Latin Flair Moves Cal State Long Beach

By Jerrin Inouye
Daily Forty-Niner
Contributing Writer
 
The nationally renowned Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band, kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with their unique Afro-Cuban Rhythm at noon on Wednesday.
Poncho Sanchez, with his signature gray beard and hat serenaded the crowd with his unique combination of cha-cha tempos and funk. The sounds of the Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band stirred the crowd  as the trumpets wailed, the symbols clanged and the bongo drums resonated though the terrace. The audience couldn't resist clapping their hands and moving to the beat. A handful of students and faculty even took up partners and danced traditional Latin Salsa by twisting, turning, and shaking to the groovy beat.

Edward Moreno, one of the students on the floor dancing salsa, said listening to Poncho Sanchez allows him to, "get a feel for the Latin culture, have fun, dance and socialize." He also said, "I think CSULB should have more Latin bands."

Micheal Carney, a percussion director at CSULB said "it's a good change to a top-level band from typical local bands. The level of musicianship is so much higher."

Carney encouraged many of his students to attend the performance and enjoy the music of the Latino legends. Carney also commented on the Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band, saying "they have a great traditional Latin percussion section."

The Latin Jazz Band attracted a combination of 150 students and faculty. The Program Coordinator of the event, Keya Allen said, it's a good thing for the students who are not exposed to jazz. It is also refreshing for the staff and faculty."

Latin jazz has been more appealing towards the older generation but it is also rising amongst the younger generation as well. In contrast to the recent appearance a few days ago on the terrace by the band, Pepper with their signature Kona Dub Rock that appealed primarily to the younger crowd. Allen also said, "We have to think for 35,000 students. We have a mix of students so we make sure we represent them all."

The performances at the Terrace by The Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band, Pepper and others are organized by students in CSULB's Program Council.

"The performances that students have come to enjoy during their breaks between class or when they are just passing are made possible by a handful of hard working students. The students of Program Council, choose, book and organize most of the performances," Keya Allen said. "We have volunteers that work for free and they never leave."

The Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band was chosen by the students at Program Council because they're music is also a celebration of both the success and culture of many from Hispanic decent. The Latin sounds, honor the beginning of  Hispanic Heritage month which starts on  Sept. 15. This special month celebrates Hispanic culture and the anniversary of the independence for five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Poncho Sanchez said as he observed the audience, "People got excited and they can see and feel the spirit and soul of the music."

The students and faculty really enjoyed the performance by the band. The Latin Jazz band played about six songs from their latest albums, "Out of site," and "Latin Spirit."

Poncho Sanchez hoped his Latin Jazz music would reach out to the young students at CSULB, "The younger generation are the future of music; they can learn about Latin culture and I hope it makes them proud."