HARRISONBURG, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – Chicago-based Latin rock band Radio Free Honduras will make their Virginia debut in downtown Harrisonburg on Wednesday, performing for the 2024 Levitt AMP Summer Music Series.

Radio Free Honduras was founded 10 years ago by Dan Abu-Absi, guitarist for JT and the Clouds, and Birds of Chicago. He created the collective to platform the music of Charlie Baran, a Honduran immigrant to the United States.

Baran worked for 30 years as a school janitor in Chicago, during which he penned original songs inspired by Latin American music.

“I describe the style as Latin-Americana,” Abu-Absi said. “In the same way that Americana Music delves into the various roots and folk traditions of American music, Charlie’s style is very much like that. He plays in a wide variety of Latin styles, drawing from all different kinds of cultures. People are going to hear a wide range of styles in his original music.”

Before immigrating to the U.S., Baran was a key player in Honduras’ largely undocumented music scene of the 1970s and 80s. He contributed to the creation of ‘Punta-Rock,’ playing on hit songs by the Honduran music act, Banda Blanca.

Now, at 73, he is an echo of a time and place, bringing his music and influences to audiences across the U.S.

In 2014, collaborating with Abu-Absi kicked off the band’s mission to bring Baran’s music to the world through free, community-based performances.

“Charlie grew up in Honduras with very little opportunity,” Abu-Absi said. “Artistic appreciation is pretty far down the list. What we are trying to do now is play as many shows as we can that are free and open to the public.”

The independent band has overcome language barriers as well as cultural, financial and health obstacles to share their music and culture with as many people as possible.

“The music was always so good and powerful that we both always wanted to stick with it,” Abu-Absi said. “We want to keep making records, tour, and play a lot of live shows.”

The challenges have been significant. Just prior to the Covid-19 Pandemic, Charlie was diagnosed with cancer. Like many sufferers at that time, he found treatment delayed.

Despite his long recovery, Charlie continues his passion for live performance and sharing his music with the world.

“He’s never missed a show,” Abu-Absi said. “He’s very inspiring. I hope I have something like his fire and energy when I’m that age.”

Radio Free Honduras’ music is available for online streaming, but Charlie and the band prefer listeners to hear it live.

“There is nothing like playing music live for people,” Abu-Absi said. “Even if we had millions of streams on Spotify, it wouldn’t really mean anything to him (Baran); that’s his connection to the people. Something is being lost culturally. Live performance, live art, connecting with people is more important than it’s ever been.”

Check out Radio Free Honduras at the Levitt AMP Harrisonburg Music Series Stage, Wednesday, July 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. for an evening of music that has been decades in the making. The event will showcase the talents of an extraordinary artist, Spanish language songwriting, and a variety of Latin American musical styles.

This concert is presented by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation in partnership with Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance. Check out the full lineup at https://downtownharrisonburg.org/levitt-amp-harrisonburg/#schedule

The Levitt AMP Harrisonburg Music Series is supported in part by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation. The foundation partners with changemakers and nonprofits to activate underused outdoor spaces through free, live music—bringing people together, fostering belonging, and invigorating community life. In addition to supporting free concerts, the foundation advances equitable music ecosystems through research and partnerships. In 2024, the national Levitt network of venues and concert sites is presenting 650+ free concerts in 45 towns and cities, with audiences of over 750,000.