FESTEJO is an exciting, joyous, collaboration that brings together Peru’s legendary singer Eva Ayllón with the cultural ambassadors of Afro-Peruvian music and dance Perú Negro, in a unique celebration of the history of the black traditions of this Andean nation. Together, they take to the stage of Théâtre Maisonneuve of Place des Arts on Saturday, January 15th, 2011 at 8pm, for a compelling performance of spirited song, music and dance recreating the cultural heritage of their enslaved African ancestors.

Peruvian super star Eva Ayllón is sometimes compared to Tina Turner for her high-spirited, energetic performances. But her iconic identity is closely associated with the elegant and lively genres of music known as the landó, the festejo, and the vals – blends of Peru’s indigenous, African and Spanish musical heritage. Afro-Peruvian music has complex, sensual rhythms. Originally, the instrumentation was spare – guitar, bass and a wooden crate-like box called the «cajon», that translated African rhythms to Latin America. But it is Ayllón’s passionate voice that crystallized the music and brought her the diva status she has today, where she fills stadiums at home in Peru. Her emergence internationally is relatively recent, where today she travels the world to perform.

Perú Negro celebratory approach to reviving the African cultural heritage of Peru has made it not only the best-known company in Peru, but a truly representative showcase of the startling diversity of influences that came to shape that tradition. Their theatrical flair, charming comic digressions, vibrant music built around percussion has garnered them significant international praise and recognition, to the point that the Peruvian government has named the 22 member ensemble “Cultural Ambassadors” of the country. Their festive album release, Joljorio, was nominated twice for a Grammy, in the Best Traditional World Music category and for a Latin Grammy.