Welcome to Michael Heralda's "Aztec Stories"
Man Ze Kualli Tonalli Ximo Panoltik
May You Spend a Good Day!
The Seven Warrior Foods of the Mexica People has been added to Free Stuff!
Check out the new interview 'Miccailhuitl - The Journey to Mictlan ...an interview with Michael Heralda' by Tokoztli at Aztlan Media Kollective
Michael Heralda has been presenting this culturally educational and musical interactive program to students and interested listeners of all ages throughout the U.S.
The stories, ballads, and narratives presented in this program are all true and based on documented accounts and what is termed the oral tradition - stories handed down through families, generation after generation.
Many hand-made indigenous styled instruments are used and shared throughout the presentations – clay flutes, Huehuetl and Teponaztli drums, gourd water drums, shakers, rasps, conch shell trumpets, and many other unique instruments all made from readily available materials giving the listener the understanding that musical instruments can be made from natural elements that surround you.
"Aztec Stories" is an intriguing and thought provoking way to learn about the culture of ancient Mexico and the indigenous worldview of the Mexika (me-shee-ka)/Aztecs. For some it may be a way to reconnect to a wonderfully rich legacy that unfortunately lies dormant within them, buried for many, many years and generations. For others it may awaken a new understanding of a culture that was revealed only through the eyes of the Europeans where the beauty, art, and high levels of sophisticated philosophical understanding were ignored or suppressed.
Over the last ten years Michael has continually developed and evolved his "Aztec Stories" presentations. There is more than one way to experience an "Aztec Stories" presentation. Listed below are a few examples of specialized presentations for hosts to choose from:
- Musical/Interactive presentations.
- Storytelling presentations.
- Presentations themed on the seasons.
- Specific holidays honoring ceremonial and traditional observations and
their relavance to ancient indigenous knowledge.
- The recently completed new program titled "Miccailhuitl"-The Journey to
Mictlan" which reveals from the indigenous perspective the origins of what
commonly is known throughout the world today as "Dia de Los Muertos/Day of
the Dead." This new program is currently in the process of being recorded
to CD, and like his second CD "Tonalmachyotl" - The Memory Stone", will be
accompanied with a hand-made booklet that decsribes in detail each song,
narative, and poem. This newly recorded work is scheduled for completion
by summer 2005 and will available at this web site (PayPal orders). For
ordering information select the Ordering Information link below.
Please note: Solo and group presentations are available for each of the themed presentations listed above. This is only a sample of the different types of presentations available. Contact the artist directly for special request presentations. Presentations are primarily in English with many Nahuatl words, phrases, and indigenous concepts shared and explained. Some songs and poems are trilingual - Nahuatl, Spanish, English. Presentations can also be designed for the age group and interest level of the audience in attendance.
Through the use of ballads, narratives and poetry, the history, philosophy, culture, ceremonies, traditions, foods, and arts of ancient Mexico are revealed from an indigenous perspective. Unique in this form of presentation,"Aztec Stories" is described as "Edu-tainment"
Two CD's are currently available on-line (PayPal orders): the first "Aztec Stories" CD, and the second CD titled, "Tonalmachyotl" - The Memory Stone which comes with a 24-page booklet describing in detail each of the 12 tracks on this new work. Michael is also the editor of a bilingual cultural magazine titled, "Ketzalkoatl". Please note: the first issue of Ketzakoatl is completely sold out. Visit this web site in the future for an on-line version of the first issue.
Click here for Ordering Information.
Performance presentations and workshops are available for small and large groups throughout the U.S. School (K-12) and Library Presentations are usually in a "Soloist" format. Performances for Concerts, Museums, Universities, and other family related cultural events are either in the "Soloist" format or "Group" format (up to 3 additional musicians). For a detailed listing of fees and all related costs for single and multiple presentations please e-mail the artist at: michaelheralda@aol.com Please include in your e-mail address, the name of hosting organization, proposed date of event, and all contact information such as phone numbers, event site address, e-mail, web page and best time to contact organization representative.
Click here for Biography of Michael Heralda
Michael Heralda
P.O. Box 50221
Los Angeles, CA 90050
Telephone: 323-633-9599
E-mail: michaelheralda@aol.com
Web site: www.aztectories.com