Marimba - San Francisco International Arts Festival 2009 - Guatemalan Singer Ana Nitmar

A unique show presented at The San Francisco International Arts Festival. Ranferi Aguilar and his group played a 40 minute set right after Ana Nitmar and Ixim Tinamit Marimba Ensemble. The group joined Ana Nitmar and Bay Area’s Ixim Tinamit marimba ensemble for the encore. They also conducted successful residency and outreach activities at both La Peña Cultural Center and Union Square. Ranferi Aguilar and his group were introduced to San Francisco by the Guatemalan Consul General, Patricia Ramirez at the SFIAF opening reception on May 20. By producing this engagement, Martin Productions solidified its bonds with the Guatemalan community and the Guatemalan Consul General’s office, who took a great interest in the project. Through its participation in SFIAF, Martin Productions reached beyond the Latino community and promoted the artists to a broader audience. This was especially apparent at the lecture demonstration that took place at Union Square. About 200 people (including a number of tourists), most of whom had never seen or heard of either Ranferi Aguilar or Ana Nitmar were both educated and entertained as the artists explained about and demonstrated the music of Mayan culture and Guatemala. Martin Productions dedicates its efforts to be one of the Bay Areas’ leading presenters of Latin American music in with a focus on Indigenous and African descendent cultures. This engagement has helped us clarify our goals and mission better understand the role our organization can play in the presenting of artists from these cultures.