By CORY BILICKO
Managing Copy Editor
A clear, early-autumn Friday night in the newly renovated Museum of Latin American Art meant the setting was right, but that locale and the lively music from the Cal State Long Beach Latin jazz quartet belied the occasion.
There was but a smidgen of a crowd to see the unveiling of the United States Postal Service’s Latin jazz stamp at MoLAA.
Addressing the few who did attend, Catherine A. Scott, associate vice president of education for MoLAA, cited the obvious— the democratic process; the unveiling coincided with the first McCain-Obama debate.
Nevertheless, she and Long Beach Postmaster Ken Snavely gave the stamp, itself an emblem of democracy that was designed by San Francisco artist Michael Bartalos, its due commendation. “We use our nation’s stamps to honor our history, our natural wonders, our achievements, our people and our culture,” said Snavely. “This evening, we celebrate the beauty of Latin music and its powerful influence on American culture by dedicating a stamp in recognition of Latin jazz.”
The new postage is the first commemorative stamp to honor the vibrant style of music that combines jazz, African and Latin-American rhythms, and classical traditions of the Caribbean, Europe and the United States.
