Abel Rocha is a Mexico City-born folklorist, singer and multi-instrumentalist who performs music of Mexico, Venezuela, Peru, Chile and Argentina. He is a foundational member of groups including Trío Guadalevín , Correo Aereo and Los Flacos, and the nueva canción ensemble, Sin Fronteras. Recently, Abel was the subject of the KCTS 9 Seattle Emmy-nominated documentary, Los Artistas. A Master Artist of Mexican music in Washington state, teaching instruments including the jarana and quinta, he also contributed to the establishment of the Seattle Fandango Project and works with bilingual school programs adapting youth poetry to traditional decimas.

PROJECT: Mexican folk music study.

During the fellowship, Abel will learn, observe, and document Mexican folk music from two regions—Son Huasteco and Son Jarocho—with emphasis on their specific instruments. Upon return to Seattle, he will work on recording a new album with his primary band, Correo Aereo, as well as finish mixing & mastering several tracks.