Iroko Nuevo
Iroko Nuevo Performance Group is a thirteen-member ensemble specializing in music and dance from Afrocuban folkoric traditions, such as Yoruba, Congo, Palo, rumba, carnival, son and more. Iroko Nuevo had its origins in 2001, when Artistic Director Miguel Periche, a native of HolguĂn, Cuba, and principal dancer of Conjunto Folklorico Oku, left Cuba for the Pioneer Valley.
For several years Miguel’s ensemble was known as Grupo Folklorico Palo Santo, and, in addition to performances, held weekly dance classes in Northampton, MA. In 2012, the group expanded, adding professional singers and additional musicians, and changed its name to Iroko Nuevo, reflecting the new focus. In the Afrocuban religion LucumĂ, or Santeria, the iroko tree is a gathering place for the orishas – the saints and ancestors of African religion. The dancers, musicians and singers of Iroko Nuevo gather in this same spirit. We believe that dance, drum and song are not only good for the soul, but help to build community.
The Iroko Nuevo Performance Group has performed in schools, museums, community festivals, benefits for local non-profit organizations, and private venues, and has been teaching and performing Afrocuban dance in the Pioneer Valley since 2007. In 2013 the group received Massachusetts Cultural Council grants from Easthampton, Greenfield, Holyoke, Northampton and Shutesbury to host a series of events, La Noche Cubana: An Afrocuban Dance and Drum Experience. This “Cuban Night” features live music, dance performances, song, education about Afrocuban traditions and a community dance. From rumba to carnival, folkloric to contemporary hip hop, Iroko Nuevo is pleased to share the beauty of Cuban rhythms, song, and dance. For more information on upcoming events find us on Facebook, or at our website IrokoNuevo.com.
