Join me for a conversation with Dr. Michael Rendon, Assistant Professer of Sociology and Political Science at Fort Lewis College and member of the local gypsy music band Carute Roma‪.‬ Four Corners Arts Forum

Dr. Michael Rendon, a long time Durango community member is an Assistant Professor of Sociology and Political Science here at Fort Lewis College. He is also the President of the Board of the San Juans Citizens Alliance among many other things. In the past he’s been on the City Council and Mayor of Durango as well as the first male Director of SASO, Sexual Assault Services Organization. Although he is very busy with his community involvement, he still finds time to play violin with the band Carute Roma, a high energy Southwest Colorado based gypsy music band bringing diverse sounds to festivals, weddings and parties. The band has also produced two CDs, the most recent one called Roma Road. As a violin player Michael is mostly self-taught and took his violin by sailboat to the Roma Festivals in Eastern Europe to experience the local cultures and the music. The eight band members of Carute Roma sing in six different languages and play everything from traditional gypsy music to original songs of their own. Gypsy music also has many styles including folk, French swing, jazz, Russian love songs and Spanish Flamenco that will make you feel like dancing. To hear the band perform, you will have the opportunity on May 3rd at the iAM Music Fest and on May 4th at the Mancos Brewery. Come enjoy the unique sounds of the fiddle, accordion and trumpet backed by the guitar, bass and drums. To find out more you can visit their website at www.caruteroma.com