Julia Weber
Staff Writer
“We come from different places, but we have smiles on our faces. And when we share our names, we realize we’re all the same.”
With these lyrics in their song “Hello, Friend,” or “Hola, Amigo,” 123 Andrés share the message of accepting others no matter their background or experiences and embracing the diversity of our communities. This is the same message the Grammy Award-winning duo will bring at 3 p.m. Sunday to the Amphitheater stage when they deliver a set of their popular bilingual children’s songs for Chautauqua’s Family Entertainment series.
For the popular children’s group, music is a powerful way to share positivity, foster education in youth and build community. Through their songs, 123 Andrés teach children — and sometimes even their parents — about the world around them in ways that inspire them to sing, dance and learn.
Growing up in Bogotá, Colombia, Andrés Salguero learned guitar from his father at an early age and went on to have his first experience in the music studio at only 8 years old, according to 123 Andrés’ website. He earned a Doctor of Musical Arts and won Colombia’s National Composition Contest for one of his early songs.
Christina Sanabria was raised in a Spanish-speaking immigrant family from Colombia in the Midwest and found a love for performing after her mom signed her up for theater and dance classes as a child. After college, she worked as a public school teacher and earned a Master of Education.
Now, the husband-and-wife duo create children’s songs in English and Spanish and tour the country with their energetic and lively performances. In addition to their music, the duo hosts an award-winning PBS podcast “Jamming on the Job” and have released three bilingual children’s books illustrating their most popular songs.
During Sunday’s performance, 123 Andrés will bring their lively, educational songs to the Amp stage for an enjoyable concert for all ages. With several full-length albums to their name, the duo will get kids “moving, singing and learning,” according to their website. Drawing on a wide influence of Latin American sounds, rhythms and influences, 123 Andrés will deliver a fun-filled performance encouraging curiosity and connection in children.
