Latin Grass? What is it? Artist Joe Troop explains
By Marquis Lupton
Aired; March 11th, 2024.
Larry Bellorín, a Llanera music legend from Monagas, Venezuela, and Joe Troop, a GRAMMY-nominated bluegrass artist from North Carolina, along with special guests Vinegar Creek Constituency, are set to perform at CWS Lancaster on Friday, March 15, from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM at West Art. Larry, an asylum seeker in North Carolina, and Joe, stranded in his home state due to the pandemic after a decade in South America, have joined forces. Larry, forced into exile, worked construction while Joe, known for his “latingrass” band Che Apalache, shifted focus to aiding asylum seekers. Now based in North Carolina’s Triangle, the duo showcases a fusion of Venezuelan and Appalachian folk music, featuring instruments like harp, banjo, cuatro, fiddle, maracas, guitar, and upright bass. Their performances highlight their diverse musical backgrounds and aim to demonstrate that music transcends borders. Additionally, they incorporate storytelling into their program, exploring the intersection of music and social movements. Larry and Joe’s collaboration reflects resilience, cultural exchange, and a shared commitment to using music as a tool for connection and advocacy.
