BEHIND THE CURTAIN (2009)

The Challenges That Face the Stability (and Sanity) of Bay Area Traditional Musicians

Video Essay by Michael Santoro

Over the past decade, there has been an increase in the amount of international, traditional music being presented, produced, and performed in the Bay Area. In contrast to this trend, however, there are increasing numbers of master artists unable to sustain their traditions, and in many cases, their lives. In the case of many immigrant musicians of the Bay Area, the development of these voids are heavily influenced by political oppression, human rights violations, social welfare issues, and economic instability. This video essay takes a look into these circumstances from the perspective of a Bay Area musicians grandchild.

Michael Santoro is the Executive Director of Door Dog Music Productions, the producers of the San Francisco World Music Festival.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• world music
• bay area arts