August 18, 2002

This year, Central High School in Champaign Urbana was the center stage for the Sones de México Ensemble Chicago. For nearly two hours, the Ensemble entertained the gathered audience with the upbeat and culturally rich music of Mexico.

During the concert, solo performers were often featured as they played a variety of traditional instruments and moved through an incredible diversity of regional styles, including huapango, gusto, chilenas, son jarocho, and the roots of mariachi music. Many listeners were drawn into the atmosphere of fandango (dance fiesta) as they joined dance circles on the gymnasium floor.