NORWOOD -- The Norwood Village Green Concert Series will host a performance from Aurelio Martinez on Sunday, June 18, 2017.

Martinez will be accompanied by his 5 member band from Honduras.

Martinez is a singer-songwriter, guitarist and percussionist. Born in Honduras, he is known for his powerful and evocative voice. He is the major tradition-bearer of the Garifuna culture and music and he is considered as the cultural ambassador of the Garifuna nation.

Aurelio grew up in a small Caribbean village called Plaplaya, surrounded by a family of musicians. His father was a well-known local troubadour who improvised Paranda songs containing Garifuna roots rhythms and Latin sounds. Following the influence of his uncles and grandfather, he became a drummer in his early childhood. From his vocally gifted mother, he learned to sing and picked up many songs she crafted.

His world-wide afro-pop performances were crafted by collaborations with the late Andy Palacio and by one of Africa’s most admired performers Youssou N’Dour. Aurelio was selected by N’Dour as a Rolex mentor and this gave him the opportunity to learn, perform, and share the stage with this giant of Sengelese and African Music.

His extensive catalogue of recordings has achieved critical praise world-wide. His two latest recordings are Landini (The landing where the fishermen gathered) and Durando.

Lándini was named to multiple 2014 year-end critics lists, including: #3 on The Sunday Times Ten Best World Music Albums of 2014, #3 on Roots Critic's Poll New Albums of 2014, #2 World Music Central Best World Music Albums 2014, Songlines 10 Best Albums of the Year 2014, #1 Songlines 50 Greatest World Music Albums of the last 10 years.

In January 2017, Aurelio will launch his new album Darandi, a collection of Aurelio’s favorite songs from his career recorded to capture the sound of his incendiary live performances accompanied by some of the Garifuna world’s brightest musical talents.

For more information about Aurelio visit wwwaureliomusic.net. For information about the Norwood Village Green Concert Series visit www.nvgcs.org.