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The APAP (The Association of Performing Arts Presenters) Conference, held annually in the heart of NYC, is the biggest marketplace for the performing arts in the world. With nearly 400 exhibitors, representing disciplines ranging from all forms of dance, music, theater and family programming to puppetry, circus, magic, attractions and performance art, it is the top destination for experiencing what’s next, and learning who’s doing it.

The Motéma staff has just returned from our 3rd and most fulfilling APAP Conference to date. We had several promising discussions with other presenters, planting the seeds for future collaboration, and held two showcases in Bridges Bar and in Beekman Parlor.

On Saturday evening, Motéma showcased our Groove Jazz Visionary Series, In The Pocket Series, and Without Borders Vocal Series. We kicked off the show with a superior straight ahead set from Antonio Ciacca Trio and finished in the wee hours of the morning with Charnett Moffett, featuring Oran Etkin on sax. Inbetween, we had incendiary performances from Amy London, Roni Ben Hur, Tessa Souter, Babatunde Lea, Jana Herzen & Charnett Moffett, Group Kelenia, Geri Allen and a rousing, riveting introduction to label newcomer Gregory Porter.

On Sunday, Jana Herzen, Geri Allen, Charnett Moffett, and Tomoko Sugawara performed their intimate, unique, and virtuosic compositions for the afternoon crowd as a part of our Museum Series. The audience response was very positive and several presenters stopped by Booth #508 to discuss performance opportunities for these artists.

Overall, we are excited about the outcome and feel that our footprint in the jazz community has expanded due to our participation.

Painted on Water’s self titled debut, which All Music Guide calls “A Turkish Delight,” has been generating fans internationally. The band will be digitally releasing an English version of their song, “Ask” with Motéma in January. Writing the English lyrics will be Ken Williams, a writer on the Alicia Keys’ Grammy® winning single “You Don’t Know My Name,” with previous hits including “Everybody Plays the Fool” and “Just Don’t Want To be Lonely.” Following the release, POW will be doing a national TV tour on network morning shows. To learn more, please visit their artist page at Motéma.

Antonio Ciacca and his Quartet performed at Berlin, Germany’s White Trash Club in November 2009. Watch live footage and interviews with the band. Antonio’s new album Lagos Blues is out January 12th on Motema Music. More info on Antonio Ciacca

“At the heart of any true jazzman is the ability to tell his own musical stories in his own way, and hopefully touch a few hearts along the way. Down in his heart, there’s a song he can feel, something that no one can steal. It’s his own tune, all and in part. Pianist Antonio Ciacca dances to the unique songs in his heart.”
- Todd Barkan, Jazz at Lincoln Center

More than an exceptional album, Antonio Ciacca’s Lagos Blues is a mirror that reflects the broader story of jazz, its international reach as well as its inclination to come back and nourish at its American wellspring.

Ciacca’s new album, Lagos Blues, released on Motéma Music, features his regular quartet - saxophonist Stacy Dillard, bassist Kengo Nakamura and drummer Ulysses Owens - supplemented by saxophonist Steve Grossman,an artist whose impact on jazz has been profound and on Ciacca directly has been transformative.

Download MP3: Lagos Blues

More info on Antonio Ciacca