Sam Werk, Director of the Afro-Cuban Folkloric Ensemble
What are you most looking forward to in the coming school year?
I am really looking forward to continuing our work with Jorge Emmanuelli Náter during his next two visits. He is a phenomenal musician and teacher. The energy he brings always creates memorable performances.
Do you have any extra memorable performance experiences you'd like to tell us about?
There are many, but one that stands out was a bombazo (drum gathering) in Carolina, Puerto Rico with Los Hermanos Emmanuelli. It was the first time in a while that all three Emmanuelli brothers performed together. What started out as more or less a party in a backyard ended up feeling like the entire island showed up. There were so many people that the police showed up just for crowd control.
What is your dream meal in your dream setting?
Butcher's Cut Wagyu Cap of Ribeye from Steak 48. This was easily one of the best meals I have had in my life.
What are you binging online?
I'm pretty late to the game on this one, but I am currently watching Breaking Bad for the first time.
What do you do to create a healthy work life balance?
I play in a shuffleboard league at Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club.
What’s the soundtrack to Sam Werk’s life these days?
I went down about 150 musical rabbit holes creating this. Here is my Spotify playlist: