Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Jazz Caliente: Learn About Latin Music's Influence on American Music

Rebecca Corbaley, KNKX
Cuban street musician plays bongos and cowbell

Two informative, fun and  in-depth resources for learning about Latin music debuted  in 2009:  the interactive exhibit "American Sabor" and the PBS series "Latin Music USA."

"American Sabor" was created by Seattle's Experience Music Project (now the Museum of Pop Culture, or MoPOP).  It was a traveling exhibit, showing in 13 cities through 2015.  

The focus is on how Latinos influenced popular music in the U.S.  There's a ton of information on regional Latin music styles, musician's stories and more at the "American Sabor" website.

"Latin Music USA" is a PBS documentary, again with the focus on Latino influences on American music.  There's a bit more history of the music here, especially in the first two hour-long segments.  

You can watch the entire four-hour program (in bite-size chunks), get reading recommendations and explore musical styles at the"Latin Music USA" website.  Here's a preview:

http://youtu.be/FJN5WH2vaZo

Jazz Caliente airs Saturdays at 5:00 p.m.  The show is hosted by Robin Lloyd and produced by KNKX Public Radio.

Originally from Detroit, Robin Lloyd has been presenting jazz, blues and Latin jazz on public radio for nearly 40 years. She's a member of the Jazz Education Network and the Jazz Journalists Association.