We love, love, love our 10x10 Arts Series. It's a great way to bring top artists from around the world to our NWA audience at a price that is very affordable (tickets start at $10!), and allow the culture seeker to be introduced to a new art form.

Poncho Sanchez, an amazing Latin Jazz artist, is coming back to our hall this year as part of our 10x10 Arts Series. Sanchez has previously performed at Walton Arts Center during our first and third seasons.

Sanchez will be here on Friday, January 20 at 8pm and will be playing with his Latin Jazz Band. We caught up with Poncho and asked him a few questions so we could get to know him a little better. Now, we're sharing his answers with you! Enjoy!

1.What is your favorite Latin food dish?

Polo Fricassee/White Rice/Black Beans

2.What inspires you?

Family/Music/Life

3.What is your first emotional memory of the drum or the instrument you play?

When I was learning to play congas in my mother’s garage listening to Cal Tjader.

4. As an artist, is there anything special you hope to be able to accomplish, or have already accomplished, during your career?

I have been very lucky accomplishing many, many goals. I've been blessed to play and record with the world's greatest Jazz and Latin artists.

5. If you were not a performer today, what profession would you have chosen?

I would be a custom auto painter/ auto and body repairs.

6. This is a fun, exciting style of music, and you mention that you were influenced by the great artists of the past. What do you do to try and keep this style relevant and applicable to younger demographics?

Follow tradition standard old tunes and rearranging to a more modern styles

7. Your music is very infectious and you can’t help but dance once you hear it. What is your worst/ best audience dance experience?

Can’t say had a worst time I remember - the best ones are what surprises me, like Fayetteville, Hong Kong and South Korea

8. What are the last 3 songs you listened to on your Ipod?

James Browns, Cal Tjader and Mongo Santamaria

9. All this touring…what’s your least favorite form of transportation/traveling?

It’s not a bad form of traveling but the flying especially on these long flights around the world.

The Fayetteville Public Library will host a Countdown Conversation this Sunday, January 8 at 2pm. Kyle Kellams, KUAF News Director and Ozarks at Large host, will be joined by world-renowned percussionist Fernando Valencia to discuss the music of Poncho Sanchez and Latin Jazz. Click here for more information.