Quichua Mashis is the culmination of fifteen years of dedication and determination. The members have worked together playing traditional and current music from the Andes Mountains. Since 1993 they have been firmly established in the Northwest with Seattle as their home base. Their excellent reputation has been earned not only by their professional approach and flexible attitude but also by their spirited and skilled talents.
The members are Quichua Indians from northern Ecuador. The music they share has been passed down through the generations from the Grandfathers. Musical education in their homes begins as soon as they can hold an instrument, around age five. Many of the instruments are handmade in traditional ways with native materials; bamboo, sheep hooves, goat skins and armadillo shells. If the instruments are not captivating enough their sound will surely entrance you.
Their music and culture has survived invasion by the Inca Empire, the conquering Spanish and the modern world. This music reflects their struggle, their connection to “Pacha Mama” (mother earth) and their spiritual journeys through history.
Since arriving in the Northwest, Quichua Mashis has participated in a wide variety of events demonstrating their versatility including; public and private schools, universities and colleges, nightclubs and musical showcases, theaters and concerts, fund-raisers and corporate affairs. They’ve performed for the Seattle Art Museum Black & White Ball, the Children’s Museum, the Mayor’s Art Walk, the Mayor’s Pike Place Celebration, Nordstrom’s Awards Salute, Portland’s Special Olympics, Seattle Symphony, the Puyallup Fair, Washington Hispanic Festival, many music festivals, community fairs and numerous other venues.
