The band Laura Fuentes y Calicanto entertained students at the College-sponsored Brown Bag Luncheon Tuesday that helped to close celebrations of Hispanic Heritage Month at Saint Mary's.

The trio played Latin American music that had African, European and pre-Columbian influences.

"We're calling on these roots, music that was hidden for a long time," said Fuentes. "Latin American music is too big and varied to fall under one name."

Calicanto helps to bridge gaps between varieties of cultures through expressive music.

The band's songs included sounds from countries such as Chile, Mexico and Venezuela. Laura Fuentes, Pedro Villagra and Tomás Gonzalez Jansana combined their own styles and expressions of music into their performance, creating a sound that brought together a diversity of cultures.

Along with entertaining, Fuentes provided information about the history of the music and its origins. The performers also explained the roots of the instruments.

"[Today's music] may be modernized, but the roots are still there," Fuentes said.

Laura Fuentes y Calicanto gave an interactive performance. Students participated with the artists, playing percussion instruments.

Participants were able to see the combination of many cultures through songs and discussion.

At the end of the performance, there was a question-and-answer session in which audience members were able to express their thoughts about the event.

"Multicultural events are a good way to experience other customs and styles of music," Megan Canzoneri said. "Their visit allowed students to become more aware of cultural differences. [Laura Fuentes y Calicanto] shared their knowledge with us and made us experience other worlds."

The members of the group currently reside in Chile, but they visit the United States twice a year. They are in the middle of their fall tour and will return to the United States in the spring.

The Brown Bag Luncheon with Laura Fuentes y Calicanto was sponsored by the Office of MultiCultural Affairs, La Fuerza and the Spanish Club.

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