Folk Arts - Gritos del Alma

Gritos del Alma, meaning cries of the soul, is a project which began in 1992 out of the Washington State Arts Commission's desire to recognize and honor the diverse traditions of the people of Mexican descent who reside in Washington State. The project began with a survey of folk arts in the Yakima area. It was quickly discovered that within a 50-mile radius of Yakima there was a wealth of traditional culture. Music and dance surfaced as being particularly prominent expressions of traditional art.

In consultation with the Mexican-American advisors for this project, it was decided that the first event of the project would be a tardeada (an afternoon concert) at radio station KDNA in Granger. For this purpose we worked with Radio KDNA to bring together Chicano, Mexicano, and Tejano musicians from the Yakima Valley to represent old and new styles of music from a number of regions. This music reflects styles which are regularly heard throughout the state at such community celebrations and places of gathering as weddings, quinceañeras, anniversaries, churches, and dance halls.

This book and cassette tape offer a sampling of the music which was presented at the first Gritos del Alma event. Researchers Joan Rabinowitz and Cathy Ragland worked diligently with Jack Straw Productions to assemble this tribute to Radio KDNA and the musicians of the Yakima area.

The 60-minute tape presents delightful ballads written by nationally known songwriter Juan Barco; songs and instrumentals by one of the continent's best harp bands, Los Campesinos de Michoacan; and lively polkas and cumbias by many of the region's best nortena and conjunto artists. All the music was recorded at a concert in Granger in October 1993.

The 24-page book includes an introductory essay by Professor Ersasmo Gamboa; extensive notes on the musicians by Cathy Ragland; translations and texts of the songs , and a rich assortment of maps and photographs.The project was produced by the Washington State Arts Commission, KDNA, and Jack Straw. Copies of the book/tape are available for $12 plus $1.50 postage by contacting Willie Smyth or call 360-586-2856.