• Listen to this segment

GUESTS: Laura Cambron, Olin Juarez, Pedro Lopez, Carolina Martinez, and Luis Sarmiento, members of Son del Centro

Four years ago, youth in the Orange County city of Santa Ana began to explore the Veracruz based traditional music of Son Jarocho at El Centro Cultural de Mexico. They began taking music classes at the cultural center on everything from jarana lessons to the history of Son Jarocho. This led to the formation of the music group Son Del Centro. Comprised of young community activists from the Santa Ana area, the group began performing locally and internationally at fundraisers and community events. Now the accomplished musicians of Son Del Centro teach free Saturday classes to youth and adults alike interested in Son Jarocho. Recently, Son Del Centro released its debut album, “Mi Jarana es mi Fusil,” or “My Jarana is my Gun.” Staying true to their selfless dedication to El Centro Cultural de Mexico, all revenues from Son Del Centro’s album will go toward sustaining the cultural center and its programs.

CDs are available online at: http://cdbaby.com/cd/sondelcentro

CDs are available in stores at:

– El Centro Cultural de Mexico, 310 W 5th Street, Santa Ana (call 714-935-9305 for hours)

– Calacas, 3374 S. Bristol Street, Santa Ana, www.calacasinc.com.

Visit Son del Centro’s My Space page at www.myspace.com/sondelcentro