International jazz brings relief for Puerto Rico’s hurricane victims

When bassist Peter Mack reached out to his longtime friend Larry Luttinger about a performance opportunity, Luttinger had an even better idea.

As executive director at CNY Jazz, Luttinger thought that bringing Mack and his group to Syracuse would be a great chance to fundraise for CNY Jazz and the Spanish Action League. Both organizations work to serve youth in the community and cater to issues like the devastation from Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.

“We don’t see things in the headlines that often, (s0) people think ‘oh, it’s behind us’ or ‘it’s not relevant,’” said Elisa Morales, executive director of the Spanish Action League, about the island’s plight. “It is relevant, and it is something that needs to be paid attention to.”

To raise awareness of the continued need for aid, CNY Jazz is partnering with the Spanish Action League, also known as La Liga, to host a benefit concert in Syracuse on Friday night. The concert will feature an evening of jazz performed by the international quartet From the Heart. All proceeds will support the common missions of CNY Jazz and La Liga.

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The two organizations have a longstanding relationship. Each summer, La Liga’s youth development program offers teens the opportunity to volunteer with CNY Jazz for eight weeks as ambassadors for the organization.

“It is as much of an awareness event as it is a fundraiser,” said Luttinger.

From the Heart is underwriting all artist fees for the performance, and will be giving out free CDs at the event, according to a press release from CNY Jazz.

Led by Mack, the international group also includes percussionist Harvey Sorgen, pianist Angelica Sanchez and guitarist Omar Tamez. The other group members “stay on the modern edge of jazz” by setting new paths in the industry, he said.

“We try to tell a story throughout the evening with our music,” Mack said.

He added that the quartet will perform a variety of jazz pieces, including selections from Jaco Pastorius, Carla Bley, Charles Mingus, Charlie Haden and original pieces by everyone in the band.

When Mack reached out to Luttinger about performing at CNY Jazz as part of the quartet’s tour, Luttinger proposed the idea of a co-fundraiser with La Liga. Morales said deciding to collaborate with CNY Jazz for this event was easy.

“I love that this wonderful night of jazz is going to bring people together,” Morales said. “Not only for the great music, but also for solidarity and for sisterhood and brotherhood of people that are still suffering.”

La Liga has worked to serve those displaced by Hurricanes Irma and Maria by collecting donations of household items, fundraising and assisting people who seek housing in the Syracuse area.

Morales, who is Puerto Rican herself and has family there, visited the island in February to deliver donations. While there, she spoke with people who have still not yet received food from FEMA, and she added that some of her family is still without running water and electricity.

“These are American citizens, and no American citizen should have to go without running water or electricity,” Morales said. “No American citizen should have to be subjected to the minimization that this crisis has had, or the mockery of it even.”

Courtesy of Elisa Morales

The storm has also resulted in human crises, such as increased human trafficking and suicide rates, Morales said. In central New York, La Liga’s doors are open to traumatized individuals seeking assistance.

For Morales, these challenges inspire her to work even harder.

“I don’t like injustice, and I will have a voice and will stand up for those who are either voiceless or just haven’t found their voice,” she said.

While Morales saw a lot of tragedy during her visit to Puerto Rico, she also saw a lot of triumph. Resilience and hope still remain on the island, and speak to the strength of those affected.

“They need the help but they don’t need it tomorrow, they needed it yesterday,” she said. “So right now we really need to address that and do something about it.”

The concert is at CNY Jazz Central on Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for students and can be purchased at the door.