Well renowned Oscar Stagnaro will bring his unique musical talent showcasing the sounds of “la Costa” during the Noche Peruana 2017 Event. Held on June 11 from 3:00-8:00 PM at St. Mary’s Auditorium, 301 Haverhill St. Lawrence, MA.

Oscar Stagnaro, born in Peru, is a bassist, composer and six time Grammy winner. Since 1987, he has been a professor in the performing division of the Berklee School of Music.  Throughout his career Mr. Stagnaro has performed with many renowned artists such as Paquito D’Rivera, Rosa Passoa, Eva Ayllόn, Leny Andrade and Zambo Cavero.

For the Noche Peruana, Mr. Stagnaro formed a six member band called Peru Mestizo, consisting of Hispanic Berklee alumni who will play the saxophone, the Cajon, percussion Peruvian instrument, pianist and bassist.

Peru Mestizo will make its debut at Noche Peruana and will highlight music from the colonial times like the Peruvian waltz to the more energetic afro-influence creole music. One of the signature pieces the band will be playing is “Contigo Peru” a passionate, poetic song composed by Augusto Polo Campos.

Noche Peruana is a FREE annual event sponsored by Associaciόn Peruvian Unidos (APU) and Lawrence Cultural Council offered during Hispanic Week in Lawrence. APU is a non-profit organization aimed at promoting and preserving the Peruvian culture within the Merrimack Valley area.

“The musical pieces performed live will invoke nostalgic times that many native Peruvian will remember.  Our community at large will be exposed to a different style of music than the Andean music most people know” said Ana Camargo, President of the Asociacion Peruanos Unidos.

At the event APU will serve tasty traditional dishes from the coast of Peru, including Aji de Gallina, Spicy Chicken curry dish; Arroz con Pollo, Rice with Chicken;  and Seco de Carne, Cilantro Beef Stew. The food sales from this event helps APU raise funds to continue Noche Peruana as a free event.

Members of APU has been planning the Noche Peruana since October 2016 to assure quality programming. “I am excited and eager to showcase the best of Peru through live musical performance and quality traditional dances” said Camargo.