Acclaimed Cuban Tres Virtuoso Pancho Amat Performs During CMA Music Festival
The international appeal of Country Music is evident and celebrated during 2012 CMA Music Festival, held this week in Nashville, Tenn.
For the first time, critically acclaimed tres guitar virtuoso, Pancho Amat and his band El Cabildo del Son, will perform during the annual gathering of Country Music lovers from around the globe.
“Music is a universal language that has the ability to bridge cultural divides and connect people through sound to their shared roots and experiences,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Our fans appreciate music and performers that are authentic and I believe our audiences will appreciate Pancho’s style of Cuban ‘Country’ music.”
Amat is a Cuban musician specializing in tres, a three-stringed, plucked instrument, which is similar to the guitar. He founded the group Manguaré in 1971 and elevated tres playing to a new level by applying theory and technique derived from jazz. He is currently the band leader of El Cabildo del Son. Son is recognized as traditional Cuban music in the style of the troubadours.
Each year, artists, fans, and members of the press representing more than two dozen foreign countries attend CMA Music Festival. During this year’s event, 22 Country artists representing five different territories have been announced for the 2012 Global Events showcases. Among the foreign press corps is BBC Radio, who will be onsite for the second year to produce four, one-hour programs that will be broadcast in the UK this summer.
“One of CMA’s missions is to help promote Country Music around the world and it is exciting to use a world-class event like CMA Music Festival to accomplish this important goal,” said Moore.
Pancho Amat and El Cabildo del Son will perform on the Bridgestone Arena Stage Saturday at 2:00 PM; and on the BIC Stage in the Bic Soleil Bella Beach on Sunday at 1:55 PM. Both performances are free and open to the public.
Featuring concerts, autograph signings, family activities, and more, CMA Music Festival is the Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience – a four-day celebration of America’s music. In 2011, the event drew a record-setting 65,000 fans from all 50 states and 26 nations and, for the second consecutive year, sold out in advance each night at LP Field for the star-packed Nightly Concerts. According to the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau, direct visitor spending generated by the Festival totaled more than $30 million. CMA Music Festival is a four-time winner of the International Entertainment Buyers Association’s LIVE! Award for Festival of the Year (2004, 2006, 2008, 2010).
CMA Music Festival is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. Fan Fair® is a registered trademark of CMA. Chevrolet™ is the Official Ride of Country Music. American Airlines is the Official Airline of the CMA Music Festival. BIC is an Official Partner of the 2012 CMA Music Festival. Bad Boy Buggies are the Official UTV of the CMA Music Festival. Connect with CMA online at CMAfest.com, Facebook.com/CMA and Twitter.com/CountryMusic.