Larry & Joe: Joropo Meets Bluegrass

Larry & Joe: Joropo Meets Bluegrass

Larry Bellorín & Joe Troop fuse the soul of Venezuelan llanera music with the grit of Appalachian folk, creating a one-of-a-kind sound that defies borders. As masterful multi-instrumentalists and storytellers, they blend harp, banjo, fiddle, and more into an energetic and moving performance. Their music is both a cultural celebration and a powerful testament to resilience, migration, and unity.

About the Artists

Larry Bellorín was born in Punta de Mata in the state of Monagas, Venezuela. He is a singer, professional musician, and former president of the musical foundation “Casa Vieja” where he taught string instruments and singing techniques to children, youth and adults in his community and surroundings. Facing political persecution in his home country, he migrated to Raleigh in 2016, putting on hold an illustrious musical career to provide comfort and safety for his family. His greatest wish is that the music of his country be respected, loved and known.

Joe Troop is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter hailing originally from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He returned to North Carolina after a decade in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he started a school teaching bluegrass and old time – out of which he formed a band with his most talented students: Che Apalache. The band captured the hearts of luminaries like Tim O’Brien, Charlie Hunter, Abigail Washburn, and Belá Fleck, who produced the group’s second album. With a nomination for Best Folk Album, the group went all the way to the GRAMMYs in 2020 but quickly thereafter disbanded in the wake of COVID.

In December 2021, Joe and Larry met at The Fruit in Durham during Joe’s month-long residency. Their meeting was like a soul recognition, long-lost brothers from different countries and cultures. These two men were destined to play music together.