Karen Arango—an accomplished classical guitarist, a gifted composer and an exquisite vocalist with a unique blend of influences—paints a beautiful Latin American landscape reflected across the Pacific Ocean.

Armed with both nylon-string classical and electric guitars, Karen’s compositions are a blend of traditional Colombian music, wider Latin American sounds and contemporary elements like jazz harmony and pop structure, shaped by her musical curiosity and her travels.

Through original songs in a range of beautiful but lesser known musical styles such as bambuco, pasillo, cumbia, son and chacarera, Karen introduces the audience to the people of her home country, the farmers strumming at sunset, the fishermen humming to the tide, and their social realities, their hopes, their heartbreak and their love.

Karen Arango holds a Master's degree in Classical Guitar Performance from the University of Alicante (Spain), a Master's in 20th Century Latin American Music Performance from the National University of Cuyo (Argentina), and a Bachelor's degree in Guitar from the University of Antioquia (Colombia). She resides in Brisbane, Australia, pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) at Griffith University.

This performance will also feature an opening set by Sergio Amaro, a versatile singer-songwriter also from Colombia, whose music sonically transitions between pop, rock and ballad evoking deep feelings in a lyrical, sometimes melancholy language with a deep understanding of the artistic and social functions of music.

Presented in partnership with VENTspace.

About BEMAC Unplugged

BEMAC Unplugged is a series of shows that recreate the intimate vibe of BEMAC’s shows at Yungaba, showcasing diverse talent and inviting cross-cultural collaboration. For more information about BEMAC’s program of upcoming events, visit bemac.org.au/season/

7:30pm, Saturday 26 April
VENTspace
23 Glenelg Street, South Brisbane
Tickets $25

We encourage all guests to use public transport. VENTspace is only a 5-minute walk from the South Bank train and bus stations, serviced by many routes. You can find more info about how to get there at https://jp.translink.com.au/plan-your-journey/journey-planner

Contact the host of Karen Arango 'Strumming on the Rim'