* Sound Baths, Ceremonies, Funerals & Blessings
* Native Music of North, Central & South America; Ancient California; Ancient Mexico & Rain Forest
* Interactive Music: audiences sing in Indigenous languages & play Native American percussion!
* Native Drum Circle All ages
* HIGHLY EXPERIENCED (57 Years) with ALL AGES as Teacher & Musician!!!
* Began 1966
* Frequently performing native artist since 1975
* ONLINE: performances, composing & workshops
* Interactive Music pioneer since the 1980's.
* Solo to Group: Background/Concert
* MEXIKA "Music & Dance of Ancient Mexico"
* Instrument Making All ages
* Scholarly research: historical & cultural information always given
* Bilingual.
My patients had a real treat having Martin Espino entertain and give us knowlege about diffrent instruments of the Native Americas. You can tell that Martin is a pro at what he does. The music he played for us relaxed us ane made us in a peaceful and cherrful mood. I will definitely be hiring again for future events.
Response from Martin Espino "Sounds of Ancient Mexico":
I like that you have a review system because that way other people can tell you the public how great an artist really is. All of us artists are always talking about how good we are but that’s part of our job and there’s some people who do that that really aren’t that great so it’s great when the public and say something about our work and you give them the opportunity. It makes us look better it makes other people want to hire us
Martin played to the crowd, was interactive and while sharing ancient instruments that he had made, played his instruments very well. His Aztec outfit and head dress the music and our gathering for my wife celebration of life. In a time of COVID and others not available for any entertainment Martin came to us with opened arms. It was a a pleasure.
Sincerely,
Bob Bombardier
I hired Martin for my mothers memorial service. She loved tribal music. Martin was very professional, he returned my calls in a very timely matter,took the time to go over every detail of the performance. He played different instruments over the phone so I knew exactly what I was getting as well as I had him read a poem about going home and he went over several before we agreed in one. He was on time and even stayed longer than we had agreed because the service started later than we had scheduled. Thanks again Martin for making our event everything we expected.
Response from Martin Espino "Sounds of Ancient Mexico":
Dear Brandi
Thank you so much my dear. Glad I was able to help your mom!
Many Blessing Always, Martin Espino
As a member of the Tulipanes Festival organization team in Holland, Michigan, I have had the privilege of working with Martin Espino and other members of Mexika for about 8 years. I have personally learned a great deal about my culture from their educational presentations and greatly enjoy their work. Because of the excellence of Martin's work, we have brought Mexika back to our festival again and again. Their educational presentations with young children are highly engaging and take an interactive approach inviting children to play the instruments as part of Mexika's performances.
If you are looking for someone with a deep and knowledgeable repertoire of latin american and indigenous american music, you must experience Martin's performances.
Every time Martin plays I am not only entertained, I also learn something about my culture and feel inspired by the depth of his connection to mexica and world culture.
Martin is very easy to work with and is a tireless professional, always willing to bring in other artists or to use his creativity to formulate the perfect performance. Thank you Martin for all you do!
Response from Martin Espino "Sounds of Ancient Mexico":
Thank you so much I always try hard to do the best I can at every event, no matter how big or small. Thank you for your kind reflections on my work.
Martin is an amazing performer and very professional. He always gives his all to every performance!
Response from Martin Espino "Sounds of Ancient Mexico":
Thank you so much because that is exactly what I do.
Martin is a professional musician with many years experience. He came to guide us into a meditation with his ancient, cosmic sounds that transcend time. We spoke many times before the event to coordinate it perfectly, I can tell he puts his heart in his work and wanted it to be flawless. It was! Everyone was astounded and transported to a galaxy of pure love. I cannot say enough great things about Martin and his music. I keep his album Curandero on steady play during my personal meditations. Not only is he a professional, I am blessed to call him a friend.
Response from Martin Espino "Sounds of Ancient Mexico":
Tlazocamati no cihuatltzin! Always a pleasure and yes I have passion for what I do. There is no time to do anything halfway!
Martin's music is spiritual and up-living for the soul. Traditional and ancient yet the music can bring you to the present and beyond. Like entering a magical time machine. Very educational and inspiring.
I recommend Martin highly for any event or venue.
Response from Martin Espino "Sounds of Ancient Mexico":
Thank you so much Mr. Kurai!!! Thank you for aligned me to play for your event and thanks again for the Taiko drum jam we did!!! I hope we get to work together many times more.
Price Range: $300 and Up
Gig Length: 30 - 240 minutes
Languages: English, Spanish
Insurance: $2,000,000 - Commercial general liability through “Specialty Insurance Agency, LLC”
Basically: I'm an old school, OG performer and professional, I have No time for missing information, forgetting things or performances that under par. Everything I do is hot, professional, on time, controlled and easy to do. ALL Ages love me, I relate to all of them and can easily control Any size group.
What to expect for Background & Concert Performances
I bring lots of instruments appropriate to perform my music. I present upbeat programs, full of great scholarly researched based information, history, culture and liveliness, a great electric personality and great interactions with all ages. Performance can be whatever length you want, we can discuss variables and possibilities. I am known for being very flexible and easy to work with.
What to expect for Interactive Performances
Which are schools, libraries and museums, I bring a virtual museum of native instruments (80% made by me) that I share with my audience. At these performances the audience (all ages), sings "Easy-to-sing-songs" in indigenous languages such as Maya, Nahuatl and more. Programs can Eng, Span or Bilingual. I always arrive an hour early, if not 1.5 hours early. I bring a super professional cart for my goodies and of course I dress in appropriate traditional attire. I relay history, culture, guide the audience gently with humor and fun. All my events are excellent. Questions? Contact me, I respond swiftly.
I also can perform for your event as:
Solo
Duo
Trio
Ensemble
or
Duo to Ensemble with Aztec Dancers
Martin Espino’s native heritage is Yaqui (Sonora, Mex) & Tepehuano (Durango, Mex). Bachelor of music degree “with honors“ in performance – immaculate heart college 1978.
1966 began as a self-taught musician age 11
1968 began performance and teaching career
1976 began 44 years scholarly research of indigenous Mexican music and other areas of Native America and the world.
1980 began interactive music performance concept
1990 began making native instruments. Master builder, 70,000 musical instruments made of natural material, with ages three-adults
52 years heavy performing (Motion pictures, video, theater, performing arts centers, everywhere else) and teaching experience all ages (preschool to university level, festivals, museums, libraries and lots of schools).
Martin was covering what is now called the “visual and performing arts standards“ way before it was called that.
He is also a “sound worker“ using principles of neuroscience for pro-active well-being and healing as well as working with the deaf and hard of hearing community!
1) no problem playing acoustic need to know the setting that you have.
2) Indoor or outdoor, no problem, but need to discuss it.
3) I am very detail oriented I’m going to ask you everything you can tell me about your event so I can tell you what I can best supply.
4) I have a small portable sound system and a larger professional one microphones and everything. Absolutely clean and safe set up.
| May 20, 2022 • 5:00pm - 5:15pm | Dinner Party |
| June 26, 2021 • 12:30pm - 2:30pm | Personal Occasion |
| November 11, 2017 • 5:30pm - 6:30pm | Birthday (Child) |
| July 29, 2017 • 12:30pm - 1:00pm | Funeral/Memorial Service |
Unless you've done my research, you won't know my set songs at all.
Suffice it say that my music for all occasions is upbeat. I've doneexcellent musical programming for more than most people have been alive or at their respective jobs, so don't worry I know what to play and when. I can also create whatever musical ambiences you might want...these instruments can do alot of things! Although most people hear them as being relaxing, even during upbeat music!
Listen to the samples posted here. Yes I have songs, I just didn't post them.
1) My ancient ancestors of Mexico and the scholarly research I have done in this realm since 1975.
2) The music of remote existing native communities in Mexico (folk archive recordings).
3) Antonio Zepeda (the literal godfather of revival of these ancient instruments, lives in Mexico) and Jorge Reyes (also lives in Mexico, promoted the use of our instruments worldwide).
4) My current contemporary and good friend and fellow scholar, Xavier Quijas, master clay wind instrument maker.
P.A. System (8 channels or more)
One (1) Vocal & One (1) Instrumental Microphones & Two (2) "Boom" Stands
1-3 six foot Tables (to place my instrument upon). Amount of tables varied with type of gig. Generally school assemblies require 3 tables, so students can see everything and so I can hand out large multiples of instruments more easily.
Access to electrical outlet on stage
INTERACTIVE PERFORMANCES: It's preferable to play offstage.
CONCERT PERFORMANCE: Can be on or off stage.
Area to change in my traditional garments
Small audiences 1) I have a small portable system, stand, cables and mic). 2) larger audiences PA's are best. Let's talk, its easier than listing it here. I562) (phone number hidden)
Lapwai, ID 
Storyteller
8 Verified Bookings Michelle H. said “Mr. Spencer captivated his audience at my school! All of the feedback from the kids has been positive. We appreciate him telling great Indigenous stories…”
Tehachapi, CA
Fire Performer
9 Verified Bookings Karina L. said “I recently booked Darby and everything she did was amazing. She arrived right in time, communication was great, her performance was just lit! Everyone…”
Provo, UT
Native American Entertainment
Sarah S. said “A huge thanks to Jacob and his group! They were communicative, professional, easy to work with, and went above and beyond to create an amazing event.…”
Fort Hall, ID
Native American Entertainment
Hovia Edwards is a renowned Native American flutist. She is a member of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes and has achieved recognition for her skillful and soulful flute…
List your services
Log In
