Smithsonian's Exhibit: American Sabor explores the influences of Latinos in popular American music, across a number of genres. The dynamic display and exhibition captures the presence and contribution of Latinos in punk rock, rock n' roll, hip hop, jazz, and rhythm and blues. And, it showcases how Carlos Sanata, Selena, Tito Puente, Celia Cruz and many others motivated a Latin quality in music that isn't generally inclusive of Hispanics. Distinctive musical styles, such as salsa, rumba and mambo, penetrated the American music scene and helped to make Latinos visible.

"Sabor" is the Spanish word for flavor or taste, and is often used to describe good music. The exhibition, with the sole purpose of recognizing sabor, interacts with visitors in English and Spanish, with graphics and photographs, and with films and with music. The 2,500 square-foot cultural center, where the exhibition is currently being held, provides listening stations, access to information, and an involved experience, which promises to educate interested parties in Latinos' ongoing involvement with the U.S. music scene. Since the 1940's, New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, San Antonio, San Francisco and Los Angeles have been the most popular locations for Latino music production. The display shows this; and how Latino American music confronted history, ethnic and racial boundaries; and how that innovation and influence allowed for transcendence.

There's a fully operational juke box available for visitor's enjoyment. Also, the viewing of two films that capture the dance and music of Latin culture, which was filmed specifically for the exhibition. Organizers secured footage which recorded interviews, commentary, exclusive highlights, and narratives regarding Latin American rhythmic patterns, roots, and history.

The ongoing traveling exhibition is presently stationed at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA), open from Nov. 16, 2013, to Feb. 9, 2014. The exhibition began in May of 2011 in Sacramento, and has since gone to San Francisco, Dallas, Chicago, Fresno, New York, and Kansas City. And, it will head to San Juan, Puerto Rico and Miami, Florida within the next two years.