From SoCal to Cuba: The Cal State Long Beach jazz ensemble bringing its unique rhythms to the Caribbean

A group of 16 people people all posing. From left to right: A light-skinned man wears a navy blue suit and purple tie with brown shoes and sits on a chair with legs crossed. To the right, a light-skinned woman stands next to him wearing a purple dress. Another light-skinned woman wearing a purple dress is sitting next to her. A light-skinned woman is partially laying down on a blue and white rug also wearing a purple dress. To her right, a light-skinned man wearing a navy suit sits on a chair and places hands on a drum. To the right, a medium-light toned man sits on the rug wearing a navy suit. To his right, a light-skinned woman wears a purple dress and sits on a chair. To her right, a dark-skin toned man sits on top of a tall chair. To his left, a light-skinned woman wearing a purple dress. To her left, a light-skinned man wears a navy suit. To his left, a light-skinned man wearing a navy suit holds a cello. To his left, a light-skinned woman with blonde hair wears a purple dress. To her left, behind the man with the drum, a light-skinned man wearing a navy suit holds an alto-saxophone. To his back left, a medium-light skin toned man stands wearing a navy suit. In front, a light-skinned toned man wearing a navy suit sits on a chair. Behind him, a light-skin toned woman stands wearing a purple dress.

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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.

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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:

Listen • 5:54

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.