When Dogs Howl
Premiering 2026
When Dogs Howl is a multi-disciplinary work for jazz big band, Afro-Venezuelan percussion, dance, and storytelling through video projections of migrants, refugees and immigrants along a trek spanning 3,000 miles across eight countries. Inspired by the experiences of Venezuelan refugees, I will compose a series of boundary-pushing jazz compositions with interactive video projections portraying real stories from this emigrating population and how their identities have shifted or changed throughout their lives. “When Dogs Howl” will culminate in a live performances at SFJAZZ's Miner Auditorium in San Francisco, CA. These performances will showcase original compositions and arrangements that depict the experiences and identities of immigrant and migrant populations. The focus on the experiences of Venezuelan refugees is both timely and important, giving voice to their struggles, resilience, and contributions to our American identity.
Electric Squeezebox Orchestra
San Francisco Bay Area's own 17 piece big band that plays music composed and arranged by its members, which include some of the very best of the Bay Area's jazz musicians.
Betsayda Machado
Betsayda Machado is the voice of Venezuela. Her recent rural recordings with lifelong friend Parranda El Clavo brought new attention to the Venezuelan Afro-Soul genre.
Juliana Mendonca
Juliana Mendonca is a Venezuelan contemporary dance performer, choreographer and instructor.
This project is made possible in part by a grant from The Creative Work Fund, a program of the Walter and Elise Haas Fund that also is supported by The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
