Music as Identity and Resistance-A Lecture with John Santos

Description

Presented by CIIS Public Programs & Performances

Part of the lecture series 'Bending Towards Justice: Exploring Individual and Social Transformation'

The Creole nature of Latin jazz, and Caribbean culture in general, are in many ways templates for diversity, respect, and understanding for the entire planet. It tells an urgent story that is a beautiful testament to human perseverance, but it is not a pretty story. Genocide, slavery, apartheid, and continued colonial mentality are the results of the American experiment and clash of cultures. Identities lost and found also epitomize American history and are the basis of great turmoil and passion to the individual and collective mindset.

The Western "love boat" view of the Caribbean as little more than a vacation destination deters acknowledgement of the economic and human needs of the region, as well as its central role in American history. In this hostile environment, the seemingly simple acts of studying, playing, and preserving jazz and Latin jazz are themselves acts of resistance. This lecture is based on the music of the Spanish-speaking Antilles-music that documents and embodies the American saga as well as any.

Five-time Grammy nominee and USA Fontanals Fellow, John Santos, is one of the foremost bandleaders, composers, producers, percussionists, and educators in Afro-Latin music. He currently directs the John Santos Sextet, and is featured prominently in the PBS American Masters documentary Cachao: Uno Mas.

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http://www.ciis.edu/News_and_Events/Event_Calendar/Santos_SP...

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