Arturo O’Farrill: “The Arts Belong to the People”

Show Notes:Welcome to Backstage Bay Area! In this episode, host Steve Roby sits down with Grammy Award-winning pianist, composer, and bandleader Arturo O’Farrill for a deep dive into the intersections of music, activism, and community.About the Guest:Arturo O’Farrill is a celebrated figure in the world of Afro-Latin jazz, founder of the nonprofit Lango, and a passionate advocate for social change through music. From his early days with the Carla Bley Band to his leadership of the Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble, Arturo’s career is a testament to curiosity, integrity, and fearless creativity.In This Episode:Arturo reflects on his evolving approach to the piano and ensemble leadership, emphasizing relaxation, honesty, and the importance of humor in jazz.The Influence of Carla Bley: Lessons in Following Your Muse, Writing with Integrity, and the Power of Laughter in Music.Behind the new album “Mundoagua”: honoring Carla Bley’s legacy while forging a distinct artistic voice and exploring the environmental and political themes woven into the music.The story and emotion behind “Blue Palestine” and how music can be a vehicle for social consciousness.Arturo’s upcoming opera, “Lucero,” is inspired by real-life events, tackling hate crimes, and blending avant-garde textures with South American folk traditions.The vision for Casa Belongó in East Harlem is to create a vibrant, inclusive space for music, art, and community belonging.The role of Afro-Latin traditions in contemporary jazz, and why the arts truly belong to the people.What to expect at Arturo’s upcoming show at the SF Jazz Center, and his philosophy on audience participation and the communal spirit of live performance.Key Moments:The transformative power of relaxing at the pianoCarla Bley’s lessons on curiosity, integrity, and humorThe making of “Mundoagua” and its environmental messageThe opera “Lucero” and confronting social injustice through artBuilding Casa Belongó: a home for creativity and communityThe global roots and future of Afro-Latin jazzDon’t Miss:Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble live at the SF Jazz Center’s Minor Auditorium, Sunday, September 28th at 7:00 PM. For tickets and info, visit sfjazz.org.Learn more about Arturo’s work at arturoofarrill.com.Subscribe to Backstage Bay Area for more conversations with the artists shaping the music scene.