Big Break: A Dialogue on Music, Success, and Destiny

1616 East 18th Street,Kansas City MO 64108

31 January, 2022

Description

Learn how local jazz stars got their "big break" in the biz! Inspired by Disney/Pixar's film, "Soul." Inspired by Joe Gardner’s realization of his dream in Disney and Pixar’s “Soul,” the American Jazz Museum presents BIG BREAKS – a new program that brings stories of success to your fingertips. Hear from some of Kansas City’s greatest musical minds in a unique evening of conversation and live performance, ahead of our Monday night Jam Sessions, throughout the run of The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure. Join us on Monday, January 31, at 6 p.m. in the Museum Atrium as we welcome acclaimed musician-songwriter, Enrique Chi. Enrique Chi is the leader and songwriter of Making Movies, whose critically acclaimed album - ameri’kana - has lifted the band into international acclaim. ameri’kana was the #1 album on the NACC Latin Music chart and also reached #8 on the Billboard World Music Chart. NPR recognized “No Te Calles”, the band’s collaboration with Ruben Blades, as one of the “Best of 2019”; and it was the first track on Blades album Paraiso Road Gang which was nominated for album of the year at the Latin Grammys. The song and video was also featured at the 2019 Latin Grammys telecast. ameri’kana is Making Movies’ third album produced by multiple Grammy Winner, Steve Berlin of Los Lobos fame. Making Movies has shared the stage with notable artists including Arcade Fire, Gogol Bordello, Cold War Kids, Los Lobos, Ozomatli, Tennis and performed at the Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City. Enrique and the band have made it a point to stay connected to their community. In 2017, Chi launched Art As Mentorship, a non-profit organization empowering young people, through music, to write their own success story. Art as Mentorship envisions an inclusive community where historically underrepresented artists are emboldened to raise their voices through music, transform young artists through access to world-class mentorship, real-world skill development and mental health support. On October 12, 2017, the City of Kansas City (Missouri) presented Enrique and Making Movies with a proclamation commemorating their work in the arts. In 2018, Enrique produced a documentary film titled Music is An Immigrant in partnership with KCPT, which received an Emmy nomination. Making Movies and nonprofit Art As Mentorship collaborated to launch AMERIKANA.TV in 2020, a living documentary exploring the rich DNA within the American music story. In 2021, Enrique Chi was voted in as a governor for the Memphis Chapter of the Record Academy (GRAMMYS). Hear more about Enrique’s road to stardom and beyond at our first BIG BREAK!