CBS Survivor: Guatemala and the Music of the Marimba

CBS Survivor: Guatemala and the Marimba
by John Currey

As you probably already know, the Fall 2005 season of “The King of All Reality Shows” is set in the Petén region of northern Guatemala (CBS Survivor: Guatemala starts in mid-September, 2005). What you may not be aware of is that NO exploration of this still largely isolated and exotic ancient Mayan homeland would be complete without experiencing the captivating musical tradition considered a national treasure—la marimba.

In Guatemala, the marimba is considered THE national instrument, with government ordinances actually requiring broadcasts of marimba programming on a daily basis.

Photo from www.geocities.jp/muchomerengue/gua_antigua.htm

A principal musical conduit of entertainment and artistic expression in both southern Mexico and Central America, the Marimba tradition is a shared experience throughout much of Mesoamerica largely unaffected by national borders that are much more relevant to politics than to the everyday life, culture, and music of the region.

An integral part of Guatemalan and Chiapan society, the sounds of las maderas que cantan (the wood that sings) can be heard performing an expansive variety of genres and styles--ranging from folkloric to popular to classical--at most any social gathering and activity including religious services, town markets, holiday observances, and, of course, fiestas (parties)!!!

Photo from ihmnew.marywood.edu/Guatemala/Guatemala.htm

Photo from www.guatemalanmarimba.com

Marimba Sol de Chiapas is the quartet specializing in the Mesoamerican marimba traditions of southern Mexico and Central America via a beautiful and enchanting authentic instrument from Chiapas, Mexico. The first group of its kind permanently based within the United States and calling Kansas City home since 1991 (formerly as Marimba Yajalón), we perform in a variety of settings--both nationally and internationally from the islands of Hawaii to the ancient city of Prague--including conventions, concerts, receptions, parties, fundraisers, festivals, and more.

For more information and bookings of the captivating music woven into the cultural fabric of the nation featured in
CBS' Survivor: Guatemala,

please contact:

Music Sample:
Ancient Dances of Petén (5Mb)

John Currey, Director
Marimba Sol de Chiapas
P. O. Box 22536
Kansas City, Missouri 64113-0536
(816) 333-MUSIC [6874]

www.marimbasoldechiapas.com

Return to Marimba Sol de Chiapas

Regrese a Marimba Sol de Chiapas