Latin rhythms in south Texas couldn't be more different than those heard on the U.S. East Coast, but everything from mambo to conjunto music has seeped into the larger musical landscape that makes up American popular music.
The bilingual and interactive museum exhibit, American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music, shows just how diverse the musical influences are from coast to coast.
American Sabor is a project of Seattle's Experience Music Project and the University of Washington. It has been touring the country, and is currently being displayed at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin, Texas, until May 9, 2010. Eventually American Sabor will end up at Smithsonian Institute.
American Sabor brings to life the stories of Latino musicians who have helped shape everything from rock and roll to rhythm and blues music. The exhibit focuses on five major American cities that served as centers of Latino popular music production after World War II — New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, San Antonio and San Francisco.
American Sabor Exhibition Highlights
Queen of Tejano music, Selena Quintanilla Perez' two-piece black outfit worn at the Tejano Music Awards. Also check out a gown and shoes worn by salsa sensation Celia Cruz, and don't miss the Mexican-style vest worn by Ritchie Valens on American Bandstand in 1958. Valens’ Harmony electric guitar is also on display. More than 100 artifacts like this can be found featuring items from other influential artists like Linda Ronstandt and Santana.
There can't be a Latino music exhibit without dancing. Yes, American Sabor even features a dance floor to learn or show off some moves.
Hear the musicians themselves tell their story. Tons of oral histories from the people who know the music best. Find out their influences and how history has shaped new generations of Latino musicians.
For those inspired to play music, interactive stations have been set up with keyboards to play hooks from popular Latin music hits. Visitors can also mix songs using the exhibit's mixer.
Placed strategically throughout the exhibit, listening kiosks are a great feature that help visitors listen to examples of all the music that is being showcased.
An extra special twist is that American Sabor adds local flavor to the exhibit. Depending on what city the exhibit is in, American Sabor includes a display on the area's Latino musicians influencing current American popular music. Austin's Latino music scene was nicely represented.
Admission to American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music
- $7 for adults
- $6 for seniors/military/college students with valid ID
- $4 for youth ages 5-18
- free for children 4 and under
The American Sabor exhibit shows a refreshing view of the contributions of Latino musicians that does not often get attention. It also makes visitors reflect on how immigration plays a big role in all aspects of American history — including music.
And most of all, it shows how through music different generations of U.S. born Latinos have been able to deal with issues of identity and struggling to belong. The result has been inspiring musical genres and songs that will always be a part of American popular music.
Nancy Flores - My freelance work, which ranges from writing articles, producing and editing online video and shooting photos, focuses on Mexican travel, ...
