Machete Kisumontao el Documental
Channel: Chris Mason
Date: 2015-01-25

Documentary short focused on Pittsburgh Puerto Rican riot salsa band Machete Kisumontao, produced by Spinning Goat.  

Machete Kisumontao is a 7-piece Puerto Rican music band from Pittsburgh that blends Puerto Rican rhythms and Afro-beat music through drums, horns and electric guitars. They have performed around the city, energizing crowds in the Latin American Caribbean Festival; at benefits for schools in Bangladesh and Ghana; and at Go Tell It On the Mountain---a benefit for Climate Ground Zero. 
In spring of 2014, I approached Geña, musical director and vocalist for Machete – Kisumontao, about featuring the band in a documentary. She and the other members of the band were excited at the prospect, and I was looking forward to finding out more about the band and the Puerto Rican music they play.

Many music fans in Pittsburgh (and beyond) have had the pleasure of dancing the night (or day) away to Machete – Kisumontao, who are known for having fantastic and energetic live shows, with music and stage presence that makes you move your feet (and other body parts) to the sounds of Puerto Rico, along with improvised sections by the diverse instrumentalists, singers and dancers that make up Machete – Kisumontao.  Some shows even feature mini dance lessons and audience participation, and playing small instruments along with the band.

The hope is to continue to explore other musicians and bands in Pittsburgh that play Latino/Hispanic music and the history of the diverse musical styles from places like Puerto Rico, Cuba, Brazil, and more.  Shine a light on the diverse talented musicians, singers and dancers, musical styles and history, as well as other facets of the Latino community in Pittsburgh, which has grown over the years.

Filmed, directed and produced by Spinning Goat (Chris Mason)

spinninggoat.net
machetedoc.wordpress.com

Spanish subtitles to be added!