"Los Chaskis" Local Andean Music in Utah

"Los Chaskis" de Utah

If you are looking for authentic and exciting music in Utah, look no further. “Los Chaskis,” based in Salt Lake City, are your best option when it comes to Andean music in Utah. A diverse group of composers, poets and musicians, the members of the group create a unique sound that draws from various regions of the South American Andes. The members of the group all have different nationalities, and their different backgrounds are the framework for the blend of folkloric, traditional Andean music that they play.

Edwin Román playing Peruvian pan-flute

During our events, we strive to create an atmosphere that invokes a spirit of “being there,” as we are a humanitarian organization working primarily in Andean nations. “Los Chaskis” were the key to fulfilling this aspect of the show during an amazing night of great food, appreciation, and entertainment at the equally spectacular venue of LaCaille. The music, well exciting and uplifting, was perfect for our formal event and was never overbearing.

Mario Gonzales from Bolivia on Guitar

Although some members of the group rotate show to show, “Los Chaskis” performed with a three-man ensemble the night of our event. Each member masterfully plays a variety of instruments and knows a large repertoire of music. Traditional songs from Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Chile were performed with hints of each country’s influence permeating into each song. Instruments included the Charango (a small lute-like guitar played by Mario Gonzales from Bolivia), Peruvian Pan-flutes (played by Edwin Román from Peru), a Venezuelan harp (played skillfully by group member Eligio Garcia from Venezuela), guitars and assorted percussion.

Eligio Garcia playing a Venezuelan Harp

The Ascend Alliance was honored to have this amazing group perform for our annual Partner Appreciation dinner, and we were so surprised by their skill and professionalism that we decided to write this review on their performance and establish an ongoing partnership for future events. We highly recommend “Los Chaskis” for formal or informal events, and for people who are just looking to have great music at their event regardless of whether or not they are looking specifically for Andean music. You will surely not be disappointed!

Contact:

Edwin Román
Phone: (801) 702-3075
edwin_romay@hotmail.com

Friendship Ambassadors

International Volunteer Work Helps Improve Foreign Relations

Sure, the United States has ambassadors in almost every country in the world. But do they really have a positive effect on the way people view us? Theoretically, an ambassador's job is to "negotiate and disseminate information in order to keep peace and establish relationships with other countries." One thing that is not clear is whether or not our ambassadors have succeeded in establishing GOOD, mutually beneficial relationships with other countries. That would probably explain the generally negative perception that foreigners have of our country. That's where we come in.


Through Ascend's international internship program, US Citizens are able to fully connect with the people living in these countries, establish real friendships and empower their friends to rise out of poverty and better their lives. Take for example Bolivia, with a notoriously anti-American government in power. Ask anyone who has worked with or benefited from our Bolivia program what they think of the US, and you will be pleasantly surprised by their response. They don't harbor negative sentiment towards individual US Citizens. They may be critical of our political policies and tendency to dominate international dialogue, but they know that there are good people living in the US that want to see them prosper on their own terms.


One of the best things about Ascend is that we don't impose on the communities where we work. We utilize an asset-based approach where we help identify what a community is good at and where they want to be in 5 years. We identify leaders within the communities and help them develop their ability to be the role-models and mentors that a community needs to better itself. Unfortunately, we can't reach all of the people who could benefit from the message that we offer. We are too small to establish personal relationships with whole countries or even whole cities, but that doesn't mean we aren't making a difference and it doesn't stop us from trying. Our mission is to empower those in need to save their children and rise out of poverty. However, improving international relationships on a small scale through our sustainable development programs is a welcome side-effect of our work.