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 piano
• Carla Bley’s lessons on curiosity, integrity, and humor
• The making of “Mundoagua” and its environmental message
• The opera “Lucero” and confronting social injustice through art
• Building Casa Belongó: a home for creativity and community
• The global roots and future of Afro-Latin jazz

Don’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.

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