Joaquín Díaz

Joaquin Diaz onstage is totally irresistible. His light-fingered accordion playing and his infectious vocals drenched in Latin soul make this Caribbean maestro the best of the new generation of traditional folk merengue artists. His repertoire is a mixture of traditional and original tunes characterized by exhilarating rhythms.

Diaz's musical career began on the streets of San Pedro de Macorix at age nine and by the age of twelve, this Dominican king of accordion was playing in the most prestigious Regencies of the capital city. While still in his teens he performed at the Pan-American Games in Puerto Rico accompanying the Dominican Republic's Ballets Folkloricos.

In 1990 Joaquin brought his cultural magic and accordion wizardry with him to Canada. Based in Montréal, he and his extremely talented musicians have thrilled Latino and non-Latino fans alike throughout North America and Europe. After performing at several editions of the renowned International Accordion Festival in San Antonio, Texas, he was awarded a grant by Canada Council for the Arts to study conjunto music, and continues to explore accordion styles (musette, Québécois).

In performance, Joaquin's musicians sustain his sense of rhythm with devilish percussion - congas, tambora, guira, bongos, bass drum and electric bass - and add vocal energy to the invigorating bachatas. His own vocals are absolutely electrifying and he is a master showman who connects directly and effortlessly with an audience. Joaquin Diaz has travelled the world as an ambassador for merengue music.