Celebrating Black Music in Vermont
Originally written for VTPOC.net
When examining various aspects of the BIPOC experience in Vermont, it’s easy to find challenges people of color face within our society that are worth writing on. Just this year, VT PoC covered stories of poor working conditions of migrant workers within Vermont, the housing crisis disproportionately affecting BIPOC residents, and even restrictive voting rights policies in the greater US. With the 40th annual Burlington Jazz Festival running from June 7-11, however, it makes for an excellent time to highlight one industry in which members of the BIPOC community have always thrived: music.
From its outset, jazz emerged as a form of artistic expression to reflect the struggles, joys, and resilience of the Black community. Over time, the technical brilliance of jazz, especially its sense of freedom for not only the musicians but also audiences led to acceptance and understanding between Black and white Americans, or at least musicians. So many legendary musicians have left an indelible impact on both jazz and music as a whole. Figures such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, and John Coltrane, The Bird, Ornette Coleman, Cannonball Adderley, and the great Nina Simone, to name a few, revolutionized jazz with their innovative compositions, virtuosic performances, and unwavering commitment to their craft.These trailblazers not only paved the way for, and mentored, future generations of Black musicians but also used their platform to advocate for civil rights and challenge the prevailing racial inequalities of their time. Through their music, they broke down barriers, transcended prejudice, and created a sense of unity and understanding.
The Burlington Discover Jazz Festival provides a platform to celebrate the legacy of these iconic musicians while also showcasing the vibrant talent of contemporary Black artists. This year’s lineup promises to ignite the stage with talented performers representing various cultures and perspectives. From soulful vocalists to virtuosic instrumentalists, the festival will offer a rich tapestry of sounds that reflect the multicultural fabric of our society. The festival has brought in bigger contemporary names this year, such as Grammy award winner Samara Joy on June 7, rapper Sampa the Great on June 9 alongside singer Dee Dee Bridgewater, Cory Henry and saxophonist Kamasi Washington on June 10, and Vermont’s own Myra Flynn on June 11.
Like in many art forms, the successes of projects by BIPOC artists never go untouched by prying eyes. Cultural appropriation has had a resounding effect on the music industry especially, but it is often difficult to pinpoint. How can one identify cultural appropriation, and what can be done to combat it?
For white allies reading this: cultural appropriation involves adopting elements from another culture without understanding or respecting their historical context. To identify it, we must examine if elements are commodified without recognizing their cultural significance. Challenging cultural appropriation begins with education, self-reflection, and engaging in respectful conversations with the affected culture’s community. More concretely, seeing cultural motifs or themes being used in works by artists of a different upbringing, ethnicity, or heritage, should prompt one to question whether the artist is doing so out of respect, or for profit. Keep in mind that social currency is often as valuable as real money, both on and off the internet, in our current “influencer era”.
In the music industry, combating appropriation means celebrating diversity, honoring cultural origins, and amplifying the voices of artists from marginalized communities. We must analyze our actions and motivations as consumers and creators, ensuring we don’t perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Supporting BIPOC artists and initiatives that provide opportunities is crucial. Challenging cultural appropriation requires cultural sensitivity, empathy, and a commitment to respectful cultural exchange. By fostering inclusivity and celebrating diverse contributions, we can create equity not just within the music industry but within all parts of our lives
