I am off to Seattle today to participate in the EMP Pop Music Conference. The theme for this year's conference is "Shake, Rattle: Music, Conflict, and Change," but it's heavy on the Latin content thanks to linking up to the museum's current exhibit, American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music.
I'm on a panel tomorrow mouthing off about the mis/interpretation of Latin musics in U.S. critical writing, and how getting stuck in the groove of tradition v. modernity makes most mainstream critics mis-hear music being made now. Although my talk focuses on "neo-traditional" bands like Yerbabuena and Very Be Careful, recent discussions with Rupture, Wayne and his posters on "nueva cumbia" and "critical intimacy" have been really helpful in thinking past my ranting. Thanks!
Also on the panel with me are a couple of compinches, filmmaker Jim Mendiola and mad genius musician Abraham Gomez Delgado. Moderating us is Lobo Louis Perez. I for one am real excited.
I'll do my best to report from the conference, on the American Sabor exhibit, on cool panels and anything that grabs my senses, but if I'm quiet for the next couple of days, it means I'll have more tidbits to give you when I return.
[1955 pix of Joe Cuba band member dancing at the Palladium via American Sabor site]
Enjoy yr. trip, Caro! Can't wait to hear the report back!
Posted by: richard | April 10, 2008 at 02:17 PM
glad we could be of some help!
i'm very sorry i won't be in seattle myself this weekend. got a conflicting commitment, but last year i had a boatload of fun. great conference -- lots of people passionate about (words about) music. i'll be curious to hear your thoughts. wish i could hear your paper.
Posted by: w&w | April 10, 2008 at 02:20 PM