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Talleres with Jose Ledezma “Agua”
October 5, 2025 @ 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Learn in community as we continue our Son Jarocho workshop series! This Son Jarocho workshop, guided by Jose Ledezma “Agua”, will dive into the song (son) called, El Toro Zacamandú.
In this 3-hour immersive workshop, you’ll learn about its Afro-Mexican history and participate in the song’s unique characteristics. Participants will review lyrics and use a variety of instruments such as jaranas, tarima, pandeiro and marimbol. Instruments will be provided and are welcomed.
Son Jarocho
Discover the vibrant rhythms and melodies of Son Jarocho, the folkloric music from Veracruz, Mexico. Participants will learn the jarana (guitar), jarocho rhythms and the rhythmic feet-stomping zapateado dance that is integral to the culture. Through collaborative playing, this workshop will connect participants to a centuries-old musical tradition that celebrates life and cultural resistance.
We ask participants to stay for the full 3 hours. Open to all ages and experience levels.
Jose Ledezma “Agua”
Jose Ledezma “Agua” is a cultural arts educator, multi-instrumentalist, folklorist, poet, mask maker, and community organizer. With over 20 years of experience teaching in the San Bernardino & Redlands Unified School Districts, Montessori schools—as well as at community centers across California—Agua has dedicated his life to preserving and sharing cultural traditions through the arts.
In 2009, he founded MiLPA, a collective rooted in community empowerment through cultural music and artistic expression. Milpa began by bringing live musical presentations into the neighborhoods of San Bernardino, creating accessible and vibrant cultural experiences for local residents. Milpa has also recorded various albums and has shared their music with the world.
Agua also established the Multi-Cultural Music Tree, a dynamic program that blends music, storytelling, “instrument petting zoos”, and mask-making to offer rich, multicultural presentations. MCMT has reached hundreds of school assemblies, community events, and concerts, sparking creativity and cultural awareness in audiences of all ages.
Driven by a deep passion for tradition and education, Jose Ledezma “Agua” continues to inspire and uplift through the transformative power of the arts.
Free
