Discover live music that moves you—and the World
SAMA’s calendar is your gateway to powerful, transformative live performances that celebrate the richness of global culture, right here in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. From sacred traditions to contemporary diasporic beats, every show we feature is an invitation: to listen deeply, to connect across borders, and to experience the shared pulse of our human story.
In a time of digital overload and cultural fragmentation, live music remains a sacred space. It grounds us in the present, awakens our senses, and connects us to something greater than ourselves. These events aren’t just concerts—they’re communal rituals, moments where joy, memory, and identity come alive. Whether you’re dancing to the rhythms of São Paulo, chanting with Sufi masters, or soaking in the sounds of a reimagined Ukrainian folk ensemble, you’re part of something bigger.
Join us in building a polyphonic world—one stage at a time.
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Great News!!
We are overjoyed to share that SAMA: Music + Art has received a 3-year $150,000 Sustained Support grant from 4Culture! This instrumental grant will allow us to continue bringing artists and performances to Seattle communities and around King County. Thank you, @kc4culture!
Keep following along to see how our impact on the global music scene in the PNW will grow and how you can help advance our mission and #StandUnitedthroughGlobalMusic!
Learn how you can join the mission at samamusicarts.org.
Tallinn Music Week 2025
Our Executive Director (ED), Darek Mazzone, is jazzed to be speaking at Tallinn Music Week 2025!
He’ll be joining two powerful panels—one on building a more inclusive, innovative music industry through mentorship, leadership, and navigating AI… and another on the survival of traditional music in the age of globalization.
Now more than ever, rooted music matters. It connects us to our identities, counters erasure, and offers healing. When tradition evolves with intention, it becomes a force—resonating across borders because it’s specific.
He can’t wait to connect with global artists and changemakers in Tallinn.
Dan Storper, Founder of Putumayo World Music, Has Passed—But His Legacy Resonates Deeply
We’re saddened to share the news that Dan Storper, founder of Putumayo World Music, has passed away. His work was foundational—not just for those of us who live and breathe international music, but for artists across continents whose careers and audiences were transformed by his vision.
Dan wasn’t just a label founder. He was a curator, a cultural bridge-builder, and a quiet revolutionary in the way he introduced the world to itself through sound. In the 1990s and early 2000s, when discovering music from Senegal, Colombia, India, or the Balkans still required deep digging—or a plane ticket—Putumayo compilations became a trusted portal. With vibrant, unmistakable artwork and joyful, lovingly selected tracks, Dan’s releases invited listeners to explore global traditions, rhythms, and voices. They weren’t academic or exoticized—they were human, accessible, and vibrant.
For artists, especially those from the Global South or non-Western traditions, Putumayo was often the first real passport into the U.S. and European touring circuits. Dan and his longtime collaborator Jacob Edgar didn’t just license tracks—they amplified stories, booked showcases, and opened pathways to new opportunities. In many cases, being featured on a Putumayo compilation led to festival invitations, radio play, label deals, and the chance to perform for new audiences that would otherwise never have encountered their work.
I had the honor of interviewing Dan years ago for Wo’Pop on KEXP, and I remember how clearly he spoke about intention. He believed that music could change perceptions, that cultural exchange wasn’t a luxury—it was essential. At a time when “world music” was still relegated to niche bins and misunderstood by the mainstream, Dan brought it forward with dignity and joy.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy lives on through the artists he championed and the ears he opened. In a time when algorithmic feeds reduce music to background noise, we remember how Dan helped people listen—really listen—to the heartbeat of the world.
Thank you, Dan. For the work, the vision, and the joy you sparked.
SAMA Malaysia
Exploring the Healing Power of Music with SAMA
One of the core inspirations behind SAMA is the powerful history of music as a tool for healing and community building. Across cultures and centuries, music has served as a bridge, bringing people together and providing solace through challenging times.
Recently, we’ve embarked on journeys to explore this ancient practice more deeply. In Morocco and Turkey, we spent time with Sufi communities, learning how they use music and art to strengthen bonds and navigate the challenges of daily life. This exploration has given us invaluable insights into the ways these traditions foster resilience and unity.
On our latest trip, we traveled to the mesmerizing country of Malaysia, accompanied by our friend, composer, and journalist Peter Culshaw. There, we met with elders and artists who are weaving together ancient practices and modern techniques to promote connection and well-being in their communities.
We’re excited to share more stories, insights, and experiences from these journeys soon. In the meantime, enjoy a few photos from our travels, capturing moments of music, art, and human connection.
Stay tuned for more updates on SAMA’s journey into the heart of music’s healing power.