Fervor in Ecuador for Silvio?

GUAYAQUIL.—Cuban singer/songwriter Silvio Rodríguez’ upcoming concert in this coastal city is mobilizing his admirers all over Ecuador, who are heading to participate today, Friday, in events celebrating the bicentenary of that nation’s independence.

The free concert is part of the program for the 200th anniversary organized by Rafael Correa’s government, Prensa Latina reports. On his visit to Havana last January, the Ecuadorian President invited Rodríguez, who last performed in the country 13 years ago.

The artist is accompanied by the Trovarroco trio, flutist Niurka González and percussionist Olivier Valdéz and his only requirement is that good sound quality is guaranteed in all parts of the stadium.

Leaders of the governing Movimiento Alianza País have organized motorized caravans from different provinces for transportation to Guayaquil for the Silvio Rodríguez concert.

Around 3,000 people are expected to cross the Andes range in a bus convoy from Quito, 420 kilometers from Guayaquil.

In a press conference, Silvio called for support for South America’s progressive governments, AFP reported. "It seems to me that this is what is just, what has to happen. We have to help with everything we have, with songs, movies, journalistic articles, with action and in any way that we can," the composer affirmed.

Rodríguez demonstrated his sympathy for countries in which "governments that are looking at and trying to begin with the needs of the majority in order to project a policy to the benefit of those who have always been forgotten."