Costa Rican Musical Moods

Costa Rican music is rather diverse and appeals to many different groups. There are many types of music found in Costa Rica that appeal to different generations. For example, the urban youth of Costa Rica enjoy: Reggae, Rock, SKA, Punk, Metal, Rap, Hip Hop and Reggeaton. The older crowds tend to enjoy: Merengue, Salsa, Soca, Cumbia, Rumba, Bachata, Classical and Tex-Mex. Those who live in more remote areas of the country tend towards more folkloric music such as:Calypso, Marimba, Folkloric, Afro-Caribbeano, and Guanacasteco. As in most Latin American countries, music is a integral part of Costa Rican culture. Music is something that unites Costa Ricans of all ages. Music in Costa Rica is highly influenced by its neighbors Cuba, Mexico, and Colombia. In major celebrations such as baby showers, weddings, 15th or 50th birthday celebrations Mexican style Mariachi bands come to play typical songs. Ticos are known for their love of dance, so they have to have quality music to accompany. In almost any club you will hear Reggaeton blarring. One will hear a variety of types of music being played where ever you are whether it be in a restaurant, taxi, at a dance club, or simply walking down the street. It seems like in Costa Rica they have a song for everything. The young school children are taught several hundred songs to help them learn about Costa Rican history and promote national pride. However, Costa Ricans have never developed their own distinct sounds, rather they feed off music that is created in Latin America and Latin American style. This is not to say that there are not any world-class bands and performers that come from Costa Rica. Some of the biggest bands in rock such as Metallica and Guns & Roses will preform in Costa Rica in 2010. Pavarotti preformed in 2004. Some of the most well known or even internationally renowned groups include: Gandhi, Tango India, Malpais, Editus, Tico Jazz Band, Banda Rock Las Tortugas, Skala Grupo Musical, Grupo Musical Kahle, Grupo Musical Pura Vida, Grupo Gaviota, Sasha Cambell Barr, Gerardo y los Hicsos, Mustang65, and Grupo Marfil What was the last time you went to a concert? What was the band? Who was the singer? Who did you go with? Why did you decide to attend that concert? Did you have a good time? Why?