Tue., Oct. 11, 4– 6:30pm
“The 350+ Year Evolution of Salsa” Lecture/Workop, led by Mr. José Obando, CEO, Lubona Corporation, and his Salsa ensemble (CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS)
Special Assistance by:
Presencia: BU’s Salsa and Latin Music Ensemble
Boston Salsa University (BU Salsa Dance Group)
Remarks by:
Dr. John Thornton, Director, African American Studies Program
Michael Birenbaum Quintero, Assistant Professor of Ethnomusicology
Description:
Jose Obando will lead an immersive experience on the development and evolution of Salsa. Taking us back 350 years, Obando will discuss the formation of Spanish-Caribbean cultural and musical identity and how the mixing of European and African elements lead to the creation of Salsa. The Spanish-Caribbean’s folklores are heavily influenced by various “African cocktails” that include Yoruba, Bantu, Carabali, Fon and other West African cultures and religions brought to America during the slave trade. These cocktails combine with European cultural and religious influence to create much of the Carribean’s popular music forms. The lecture will feature live music of popular and folkloric Afro-Latin genres, including Plena, Bomba, Guaracha, Salsa, and more genres important to understanding Salsa’s development. This lecture will be extensive and in-depth, but also fun and enjoyable. The history is complemented with music, dancing and demonstration by not only Obando, but also Presencia: BU’s Salsa and Latin Music Ensemble and Boston Salsa University, BU’s premier Salsa dance troupe.
Info on Mr. Obando:
José Obando is one of the incorporators of the Salsa Museum in Spanish Harlem and its former executive director. Salsa is an American musical genre amalgamated by “Nuyoricans,” especially Puerto Ricans living in Spanish Harlem. He resigned as executive director to establish Lubona Corporation, an education consultancy. Lubona Corporation presents several museum lectures about the development of Salsa.
His consultancy includes the Department of Musical Instruments of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Julliard School, The Cathedral of St. Patrick, The Riverdale Country School, Grace Church School, Horace Mann School, The Apollo Theater, U.S. Naval Academy, Drew University’s Theological School, etc.
Get ready for a great evening of culture, music, and dance!
Supported by the BU Center for the Humanities, as well as a grant from the BU Arts Initiative – Office of the Provost, the BU School of Music Center for Early Music, Dept of History, Latin American Studies Program, and the African American Studies Program