Pasatono Orquesta (Orchestra) is an eight-member ensemble of ethnomusicologists dedicated to rescuing and performing traditional Oaxacan music, especially that of the Mixtec region, and to promote it by adding more modern arrangements and influences.
[3][4] In addition, these bands were also influenced by musical innovations of the 19th and early 20th century, for example the American jazz that was heard when wireless radio reached Oaxaca in the 1920s and 1930s.
[4] Current members of the ensemble include: Their music is festive with a touch of nostalgia, with works that generally focus more on instrumentals than voice.
[9][10] To keep this music relevant, Pasatono plays new arrangements of traditional works as well as new compositions, adding more modern influences.
Basically the act consisted of single clowns who told jokes, juggled, performed some acrobatics, and sometimes even recited poetry.
[8] They have produced music videos and live concerts have had elements of performance, e.g. working with a marmero clown and a tightrope walker.
[3][5][9] Their first album was Yaa Sii, which means “happy music,”[11] and since then, they have been discovered and promoted by Oaxacan artist Lila Downs.