Music relates to community in so many different ways; it’s not always just about the group of performing musicians – musicians can reach out to support other communities. In hard times, musicians are often some of the leaders in benefit events – a fact that has held true in 2010 after the tragic earthquake in Haiti. Individuals around the world contributed personal donations right away, but at the same time, musicians were quickly organizing fundraising concerts. High profile concerts such as the pop driven Hope For Haiti Now event and subsequent downloads brought in immediate loads of cash, getting the ball rolling. This blast of a worldwide major event like this helps the cause immensely, but a multitude of local benefit concerts can be just as effective. Fortunately, these events are popping up across the country at an inspiring rate, and the Latin Jazz world has been a big part of this support system. Events on the East Coast, West Coast, and Middle America have all been scheduled, showing an outreach of community past any local scene. This is where music becomes more than just the individual, it becomes about humanity – something we often forget that sits at the root of the art form.

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Some upcoming benefit concerts for Haiti, featuring Latin Jazz artists:

Saxophonist Jane Bunnett has organized a series of two fundraising concerts in Toronto at Hugh’s Room. Both nights will feature Bunnett with her group Spirits Of Havana, as well as Amanda Martinez, Hilario Duran, and many more.
WHEN: Thursday 1/28/10 & Sunday 1/31/10
WHERE: Hugh’s Room
2261 Dundas Street, West
Toronto, ON Canada
TIME: 8:00 p.m.
TICKETS: $25 in advance; $30 at door

Bay Area Latin Jazz musicians will join together for a performance at Pier 23 Cafe in February, with proceeds going directly to the Sion Fonds Orphanage in Haiti. Performers include the Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble Of San Francisco, Sombra Y Luz, Ray Obiedo and Mambo Caribé, as well as The Bay Area Latin Jazz All-Stars, a group that includes percussionists John Santos and Jesus Diaz, trombonist Wayne Wallace, violinist Anthony Blea, and many more.
WHEN: Sunday 2/28/10
WHERE: Pier 23 Cafe
Pier 23 on the Embarcadero
San Francisco, CA
TIME: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
TICKETS: $25

If you’re a Latin Jazz artist performing in an upcoming Haiti benefit, let me know, I’ll add you to the list!

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In honor of the spirit of support for Haiti being shown right now, we’re going to jump into a Latin Jazz world that we haven’t quite explored here at LJC – Afro-Haitian Jazz. This is a completely new world for me, so I’m searching here, but I’ve come up with a few interesting examples. The first clip features the group Mozayik performing “Caravan” with Haitian rhythms, live in Haiti. The second video shows Haitian musician Melanie JC Charles performing a scorching instrumental piece at SOB’s in New York. The last selection finds saxophonist Buyu Ambroise placing Haitian rhythms under Wayne Shorter’s classic tune “Footprints.” Enjoy the videos and put the concert dates above on your calendar so that you can get out and support Haiti!

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Afro-Haitian Jazz Quintet Mozayik Performing “Caravan” Live in Haiti

Melanie JB Charles Performing Live At SOB’s In New York

Saxophonist Buyu Ambroise Performing “Footprints” With Haitian Rhythms

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Want to hear more from Haitian Jazz Artists? Check out these albums:

Buyu Ambroise: Blues in Red

Mozayik: Haitian Creole Jazz

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Do you have a video to contribute to satisfy our weekly Latin Jazz video fix? If so, send it in – it’s time to feed our addiction. I’m looking for live performances, from any context. I’ll most likely be posting one video per week, but if you’ve got another idea, let’s talk. So come on Latin Jazz videographers, musicians, and fans – let’s share some of our memorable videos! Get my contact info HERE.

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Check Out These Related Posts:
Weekly Latin Jazz Video Fix: Puerto Rican Jazz
Weekly Latin Jazz Video Fix: Astor Piazzolla
Weekly Latin Jazz Video Fix: Yosvany Terry And Dafnis Prieto
Weekly Latin Jazz Video Fix: Edmar Castaneda

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