Birthday Part 1

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Happy Birthday to Me!

Yesterday was my 29th birthday! I had a wonderful day and wanted to share my photos of the day.

The celebration started Friday night with a Illapu concert at the Teatro Municipalidad de Valparaiso. They use A LOT of instruments, guitar, bass, drums, various bongos, etc., flutes, traditional indian wind instruments. It's incredible the variety and expertise they each have. And what was really impressive is the fan base. They LOVE Illapu. Everyone was dancing and singing along. Such a great, cultural experience for me. And Carlos had a wonderful time too! ( I think he might have enjoyed my birthday present more than me. haha)

This is some information about them that I got off of Wikipedia:

• prounounced ee-YAH-poo. The name comes from 'quechua' (an Andean language spoken in South America) and means "Sun Ray"
• They are a Chilean folk and andean musical band that was formed in 1971 in Antofagasta, in northern Chile
• In 1981, because of the repression under the Pinochet regime, they were forced into exile - going first to France and later Mexico City.
• In 1988, due to the improved political climate, they returned to Chile.
• Their novel musical approach and aesthetics on stage gained them the recognition from music critics and praise from the general public.
• At this stage they began to be considered a new element in the “Nueva Canción Chilena”/New Chilean Song movement.

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Photos

Me at 'once' before the concert
Before the concert we went to this little cafe in Valpo for 'once' and tea. Mmmmm.

One of the tons of wind instraments they used.
Very impressive and beautiful sound!

Lead singer Roberto Marquez
The band was started by 3 brothers, who still remain in the band.

Comments

[Jan Shannon]

Wow!
Looks like such a fun time, Tori! I'm glad you had a great birthday. Love you, Jan