Raza, Accordions, and Rock highlights a small portion of the Frontera Collection by carefully curating a 2-hour show using the music that is archived and sourced from the collection. The music played on this show will focus on the intersection of the African American diaspora, American Pop Culture, and the Mexican American experience through a musical lens. We’ll examine how R&B, Soul, and Rock existed in musical history of songs recorded and sung in Spanish or English and or a combination of both. ¡Vámonos Recio!

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This month’s focus is on the intricate relationship between bilingualism and recorded history. Through the vast repository of music in the Arhoolie Foundation’s Frontera Collection, we’ll follow the evolution of this connection. From dance-filled orchestra mambos that blend languages to modern anthems that unite cultures, “Raza, Accordions, and Rock” will delve into how linguistic diversity has influenced melodies and rhythms, resulting in unique musical expressions that continue to captivate across generations. Raza, Accordions and Rock” is not just a musical exploration but a celebration of cultural diversity, linguistic fluidity, and the powerful storytelling that music enables. We’ll dive deep into the history of bilingualism’s musical resonance and how it continues to shape the ever-evolving soundscape.