The 2004 program, Nuestra Música: Music in Latino Culture sought to present the Latino face of American life through music and dance. Building on the accomplishments of the Smithsonian Folkways Recording Initiative, "Tradiciones/Traditions," Nuestra Música: Music in Latino Culture previewed a three-year series of Festival programs which will explore how Latinos use music to build community, to give meaning to life, and to assert their presence in a multicultural society.
Music of distinctive styles and from distinctive Hispanic cultural traditions painted a picture of the complexity of the Latino community in the United States. Lively "roots" sounds from Veracruz, Mexico, the plains of eastern Colombia, and the mountains of Puerto Rico were heard on the same stages as music from Afro-Cuban santería, Texas-Mexican conjunto, New Mexican "Spanish Colonial," and California-based mariachi traditions. Presentations explored the music of the historic Chicano Movement of the 1970s as well as the new sounds that young Latinos are weaving into older forms. In addition, instrument makers shared the nuances of their craft, and visitors had plenty of opportunities to dance!
