The Music of Rubén Blades with Omar Ledezma Jr.
April 13, 2021, 6:00pm (PST)
Free
Join Grammy Award-winning vocalist/percussionist Omar Ledezma Jr. in a conversation and listening session on the music of award-winning singer Rubén Blades, who has had an influence on Ledezma’s development as a performing artist. In this workshop you will learn more about the personal background of Panamanian born Rubén Blades and how his upbringing influenced his music and trajectory becoming a renowned singer, songwriter, Harvard University alum, Panamanian presidential candidate, and Tourism Minister. Ledezma will analyze selected songs to focus on rhythmic structure, lyricism, and the significant social messages associated with the work of Blades. Finally, Ledezma will perform excerpts of some of Blades’s most famous songs on voice and percussion. Participants will learn about how social history impacted the life and artistic work of Rubén Blades and also learn about key ingredients to creating and performing vocals in Afro-Caribbean music.
This event will be conducted online via video conferencing. RSVP to receive the link to join, emailed prior to the start of the discussion.
ABOUT CMC SESSIONS: Take a deep dive into jazz, Chinese-American, Latin, old-time, gypsy jazz, and genre-crossing styles with CMC faculty from the Cultural Traditions Department. The sessions offer engaging discussions, inspiring demonstrations, and musical tips in a creative format. Participants are invited to interact with the faculty through a Q & A. CMC Sessions are free and open to all levels of music students.