On Thursday, February 23, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, Smithsonian Folkways celebrates its new album release, Los Gauchos de Roldán: Button Accordion and Bandoneón Music from Northern Uruguay together with the Uruguay Cultural Foundation for the Arts at the Embassy of Uruguay located at 1913 I (Eye) St. NW in Washington DC.

The event is free to the public and those interested in attending are asked to RSVP via email to cultural@uruwashi.org.

A group led by button accordionist José Curbelo, protégé of Uruguayan accordion master Walter Roldán (who is featured on the new album) will perform music from the album. Curbelo, an International Affairs student at The George Washington University and well-versed in this traditional style of Uruguayan dance music, is also the co-producer of the album. A short Smithsonian Folkways-produced documentary film on the making of the album will be presented, followed by a reception with light refreshments, raffle for Smithsonian Folkways prizes, and sale of CDs.

This Smithsonian Folkways album was also supported by Uruguay’s Fondo Nacional de Música (FONAM), and the Comisión del Bicentenario Uruguay. The Ministerio de Educación y Cultura of Uruguay has also declared the project of Cultural Interest.