I invite everyone to Western MA Tango’s Live Music Weekend on April 5-6 in Northampton. Whether you dance tango or not, these events will be of interest.

Headlining the weekend are Juan Villarreal and Pato Crom from Argentina, two of the world’s best tango guitarists. Saturday evening’s events at Northampton’s First Churches, 129 Main St., begin at 7:30 p.m. with a ”charla,” a conversation with Juan and Pato about how tango music has evolved in the 21st century, surviving Argentina’s dictators and economic collapse, and popular music competition from Elvis and the Beatles.

“They tried to kill tango,” Pato said. “They tried to ban it, but it survived. It was awakened by a social crisis and a popular political movement that raised traditions as its banner. In this talk, we explore the wave of musicians and new sounds that brought tango back to life after Argentina’s 2001 economic collapse.”

The “charla” will be followed by a “milonga,” a tango social dance, featuring DJ’d music from that era. Sunday is the main event with Duo Villarreal Crom performing live at the Northampton Center for the Arts, 33 Hawley St., with seating for listening and floor space for dancing. A free beginner tango lesson is offered at 3 p.m., with music and dancing until 7 p.m.

Tango dances typically have recorded music, so it’s a rare pleasure for our local tango community to dance to live music, especially Pato’s exquisite guitar-playing and Juan’s romantic singing. Sponsored in part by the Mass Cultural Council. Tickets at the door. For more info: westernMAtango@gmail.com.

Henry Lappen

Western MA Tango, Amherst