/Bajo el Sol and Zona 98.
To all of you, sincerest thanks. Now let us work together to bring Paco Renteria back again to "this beautiful place."
GERRY GISS, CCY Board Member
Mexico's acclaimed maestro of gypsy-fusion guitar and his band - each one a remarkable soloist in his own right - treated their Yuma audience to an unforgettable evening. Their performance was filled with dazzling displays of virtuoso technique, witty banter, original and traditional works and ingenious improvisations weaving together a surprising variety of musical sources and themes.
The audience response was electric. Audience members bantered back and forth, cheered wildly and consistently, gave standing ovations and demanded multiple encores.
Near the end of the evening, Paco said he hoped to "return to this beautiful place." Clearly, his Yuma audience hopes so, too. Paco is an artist much in demand, however, and is a true culture-hero of Mexico.
Arranging a toured performance by him is no simple matter. That is why the Cultural Council of Yuma (producers of the event) - and the enthusiastic Yuma audience - owe a debt of gratitude to those who made Paco's first Yuma concert possible:
• Mexico's President Felipe Calderon, who set in motion the Spirit and Passion world tour by appointing Paco "the ambassador of Mexican music abroad" in celebration of the centenary of the Mexican Revolution and the bicentennial of Mexico's Independence."
• Consul Miguel Escobar and staff of the Consulado de Mexico in Yuma for extensive guidance, cooperation and sponsorship on this and many other events.
• CCY's grantors and co-sponsors - the Arizona Commission on the Arts, the city of Yuma Arts and Culture Commission, KYMA Newschannel 11, El Desierto, the Yuma Sun/Bajo el Sol and Zona 98.
To all of you, sincerest thanks. Now let us work together to bring Paco Renteria back again to "this beautiful place."
GERRY GISS, CCY Board Member
