Tribute to Folk Singer Mercedes Sosa January 22, 2011

Casa Argentina de Houston and the University of St. Thomas Center for International Studies will host "The Night of Blue, White and Pink: A Tribute to Mercedes Sosa, World Famous Folk Singer" at 8 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 22, on the UST campus in Jones Hall, 3910 Yoakum.

The Barandúa band, voted Best Latin American Folk Music Band at Houston’s Latin American Festival, will perform Sosa’s music and other selections. Band members include Patricia Gras, vocals and percussion; María Francisca González Rimbau , vocals and guitar; Martín Whittaker, bass guitar; Diego Ledezma , percussion; Luis Montes de Oca , zampoña; Carlos González, vocals, guitar and Gerardo Sanchez, bandoneón.

Sosa, who died in 2009, was one of the most well-known singers from Argentina. She sang folklore, songs of protest and social concern that were inspired by her native heritage and her roots in the provinces. In the 1970s her songs were censored by the military dictatorship ruling Argentina. She went into exile in 1979 until 1982 when the dictatorship ended.
Sosa performed in venues such as the Lincoln Center in New York City, the Théâtre Mogador in Paris and the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, as well as sell-out shows in New York's Carnegie Hall and the Roman Coliseum during her final decade of life. Her career spanned four decades and she has been the recipient of several Grammy awards and nominations, including three nominations which will be decided posthumously. She served as an ambassador for UNICEF.
The recital will benefit Pink Ribbons Project supporting women affected by breast cancer. Admission is $20. Appetizers and refreshments will be available for sale. To purchase tickets, visit www.casargentina.org or call 713-622-2212.