Iroko – Laura Venegas-Rojas and Quimantu

Celebrating the launch of Iroko, the new solo album from Laura Venegas-Rojas

The Iroko album and concerts mark a transition point in Laura's career as the generational baton passes to her from her father Mauricio Venegas-Astorga as lead singer for the Anglo-Chilean group Quimantu.

Inspired by the West African iroko tree, symbolising strength, endurance, and continuity across generations, the breadth of vocal styles and expression across the album reflects the artistic maturity Laura has acquired over recent years of touring and recording.

The depth of emotion in her amazingly beautiful and captivating voice make this a must-listen album and one you will not want to miss; she travels the tradition and the soul of Latin-American songs with an astonishing easiness adding a sophisticated English influence that opens a whole new world in the field of folk music in the UK.

Iroko – The Tree Sings reflects the spirit of the natural world alive within the music of Quimantu, through the many instruments we play that are made of wood and other natural materials and the songs and rhythms that we perform. Andean charangos with beautifully carved details, cuatros resonating with Venezuelan Joropo rhythms, exquisite violin playing and songs and music that speak of people and places, from the coast of England to the shores of South America. Laura’s inimitable vocal style is rooted in her family heritage whilst exploiting the versatility of repertoire she has the talent to perform in Spanish and English.

The concert will feature a repertoire encompassing songwriters and composers across the Latin American and English traditions, such as Victor Jara, Maria Elena Walsh, Mauricio Venegas-Astorga, Steve Knightley alongside Quimantu’s unique arrangements of Western Classical music and English traditional tunes and songs.

Concert start time 8.00pm 

Unreserved seating, doors open 7.30pm

Full address: Jam in a Jar, 599-601 Green Lanes, Harringay Ladder, London N8 0RE

Transport: 

Nearest tube: Turnpike Lane (10 minutes’ walk)
Nearest rail: Harringay Green Lanes (London Overground, Suffragette line) (11 minutes’ walk)
Buses: 29, 141, 341, N29

This concert is produced by Musiko Musika: We are very grateful for the funding support of Arts Council England