“El Tambor Llama” - The Drum Calls

Photo of a neighborhood concert from the 1970s held on 3rd Avenue and 156th Street.

"The Soundtrack of My Life," an audio clip of Bobby Sanabria playing percussion during interview.

     One of the most influential events in Bobby’s life was seeing Tito Puente perform in his neighborhood. During 1970, as a 12-year-old Bobby heard the sounds of Tito Puente’s timbales throughout the Melrose Houses. It was at this time that Bobby decided to become a professional musician. In an attempt to remedy social unrest, Bobby explains, “the New York City parks department [channeled] funds to have musicians play in the streets.” These concerts were intended to provide more than entertainment, as Bobby explains, “the logic was man, these people are gonna burn down the neighborhood if we don’t do anything. We gotta do something to control them or give them some degree of hope.” Bobby remembers how this outdoor concert was held against the wall of a bodega on East 153rd street. He says, “these concerts they would roll up with a trailer or set up a stage and do these free events for the community.” These outdoor concerts brought live performance to entire neighborhoods without little to no charge. Among the artists featured were Tito Puente, Machito and the Afro-Cubans, Ricardo Ray, and Bobby Cruz.

      Whereas neighborhood concerts were a common occurrence in Bobby’s childhood, the opportunity for outdoor entertainment and community events has declined. Instead of the outdoor concerts that were held within neighborhoods, events are more commonly held farther away. Bobby provides examples of public concerts today such as the arts festival, Celebrate Brooklyn! in Prospect Park, Lincoln Center Out of Doors, and events at the Bandshell in Central Park. However, the lack of public concerts does not translate to a lack in interest among the people. Bobby recalls the enthusiasm with which people received the premiere of Larry Harlow’s, “La Raza Latina” in 2010 at Lincoln Center Out of Doors. The piece, which Harlow composed in the early 70s, “traces the Cuban music’s roots...from Africa to Cuba and then to New York City.” Bobby’s multi-Grammy nominated Big Band helped to bring the piece to life. Bobby explains, “We broke the attendance record at Lincoln Center.” For Bobby this excitement shows that “The people are hungry for that. Hungry for the culture and the music...It’s like there’s a human need for music.”