The inspiration for Los Gaiteros De San Jacinto’s music is rooted in tradition; technically, the band started 77 years ago. As they share in this Meet the Artist video, their music narrates their experiences growing up, “the villages, the farmers, and the men who work the land” in their native Colombia. That’s why it was such an honor for them to take the stage at Levitt Pavilion Los Angeles back in 2012 on Colombian Independence day.

Dedicated to preserving their culture, and encouraging the practice of traditional Colombian Cumbia – a genre that has become less ubiquitous as generations pass by – the GRAMMY-winning Los Gaiteros De San Jacinto is recognized as one of the most important musical groups from their native country. They have even recorded music on Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, a label that continues to press decades-old songs from the traditional North and South American songwriting canon.

The new generation of Los Gaiteros are passionate about bringing their music to the world, and spreading the joy of their music to cultures that aren’t typically exposed to Colombian Cumbia. Having an opportunity to perform at a community-building space like a Levitt Pavilion, for families from near and far, is a great joy for the group.

Meet more artists who have performed on Levitt stages on our website!