Discovering the Music of Puerto Rico

Jazz is a word with many interpretations and a rich history, a transcendental on-going experiment in form and expression, and certainly a complex matrix of cultures and influences. As part of our Education Program at SFJAZZ, our goal is to inform, inspire and engage our audiences to dig deeper into the music, and among our flagship programs is the Discover Jazz series we offer in partnership with the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival and the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD).

Beginning next Wednesday, August 1st, our first Discover Jazz series will focus on the music of Puerto Rico, highlighting the extraordinary evolution of music and musicians on this tiny yet expressive island. Taught by Grammy-nominated musician, band leader and historian John Santos, this 8-part series - entitled "Sabrosa y Criolla: La Música Puertorriqueña" - delves into the range of traditional and popular styles from a socio-political perspective, and explores the wealth of Puerto Rican music through the emergence of Salsa and Latin Jazz in New York City. Santos will share his many years of experience and research in the field, providing valuable insight along with historic recordings and images. For more information and tickets please visit the sfjazz website: sfjazz.org/discover-jazz.

Meanwhile, please enjoy this slide-show of classic images and traditional music straight from la isla del encanto (the isle of enchantment):

-- Rebeca