''In Diaz's hands merengue is hard-core stuff, an exhilarating polyrhythmic ride on a runaway train.''
World music festival of Chicago

Joaquin Diaz's repertoire is a mixture of traditional and original tunes that is characterized by its exhilarating syncopated rhythms. His new fans are introduced to discovered a different aspect of the diatonic accordion showcasing his infectuous vocals. Joaquin Diaz is one of the best of a new breed of traditional merengue artist.

Forced to earn a living at the age of nine, he became a musician playing on the streets in Santo Domingo.

Still in his teens he performed at the PanAmerican Games in Puerto Rico that led him to play at the presidential home for the then President Joaquin Balaguer.

In 1990 Joaquin brought Dominican magic and his accordion wizardry with him in Canada. Now residing in Montreal, he has matured into a consumate artist delighting audiences wherever he goes.

Joaquin and his band have become involved in a pretty impressive trajectory. Their participation at various venues and festivals took them to share their tropical energy touring Canada, United States and Europe.

A grant was awarded to Diaz by the Canada Council for the Arts to study conjunto music in the city of San Antonio Texas, crossroad of the accordion.
''Joaquin Diaz is a dynamic performer who not only moves your body and feet, but your heart and soul as well.'' Juan Tejeda, co-founder of the International Accordion Festival, San Antonio Texas.

Performance Highlights include:

• Montreal International Jazz Festival, Québec
• International Accordion Festival, San Antonio Texas
• Chicago World Music Festival, Illinois
• California World Music Festival, California
• Latin Music Festival, Columbus Ohio
• Music and Heritage Festival, Memphis Tennessee
• Lotus Festival, Indianapolis Indiana
• Carrefour Mondial de l'accordéon, Montmagny Québec
• Rencontres Internationales de St-Chartier, France
• Ethnic and World Music Festival, Prague Czech Republic
• Forde World Music Festival, Norway
• Festival des Suds, Arles France
• Kaustinen World Music Festival, Finland
• Music under the Stars, El Paso Texas
• Forum Universal de la Cultura, Barcelona Espana
• Rencontres Européennes de l'Accordéon, Chartres France
• Out of Doors Concert Series, Lincoln Center, New York N.Y.
• Winnipeg Folk Festival, Manitoba
• Festival d'Été de Québec, Québec
• East Lansing Folk Festival, Michigan
• European Tour, The Netherlands

THE PRESS SAYS:

''I was knocked out by a Diaz performance recently at a Folk Alliance Conference in Vancouver, and decided to bring him to the festival''
Judy Peiser , Folk Alliance Board of Directors
Memphis Music and Heritage Festival

''Diaz puts on a smart show with those reckless rhythms from the Caribbean island''
Geoff Chapman Toronto Star

'Need a lift to your spirit or just want to feel good all over, get this lively, delightful CD Merengue Alegre''
Al Riess Dirty Linen

''Crowds who hear him literally spring to their feet, dancing and clamoring for more of this exiting music from Dominican Republic''
Arhoolie Records