Txantxangorriak, affectionately known as Txantxan, is a Basque music group in Boise, Idaho. Founded in Spring of 2001 with only 8 trikis (Basque diatonic accordions) and 6 panderos (Basque tambourines) it has grown over the years and taught over 100 members with 4 of the original trikis still as active members and 2 of the original panderos now as active triki members. The group was founded by Ana Mendiola and Gina Urquidi who were inspired at the 2000 Jaialdi. They brought in Dan Ansotegui to teach triki and over the years have had a few different pandero teachers with the current instructor being Alaina Gavica.
Txantxan has taken many trips as a group over the years to Folk and Basque Festivals all over the Northwest to help promote our group and culture, make new friends and grow as a group.
The goal of this group from the start has been to teach and grow the love of Basque instruments and music from the youngest members at 8 years old to the oldest, whose ages shall not be mentioned, while promoting our Basque heritage along the way. This goal has guided our group as we brought in more instruments such as txalaparta and spoons as well as added singing and dancing to many of our performances over the years.
New Members Welcome!
Txantxangorriak is open to all ages (8 and over) and will be teaching the trikitrixa (accordion) and the pandareta/pandero (tambourine). The classes are held on Tuesday nights from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. and are broken up into eight-week sessions. Pandero players must be 8 years old by September 1 and Triki players must be 10 years old by September 1. There is a charge for the classes which will pay for the instructors and instruments. Instrument rental is available. You can contact Olaia Urquidi-Beals at 208-871-4668 or e-mail at txantxan@basquecenter.com.