Global Sounds – Arauco Libre

Global Sounds: Featuring Arauco Libre

Performance Time:
Friday 12 June, 2026
7:30pm – 10:00pm
Doors & bar open at 7:00pm

Tickets:
$22 + booking fee

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Arauco Libre is a eight-piece traditional Latin American band, formed in Hobart in 1987. Born from a powerful blend of cultural pride and resilience, the group was founded by political refugees who fled the Pinochet regime in Chile, finding a new home in Tasmania.

Arauco Libre celebrates the rich musical traditions of the Andean region of South America (Northern Chile, Northern Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador). The band plays folk, traditional, dance, and carnival tunes, using authentic instruments like the siku (pan pipes), quena (bamboo flute), bombo (drum), charango (a 10-string mandolin/guitar), and chakj’chas (shakers), which add a lively and distinctive sound to their performances.

For three decades, Arauco Libre was a staple at Hobart’s iconic Salamanca Market, performing every Saturday from 1987 to 2017. They’ve also taken the stage at major events like Launceston Festivale, Agfest, Cygnet Folk Festival, Panama Festival, Deloraine Craft Fair, and the National Folk Festival in Canberra.

With six recordings under their belt, Arauco Libre is a living portrait of cultural resilience and the journey to a new homeland. They’re not just keeping the music alive—they’re making it dance, breathe, and flourish in Tasmania.

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As Salamanca Arts Centre will be operating a bar under Tasmanian Liquor Licensing Regulations, all minors (people under the age of 18) must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times, and SAC Staff may, under their RSA Obligations, request verification of patrons’ age.

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As our recent Funding Application to Arts Tasmania was not supported, the 2026 Salamanca Jazz Live Music Series at Salamanca Arts Centre will be funded entirely by your support and ticket sales, and by Salamanca Arts Centre’s earned revenue. In 2026 Salamanca Arts Centre receives ZERO dollars from the Tasmanian State Government, but you can support Salamanca Arts Centre and, in turn, our Artists, by purchasing a ticket for this and other events, or by making a tax deductible donation at https://www.sac.org.au/donate/