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The members of the musical ensemble Peru Negro describe themselves as the cultural ambassadors of black Peru. Incorporating instruments like wooden crates and donkey jaws—which originally came into being when Spanish colonizers banned slaves from playing drums—the group’s unique sound is a living tribute to Peru’s African heritage. Leonard talks to the group's manager and producer, Juan Morillo, as well as Leo Garofalo, professor at Connecticut College. He's currently in Spain researching the Afro-Iberian roots of Peru´s sixteenth-century black communities.

» The Latino Festival's website
» More about Peru Negro at perunegro.org
» More about Leo Garofalo here

Events:
Peru Negro is playing at the Latino Cultural Festival in Queens on July 27th and July 28th at 8 pm. For tickets and more information, go here or call 718-760-0064.

Music: Selections from the Peru Negro album Jolgorio, from Times Square Records:
"Afro"
"Negrito"
"Son de los Diablos"