Julian: Tavehua, Los Angeles and Tavehua, Oaxaca

Los Angeles is home to one of the most diverse populations in the world. The largest number of people in the city is of Latino origin, but there are many ethnic groups within Latin-American culture, like the enclave of Zapotec villagers from Southern Mexico who have migrated to LA's Koreatown.

Julian Gonzalez. Julian is a teenage tuba player from LA who heads back to the village of Santa María Tavehua, Oaxaca to celebrate his musical heritage and to search for his mom.

This story was produced by Anayansi Diaz-Cortes and Eric Pearse-Chavez. The editors wee Jacob conrad and Deborah George. Sonice Trace is part of Localore and the Association of Independents in Radio (AIR). It's funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. A very special thanks to musician & indie sound designer extraordinaire, Ronny Mikkelsen.

Banner image: Julian Gonzalez in Santa María Tavehua, Oaxaca, jamming on tuba. Photo by Carmen Vidal