Concerts, Museums, Universities and Family Festivals
Be prepared to experience the wondrous world of the Mexica/Aztecs in an interactive presentation that includes music and indigenous instruments, oral tradition stories, poetry, and enlightened narratives - all from the indigenous perspective!
Throughout this cultural and highly educational presentation you will learn about the history, philosophy, language, culture, ceremonies, traditions, foods, and arts of the Mexica/Aztecs from the indigenous perspective. Michael Heralda brings and shares numerous hand-made indigenous styled instruments and allows the listening audience a rare opportunity for interactive improvisational participation. For those interested in ancient instruments, this is a rare opportunity not only to see, hear, and learn about them but to actually play them as well! Almost all of the instruments Michael brings are hand-made. These unique instruments are made either by Michael, using readily available materials, or by his friends - talented artisans and musicians such as Xavier Quijas Yxayotl, Martin Espino, and members of Tribu (in Mexico) - a group of musicians respectfully considered a national treasure of Mexico.
Michael has structured his performance and presentation of songs, ballads, and narratives in the format of an outline - giving the listening audience a well-rounded educational experience. Each piece covers a distinct aspect of the culture such as: ancient poetry, philosophy, history, the ceremonies and traditions, and foods. Themed presentations are also offered throughout the year - some are seasonal while others are topic/subject specific.
Aztec Stories presentations are primarily in English with many Nahuatl words and phrases shared and explained throughout the presentation. Some pieces are bilingual and one song in particular, the Planting Song, is a trilingual piece incorporating Spanish, Nahuatl, and English.
Audience participants will have the opportunity to: sing songs in the Nahuatl language, to play ancient indigenous styled instruments, and to learn about a culture from the indigenous perspective. Audience members will also learn about the connection that men and women share with all elements of nature. You, your friends, and family will get a view of the Mexica/Aztec world that few can witness without the aid of an experienced guide.
Michael has fine-tuned his program for any age group. He has presented his "Aztec Stories" program to listeners and participants across the United States.
BOOKING INFORMATION:
Please contact the artist to request a quote/estimate for your event.
To schedule a presentation contact the artist and be prepared to supply the following information: your name and contact information, your e-mail address, the name of venue, proposed date of event, web site, and best time to contact hosting representative. Also let me know if you are a past host or are being referred by a past host.
Travel expenses include:
- Airfare/Rental Car/Mileage/Ground Transportation
- Hotel Accommodations
- Meal per diem
The hosting organization and the artist must sign a contract before any out-of-pocket expenditure will be made (reservations for airfare/hotel charges/rental car). Fees under the heading of "Travel Expenses" will be actualized at time of booking reservations (booking an event 4 to 6 months in advance will secure better travel rates and expenses).
Discounts apply for multiple presentations within the same city/same tour. For presentations (within the same tour) that include additional hosting organizations and performance sites, the travel expenses will be shared by all hosting organizations - each host supports a portion or percentage of all travel expenses.
ON-SITE REQUIREMENTS:
- Public Address system: 4 microphones on boom stands.
- Two Tables: one 3' x 6' (approx. size), one 3' x 3'(approx. size)
- One sitting stool (approx. ht. 26" - 30")
- Access to water (hose or large faucet) for filling of Gourd Water Drums
- Two bottles of drinking water during performance/presentation
- Assistant to help with set-up of equipment
- Secured parking near presentation site.