Described as high energy, ancient with ancestral sounds, the Mystic Warriors deliver quite a musical show at the Tivoli Theater. Along with the fabulous drummer, bass, and guitarist, the eight piece ensemble includes not one but two congo players, each playing an assortment of percussive and wind chime instruments to relay the ancient rhythms. Even the featured pan flute player beats a drum periodically while producing some of the purest vibratory sounds this side of the Andes.
The dynamic duo are Andres and Marco Mallea, pan flute player extraordinaire and his guitarist brother. The brothers lead the band on an exciting range of musical styles with roots across South America- Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina and of course, Peru, while including some funky contemporary numbers in the mix. The title “El Condor Pasa” may not be familiar, but the ascending note melody is the popular song heard on many a metro corner. Andres Mallea plays an assortment of pan pipes, several are even strapped on his back and range from tiny to massive. He can also coax some amazing sounds from a mandolin type guitar, the charango, with strokes that sound almost like a keyboard. A second flute player adds a lovely richness to the music and tops the chart with sounds from a homemade saxophone made from bamboo.
If you’re wondering why see a concert when you can hear excellent pan flute players for free at the Metro, think again. An Enchanted Evening in the Andes with the Mystic Warriors showcases a premiere collection of artists, acoustical sound design, synthesizers and the excitement and energy. The opening of one particular number was hauntingly touching, and I wondered why I was so inexplicably moved by its melodious tones and delicate passages, only to find out that it’s called the “Widows Alley.” in memory of the thousands of wives left behind after the slaughter of men who “disappeared” during the Pinochet regime in Chile. You won’t get that kind of experience on a street corner.
Running Time: 120 minutes
Tickets: An Enchanted Evening in the Andes
When: Fri, July 11 at 7:30pm . Sat, July 12 at 7:30 pm
Where: Tivoli, 3333 14th St. NW, Washington, DC 20010
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