Skip to Top NavigationSkip to ContentSkip to Footer
Ferris State University BulldogFerris State University Logo

Andes Manta celebrates traditional Ecuadorian music

pictureBIG RAPIDS – Andes Manta performs the vibrant music of the Andes on more than 35 traditional instruments, from the lyrical sound of the Andean Flute to the haunting tones of the six-foot long pan pipes. The group will perform at Ferris State University’s G. Mennen Williams Auditorium at 8 p.m. April 19.

The four Lopez brothers, Fernando, Luis, Bolivar and Jorge (Andes Manta), learned the folk music of their native Ecuadorian Andes as it has been learned for thousands of years – passed from father to son, brother to brother. Their music and movement are vibrant and powerful, combining the ancient rhythms of the Inca Empire, a rich modern blend of Latin and native music, and the haunting sounds of the rain forest. Andes Manta has held audiences of all ages spellbound, playing to standing ovations.

In addition to the performance, Andes Manta is conducting a pan pipe building workshop at Artworks, downtown Big Rapids, at 10 a.m. the morning of the performance. Created as a hands-on learning experience for children and adults alike, the panpipe workshop is a start to finish lesson in creating one’s own instrument. Each participant is provided with a kit (requires a $10 materials fee) containing pre-tuned South American bamboo pipes, cording and bamboo struts. The musicians teach the participants how to assemble the pan pipes, called pallas, and finish the workshop by teaching all participants how to play a simple traditional Andean song.

The performance is a part of the Live! at Williams Performing Arts Series, a program of the Humanities department and the College of Arts and Science at Ferris State University. The workshop is sponsored by Artworks and Live! at Williams.

Tickets for this event are available at www.ferris.edu/arts/tickets.html. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Adult tickets are $15 in advance, $12 at the door. All seats are reserved.