The importance of historical figures and major names in Latin Jazz sometimes overshadows the fact that musicians around the world regularly perform the music in smaller venues. These artists play an important part in the perseverance of the style, and the culture of local music scenes. The local context serves as a training ground for upcoming Latin Jazz musicians and creates interest in the style among the general public. Local music scenes become more diversified through the inclusion of Latin Jazz groups, and offer more performing opportunities for musicians. Local Latin Jazz artists need one vital element to survive - our regular support. There are several things you can do to help Latin Jazz thrive in your community - please take action and help local artists thrive!

1. Attend Their Live Performances
This one seems a bit self-evident, but it needs to be said - life gets busy, finances get short, and people get tired; sometimes even the most avid music fan can find reasons to miss a performance. Family obligations, work overtime, and friends squeeze our free time; a few hours to watch that concert downtown seems improbable. Eddie Palmieri may be playing at the high-end jazz venue this month, wiping out your fun money for the month - so that string of local gigs you were going to attend may wait until next month. Your work schedule might leave you exhausted and it’s honestly a lot easier to turn on the television than get out to a concert. We always prioritize our time and money and local bands may get the short end of the stick.

Keep your eyes open; the opportunities to see local performances may surprise you. Artists that play music for a living need to perform regularly in order to make ends meet, so bands may be playing much more often than you realize. Look beyond the clubs that you frequent and keep your eyes on local publications for unexpected dates. You may be surprised to discover that the Latin Jazz group you’ve always wanted to hear is playing down the street. Bands also play low cost gigs that provide more promotion than profit. In many cases, these bands can be found at street festivals, benefits, or fairs; they would love to walk away from those gigs with a new fan. These performances probably won’t cost you much (if anything at all) and they may occur at a different time of day, allowing you to attend. You’ll find any serious band trying to gain exposure in these situations.

Most importantly, take a chance on a local Latin Jazz group that might be unfamiliar to you. The musicians that are now legend to us came from somewhere - often local music scenes just like the ones you frequent. The musicians in your area need an opportunity to develop and receive your feedback; something they will never get if you don’t attend their performances. True, your time is valuable, and you may see a concert that you don’t enjoy. On the other hand, you might find a remarkable group of musicians that offer you a whole new approach to Latin Jazz. You’ll never know until you hear them live.

2. Give Some Kind Words to Both the Band and the Club
When you enjoy a live performance, take the time to let the band know. Latin Jazz requires a personal expression from a group of musicians, often sharing their inner feelings with a group of strangers. Musicians love to know that their personal statements touched people, and the only concrete validation is direct words of encouragement. After a gig, musicians may be packing up gear, talking amongst themselves, or relaxing, but don’t be afraid to approach them. Musicians want to know what touched you, and they love to have meaningful conversations about their music. It’s a win-win situation for everyone - the musicians will feel rewarded from the personal contact and you’ll feel more connected to the band.

Show your appreciation for the music to the people at the club as well. A band shares a mutually beneficial relationship with a club - the band gets a performance space and income while the club sells drinks and a cover charge. On same token, both parties want certain things in the future - the band would like more work while the club wants a band that will draw a crowd and earn more money for the club. A new Latin Jazz group with less of a reputation will have a smaller crowd and resultantly, they will make less money for the club. If you share your enthusiasm for the band with a variety of workers at the club, that message will get across to the club owner. The impression that you create could be the turning point, convincing the club to give the band another gig. As a fan and customer, you exert a certain amount of power that will be heard.

3. Join Their Mailing List
Most bands will collect your contact information when you volunteer it. This allows them to regularly send you a complete performance schedule for the band, as well as information about special events. They often send news with updates about possible recordings. Smart bands will offer their mailing list members special offers for admission to clubs or more. Whatever the case, it keeps you in contact with the band on a regular basis and allows you to plan on seeing the group. Most mailing lists are done through e-mail today, but some bands will still utilize old-fashioned mail.

4. Buy Their CD
Recording a CD involves a major financial investment from a band. Even with the easily accessible recording opportunities provided by home computers, at least one band member will need to spend a significant amount of money to master, reproduce, and distribute CDs. In many cases, that band member does not make a significant profit from that recording; in fact, they may be lucky to recoup their initial investment. Every dollar counts, and your support would help move the band towards further performances, and hopefully, more recordings. In addition, those early albums will only be available in limited amounts. Several years later, you probably won’t find that recording anywhere. Most importantly, you enjoy hearing the band, so listen to them at home. Your further connection with the band will only deepen your support. When a band creates a CD, support them financially and show your comittment by purchasing their CD!

5. Spread The Word
Local Latin Jazz groups need extensive support to earn more gigs and higher profile work, and you are their best ally in this endeavor. When you truly relate to a band, you want to share their work . . . so bring five friends to their next performance. Most likely one or more of your friends will return to hear the band, and they will probably bring their friends. Pretty soon, you’ve added significantly to the band’s following. You can help outside their concerts as well - put their music on your MySpace page or create a Facebook group around the band. E-mail local college radio about playing the band’s recording or contact a local club asking to hear the band perform there. Contact music bloggers, podcasters, and reviewers to let them know about the band. An endorsement from a fan sounds powerful to most people; your voice and actions can help a local Latin Jazz group survive and even thrive in their music careers.

The Latin Jazz Corner Supports Local Latin Jazz
Part of our mission here at the Latin Jazz Corner is the acknowledgment and support of upcoming Latin Jazz artists. I’ve done some reviews of artists currently building their careers in the past and I’d like to do more. This week, I’ll be starting a new feature, The Spotlight, which will focus upon upcoming artists that deserve more attention. I’ll be writing an album review of their work and providing as much additional information as possible. The artist will be highlighted in the sidebar for a couple of weeks as well. I’ve inserted images of artists that I either have reviewed or that I plan to spotlight in the near future.

There’s one more thing that you could do to help local Latin Jazz artists - make me aware of them! I’m constantly researching new releases and “buzz” Latin Jazz artists, but realistically, it’s impossible for me to find everyone. If there is a Latin Jazz group in your area, encourage them to send me their CD for review. You could simply e-mail me with their name and website address. Leave a comment about them and describe their sound. Get their information to me in any way possible so that I can help them gain promotion. These artists represent the future of Latin Jazz, and I’d love to let people know about them!

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