It doesn't get more Jazz than Montreux! Poncho Sanchez, Latin Jazz legend, is set to do a number of events for the Museum in fall, including discussions, panel, and being a part of the public exhibit for American Sabor. He will headline the opening night of Jammin' at the Gem 2013/2014 season! I've enjoyed getting to learn about Sanchez and his extensive career. He's done it all. Grammy winner for Best Latin Jazz Album, Latin Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award, rave reviews from media outlets like MTV, VH1, and The Chicago Tribune. It's an honor to have such a visionary come and share his time and knowledge. It's musicians like Sanchez that pave the way for others to invent, collaborate, and fuse different styles and genres of music together. Sanchez is hailed by MTV as one of the most influential conga players and percussionists in Afro-Cuban Jazz of our time. After 25 studio albums, Sanchez has his musical flair down to an art. Not to mention the various films he's featured in as well. He has an effervescent vibe and seems very personable. As an artist, to open yourself up so much to your fans is being truly selfless. Part of being a musician now includes the illusion of being untouchable, which in reality creates distance and is off-putting to fans who long for a real connection to the artist that matches the one they have with the music itself. Sadly we now have a society where anyone can be a "star" and music is being dragged down in the dirt by booze, blondes, and bimbos. I say it's a great time to look to the past and learn about the roots of real, down to earth, raw talented, inspiring music. Which is what I plan to spend my summer doing, learning about the kings and queens of Jazz and exploring how Jazz plays a role in popular music today.