New Inca Son

The richness of Andean folklore comes alive with New Inca Son, "proud bearer of an indispensable cultural legacy." (Keith Lockhart, Boston Pops Conductor). The group has performed its ancient melodies and dances on world class stages and in classrooms in 15 different U.S. states. In 2019, New Inca Son headlined at both of our country's Smithsonian Nat'l Museums of the American Indian(NYC and Washington DC). In 2015, the band performed at the Kennedy Center for the Arts and the Smithsonian FolkLife Festival; and at The Mann Center (PA) for an audience of over 4000 enthusiastic kids from inner city schools. In 2024 New Inca Son was named BarnArtsGlobal Music Resident, performing and doing workshops throughout NH and VT.

New Inca Son's mission is to preserve its indigenous heritage, and to instill, particularly in children and young people, an understanding and appreciation of it. Our artists perform and educate, offering hands-on workshops, interactive concerts, and residencies for students in schools, colleges, libraries, and performing arts centers. As recognition for its educational work, the band earned the 2007 "Distinguished Arts Educator in Music" award from the Mass Alliance for Arts Education and 2009 "Gold Star Award," Mass Cultural Council. Manager Marianne Ruggiero is available to help educators write grant proposals to NEFA toward bringing the group to their schools for activities which connect meaningfully to Music, Dance, Social Studies, World History, and Spanish.

In terms of programming, New Inca Son is often engaged for activities which link to multicultural celebrations, such as International Week or Hispanic Heritage Month; however, we are pleased to work with educators and/or presenters to plan special programs which make connections to your organization's interests and/or area of study. Any configuration of the band can be engaged, from a Soloist or Duo to the Trio or Full Band. .

Pricing varies, and the Manager can work with your budget. We can also work with presenters from non-profits on grant proposals. Special prices can be arranged if the presenter contracts New Inca Son for a combination of activities, for ex a concert combined with one or several workshops. A range of age-appropriate workshops are available, including learning the basics of the pan flute (students 12 and up) or a fun traditional Andean folk dance. For this reason we have been called “living culture.”