Julie Lozada Ocampo and Carlos Ocampo Santillan as Kantu Inka
- Folk & Traditional Arts
- Music
- Dance
Founded in 2003 by Carlos Ocampo and Julie Lozada Ocampo, Kantu Inka brings the vibrant traditions of Latin American and Peruvian folkloric music to life using traditional Andean instruments such as the charango, quena, and zampoña. Originally established to provide cultural presentations in northern Nevada classrooms, Kantu Inka has expanded its reach, performing at venues throughout Nevada and California. As Nevada Arts Council Teaching Artists, Carlos, a skilled Andean musician and composer, and Julie, a retired National Board-Certified Spanish teacher, have shared their love of Andean culture with over 35,000 students, teaching them about Peruvian history, geography, and music. Their dedication to education and cultural preservation has led to performances at prominent events, inclusion in the Pioneer Center Youth Program since 2022, and inclusion in the Pioneer Center Golden Encore Program. Kantu Inka leaves a lasting influence on audiences and students alike with the mesmerizing sounds of Andean music. Kantu Inka is available for workshops, presentations and residencies statewide and can present in either Spanish or English.
- Website: kantuinka.com (opens in a new tab)
- Email: jalozada12@gmail.com
- Phone: (775) 722-2134
School & Community Workshops
Creative Aging Workshop: Join Nevada Arts Council Teaching Artists “Kantu Inka” and learn a new lifetime art: playing the zampoña (Andean pan flute). This six-week FREE program* is supported by the Nevada Arts Council’s Creative Aging program. You will receive your own “zampoña,” explore tuning and Andean music, and learn the art of playing the pan pipes in at least four songs in our face-to-face series of classes. The workshop series will finish with a concert accompanied by “Kantu Inka,” where you will play your new instrument for family and friends!
Beyond Machu Picchu Workshop: In this interactive 60-90 minute presentation, students will deepen their cultural awareness of Peruvian history, music and geography. The duo share live music, images and information as they present the three regions of Peru with their collection of traditional Andean Peruvian string, wind and percussion instruments.
Zampoña Workshop: For four weeks, students will participate in 90-minute afterschool lessons twice a week, focusing on the notes and tuning of the zampoña. During these sessions, they’ll learn to play songs with Kantu Inka, culminating in an evening concert where they perform alongside the band.
Julie Lozada Ocampo and Carlos Ocampo Santillan as Kantu Inka’s Work
*The information provided within this Artists Directory is for informational purposes. The Nevada Arts Council is not responsible for the actions of individuals or companies in the directory. The Nevada Arts Council is not a provider or contractor for individuals on the directory. Information listed may not constitute the most up-to-date information. This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the user's convenience. The Nevada Arts Council does not endorse the contents of the individuals, companies, or third parties in the directory.