T’BOW ORLAN GONZALES
SAN ANTONIO, 2022 - 2023
T’Bow Orlan Gonzales (he/him) has been a professional musician—composer, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer—for 49 years, and a music instructor for 23 years. His many instruments include djembe, congas, bongos, talking drum, udu, sangban, kenkeni, slit drum, cajon, quica, ago go bell, keys, flute, shakere, lalimba, and drum programming. His numerous albums and other projects blend jazz, funk, R&B, Afro-Brazilian and African music, and worldbeat.
In collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club’s Eastside Clubhouse, T’bow brought his vast experience in music to build community, provide inspiration, and allow for exposure to the healing power of music for the youth of San Antonio. T’bow explains that the Boys and Girls Club kept him “out of trouble” as a kid on the Eastside of San Antonio and was proud to use his time with AAW to “give back.” As T’bow approaches his 50th anniversary of working in music, he will engage youth in his community to learn the techniques of percussion instruments including drums, bells, hand-made shakeres, and more. He will be conducting classes for youth and families at the Eastside Clubhouse throughout the Summer of 2023.
CULTURE HUB
The Carver Community Cultural Center (The Carver) is a multicultural and multidisciplinary performing and visual arts center with an emphasis on preserving and celebrating the artistic and cultural contributions of the African Diaspora. Located in the heart of San Antonio’s east side community, the Carver’s history as a cultural and civic hub dates back over 100 years; serving first as the library for San Antonio’s black community during segregation. Today, the Carver harnesses the power of the arts to build community, strengthen cultural identity, support development and nurture health and well-being. By collaborating with artists from throughout our community and around the globe, the Carver presents performances, arts education and community engagement programs that support a more inclusive, equitable community rooted in the belief that all individuals, communities, and cultures have value. The Carver further believes that equitable access to arts experiences and education is an essential right and critical asset in supporting the health and well-being of all individuals and communities.
SOCIAL IMPACT INITIATIVE
The Boys and Girls Clubs of San Antonio is an after-school and summer program whose mission is to inspire youth, especially those who need us most, to achieve their full potential in a safe, positive and engaging environment that promotes education, health, and character development.