The saxophone is alive and well in the Mantaro Valley, thank you.

For those of you lamenting the passage of the accordion from popular music in the U. S. of A., have no fear.  Its practice and art is preserved and advanced in Mexico

In fact, mirroring the popularity of the guitar north of the border, there is even a game commemorating the instrument.

Similarly, fear not for the saxophone.  It is alive and blaring in Peru

At least it was until about midnight last night, ear plugs or no.  
The instrument takes great part in the celebration of 'Santiago,' an up-to-two-month period named for St. James, who must have been a saxophonist himself, considering its prevalence during his fiesta.  Folks dance, drink, dress up, all accompanied by musical groups heavy on the curvy woodwind.  

Weddings are another time to bring out the silver and gold horns.  Don´t get me wrong, I played the saxophone for a while, until I realized that the cat hid, the kids cried and the neighbors gave me weird looks the next day.  

Since yesterday, the main street that runs past our apartment has been blocked for a wedding, complete with music til all hours, with most of the songs sounding suspiciously exactly completely the same.  The band plays with enthusiasm, but really, they need to expand their repertoire.  Soon! 

 We are told with smiles that this could well go on for three days or so.  Isn't that great?!  Saxophones!!  Three days!!  Same song!!   BFTZTTSS!!

We hope that your neighborhood wedding celebrations are shorter, and with flutes.
Dave & Paula