“Making dancers sizzle and audiences melt.”
Experience an unforgettable evening of Passion, Elegance and Romance – as internationally acclaimed tango dancers Mario Consigliere and Yulia Zhukoff join the acclaimed Aqui Tango quartet for an evening of music, dance and irresistible Argentine passion in Foxburg’s Lincoln Hall on Saturday, September 12 at 7:30 PM.
Be swept away as the bold sensuality of these world travelled dancers meet the precision and musical passion of professionally acclaimed international musicians to deliver a cultural experience that will inspire your sensibilities and leave you breathless.
Mario Consiglieri is an internationally acclaimed Argentine Tango dancer, choreographer, and master instructor whose visionary work has shaped the landscape of contemporary tango. Over a career spanning more than 28 years, he has established himself as a central figure in the global tango community, celebrated for his profound understanding of movement mechanics and his captivating stage presence.
For Yulia Zhukoff, the dance floor is an extension of the concert hall. A professionally trained cellist from Saint Petersburg, Russia, Yulia’s transition into the world of Argentine Tango was driven by a desire to inhabit the music she had spent a lifetime performing.
AquiTango is Pittsburgh’s premier tango group with Maureen Conlon Gutierrez-violin (Mexico), Jose Layo Puentes-double bass (Venezuela), Ernesto Contenti-accordeon vocals and composer ((Argentina) with Tom Roberts pianist (US) – each individually having recorded with world renowned record labels, produced exceptional musical productions, and played around the world with some of the most renowned classical orchestras and popular groups.
It is a fresh breath of romantic Buenos Aires as AquiTango performs “milongas” (tango dance events) and concerts throughout the Northeastern region of America and the Pittsburgh region.
In addition to the band’s Argentinean-born co-founder Ernesto Contenti and original compositions, what makes Aqui Tango different is their selection of repertoire dating back to the very beginnings of tango, including works from Carlos Gardel. One of the most passionate genres of music, tango is becoming more and more popular in the Pittsburgh region. Aqui Tango is making the music available to the growing community of tango dancers and aficionados.
“As a classically trained musician, playing tango gives me the freedom to break out from my formal training and just let go,” said band member Maureen Conlon Gutierrez. “It allows me to add my own interpretation and passion to the music.”
Compared to modern tango that is played straight from sheet music from composers such as Astor Piazzola, Maureen describes traditional tango as much less angular—meaning musicians have freedom to interpret the music and improvise—while drawing a connection to folk or popular music. “Depending on the musician playing, you can have a completely different experience from one musician’s interpretation to the next,” said Maureen.
Aqui Tango has six original compositions written by Argentinean-born band member Ernesto Contenti. The song “Part of Me” is an original piece with lyrics in both English and Spanish, and describes Ernesto’s personal experience moving to Pittsburgh and assimilating to a new place that he now calls his hometown.
Keep your summer sizzle going with a romantic evening experiencing the elegance, mystery and intensity of internationally acclaimed tango dancers Mario Consigliere and Yuli Zhukoff and the captivating artistry of Aqui Tango in the intimacy of Lincoln Hall in Foxburg on the beautiful Allegheny.
Tickets: Adults $20, Students $5 Cash / Check at the door
Beer and Wine sold – cash bar
Reserve: 724-659-3153
Buy here
Red Brick Gallery Wine & Cheese Opening
Before the concert, stop by the Red Brick Gallery from 5 to 7 PM for a glass of wine at the ‘soft opening’ of the exhibit of RBG Cooperative Artist and Botanical Watercolorist Donna Edmonds and stoneware ceramicist Cheri Anderton Yarnell.
Donna Edmonds Botanical Watercolor and Cheri Anderton-Yarnell Stoneware Ceramics. Two artists express their respect and concern for nature, especially wildlife, using vivid color and carefully depicted forms within their respective media.
About Yulia Zhukoff
For Yulia Zhukoff, the dance floor is an extension of the concert hall.
A professionally trained cellist from Saint Petersburg, Russia, Yulia’s transition into the world of Argentine Tango was driven by a desire to inhabit the music she had spent a lifetime performing. This unique background provides her with an analytical and emotional understanding of tango that few dancers possess.
While many dancers prioritize steps, Yulia focuses on the musical architecture. Her movement is defined by the same technical precision, phrasing, and control required in her cello performances.
Yulia specializes in the physical execution of rubato, translating the complex arrangements of the Golden Age into clear, rhythmic cues.
In her dance, the music acts as a structural guide, where every movement is a direct response to the specific instrumentation and timing of the score.
About Mario Consiglieri
Mario Consiglieri is an internationally acclaimed Argentine Tango dancer, choreographer, and master instructor whose visionary work has shaped the landscape of contemporary tango.
Over a career spanning more than 28 years, he has established himself as a central figure in the global tango community, celebrated for his profound understanding of movement mechanics and his captivating stage presence.
Renowned for his ability to deconstruct complex improvisational structures, Mario has traveled the world leading elite masterclasses, including the prestigious Seminario Intensivo Recursos del Tango Contemporáneo in Buenos Aires.
His artistry bridges the gap between traditional roots and modern evolution, focusing heavily on the physical mechanics of partner connection, spatial awareness, and fluid improvisation. As a premier performer, he regularly graces elite orchestral stages worldwide, collaborating with symphonies and international artists in acclaimed productions such as The Soul of Tango.
Through his dedicated teaching and spellbinding performances, Mario continues to inspire the next generation of dancers across the globe.
The Art of Argentine Tango
Argentine Tango is an improvisational language born in the late 19th century along the Río de la Plata in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Unlike ballroom tango, which relies on standardized patterns, Argentine Tango is built upon a dynamic connection between partners and a sophisticated response to the music’s “architecture.”
At its core, the dance is a study of geometry and gravity. It requires a shared axis and a silent, tactile dialogue known as the abrazo (embrace). Through this connection, dancers navigate complex elements, from the rhythmic precision of traspié to the fluid elegance of giros and boleos.
Modern Argentine Tango is not merely a sequence of steps; it is a physical visualization of the music itself. It demands an acute awareness of phrasing and rubato, where the dancers act as the final instruments of the orchestra, translating melody and silence into deliberate, expressive movement.
Yulia Zhukoff is a dedicated tango dancer and teacher who have spent over a decade developing their partnership. Their journey has taken them to Buenos Aires, where they immersed themselves in the heart of Argentine tango—studying with renowned maestros, refining their technique, and deepening their musicality. Together, they bring a rich blend of tradition and personal expression to their dancing, shaped by years of collaboration, travel, and shared artistic growth.
About AquiTango
AquiTango members hail from Mexico (Maureen Conlon Gutierrez-violin), Venezuela (Jose Layo Puentes-double bass) and Argentina (Ernesto Contenti-accordeon, vocals, composer) and American (Tom Roberts-piano) individually having recorded with world renowned record labels, produced exceptional musical productions, and played around the world with some of the most renown classical orchestras and popular groups.
Together they provide a unique cultural and entertaining experience for their audience as they imbue the music they play with passion and feeling. It is a fresh alternative and an inspiring breath of romantic Buenos Aires. Dance or just listen as these formally trained international musicians deliver a cultural experience that will inspire your sensibilities.
AquiTango performs “milongas” (tango dance events) and concerts throughout the Northeastern region of America. Their music has been featured in film soundtracks and on the radio.
ABOUT THE MUSICIANS
Ernesto Contenti, Accordionist, Vocalist & Co-Founder
Ernesto learned tango while growing up in Argentina, the birthplace of tango, and played with bands throughout Buenos Aires.
Ernesto is the band’s vocalist and accordionist, and composes all of the original pieces played by Aqui Tango.
He is also an entrepreneur and is the inventor of Pillowsonic, a music therapy device used to comfort hospitalized children.
Maureen Conlon Gutierrez, Violinist
Originally from Mexico, Maureen is a classically trained violinist who brings her training into her interpretation of tango.
Maureen fell in love with this passionate genre of music four years ago when asked to join former band, Tangeros de Ley.
“As a classically trained musician, playing tango gives me the freedom to break out from my formal training and just let go,” said Aqui Tango band member Maureen Conlon Gutierrez. “It allows me to add my own interpretation and passion to the music.” Maureen’s website is located at maureenconlon.com
Jose Layo Puentes, Bassist
A Venezuelan native, Jose joined Aqui Tango is the band’s most recent member.
In addition to tango, Jose is equally at home with other styles including classical, jazz, Venezuelan folk music, and salsa, all which play a part in his style and interpretation.
Tom “El Cacho” Roberts, Pianist. Tom is the band’s native Pittsbugh member. Lovingly referred to as “El Cacho”—the band’s honorary Latino member.
A leading proponent of early jazz piano in the world today, he has been hailed as “one of the finest pianists today in the exciting Harlem stride piano style.”
He’s performed on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, The Statler Brothers Show on TNN, and A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor.
Tom was pianist for Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks in New York City and pianist and musical director for Leon Redbone for six years. He was the featured pianist at the International Stride Piano Summit in Zurich, Switzerland in 2001 and 2009.
Tom arranged and performed music for the soundtrack of Martin Scorsese’s film The Aviator, as well as several titles for the film DeLovely. He has arranged music for the syndicated PRI show Riverwalk Jazz, Live from the Landing with the Jim Cullum Jazz Band, and Wynton Marsalis and The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s Louis Armstrong concert.
Originally from Pittsburgh, Tom played in all the major jazz clubs in the French Quarter and on the riverboats of New Orleans from 1989 to 1994. He’s performed twice at New York’s Carnegie Hall with Skitch Henderson and the New York Pops and was featured in solo with Dick Hyman on the “Jazz In July” series at NYC’s 92nd Street Y in 2003. Tom has recorded over 40 albums and performed throughout the US and Europe. He is a versatile music historian with special focus on the Early Jazz era, a frequent guest at National Public Radio and has written articles for magazines such as Piano Today.
ARIVE EARLY & EXPLORE FOXBURG!
Plan to Make a Day of it in beautiful Foxburg!
Before the concert, plan to stop by the Red Brick Gallery and Gift Shop from 5 to 7 PM for a glass of wine at the ‘soft opening’ of the exhibit of RBG Cooperative Artist and Botanical Watercolorist Donna Edmonds and stoneware ceramicist Cheri Anderton Yarnell.
AND in the first floor Gift Shop to find special gifts from the offerings of 18 talented Cooperative Artists from the region.
Two artists express their respect and concern for nature, especially wildlife, using vivid color and carefully depicted forms within their respective media.
The exhibit runs weekends from Friday, August 21 to Sunday, September 27. On Saturday, September 26 the Red Brick Gallery is open from 11 AM to 7 PM.
Before the concert enjoy a walk along the Allegheny River trail or rent bicycles or have a pontoon ride with Foxburg Tours.
Have supper before the concert at the Allegheny Grille with seating on the deck overlooking the Allegheny River – or in their dining room with a stunning river view.
Or for more casual fare, at Foxburg Pizza with salads, sandwiches and pizza… try their pizza of the month or ask them for their Meat Lover’s Pizza or their Chicken Alfredo Pizza! Beer sold.
Save time to enjoy wine tasting and or enjoy a bottle of wine on their patio at the beautifully renovated Foxburg Wine Cellars.
Plan to stop by and do some shopping on the day of a concert – and use one of the wine discounts available at the $100 ARCA membership and above!
Plan to make it a refreshing weekend in the newly remodeled and elegant Foxburg Inn.
Overnight or weekend stay? Reserve your room at Foxburg Inn using promo code ARCA2026 for savings on accommodations.
Become an ARCA member at the $100 level and receive a 5% room discount any time of the year and a 10% discount from Friday to Sunday on concert weekends, utilizing the hotel website or calling directly (724-659-3116) and showing your membership card at check-in.
