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Las Colibrí, or "The Hummingbirds," have a passion for music deeply rooted in the tradition of mariachi. These women are flying into new territory as they take a smaller and contemporary approach to the performance of ranchera music. After years of achieving much individual success as instrumentalists and vocalists in various professional arenas, these women have come together to form a string ensemble that is like none other in the genre. Aside from their unique interpretation of traditional sones, huapangos, and rancheras, audiences will also recognize sounds of jazz, rock, oldies, and R&B through their innovative arrangements. With a lovely blend of vocal harmonies, beautiful smiles, and traditional mariachi instrumentation consisting of a Guitarrón (Bass), Guitar, Vihuela (Soprano Guitar), and Violins, Las Colibrí will be sure to get you laughing, crying, singing and even dancing to their contagious beats and melodies. Las Colibrí got their big break in 2009 working with the Latino comedy troupe "Culture Clash" in a production of Aristophanes' Peace at the Getty Villa directed by Bill Rauch, and in 2011 were a hit in OSF's production of Measure for Measure. Las Colibrí on Community: Our community first and foremost are those that love music. There is no doubt that our music has a special way of touching the hearts of our Latin community, and especially those of Mexican heritage, but since we became part of the Oregon Shakespeare family in 2011, our community is right here in Oregon as well! We are interested in sharing our music to other Latino communities throughout the United States and making sure that the locals and new fans of Las Colibrí have a venue to see and hear us.
FULL CIRCLE SOULJAHS
Powerfully inspired by various forms of street performance, Full Circle Productions has brought a complete spectrum of approachable and straight-from-the-heart Hip-hop culture into theaters: The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors Festival, Dance Theater Workshop/NY Live Arts, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, OSF, and The New Victory Theater, among others.
This NYC based company was founded in 1992, under the direction of dancers/choreographers Gabriel "Kwikstep" Dionisio and Ana "Rokafella" Garcia and attained not-for-profit status for Full Circle Prod. Inc. in 1996. Their mission has been to educate and share the idea that Hip-hop is not merely what contemporary media portrays. Hip-hop culture is at its core about real people striving to change and grow; it's about survival and moving past limitations using the power of creativity through the body, beat and the song. Full Circle has recently added the documentary film All the Ladies Say, a 45-minute journey into a cross section of women who participate in the male dominated Break Dance community, to its productions. The film has been screened at NJPAC for Alternate Routes, Lincoln Center's Dance on Camera film festival and the UK's Southbank Centre for the B Supreme Women in Hip-hop festival, as well as universities and dance academies. In addition, Full Circle has also added live music (the RPM band; the 'Behind The Groove' Club Party) to their interactive platform.
Full Circle Soul on Community: We serve the urban community of Latino, Asian, and African American youth but since Hip-hop is multi-generational and multi-ethnic, our dance and urban storytelling resonates with anyone who loves art.
(photo: Las Colibrí)