American Sabor exhibit at the Sacramento Central Library (Image by: David Alvarez)

The Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition is in town for an exhibit called “American Sabor: Latinos in U.S. Popular Music,” which showcases the contributions of Latinos in popular music.

The Sacramento Public Library, located at 828 I St., is hosting the exhibit. Although the library will be closed Saturday through Monday for the Memorial Day holiday, the exhibit will stay in Sacramento until Aug. 7 and then depart for a showing in San Francisco starting on Aug. 27.

The exhibition was created by Experience Music Project and organized for travel by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. “American Sabor,” its national tour and related programs are made possible by the Ford Motor Company Fund.

Here’s a quiz to test your Latino music knowledge. Match the artists to the clues below:
     1.  Celia Cruz
     2.  Tito Puente
     3.  Freddy Fender
     4.  Carlos Santana
     5.  Gloria Estefan
     6.  Flaco Jimenez

    A.  The King of Mambo
    B.  This Texas musician took his stage name from his favorite guitar
    C.  Mexican rock guitarist
    D. The voice of Miami Sound Machine
    E.  The Queen of Salsa
    F.  The father of conjunto music

The quiz above is included in an activity guide provided at the exhibition. Basic salsa steps are also diagrammed along with other activities and information.

A free Latin jazz concert series will also be part of the exhibition. The concerts will take place at the Tsakopoulos Library Galleria in the Central Library. The legend Pete Ecovedo will play with his Latin Jazz Orchestra on June 8. On June 22 the Latin Magic Dance Band will grace the stage and dance floor. The Frisco Project, led by Abel Sanchez, will play a Latin mix of 1960s and ’70s music.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for the Latin Jazz Concert Series and is limited sitting on a first-come basis.

As you enter the Sacramento Library, the exhibition immediately grabs your attention. Guided listening stations are set up where you can experience the many sounds and contributions by U.S. Latinos in American music. The history of certain types of genres as well as the artists who helped make them popular are explored via audio and visual graphics at each station.

American Sabor exhibit at the Sacramento Central Library (Image by: David Alvarez)

The exhibit is divided into five regional sections and explores the influence of Latino musicians in post-World War II America in major centers of Latino music production: New York, San Antonio, San Francisco, Miami and Los Angeles.

As you go around the stations and stop to read or listen, memories are rekindled. When I stopped at the Santana station, it reminded me of being in junior high when I first heard “Evil Ways.” As I walked through the other stations, I could almost compile a soundtrack of my life, especially when I stopped at the East L.A. punk station and saw posters advertising the Bags and the Plugz concert tour. I recall watching the 1984 classic movie “Repo Man” and hearing Suicidal Tendencies and the Plugz as part of the film score, created by Tito Larriva and Steven Hufsteter of the Plugz.

American Sabor exhibit at the Sacramento Central Library (Image by: David Alvarez)

Guests to the American Sabor website are encouraged to share some of their memories. Visitors to the site can explore expanded exhibition content, watch films, view interviews and even download lesson plans. A jukebox is also available and a mixing board allows guests to try their hand at mixing and producing a song.

Salsa music is said to have begun in New York as an expression of Latino youth who spoke English at school and Spanish at home, who ate Caribbean food and listened to rock ’n’ roll on the radio. Within this mix of cultures, dancing and listening to salsa music with Spanish lyrics and Afro-Caribbean rhythms was a way to embrace their Caribbean heritage and style. Similar information is given as you stroll from station to station.

American Sabor exhibit at the Sacramento Central Library (Image by: David Alvarez)

Besides salsa and the East L.A. punk scene, Latinos have played an integral part in American reggaeton, hip-hop, jazz, rap, rock and almost every other genre. Artists such as Joan Baez, Santana, Linda Ronstadt, Ritchie Valens, Los Lobos, Daddy Yankee, Selena, Celia Cruz, Desi Arnaz, Malo and many others whose music has had an influence in American music are featured at various exhibit stations.

Speaking of Malo, the Jammin’ in the Park 2 concert comes to Cesar Chavez Park on June 18. Malo will feature Jorge Santana (Carlos Santana’s brother) and Arcelio Gracia. DJ Nightfly, Esteban Villa, Los Elegantes and Blanca Sandoval will also take the stage to honor two fathers of the Chicano art movement: Jose Montoya of the Royal Chicano Air Force and Phil Esparza from El Teatro Campesino.

A private reception for the “American Sabor” exhibit also took place on Wednesday at the Tsakopoulos Library Galleria. Many people were busy getting ready for the kickoff event, and branch services manager Mary Mijares took a few minutes to talk a little about the exhibition.

Mijares discussed several other things that would be going on with main “American Sabor,” including concerts for families, folklorico dances and a two Latino film series.

Mijares said the exhibit is an opportunity for the entire community to engage in understanding the contributions of Latino musicians over several eras. She also noted that influence obviously continues to influence American society.

She said in order to complement the exhibit, several other programs will be taking place at other branches. Some people who can’t get to the Central Library but still want to experience the exhibit can get a taste at other branches.

“American Sabor” tries to reach as many people as possible. Mijares mentioned that they’re trying to reach out to certain age groups but also make it available to a wide range of audiences. She ended by saying they’re excited about bringing Manuel Romero to the Sacramento audience. Romero is a talented young phenomenon who has been building a large following Romero is a talented young phenomenon who has been building a large following as a songwriter, musician and vocalist.

Plan to attend the exhibit during its Sacramento stay and log on to the American Sabor website to interact with the many experiences being offered. As you attend a local library branch or the Central Library, take advantage and check out other materials that can expose you and your family to the many music books, CDs and videos available.