Los Pleneros de la 21
Genre: afro-latin, folk
Group Size: 8 members
Artist Homepage: https://www.losplenerosdela21.org/
This artist can provide virtual programming for American Music Abroad.
Biography
Los Pleneros de la 21 is an intergenerational ensemble of top venerated musicians and Bomba and Plena practitioners. LP21 is known for creating infectious sounds which combine the folkloric and raw percussion elements of Puerto Rican Bomba & Plena genres with contemporary and urban styles (Son, Salsa, Jazz, etc). Since 1983, LP21 has toured internationally to 200+ cities, received a Grammy Nomination & numerous critical acclaim. Regarded as the premiere Bomba and Plena institution, Los Pleneros de la 21 are NYC’s Bomba and Plena Ambassadors to the World.
The LP21 troupe effectively blends traditionally oriented original works with contemporary repertoire that captures the intense drive and swinging spirit of these iconic Afro-Puerto Rican musical genres. Live performances include recorded and unrecorded material exclusive to Los Pleneros de la 21 and the general domain of the Bomba and Plena tradition – in particular, selections from their Grammy nominated Smithsonian Folkways album, Para Todos Ustedes (2004), and their latest recording, Los Pleneros de la 21 Live at Pregones: 35 years of Bomba & Plena (2016), by Truth Revolution Records.
Los Pleneros de la 21 Live at Pregones is an ode to the group’s long arduous yet satisfying journey – milestone indeed, of a lifetime of work, blood, sweat, tears and laughter of countless dedicated Bomberos, Pleneros, educators and cultural advocates, raising their spear in the name of Puerto Rican Bomba & Plena, and the makers of this tradition.
The group is currently recording its latest album, expected to be released in the fall of 2021.