ABOUT THE ARTIST/ENSEMBLE

The Lua Project has been called a ‘cultural pollinator’, and was formed by David Berzonsky and Estela Knott after they returned to Virginia to raise children after almost a decade of travelling, performing, and recording, throughout the Western hemisphere, in places as far afield as Lima, Peru, Veracruz, Mexico, Recife, Brazil, and Berkeley, Ca.

In so doing, they have found musical adventure and a diverse cross-cultural experience right here in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains where the backdrop of life in a multi-ethnic community serves as a wellspring from which Lua Project draws subject matter and inspiration, which is then blended into a music that it describes as Mexilachian.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Cultural Crossroads: A Musical Journey through Mexilachia/AppaLat’chia

45 minutes-1 hour: bi-lingual assembly for high schools and colleges, includes musical performance and discussion of Appalachian and Latin American culture, song, and poetry. An excellent way to expose your students to Spanish language performance.

Appropriate for grades 6-12

Gathering Musical Goodness for the Global Village, The songs and stories of Mexilachia/AppaLat’chia

A bi-lingual journey into Spanish language music for younger children; focused on songs and stories, and an introduction to Latin American and Appalachian music, instruments and dance.