Eduardo Díaz

Eduardo Díaz, former director of the Smithsonian Latino Center and co-founder of the International Accordion Festival, dives into the vibrant world of accordion music in Latin America. He discusses how Eastern European immigration influenced genres like Vallenato and conjunto, emphasizing the accordion's communal nature. The episode celebrates lively songs such as 'La Pollera Colorada' and explores the Brazilian fojo genre's evolution. Díaz also highlights the rich blend of indigenous, African, and European influences in rural Latin American music, showcasing its cultural significance.