Kemper Unplugged: A Journey Through Latin Sounds
“A Journey Through Latin Sounds” is a concert featuring both traditional covers and original songs from Latin America. Esteban Tonio & Emerson Magaña play a variety of Latin genres, instruments, and rhythms, including cumbia, huaynos, cuban son, bailecitos, guajira, and rumba. Instruments played in this concert include charango, Colombian tiple, and quena.
Arrive early or stay after to grab lunch or a treat at the Museum’s Coffee Bar. Enjoy ice cream sandwiches from Sugarwitch, savory deli sandwiches from Parker’s Table, and pastries from Colleen’s. Members get 10% off purchases with every visit. Learn more and join here.
These 45-minute concerts are free and open to the public.
Co-sponsored by the Department of Music in Arts & Sciences.
About the Performers
Esteban Tonio is a Latin folk singer-songwriter. Through his lyrics, Esteban writes about personal reflections on life, love, heartbreak, and everyday experiences. Esteban primarily plays nylon-string guitar, but he also incorporates other Latin American instruments such as the charango or the Colombian tiple in his songs.
Esteban’s collaborations with other musicians, including Kent Rousseau, Chris Endicott, and Julia Hornberger, among others, have allowed him to incorporate the cello, violin, electric guitar, and keyboard into his songs.
Esteban is one of the co-founders of the Latin American band Los Chascones Rotos, who recorded their first professional EP in 2017 thanks to the song “Gülu Mapu,” which won first place in a music contest organized by Casa de la Cultura Anáhuac of the Santiago Metropolitan Park (Parquemet).
Emerson Magaña is a gifted vocalist and classically trained guitarist from Colima, Mexico, currently based in St. Louis. He is known for his versatility as a musician, navigating between different genres and Latin styles and collaborating with a diverse range of musicians.
His vocals are an embodiment of soulful storytelling, and his guitar skills are a testament to years of dedication to his craft. With a stage presence that exudes charisma and charm, Emerson connects with the audience on a profound level. His unique style and musical experience includes alternating Latin musical genres such as bossanova, bolero, salsa, Cuban, trova, and more!