Monteverde has already kicked off its annual extravaganza for non-commercial, homegrown music, but there are still plenty of shows remaining in the varied program to choose from.

In an immaculate cloud forest preserve in Costa Rica's north-central Tilarán Mountains, the Monteverde Music Fest of weekend concerts serves to “promote and stimulate the national music scene” according to Patricia Maynard, the event's organizer.

Maynard, also a music producer, said the lineup crosses genres, from rock to reggae to Celtic and flamenco, all Costa Rican and most not heard on the radio.

The 15-year-old festival is also bidding to give a boost to the Tico audience with lower-priced tickets, at ¢2,000 (about $4), for Costa Rican nationals, and $10 for foreign visitors.

The group Soloflamenco is set to give an open-air show Friday at Green Park, after the previously scheduled group, Native Culture, canceled. Then come Celtic players Peregrino Gris on Saturday at the Anfiteatro, which Maynard said is a partially covered venue. Both shows start at 7 p.m.

Electronic-world music duo Santos y Surdo play at Green Park on Sunday.

Maynard also said the April 4 show by Evolución, “one of (Costa Rica's) most popular rock bands,” and the April 5 concert by Parque en el Espacio, “a trip rock” band that is one of her favorites, are not to be missed.

The festival comes to a close April 6 with concerts by Cantoamerica and Sonambulo.

For more information, call 2645 5926.