An evening in Tucson with Trio Guadalevin

Last Sunday, I had the privilege of attending a performance by Trio Guadalevin at Mission San Xavier del Bac. The trio is based in Seattle and includes Abel Rocha, a multitalented artist who sings and plays guitar and harp; Antonio Gómez, who performs on the Teponaztli, Bombo, Trumpet, and Cajón; and August Denhard, a friend of mine who plays Baroque Guitar, Oud, Theorbo, and Tuba. I had the pleasure of working with Gus in Mexico several years ago.

Antonio M. Gómez

Abel Rocha and Gus Denhard

According to their website, “Trío Guadalevín delves into the musical conversation among Indigenous, European, and African cultures that shape Latin American identity. Through captivating stories and a diverse collection of instruments from the Americas, Africa, and Europe, the trio creates a rich blend of music, languages, culture, history, and geography.”

Despite the rain, many people attended the concert, which was both educational and enjoyable. After the performance, I gave them a tour of St. Augustine Cathedral and Our Lady’s Chapel. They had to return to their accommodations because they were traveling to Phoenix the next morning. I am grateful to Fr. Ponchie Vasquez, Pastor at San Xavier, for inviting me to attend.

El domingo pasado, tuve el privilegio de asistir a una presentación del Trío Guadalevin en la Misión de San Xavier del Bac. El trío, con sede en Seattle, está formado por Abel Rocha, un artista polifacético que canta, toca la guitarra y el arpa; Antonio Gómez, quien toca el teponaztli, el bombo, la trompeta y el cajón; y August Denhard, un amigo mío que toca la guitarra barroca, el laúd, la tiorba y la tuba. Tuve el placer de trabajar con Gus en México hace varios años.

A pesar de la lluvia, mucha gente asistió al concierto, que fue a la vez educativo y agradable. Después de la función, les di un recorrido por la Catedral de San Agustín y la Capilla de Nuestra Señora. Tuvieron que regresar a sus alojamientos porque viajaban a Phoenix a la mañana siguiente.

Agradezco al Padre Ponchie Vásquez, párroco de San Xavier, por invitarme a asistir.