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Distinctive sound adds to Harmony

Henry Vilca, Mauricio Santana, Jonathan Guajardo, Juan Castro and Ivan Diaz will celebrate Harmony Day at Gary Holland Community Centre on Saturday.

Gary Holland Community Centre will come alive with the sounds of cultures from around the world on Saturday as part of 2014 Harmony Day.

One of more than a dozen acts from across the world to showcase their take on traditional culture is South American five-piece band Acertijo Latino, who will deliver an eclectic mix of tunes from cumbia, reggaeton, bachata, salsa and folklore persuasions.

Rockingham-based singer, guitarist and bass player Jonathan Guajardo said the band had developed an individual style, coupling the sounds of South and Central America with Western rock beats.

Guajardo said the band looked forward to sharing their music with audiences, and felt proud to be included in the City of Rockingham’s celebration.

“We are all from different backgrounds, grew up with music and all arrived in Australia with our own stories,” he said.

“Our band name means ‘puzzle’, each piece of a puzzle represents a different member of the band.”

Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels said the event was the first Harmony Day celebration in the City in several years.

“Harmony Day is an opportunity for everyone to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the many cultures that make up our Australian identity,” he said.

The evening program starts at 4pm and will include performances from Bangladesh and belly dancers, plus a series of short films showcasing the best of Australia’s migrant stories. Libraries in Rockingham, Warnbro and Secret Harbour would screen the films throughout next week.