Topline:
Cal State Long Beach’s jazz ensemble Pacific Standard Time is getting ready to take their vocals abroad to a place most Americans don’t get to go — Cuba.
The backstory: Royce Smith, dean of the College of Arts, is the mastermind behind the cultural exchange trip. He says that the goal is to use the arts as a form of “quiet diplomacy” to bridge the two countries and create connections. “It's about the opportunities that we can provide, and using music and the arts as a point of entry into Cuba, I think, will change our lives and change their lives as well,” Smith said.
Can I hear some of their work? You bet! Check out their work here.
Keep reading: ...to hear Austin's full conversation with the ensemble's director and hear more samples of their work.
Cal State Long Beach’s jazz ensemble Pacific Standard Time is getting ready to take their vocals abroad to a place most Americans don’t get to go — Cuba.
Royce Smith, dean of the College of Arts, is the mastermind behind the cultural exchange trip. Students not only get to learn about the arts and music history of Cuba, but also perform. He said the goal is to use the arts as a form of “quiet diplomacy” to bridge the two countries and create connections.
“It's about the opportunities that we can provide, and using music and the arts as a point of entry into Cuba, I think, will change our lives and change their lives as well,” Smith said.
Pacific Standard Time consists of eight to 12 students who perform a wide variety of vocal jazz. You can check out their work here.
Morning Edition’s Austin Cross spoke with Smith and Christine Guter, professor of Music and Director of the ensemble about the upcoming trip. Here's the full conversation:
From SoCal to Cuba: The Cal State Long Beach jazz ensemble bringing its unique rhythms to the Caribbean
If you’d like to contribute to the ensemble’s Cuba trip, click here.
