Latinos in the USA: Music as a Cultural History with Catalina Maria Johnson

Music can be viewed and “read” as a tool that shares the cultural values, roots, and history of peoples. Numerous Latino musical genres share the concerns of Latinos throughout the years —from songs documenting daily life to celebration tunes to protest music and more— the music tells the stories of our lives.

This program focuses on a broad overview of milestones from the last several centuries years of music in the Latine U.S. as a way of understanding the history, roots, and concerns of Latines in this land, with a special emphasis on Latine populations that have profoundly marked the state of Illinois’ culture and music.

The presentation, paired with slides and musical samples, is lively and focused on participation, discussion, and exploration of complex topics through musical enjoyment!

Catalina Maria Johnson, Ph.D., is a music journalist passionate about sharing Latinx culture, history, and influence through music.

Host or Publisher The World Music Foundation