Guelph Culture Days kicks off with a Fourth Friday concert by Eko Gemah, renowned for their authentic renditions of Andean music from South America. Playing traditional instruments, this band of talented musicians delivers folk music that is loud, boisterous, and danceable.

Every Fourth Friday of the month enjoy free admission to the Civic Museum from 5 to 9 p.m., and a free concert starting at 7 p.m.

Weather-permitting, this performance will take place under the stars on the patio at the Civic Museum. Otherwise, they will move indoors.

Tickets are available on Eventbrite. 

About the Artist:

Eko-Gemah is a folk music band playing sounds from the South
American region of the Andes. The group uses traditional and
contemporary instruments to interpret rhythms and melodies
unique to that corner of Spanish America. Some members have
been performing this music for decades and younger members
are receiving the baton from those experienced performers.
The traditional wind instruments played include bamboo flutes
and pan-type flutes of different sizes, stringed instruments of
various sizes and tunings, and many percussive instruments that
are commonly found in the music. Lyrics to songs are most often
in the Spanish language, and some songs the group interprets in
Quechua and Aymara.

Percussive drums are made with wood, rope and sheep or goat
skin and is common. Commonly called the “bombo”, these
instruments are used in music from Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina
and Uruguay. The most characteristic string instrument from the
region is the “charango”, a small 10 string instrument likened to
the ukulele. The “tiple” is a 12-string parlour guitar type and is
originates in Colombia. The “Venezuelan Cuatro” is another
ukulele type instrument that the group uses. Contemporary
instruments used included the Spanish guitar, electric bass,
electric guitar, cajon, and bongos.

The original Eko-Gemah group was founded over thirty years
ago. The current group is one in transition, with the baton being
handed over by the founders to the next generation. We perform
at cultural festivals, folk festivals and special events.

Members of the Group

Antonio Duran, founding member: Guitar, charango, cuatro, vocals and
various percussive instruments.
René M. Crespo, founding member: Guitar, charango, tiple and vocals.
Diego Duran, next generation member: Quena, quenacho, zampoñas,
toyos, sikus, various percussions and vocals.
Maria Elena Balyta Crespo, next generation member: Charango, tiple,
violín, ukulele, various percussions and vocals.
Peter Vincent Balyta Crespo, next generation member: Electric guitar,
bass guitar, zampoña, toyos, sikus, various percussion instruments, and
vocals.
Elisa Crespo Guardado, newest member: Violin, charango, tiple and
vocals, with more instruments to follow.