Neni Navarrete

The mission of Tropical Rhythms Performing Arts Company is to showcase the culture of the Filipino American community through music, dance, and performance. Through the leadership of Executive Director, Neni Navarrete, Tropical Rhythms shares their appreciation of music and performance as they inspire a generation of audiences to explore their culture and heritage. The Company was formed in 1996 first soley as a singing group named Blend 32. For one year a young woman’s trio practiced weekly not really preparing for any event, just enjoying a common love and appreciation for harmony in music. But as the need arose in the community, the trio began receiving invitations, first in churches then in concerts and cultural events. The group expanded to a 4 part harmony singing group. Their first public invitation was to perform on a Houston based Philippine radio station. Later, they sang a jazzy arrangement of “Ngayon at Kailan Man” in Farle Luchan’s Golden Moments concert. Then community interest allowed the incorporation of dance as the second expansion of The Company. In 1998, to celebrate the Philippines 100 Year Independence anniversary, the group was featured in KPRC’s Channel 2 “Neighborhood Weather with Chuck George. They sang a Papuri song, “Jesus, Aking Musika”. Additionally, they had subsequently added Philippine Folk Dance to their repertoire , and danced excerpts from Subli and Tacon for the event. At another broadcast, Chuck George interviewed Levi Navarrete about the Barong Tagalog. The newscasters were amazed that it was from pineapple fiber. Levi, an older member of the group, sings Kundimans in the festivals. Showing us that even at a ripe age, you can still use your talents. The Company’s performances began to expand throughout the community. The Company held a free concert at Stafford Civic Center in 2000. The public was invited to hear original Philippine Christian music from the Papuri series, Kundimans and Philippine pop songs as well as watch Philippine folk dances from all four suites (Urban – Maria Klara, Rural, Tribal and Muslim. Their vision to highlight talents in the community in the area of dance, drama and music (both vocal and instrumental) thereby promoting cultural awareness and preserving the Filipino heritage. One of the highlights for the Company’s core performers was opening for Gary V at St. Thomas Aquinas for a Christian conce