TAINO
Exciting, original, dynamic, musically
electrifying performances of cross cultural excellence.
See a video clip of TAINO's performance (note, the video shows some of their musical performance, it does not capture the elaborate audience participation that is a hallmark of all their shows):
Choose from the following programs:
1. CALYPSO
JAM-O-RAMA
This festive
fun filled performance adds the sparkle of steel drum to TAINO’S diverse
ensemble of instruments. In a highly participatory performance, Sana &
Papo explore Mento, Calypso, and Reggae rooted in the Anglo Afro culture of the
islands.
2. THE LATIN AMERICAN JOURNEY
This musical adventure retraces TAINO’s five-year journey
through Central and South America and the Caribbean. Authentic Latin American
songs from Puerto Rico, Mexico, Guatemala, and Jamaica are 
integrated with some of TAINO’s original compositions which have been inspired
by the countries and people that they encountered. Songs are interwoven with
stories involving some of the history of Christopher Columbus and personal
experiences. The program is bilingual (some Spanish with English translations),
and full of audience participation. A large map of the area is displayed and
used for definition of the areas traveled.
Through story, song, and theatre, TAINO takes students on a journey with Christopher Columbus exploring the world that Columbus encountered in his many voyages to America, and the subsequent transformation of that world with the meeting of the Native American, European, and African peoples. As TAINO journeys with Columbus to the lands we now call Puerto Rico, Guadelupe, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Columbia, and Venezuela, the students will be invited to actively participate in the songs and will be encouraged to reflect on the historical significance of Columbus’ voyages. Many will discover Christopher Columbus and his "new" world for the first time. Twelve pre-selected students will be part of the presentation on stage.
4. CARIBBEAN HOLIDAY
TAINO takes the audience on a journey of Caribbean music
during the holiday season, visiting Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Trinidad, Guadalupe,
and Jamaica. Without any reference to religious traditions, TAINO has retained
the joyous and festive nature of the Caribbean during the holiday season.
Although the emphasis is to experience the music of these people, their foods,
costumes, and a bit of the history of each country is explored. Throughout this
educational and entertaining journey, some students will have the opportunity to
actively participate in playing percussion instruments accompanying TAINO,
experiencing the French speaking, Spanish speaking, and English speaking
traditions of the Caribbean.
5. THE RAIN FOREST
This presentation features music inspired by the sounds and flavors of the major rain forest areas of the world. Students travel along the Equator, visiting the most critically endangered forest regions, from the Amazon of South America, to the great forests of central Africa, to the magic jungles of Indonesia, to the rapidly disappearing forests of our own North American continent. Through stories, ethnic instruments, special songs, and language from remote parts of the world, TAINO helps students to understand and appreciate the deep connection we all share with our living and imperiled earth. The program includes direct student participation in the music. Workshops are available for students and music teachers interested in more intensive vocal choral involvement in conjunction with a community concert.
6. CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL CELEBRATION
This is a very festive, celebratory program geared especially
for end of school year and other fun family events. It includes new
instrumentation (Sana gets to demonstrate her dazzling keyboard skills). The
emphasis here is on participation! For example, Papo leads four audience members
in a short reggae percussion workshop while Sana directs a backup chorus of 2-4
vounteers in preparation for the full band performance and audience sing-along.
As with all TAINO programs, the show varies to suit the age level of the
audience, with special consideration given to sponsor preferences.
7. GRACIAS A LA VIDA (Thanksgiving Around the World)
For millennia, the people of the world have felt the need to affirm their connection with the earth and nature’s bounty. Combining story, music, masks, dance, ethnic musical instruments, and audience participation, TAINO celebrates the harvest time. Journey with TAINO to the Celtic harvest traditions of the British Isles, to the Latino harvest festivities of the Caribbean, to the rainforest rituals of the Mbuti in Africa, and tot he rice harvest ceremonies of Asia. This is truly a bountiful celebration!
8.
ISLAND CALYPSO TRIO
TAINO brings to the world of family entertainment a show that will keep any audience hopping in their seats. Inspired by the likes of Buena Vista Social Club, Harry Belafonte, Bob Marley, the Mighty Sparrow, and Tito Puente, TAINO will take the audience on a journey that will fascinate and astound the ears, giving the audience a true taste of the upbeat, big band, island sound. In addition to the sizzling piano, cooking congas, and soaring vocals, TAINO adds trombonist and steel drummer extraordinaire, Dan DeWalt to create an uplifting entertainment event!
Workshops and residencies, as well as specially designed performances are also available!
Drawing upon their twenty-plus years of direct experience, TAINO will offer small, hands-on workshops, related to the themes of any of their 7 performances, including Latin-American music, rainforests, Spanish language and culture, and more.
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Who are TAINO? Drawing on her training at Berklee College of Music, and her apprenticeship with renowned instructors Karl Berger and Charles Banacos, Sana has spent over 25 years developing her unique styles of performance and teaching that include improvisational vocal techniques based on Latin and African dialects, polyrhythms and contemporary world composition methodologies. Papo, inspired by West African rhythms, began to develop his unique style of drumming as a young child. At age sixteen, he completed 2 years training at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA, and consequently began his work as a singer/songwriter exploring the integration of poetic forms in composition. Papo's distinguishing performance talent is his ability to easily assimilate the vast array of world rhythms, his specialty being Afro-Latin-Caribbean percussion. Meeting at the Creative Music Foundation in Woodstock, NY, in 1975, Sana and Papo began the collaboration that would become TAINO. Since their return in 1984 from their 5 year sojourn in Central and South American and the Caribbean, they have performed as the duo TAINO and as the core of the larger ensemble, CLAVE MUNDIAL, in a wide variety of performance venues: preschools to universities, libraries, multi-media productions, prisons, hospitals, elder-care homes, festivals, parks, performing arts centers, hotels, and migrant worker camps. They have successfully produced 6 recordings to date, including 2 productions of Caribbean and World music for all ages. Since 1986, they have resided on their eco-farm in the south central mountains of Puerto Rico, where they continue to conduct intercultural exchange programs for students of all ages and backgrounds. While on the island, they perform at various venues including "Festivales Patronales" and as the house band at "Los Balcones" in the Hilton Hotel of Ponce, Puerto Rico.
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"TAINO is an outstanding musical duo. Their presentations about Latino
cultures are heartfelt and tremendously entertaining. From prekindergarten
through High School, every performance has been greeted with enthusiasm from
students and teachers alike."
—Freeport School District, Freeport, NY
"The group offered a combination of warmth and enthusiasm combined with
a talent and an excellent feel for what appealed to the crowd. They seem to
really enjoy what they do and encourage the audience to interact with them. They
were great!"
—Pawtucket Parks and Recreation, Pawtucket, RI
"Flawless! The marvelous blended voices and upbeat Latin rhythms had our
students breaking out in spontaneous rhythmic applause. Taino's performance added
more than music enrichment.... The narrative that accompanied their program of
song allowed the students to 'visit' another culture. I would recommend Taino to
any organization that is looking for a program that entertains, enriches, and
promotes the building of cultural bridges."
—Triton Regional School, Byfield, MA
"In addition to their beautiful voices and obvious theatrical talents,
they easily engaged the children. The show was loaded with interesting
historical facts. Everyone left feeling that world peace is a possibility."
—Gen. John Nixon Elementary School, Sudbury, MA
For further information about availability, fees, or booking this program into your facility, contact:
Encore Performing Arts, Inc.
P.O. Box 630
Melville, NY 11747
631-423-0747 • Outside area, call toll-free 800-669-9850
fax: 631-423-1795
ENCORE's home page | Roster of ENCORE's performers | Information about fees and availability