Concerts, Museums & Other Presentations
Be prepared to experience the wondrous world of the Mexica/Aztecs in a presentation
of ancient poetry, narratives, oral tradition stories, and ballads. Throughout
this cultural/educational program 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 utilizes many
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 great opportunity not only to
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 manner 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.
This musical presentation is primarily in English with many Nahuatl words and phrases included throughout the program. Some pieces are bilingual and one song in particular, the Planting Song, is a trilingual piece incorporating Spanish, Nahuatl, and English.
You 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. You 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 many interested listeners throughout California, and recently in states as far from California as Minnesota, Illinois, Connecticut, New Mexico, and Mexico.
Michael Heralda's "Aztec Stories" program is "Edu-tainment" in the truest sense of the word.
Performance Fees for Concerts, Museums, Universities, Culture Centers, Festivals, and other related Cultural/Family events:
For a detailed listing of fees and related costs for single and multiple solo/group presentations please e-mail the artist at: E-mail: michaelheralda@aol.com
Please include in your e-mail address, the name of hosting organization, proposed date of event, and all contact information such as phone numbers, event site address, e-mail, web page and best time to contact organization representative.
All travel related expenses are billed separately.
Travel expenses include:
- Airfare/Rental Car
- Hotel Accommodations
- Meal per diem
- Ground Transportation (to/from airport/hotel/performance sites)
Please note: All fees are negotiable and approximate. The hosting organization
and the artist must sign a contract before any out-of -pocket expenditures
(airfare/hotel charges/reservations) can be made. Fees under the heading of
"Travel Expenses" will be actualized at time of booking reservations.
Approximate charges for hotel (per night) are based on an $80.00 per night
average (applies to "solo" presentations only - costs are
higher for group accommodations and room sharing is acceptable). Discounts
apply for multiple presentations within the same city. For presentations within
the same city that include additional hosting organizations and performance
sites, the travel expenses will be shared by all hosting organizations.
ON-SITE REQUIREMENTS FOR "SOLO" PRESENTATIONS:
- Public Address system: 3 microphones (2 on boom stands/1 on straight stand)
- 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 Mayan Bubalek Gourd
Water Drums
- One bottle of drinking water during performance/presentation
- Assistant to help with set-up of equipment
- A room full of interested listeners!
ON-SITE REQUIREMENTS FOR “GROUP” PRESENTATIONS:
- Public Address system: 6 microphones (5 on boom stands/1 on straight stand)
- Three Tables: two 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 Mayan Bubalek Gourd
Water Drums
- Four bottles of drinking water during performance/presentation
- Assistance to help with set-up of equipment
- A bigger room full of interested listeners!