This is the surprising tale of how a mountainous region in the Peruvian Andes came to adopt saxophone music as it was played in New York City in the big band era of the 40s and 50s.

Here in the Montaro Valley, 10,000 feet above sea level, blues, jazz, and rock and roll are interpreted in the rhythms and melodies of folkloric traditions. Every folk orchestra in the Peruvian central mountains has at least 11 or 12 saxophones, accompanied by a violin, a harp, and one or two clarinets. Local musicians imitate the New York style of the big band era, wearing dark, beautifully tailored suits, Al Capone fedoras, and neckties, often emblazoned with “I love New York.”

In this poor rural area, weddings take on the magic and exuberance of the world of Garcia Marquez. The smallest wedding has at least two orchestras, with 18 musicians each. The music never stops. The musicians accompany the bride, dancing through the streets of the village along with the guests..

This lively film is fascinating musical anthropology as well as a heart warming portrait of musicians passionate about their heritage, but also longing for recognition in the larger world.

“It is not only an excellent piece of musical anthropology but an inspiring human story.”
–Center of Indigenous Cultures of Peru

Special Jury Award, Festival de Cinema Peruvien, Paris, 2007