On Feb. 24, Latin American Afro-fusion band Yeye will play an 8 p.m. show at the Red Poppy Arthouse on the corner of 23rd and Folsom streets.
Following a decade of performing traditional Afro-Colombian dance, vocalist Johanna “YeYe” Suarez, an interdisciplinary artist and arts-educator, began composing lyrics influenced by the rhythms of the African Diaspora in Latin America. Her work is rooted in community organizing that seeks to actively engage people through performing arts education.
Her songs incorporate many of the most vibrant Latin musical traditions, including: Mexican son jarocho, Cuban son montuno, Colombian cumbia, Venezuelan joropo, Peruvian festejo, Bolivian huayno, Brazilian samba and Argentinean tango.
Weaving traditional dance and music into original poetry, theater and lyrical compositions, YeYe’s performances take audiences on an emotional journey, in search of collective healing and unification.
At the same time, the project aspires to research, preserve and teach the importance of cultural roots and ancestry, encouraging people to pass these traditions along to future generations.
The band describes their show, Exploring Endlessness, as a transcendental musical experience:
“In this world of mental, spiritual and physical divisions and limitations, music, singing and movement provide a vital place to let go of life’s concerns for a [few] moments and enjoy endless vibrations. Yeye invites you to explore endlessness feelings, exchanging fears for love and pain for sounds and songs of healing, through nurturing drums and the exquisite Latin American flavor.”
Friday Feb. 24, Doors: 7:30 p.m., Curtain: 8 p.m., Cover: $12-$20