Blog Posts from Los Pleneros de la 21

October 1, 2024

Los Pleneros de la 21 anuncian el lanzamiento de su nuevo album

Los Pleneros de la 21 estan de fiesta pues el próximo 15 de noviembre de 2024 sale su nuevo álbum, Por la Plena...y Otros Asuntos, bajo el sello Truth Revolution Records Collective. 

Esta trabajo recoge la memoria colectiva y personalidad musical que integrantes de la agrupación, junto a colegas músicos y maestros de la música tradicional boricua han forjado a través de 41 años de existencia.

El proyecto comenzó a fines de 2019, coincidiendo con los primeros días de la pandemia de COVID-19. Concebido por el fundador y director de 'La 21', Juan J. 'Juango' Gutiérrez , el álbum refleja el viaje de inspiración artística de Juango y el deseo de reconectarse con colegas músicos y el público durante estos tiempos difíciles.

En esta producción participaron más de 30 reconocidos artistas-tanto jóvenes como veteranos y veteranas, maestras y maestros ejecutores de la música tradicional borícua en Nueva York y Puerto Rico, para realizar un trabajo que rinde homenaje a la rica herencia cultural de la Plena y a la música tradicional borícua, y en el proceso se transformó en una oda al compañero plenero Héctor ‘Tito’ Matos y a todo lo que el representa, a raíz de su inesperada partida el 18 de enero del 2022.

Cada una de las diez pistas revitaliza los favoritos más preciados y destaca el profundo impacto de La Plena en la cultura puertorriqueña.

Únase a nosotros en este viaje musical y les aseguramos que ademas de sentir el amor por la plena, encontrarán otros asuntos que los mantendrán inmersos en este proyecto de maestral interpretación musical y profundo sentimiento.

Los Pleneros de la 21 Announce New Album Release

Grammy-nominated ensemble Los Pleneros de la 21 proudly announce the upcoming release of our latest album, Por la Plena...y otros asuntos, on November 15, 2024, via Truth Revolution Records Collective. This album marks a significant milestone as the group celebrates its 41st anniversary.

The project began in late 2019, coinciding with the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Curated by founder Juan J. 'Juango' Gutiérrez, the album reflects Gutiérrez Rodríguez’s journey of artistic inspiration and the desire to reconnect with musicians and audiences during these challenging times.

Featuring over 30 musicians from New York and Puerto Rico, including the late master plenero Tito Matos, the album is a dynamic showcase of today’s leading voices and creative talents in La Plena. Each of the ten tracks revitalizes cherished favorites while highlighting the profound impact of La Plena on Puerto Rican culture.

Join us on this musical journey and we assure you that in addition to feeling love for La Plena, you will find plenty of elements that will keep you immersed in this masterful musical project.

The first single, "Quiéreme Dolores", is out now on all major platforms.

March 31, 2024

Los Pleneros de la 21 is honored and excited to participate in the American Folklife Center 2024 Community Collections Grant program funded by The Library of Congress. LP21's collaborating Creatives Rebuild New York (CRNY) artists, LeAna López and Yesenia Lebrón-Romero , will lead this project, working with Folklorist Elena Martínez, to document current practices in Bomba and Plena, and the individuals and events who have influenced Bomba and Plena in NYC and connected communities over time. Hear from Yesenia and LeAna in their blog posts below:

“It is a great honor and I'm incredibly excited to be a recipient of the American FolkLife Center 2024 Community Collections Grant. With this grant, we will have the privilege of engaging in a year-long project where we will reflect and document  the evolving practices of Bomba y Plena in the diaspora, more specifically the tri- state area. We will be documenting community events and conducting interviews with pillars of our community and the next generation of Bomberos and Pleneros. 

My journey with Bomba y Plena began here with LP21 at the age of 7. Now, in my 30's I am not yet an elder, or a part of the newest generation of practitioners, I am somewhat of a stadler, oscillating in between both worlds. For quite some time, it has been a dream of mine to use my lived experiences and observations to get into the trenches and have these important conversations with our community. 

The Diaspora has been essential in the preservation and transmission of both Bomba y Plena however, like all other things, it too has undergone an evolutionary process. The goal of this project is to have an intentional analysis and reflection within the community, while also celebrating the work and contributions made by practitioners across the diaspora that have had a lasting impact on our traditions. 

My elders. My community. Bomba. Plena, have given me more than I can put into words. 

This is my gift back to you.” -LeAna López

With this grant, I have been bestowed the honor of documenting and preserving the essence of Puerto Rican music and dance for future generations. Through interviews, research, and firsthand experiences, I aim to capture the essence of these cultural treasures and shed light on their significance in today's world.

Furthermore, delving into the individuals who have influenced Puerto Rican music and dance allows us to appreciate the depth of talent and dedication within the community. From iconic musicians and dancers to unsung heroes behind the scenes, each person has played a crucial role in shaping the cultural landscape.

As I embark on this journey with the Library of Congress grant, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and responsibility. It is an honor to have the opportunity to contribute to the preservation of Puerto Rican cultural heritage and to share its beauty and significance with the world.

In conclusion, I invite you to join me on this exciting adventure as we explore the rich tapestry of Puerto Rican music and dance. Together, let us celebrate the diversity, resilience, and creativity that define these cherished art forms.” -Yesenia Lebrón-Romero