JUVENATO - CONJUNTO DE VALLENATO

Juvenato is a Chicago based group that plays an authentic yet innovative version of Colombian vallenato, cumbia, merengue, paseo and son. Their poignant and energetic music attracts a diverse fan base of young and old, who dance enthusiastically to the African based rhythms. The name Juvenato is a compilation of the Spanish words “juventud” meaning youth and “vallenato” one of the popular folk music of Colombia.

Being born and raised in Cartagena, Colombia, group leader and accordion player Hernan “Nancho” Caraballo had been exposed to the Colombian culture and music his whole life. In 2004 Hernan decided he wanted to share his passion of music with others and it was then that Juvenato was formed.

The group consists of 9 members that range from ages 16 to 30. Although most of the members are native from Colombia there are a few that are from other countries such as Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic, bringing great diversity to the group.

The instruments that compose the group are the accordion, caja, guacharaca, bass guitar, congas and timbales. Many of these instruments originate from different parts of the world such as Africa, Europe and Colombia’s indigenous culture.

Although Juvenato is based in Chicago and caters to local restaurants, festivals and private parties, they can also be found playing at many cultural events throughout the Midwest. Their youth and talents bring a vast energy into any room and no matter what nationality you are or what language you speak, you will have no alternative but to get up, start dancing and join in the fun.