Roundtable Discussion: The Black Music of Mexico II

Moderated by Dr. Eric Hines, DMA

with

Dr. Carol L Adams, PhD, an esteemed educator and cultural arts expert, formerly President & CEO of the DuSable Museum of African American History. With her profound experience in merging art and education, especially in Chicago’s museums and public schools, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the roundtable.

and

Elena Gonzales, PhD, an accomplished curator and author specializing in exhibitions that promote social justice and cultural awareness, and Curator of Civic Engagement & Social Justice at the Chicago History Museum. With a strong background in American Studies and Public Humanities, Dr. Gonzales has been curating since 2006, beginning at the National Museum of Mexican Art.

Dr. Eric Hines is a distinguished percussionist and educator based in Chicago. He has been the drummer in Sones de Mexico Ensemble since 2015. With a versatile mastery of classical, jazz, Caribbean, Brazilian, Mexican, and popular percussion, Eric is not only a renowned performer but also a bandleader, leading the captivating Caribbean jazz ensemble, Eric Hines & Pan Dulce, a staple in the vibrant Chicago music scene. Beyond performing, Eric is a sought-after clinician in concert, marching, and world percussion, sharing his knowledge at prestigious events and institutions globally.

In Chicago, Eric is a dedicated faculty member of Ravinia’s Jazz Mentors program and The People’s Music School, where he directs Wind Ensemble, teaches Applied Percussion, and imparts Music Theory. Eric holds a DMA and MM from the University of Arizona and a BME from the University of Illinois Champaign/Urbana.

“Our aim is to promote an informed awareness of the African root of Mexico and the profoundly significant role that Afromexicans have played in the formation of the contemporary Mexican identity. For musicians and artists, Africa’s ancestral heart beats strongly in the soundscape of Mexico, but sadly, Afromexican presence is often underrepresented in conversations on Mexican history and culture. We invite our community to join us as we gaze through the lens of Mexican regional music to admire and celebrate Blackness in all aspects of Mexican society. Music is a truthful expression of the human experience, and we hope this series will inspire unity and love throughout our diverse Chicago neighborhoods.” – Eric Hines

No registration necessary. Join us on Zoom at the following link: https://mex.how/afromex*

*currently this link connects to a video of part one of this discussion. On February 28, it will connect you to the Zoom session. It will also stream live on YouTube.com/sonesdemexico.

Funding for the Black Music of Mexico series is provided in part by the Exellerator Fund at Latinos Progresando and the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC); the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; the Chicago Cultural Treasures at the Illinois Facilities Fund; the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs; and the Illinois Arts Council Agency. Their commitment to endorsing initiatives that celebrate cultural diversity resonates harmoniously with the essence of Sones de México Ensemble. Promotional partnership support provided by AARP Illinois.