Music and Community: How Juan-Carlos Chaurand is Shaping Kansas City’s Cultural Landscape

Music and Community: The Heart of Kansas City

Kansas City has a vibrant and rich musical heritage, but few musicians have contributed as much to the local community as Juan-Carlos Chaurand. A second-generation musician, Chaurand embodies the spirit of Latino culture through his music and community initiatives.

A Musical Upbringing

Chaurand’s journey began in a household where music was always in the air. With both parents hailing from Mexico, his father, a drummer, inspired him to pick up the sticks and dive into the world of rhythm. “I’ve been playing music all my life,” he says, noting that he has spent the last 20 years performing professionally. “Music is almost as important as food for us; it’s a huge part of our culture.” Living in Kansas City, he was able to tap into a variety of musical forms and discover his unique style.

The Thrill of Performing

When asked about the most fulfilling aspect of his work, Chaurand beams, “I get to share my gift and enjoy the time doing it.” This connection between artist and audience is what keeps him going. Whether he’s playing at a local venue or touring across the country, the energy exchange with the crowd adds a magical dimension to his performances.

A Heartbeat in Latin Music

As a Latin percussionist, Chaurand focuses primarily on Latin music, incorporating diverse influences from rock to soul and everything in between. He emphasizes the crucial role of the drummer in this genre. “The drummer is the heartbeat,” he explains. “The rhythms stem from Africa and have been around forever; they are ancient and holy.” This essence is crucial to his approach to music, keeping the traditional sounds alive.

Challenges of a Full-Time Musician

Yet, the life of a musician is not without its challenges. For Chaurand, the toughest part is being away from his family. “Traveling can be grueling, especially when you have a family back home,” he shares. But despite the hurdles, the joy of performing makes it worth it.

Creating Together

Chaurand is part of a band called Making Movies, which has been active for 15 years. Their musical style is a rich blend of inspirations, and they have created a significant local following with their original work. A standout moment for the band was collaborating with salsa legend Ruben Blades, which led to a Latin Grammy nomination. “That was a huge deal for us,” he reflects, proud of how far they’ve come.

Giving Back through Music Education

Perhaps the most profound impact Chaurand has made is through music education. He co-founded a nonprofit organization called Artist Mentorship, aimed at teaching music to young people in Kansas City. “We started a music camp about 13 or 14 years ago to see if there were any youths interested in music,” he explains. What began as a week-long program has blossomed into a longstanding initiative serving over 500 kids. “We want to spread our wings and help even more in the Kansas City metro,” he says, embodying a commitment to community enhancement.

A Philosophy to Live By

With such a fulfilling career, Chaurand has adopted a simple yet profound motto: “Just be a good person. Be kind to yourself and others.” This philosophy guides him, fostering positivity in himself and those around him.

Looking Ahead

As for his future, Chaurand is open to what comes next. “I just want to play music for as long as I can,” he states. He envisions creating new projects and collaborating with various musicians, remaining deeply connected to his roots and community.

Advice for Aspiring Musicians

To anyone looking to follow in his footsteps, Chaurand has some wise words. “If you don’t love it, don’t do it,” he advises. He emphasizes the importance of passion and dedication, echoing the hard work it takes to succeed in the music industry. “It’s a grind, and you’ve got to be patient and not get discouraged.” Following this advice could help future musicians bring their own voices to the rich tapestry of Kansas City’s music scene.

In every beat, every song, and every class, Juan-Carlos Chaurand is not just making music; he is also building a community. One can only imagine how much more he will contribute to Kansas City in the years to come.