Experience the transformative journey of Music + Art
Our Vision
We envision a polyphonic world where diverse ways of being are welcomed, where communities’ music and traditions are valued within the wider culture, and where we recognize and honor our shared humanity.
Darek Mazzone
Executive Director / Co-Founder
Malay Ensemble
Photo By Darek Mazzone
Our Mission
SAMA grows empathy across cultures by being a hub for global roots music in the Pacific Northwest & Worldwide.
Why SAMA?
Music is a form of translation: of experience, of culture, of community. SAMA: Music + Art believes this so deeply that our name reflects it. In Arabic, sama means “listening” and “heaven.” In Sanskrit, “equal,” or “same.” In Malay, “together.” And in Japanese, sama is used to address a teacher. These and other uses of the term suggest a reverence that SAMA embodies when we present the musical translations of the artists we showcase. And when one attends a SAMA performance, reverence for the music is palpable.
“SAMA has become a global resource for artists and labels to find and grow fans”
SAMA TEAM
John M Goodfellow
Board President / Co-Founder
What We Do
By curating forward-thinking in-person and digital performances, workshops, and educational programs, we seek to celebrate cultural heritage, challenge assumptions, and spark creative exchanges. Our robust digital presence further extends these connections, fostering a vibrant global community where audiences can discover events, explore artist backgrounds, and interact with one another.
Courtney Heidorn
Fundraising & Communications Manager
SAMA: Music & Art is a cultural start-up and non-profit organization focused on creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue between global communities through the transformative power of music and art.
SAMA was Founded in 2019 by John M Goodfellow & Darek Mazzone.
Our objective is to elevate and centralize under-represented voices by employing various performance methods, celebrating diversity, and advocating for shared humanity.
We believe that art, particularly music, possesses a unique capacity to create enduring bonds rooted in empathy and collective joy.
We have witnessed numerous performances that demonstrate the ability of music to forge deep connections between audiences and performers, transcending language, and cultural backgrounds.
We concentrate on music and art with transformative qualities, connecting audiences to novel yet ancient experiences. Often, these works are produced by artists with layered cultural identities, enabling them to create pieces that resonate with diverse audiences and challenge prevailing binary thinking.