Arts and Music (Audio‪)‬ UCTV

Quetzal is a Grammy award-winning ensemble of highly talented musicians, joined for the goal of creating good music that tells the social, cultural, political, and musical stories of people in struggle. Martha Gonzalez (lead singer, percussionist, and songwriter) calls it an “East LA Chicano @ rock group,” summing up its rootedness in the complex cultural currents of life in the barrio, its social activism, its strong feminist stance, and its rock and roll musical beginnings.  Besides being a rock band, the group and its members participate in a much larger web of musical, cultural, and political engagement. Damian DeRobbio will host and conduct a Q&A with the group after their performance. Series: "Arts Channel " [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 39526]

An electrifying harmonizer, Lisa Sanders’ heartfelt songs are genuine with deep meaning and conviction. Her music conveys a style that can only be described as soulful country blues, integrating influences of folk-pop, gospel, rock, and jazz. Writing, singing, and producing from her heart in nearly every genre for over three decades, Sanders continues to make an impact in the musical world. Joining her from the Los Angeles band, Water Tower, will be Kenny Feinstein, on guitars, mandolin, bass, and violin and Tommy Drinkard on bass, percussion, guitars, and banjo. Series: "Arts Channel " [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 39525]

Born in the rhythms of Burkina Faso and cradled by the tradition of the griots, Adama Bilorou knows how to transform his heritage into a melody of multiple nuances—a musical journey that crosses continents and cultures. Drawing inspiration from the sights and sounds of his childhood in the Ivory Coast and his later journeys to Italy, France, the United States and Burkina Faso—Adama Bilorou has creatively composed his uniquely beautiful score. Series: "Arts Channel " [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 39524]

Musician Jake Blount delves into the intersection of Afrofuturism and folk music, particularly emphasizing its relevance in reshaping narratives of the past and envisioning alternative futures. He highlights the concept of the trans historic feedback loop, wherein the reinterpretation of historical narratives influences present and future understandings. Blount illustrates how this loop applies to his music, particularly in the context of addressing climate change.

Blount's discussion extends to the transformative power of traditional folk songs, which he sees as ripe for reinterpretation to address contemporary issues. By altering lyrics and themes, he adapts these songs to speak to the challenges of the present, particularly the looming climate crisis. This process not only updates the meaning of the songs but also engages listeners in critical conversations about the future. Series: "Arts Channel " [Humanities] [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 39553]

A powerfully gifted musician and a scholar of Black American music, Jake Blount speaks ardently about the African roots of the banjo and the subtle, yet profound ways African Americans have shaped and defined the amorphous categories of roots music and Americana. In this riveting performance at the Loft, he shares a dynamic mix of traditional tunes and original compositions. Series: "Arts Channel " [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 39477]

Filmmaker Sam Kadi joins moderator Juan Campo, professor of religious studies at UC Santa Barbara, for a discussion of the film Lamya’s Poem. Together, they consider how the film employs magical realism to interweave scenes from the lives of contemporary Syrian refugees with the experiences of 13th century poet Rumi. Kadi discusses the uses of animation in crafting a fantastical world, and shares perspectives on the important role of music, a conversation that continued with input from composer Christopher Willis, who was in attendance for the screening. Series: "Carsey-Wolf Center" [Humanities] [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 39479]