Huayucaltia’s name (why-you-call-tia) is derived from the Nahuatl word huayolcayotl which literally means kinship; we interpret it to suggests unity and brotherhood.

The group got together in 1985 in Los Angeles, California, where we acquired a loyal audience. We have toured throughout the West Coast, Southeast and Midwest of the United States, and Perú.

Huayucaltia is made up of four immigrants from four South American countries and a U.S.-born citizen: Cindy Harding from Palo Alto, California, Julio Ledezma from Misiones, Argentina, Hernan Pinilla from Bogota, Colombia, Antonio Ezkauriatza from Mexico City via Monterrey, and Peruvian Ciro Hurtado, from Moyobamba via Lima.

The LA Weekly's Best of Los Angeles Music Awards nominated Huayucaltia as 2001 and 2002 best World Music/Recombinant band and was a favorite among readers in the MVP (Most Valuable Performer) category.

During spring, 2002 the band received a Proclamation from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for their participation in the Summer Nights at the Ford series to sold-out audiences and their contributions to the community over the years.

On September 11th, 2003, Huayucaltia, along The Opus 7 Singers directed by Ariel Quintanilla, performed "Misa Criolla" by Argentine composer Ariel Ramirez at the Hollywood Bowl to critical acclaim. This was the opening act for the L.A. Philarmonic's performance of Beethoven's 9th Symphony.

In 2004 the band performed at San Juan Capistrano Regional Library Music Series' 15th Anniversary Celebration where Huayucaltia was the very first organization to be presented.

We are currently celebrating our 20th Anniversary and will feature "The Best of Huayucaltia" album in the near future