Cuentos Cantados: Storytelling, Rhythm, and Music from Nuquí, Chocó, Colombia

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Join us for an immersive journey into the heart of Afro-Colombian culture with Tambacum, a renowned music group from Nuquí, Chocó. This unique workshop blends storytelling, rhythm, and traditional music in a way that invites participants to engage deeply with the rich cultural heritage of Nuquí. Drawing on the practice of "cuentos cantados" (sung stories), this workshop offers an in-depth exploration of Afro-Colombian storytelling, accompanied by the vibrant rhythms that define the music of the Pacific coast.

The session begins with the sharing of “cuentos” (stories) by Tambacum’s lead vocalist. These stories, passed down through generations, are drawn from the everyday life of the village and the deep connection between the people of Nuquí and their surrounding environment. You’ll hear tales of fishing, planting, the wisdom of ancestors, and the community’s relationship with the Pacific Ocean and rainforest. While these stories are told in Spanish, live translations will ensure all participants can understand and connect with the narratives.

Once the story is set, the music begins, bringing the "cuentos" to life. Tambacum’s performances are rooted in Tamborito and Cumbancha, traditional rhythms that are central to the region’s cultural expression. This workshop invites participants to not only listen but to learn and play these rhythms themselves. No prior experience with drumming or rhythm is necessary—the workshop is open to all levels, from beginners to more advanced musicians.

Dates: Tuesday, October 08

Time: 6:30-8:30pm  

Duration:  2 hours

Teachers:

• Jhon Esteban Lasso Mena - Lead Vocals

• Lina Bryyi Moreno - Backup Vocals

• Juan Camilo Moreno - Maracas & Backup Vocals

• Yowar Mosquera - Bongos 

• Yenny Valencia Reyes - Timba & Backup Vocals

• Julian Mosquera - Charrasca

• Nilson Palacios - Tambora 

• Duvan Felipe Becerra - Timba 

• William Andres Palacios - Backup Vocals

Materials Provided by BLJ:

• snacks, tea, water

Cost: Sliding Scale - Please read below

About our sliding Scale:

$45

8 spots

Consider paying this amount if you have limited expendable income, have little or no access to financial support from family, have significant debt, and little or no access to savings. This is a discounted rate.


$65

6 spots

Consider paying this amount if doing so would be an investment, but not create hardship for your household. You might choose this rate if you are able to regularly meet your basic needs and have some expendable income, can travel every couple years without burden, and have some debt but are able to pay it regularly. This is the true cost of a session.


$85

6 spots

Please consider paying this amount if you are comfortably able to meet your basic needs, own the home you live in, have paid or pay for private education, travel recreationally, have access to financial savings and/or investments, have reliable work or do not have to work to meet your needs, have inherited wealth, and/or have increased earning privilege due to your race, gender, or education. This rate sustains me in working with folx who need a lower rate.


Thanks to Orion Johnstone and Worts & Cunning + Sun English for the language for supporting & articulating sliding scale.

Workshop:
Add To Cart

Join us for an immersive journey into the heart of Afro-Colombian culture with Tambacum, a renowned music group from Nuquí, Chocó. This unique workshop blends storytelling, rhythm, and traditional music in a way that invites participants to engage deeply with the rich cultural heritage of Nuquí. Drawing on the practice of "cuentos cantados" (sung stories), this workshop offers an in-depth exploration of Afro-Colombian storytelling, accompanied by the vibrant rhythms that define the music of the Pacific coast.

The session begins with the sharing of “cuentos” (stories) by Tambacum’s lead vocalist. These stories, passed down through generations, are drawn from the everyday life of the village and the deep connection between the people of Nuquí and their surrounding environment. You’ll hear tales of fishing, planting, the wisdom of ancestors, and the community’s relationship with the Pacific Ocean and rainforest. While these stories are told in Spanish, live translations will ensure all participants can understand and connect with the narratives.

Once the story is set, the music begins, bringing the "cuentos" to life. Tambacum’s performances are rooted in Tamborito and Cumbancha, traditional rhythms that are central to the region’s cultural expression. This workshop invites participants to not only listen but to learn and play these rhythms themselves. No prior experience with drumming or rhythm is necessary—the workshop is open to all levels, from beginners to more advanced musicians.

Dates: Tuesday, October 08

Time: 6:30-8:30pm  

Duration:  2 hours

Teachers:

• Jhon Esteban Lasso Mena - Lead Vocals

• Lina Bryyi Moreno - Backup Vocals

• Juan Camilo Moreno - Maracas & Backup Vocals

• Yowar Mosquera - Bongos 

• Yenny Valencia Reyes - Timba & Backup Vocals

• Julian Mosquera - Charrasca

• Nilson Palacios - Tambora 

• Duvan Felipe Becerra - Timba 

• William Andres Palacios - Backup Vocals

Materials Provided by BLJ:

• snacks, tea, water

Cost: Sliding Scale - Please read below

About our sliding Scale:

$45

8 spots

Consider paying this amount if you have limited expendable income, have little or no access to financial support from family, have significant debt, and little or no access to savings. This is a discounted rate.


$65

6 spots

Consider paying this amount if doing so would be an investment, but not create hardship for your household. You might choose this rate if you are able to regularly meet your basic needs and have some expendable income, can travel every couple years without burden, and have some debt but are able to pay it regularly. This is the true cost of a session.


$85

6 spots

Please consider paying this amount if you are comfortably able to meet your basic needs, own the home you live in, have paid or pay for private education, travel recreationally, have access to financial savings and/or investments, have reliable work or do not have to work to meet your needs, have inherited wealth, and/or have increased earning privilege due to your race, gender, or education. This rate sustains me in working with folx who need a lower rate.


Thanks to Orion Johnstone and Worts & Cunning + Sun English for the language for supporting & articulating sliding scale.

Join us for an immersive journey into the heart of Afro-Colombian culture with Tambacum, a renowned music group from Nuquí, Chocó. This unique workshop blends storytelling, rhythm, and traditional music in a way that invites participants to engage deeply with the rich cultural heritage of Nuquí. Drawing on the practice of "cuentos cantados" (sung stories), this workshop offers an in-depth exploration of Afro-Colombian storytelling, accompanied by the vibrant rhythms that define the music of the Pacific coast.

The session begins with the sharing of “cuentos” (stories) by Tambacum’s lead vocalist. These stories, passed down through generations, are drawn from the everyday life of the village and the deep connection between the people of Nuquí and their surrounding environment. You’ll hear tales of fishing, planting, the wisdom of ancestors, and the community’s relationship with the Pacific Ocean and rainforest. While these stories are told in Spanish, live translations will ensure all participants can understand and connect with the narratives.

Once the story is set, the music begins, bringing the "cuentos" to life. Tambacum’s performances are rooted in Tamborito and Cumbancha, traditional rhythms that are central to the region’s cultural expression. This workshop invites participants to not only listen but to learn and play these rhythms themselves. No prior experience with drumming or rhythm is necessary—the workshop is open to all levels, from beginners to more advanced musicians.

Dates: Tuesday, October 08

Time: 6:30-8:30pm  

Duration:  2 hours

Teachers:

• Jhon Esteban Lasso Mena - Lead Vocals

• Lina Bryyi Moreno - Backup Vocals

• Juan Camilo Moreno - Maracas & Backup Vocals

• Yowar Mosquera - Bongos 

• Yenny Valencia Reyes - Timba & Backup Vocals

• Julian Mosquera - Charrasca

• Nilson Palacios - Tambora 

• Duvan Felipe Becerra - Timba 

• William Andres Palacios - Backup Vocals

Materials Provided by BLJ:

• snacks, tea, water

Cost: Sliding Scale - Please read below

About our sliding Scale:

$45

8 spots

Consider paying this amount if you have limited expendable income, have little or no access to financial support from family, have significant debt, and little or no access to savings. This is a discounted rate.


$65

6 spots

Consider paying this amount if doing so would be an investment, but not create hardship for your household. You might choose this rate if you are able to regularly meet your basic needs and have some expendable income, can travel every couple years without burden, and have some debt but are able to pay it regularly. This is the true cost of a session.


$85

6 spots

Please consider paying this amount if you are comfortably able to meet your basic needs, own the home you live in, have paid or pay for private education, travel recreationally, have access to financial savings and/or investments, have reliable work or do not have to work to meet your needs, have inherited wealth, and/or have increased earning privilege due to your race, gender, or education. This rate sustains me in working with folx who need a lower rate.


Thanks to Orion Johnstone and Worts & Cunning + Sun English for the language for supporting & articulating sliding scale.