Music by Rincon Criollo!
Plena & The Guinness Book World Records
As my teacher Modesto Cepeda always says, it's pretty amazing how "por casualidad" I always end up being in Puerto Rico when there is something exciting is going on. November 9, 2003 was no exception. There I was on La Isla "por casualidad" in time for a Plena competition for the Guinness Book of World Records.
Radio Universidad (WRTU FM 89.7)
of the University of Puerto Rico in Rio Piedras hosted this event in which 365 "pleneros" gathered with panderos to be the largest crowd ever to play plena in one place. It was a great afternoon hanging out with Modesto and members of Cimiento, as well as my dear friend (and compatriota when it comes to book shopping!) Nelie Lebron of Paracumbe. Besides the competition which culminated with 20 minutes of thunderous pandero playing, we were treated by short concerts by Cimiento as well as Paracumbe. Enjoy the memories, as well as the additional articles below!
Additional Stories:
"Plena pa'l Guinness,"
Radio Universidad, wrtu.org, Nov. 10, 2003
Elmer Gonzalez,
"Gran Reunion de pleneros,"
Latin Beat Magazine, Feb 2004.
For more information:
Dr. Ana María Tekina-eirú Maynard
Puerto Rican Folkloric Dance & Cultural Center
Center Location: 701 Tillery Street #13, Austin TX 78702-3740
(Map & Directions)
Mailing Address: 15228 Quiet Pond Court, Austin TX 78728-4555
Phone: +1.512.251.8122
Email: dance@prfdance.org
Web: www.prfdance.org
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