Ecuadorian band back with more music

For the past eight years, the Ecuadorian-born members of Quichua Mashis have brought a bit of international flavor to the Northwest Washington Fair, with their haunting Andean pan flutes and strings.

Before their first performance, some quietly tuned their instruments, while others fueled up on oversized cinnamon rolls.

"It's very friendly," flutist Raul Conejo, 41, said. "That's why we come every year. It brings happiness to us, too."

Manager Luis Gramal agreed.

"This fair is something we wait for," he said. "We make friends here."