The World Within a Little Guitar is a multimedia project wherein, Latin Grammy nominated artist, Enrique Chi takes the audience through a journey challenging the understood history of American music through the lens of a unique folkloric Panamanian instrument, Mejorana. Chi, the only person touring a Mejorana in the United States, will create a concert experience giving the audience an opportunity to hear a unique musical expression from Central America. The performative work will be Chi's first performance only using the Mejorana for a unique and special night of music.

The story of the Mejorana is connected to the history of colonization. When Spaniards brought guitar like instruments to the land now called Panamá they did not allow the indigenous communities to play their European instruments. The Mejorana is a rebellious response to this injustice showing us both human ingenuity and resilience. It makes beautiful music and plays a key role in the folkloric music of Panamá.

In this interactive workshop, Enrique Chi will explain and demonstrate some important rhythms from different parts of Latin America while exploring their connective tissue.  

The workshop is open to music makers of all skill levels.

This workshop is part of the mission of the AMERI’KANA project, a founded by Chi’s band Making Movies which explores the DNA of American music to understand identity, uncover common threads, and pave the way for the next generation of American artists. 

This project is generously funded by Mid-America Arts Alliance, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the state arts agencies of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas.