On behalf of Sofrito For Your Soul, I want to wish all Mothers a very Happy Mother's Day!
Let today be the first out of many days that you show them how important they are in your life...
As I am,
George Torres
The Urban Jibaro...
Hijo De Carmen, Nieto De Gloria!
Sofrito For Your Soul is proud to be a media sponsor for the
2008 "Bomba y Plena" Spring Extravaganza.
Puerto Rican Bomba & Plena Spring Extravaganza
In celebration of Spring awakening come and enjoy the sounds of Puerto Rican folklore, music and dance. “Bomba” rhythms & sounds of African heritage and “Plena” is the type of music that reflect community happenings known as the singing newspaper.
Date: Monday, May 26
Time: 6PM
Admission: $25 In Advance ; $30 Day of Show
Place: Symphony Space 2537 Broadway at 95th St. Upper West Side
More Info: (212) 864-5400
or visit
www.symphonyspace.org
The concert features New York City's legendary group Los Pleneros de La 21, current Boricua Roots sensation Tato Torres & YERBABUENA, the Segunda Quimbamba folkloric ensemble from Jersey City, and the theater/dance troupe Danza Fiesta.
This event is sponsored in part by Mega 97.9 and 93.1 Amor
As I am,
George Torres
The Urban Jibaro
If you missed him at Capicu Cultural Showcase in NYC...here is a chance to see him in Miami....this is a performance you do not want to miss.
In addition Mario will be performing live on MEGA TV "Esta Noche Tu Night" at 9pm on Tuesday May 6th. Channel 22 TV and Channel 50 Cable.
He will also be doing a radio interview on Romance 106.7 on Friday May 9th at 3pm. They will be spinning
the track he co-wrote with Jose Luis Pagan "Ella Solo Piensa En El"
Here's a link to an interview he did on sitv.com - Mario SiTV Interview
TO ALL OUR FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS. THE UNITED NATIONS HAS EXCEPTED THIS YEARS PHOTOGRAPHS AND PAINTINGS FOR THE INDIGENOUS FORUM AND "TAINO SPIRIT" WILL BE AMONG OTHER ARTIST FROM AROUND THE WORLD TO BE EXHIBITED THIS YEAR. THE EXHIBITION WILL BEGIN ON APRIL 21 TO MAY 2. AT THE UNITED NATIONS VISITORS ENTRANCE.
LAST YEAR THE EXHIBIT WAS EXTENDED FOR AN ADDITIONAL 4 MONTH'S. WE NEVER KNOW IF THERE WILL BE AN EXTENSION. FOR NOW IT'S THE DATE GIVEN.
ARTIST FROM MANY CULTURES WILL BE EXHIBITED. MORE WILL BE POSTED AS THE EXHIBITION INFORMATION IS RELEASED.
AS ALWAYS BO'MATUM (THANK YOU)
AGUILAR MARRERO
AND
REINA MIRANDA
As many of you may already know, Author Piri Thomas recently suffered a stroke and is currently doing well in recovery. We had an opportunity just before this happened to have him as a guest of the Capicu Poetry show so that we could pay tribute to him via performances by many people he inspired. At the end of the night, he blessed us with his words and made the night unforgettable.
Now we have an opportunity to inspire him and lift his spirits with our words. Over the past few weeks we have received many emails and phone calls to our Capicu Community Hot line of people wishing Piri well. We are going to make this available to Piri in CD format.
We are going to host a tribute to Piri Thomas on Radio Capicu this Wednesday April 23rd. We will be sharing some of Piri's work, reflecting on his legacy and taking your calls so that your words can help him in the healing process.
The show will run 2 hours and all calls taken will be live.
This will be the last opportunity to be included in this "audio" get well card. We want to make sure he gets it before his 80th Birthday.
To Tune in to the show...
Log in to Radio Capicu by visiting www.BlogTalkRadio.com/RadioCapicu
Again the details for calling in to the show are....
Date: Wednesday April 23rd, 2008
Time: 9:00 PM - 11:00pm (eastern standard time)
Call-in Number: (646) 716-7745
Show description: Hosted by The Urban Jibaro & The Guy, this show will be dedicated to Nuyorican legend Piri Thomas, author of "Down These Mean Streets". We will revisit his legacy, listen to his words and share stories of inspiration in the hope that our listeners and his fans can lift his spirits as he recovers from a stroke.
If his words ever touched you...spend this time sharing your voice with him.
Special guest hosts: Papo Swiggity & Latyn Jazz
Contact Info
Email:CapicuPoetry@gmail.com
Website:www.CapicuPoetry.com ; myspace.com/capicupoetry
Phone:(208) 723-5966 (Community Hotline)
City/Town:Brooklyn, NY
MI GENTE!!!!
CHECK THIS OUT...ONE OF THE HOTTEST POETS TO HIT CAPICU POETRY HAS A NEW SPOKEN WORD PLAY...SUPPORT THIS YOUNG LADY OR I WILL HAVE CHOOPY TP YOUR HOUSE!!!
A new spoken word play adapted from "Medea"
by Yubelky Rodriguez
"It's happening now
never trust the eyes that see blindly
because it... felt right....
to reveal simple verses... my heart....
exposing cuts, now strategic plans...
a vendetta to heal internal wounds
injuries that will bleed eternally seeping slowly through my skin."
Pious Poetic Pie uses the explosive nature of spoken word to adapt Medea's timeless journey of love, loss, and revenge to the multi-cultural community of a rapidly gentrifying Brooklyn--where race and economics walk hand in hand.
FREE workshop readings and talkbacks:
April 18 & 19 @ 7:30 pm
April 19 @ 9:30 pm
At the Wings Theatre
154 Christopher Street (btw. Greenwich & Washington Streets)
New York, NY
To RSVP, email info@fluidmotiontheaterfilm.org and be sure to include the date of the performance and the number people attending.
Presented in conjunction with NYC's Poem in Your Pocket Day and Immigrant Heritage Week.
THIS NATURAL BORN PERFORMER RAISED IN THE BRONX HAS CONQUERED STAND UP COMEDY WITH HIS UNIQUE STORY TELLING STYLE. HE STARTED HIS CAREER BY GOING TO THE LEGENDARY NUYORICAN POETS CAFÉ. WHERE HE SAW ANGELO LOZADAS “NUYORICAN RULE” A LATINO SKETCH COMEDY TROUP. HE STARTED GOING EVERY MONTH AND WANTED TO GET ON STAGE MORE AND MORE. FINALLY HE ATTENDED A COMEDY CLASS AT STAND UP NY. WHERE HE GOT HIS FIRST STAGE TIME MAKING PEOPLE LAUGH ON HOW HIS FATHER DID NOT AGREE WITH COMEDY AND WANTED HIM TO BE A SUPER IN THE BRONX. SINCE THEN HE HAS RESPECFULLY CLIMBED THE LADDER AND IS PRODUCING HIS OWN SHOWS.
YOU COULD CATCH HIM EVERY FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH AT THE NUYORICAN POETS CAFÉ. WHERE HE NOW HAS HIS OWN NIGHT CALLED TANGANA!!! COMEDY WEDNESDAYS @ NUYORICAN POETS CAFE. YOU CAN ALSO SEE HIM IN NYC’S HOTTEST COMEDY CLUBS OR A WHOLE IN A WALL NEAR YOU.
CHECK ME OUT EVERY OTHER WEDNESDAY AT 7ONE8 LOUNGE!!
CLICK HERE TO BE EDGAR'S MYSPACE FRIEND OR THE URBAN JIBARO WILL THROW QUENEPAS AT YOU!
Sofrito For Your Soul would like to congratulate author Junot Diaz for making history!
Junot Díaz wins Pulitzer Prize
DAILY NEWS STAFF
Updated Tuesday, April 8th 2008, 10:53 AM
Lombard for News
Junot Díaz
NEW YORK - Junot Díaz, a 39-year-old native of the Dominican Republic who moved to New Jersey as a boy, won the Pulitzer prize for fiction Monday for his novel "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao."
The novel, which also won the National Book Critics Award, revolves about Oscar, an obese comics fan growing up in Paterson, N.J., and his dysfunctional Dominican family, going back to the Rafael Trujillo dictatorship.
I'll begin this review stating upfront that I am not a bonafide theatre critic. In fact my overall experience has been mostly independent off-Broadway productions along the vein of "Quien Mato a Hector Lavoe" and "La Lupe." This is the opinion of a young Latino male that has not had exposure to "traditional Broadway," if there is such a thing. I hope you have the privilege to discover Broadway as I have.
According to the official site "IN THE HEIGHTS is a new musical about three days in the life of Washington Heights, a vibrant and tight knit community at the top of the island of Manhattan. It's a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. Find out what it takes to make a living, what it costs to have a dream, and what it means to be home.
So, I get ready to experience this new show that has so many of my friends talking and I am wondering where the hell I have been that I was not aware of it sooner! My friend Shellz da Stunna told me she saw this show years ago off-Broadway and I laughed because to be completely honest, I discovered it through a video on YOU TUBE. The video that the show put out called "Abuela" (spoofing Rihanna's smash hit "Umbrella"), was a brilliant piece of work that actually summarized "In The Heights" creator Lin-Manuel Miranda's struggle to make it to Broadway...and the chorus says it best, if it does not work out for you, "you can come home to your Abuela."
When I arrived at the theatre, sat in my seat and glanced at the stage, I suddenly felt as if I was smack in the heart of Washington Heights due to the amazing set that resembled a life-size rendition of Justin Bua's "The Block" painting. The music was an explosive blend of the best Latino Caribbean music (Salsa & Merengue) with a strong Hip Hop vibe that really brings this story of a working class neighborhood to life. The music carries you through reflections of dreams as seen by Latinos that immigrated to the US in pursuit of a better life and their children who struggle with how to make that dream their reality. The rythm of this show lifted me and took me for a two hour ride that actually made me wish that I could jump on stage and dance with the cast. For anyone who was raised in any Latino neighborhood in NYC, the characters from Abuela to Sonny are all people you knew and loved at some point in your life. For anyone that is not familiar with the Latino experience as portrayed in this musical, it gives a great glimpse into the strong sense of Familia that is present in many Barrios. There is so much to say about this show, I do not want to delve any deeper for fear of saying too much and spoiling what promises to be a carnival of music and visual imagery that only a play set in Latino NYC can bring you.
In summary, to me anyways, "In The Heights" was everything that "West Side Story" was not. In comparison, this was an authentic story about Latinos that did not have to weave tales of drugs and gang life into the narrative in order to make for an interesting "peek" into nuestras vidas. My only dissapointment was that there were not more Latinos in the audience...I am happy to have discovered this show and the experience makes me feel as if there will be many more of our stories told on Broadway in the near future.
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For more information and for tickets click here!
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Buen provecho...
As I am,
George Torres
The Urban Jibaro
Special thanks to SPOTNYC for making it happen!!!!
It is 2008 and the Capicu New Year has begun in Brooklyn...marking the "Year of The Choops." For clarification, "Choops" is a new Latino term of endearment, based on the idea of a comedic urban chupacabra. The Capicu Playas returned to their cultural sanctuary in the rapidly gentrifying neighborhood of
Williamsburg to celebrate 9 months of success culminating in the Pa'l Pueblo charity event last December. This community initiative brought smiles to local kids of Bushwick United Head Start this holiday season. This carnaval of poetic wordplay did not come without its own array of surprises as the socially conscious from as far away as New Jersey and even Texas made their way over the Verrazano bridge to feed their souls. They did so with the amazing artwork of Taino Spirit serving as a backdrop providing visual inspiration to poets anxious to perform their work for the first time at Capicu Poetry.
The Urban Jibaro opened the show by screaming "is Capicu in the house?" to about 95 guests who started the night early at the Capicu Culture Happy Hour with Notice Lounge Mojito's and Apple Martinis. The crowd went crazy as he introduced master of ceremony PaPo Swiggity to reclaim his mic and officially begin the show. He came in dancing to the beat of a Capicu Culture produced Soulja Boy song spoof "ChoopyMan," laced with references to Capicu's show. The young crowd loved it and sang along with the "Capicu" hook. Show producer Javier "The Guy" Ramirez looked around and simply said "wow...what a crowd." It had just become a reality, CAPICU POETRY was back...and better than ever!
The centerpiece of this cultural showcase is the open mic, and tonight we had an amazing line up of poets. These poets included Ancestral Poetisa (NJ), Jose Arias (SI). Rebel Eagle, Definition, artist Reina Miranda and Noshawn Street, who was moved to perform for the first time in 3 years because of the sense of Familia he felt in the room. Poets returning to Capicu were Ponce, Susan Justianio aka Rescue, Yubelky Rodriguez, Bella Trastorna, Bushwick's own Conan and we were blessed with a surprise performance from North (of the boogie down hard knock rockers Division X), dropping an exclusive single of their upcoming hip hop release. We ended the night strong with an in depth look at the world of hip hop poet Blaze - A - Page through his words. His poetry echoed a message of hope through adversity, indifference and the importance of friendship in the presence of some of the people he credited as having pulled him thru the dark times. He paused for a moment to invite his good friend "Lissette Lissette" to perform her written works for the very first time in public, which she ended with her new poetic signature "I am Lissette Lissette, The Renaissance
Woman, Don' t Forget." Blaze ended his dynamic performance with an ode to what it means to be Puerto Rican to thunderous applause, laughter and CAPICU cheers from the crowd.
Featured visual artist Taino Spirit, a Capicu Culture sponsor, raffled off custom hand painted Taino inspired jackets and prints to the crowd throughout the night. Taino Spirit also presented the Capicu Playas with an original painting of them in caricature form, as well as a custom made RADIO CAPICU jacket that was modeled by the Urban Jibaro. Aguilar Marerro displayed great generosity when he took the jacket off his back to give to a Brooklynite that had relocated to TEXAS so that she can take home a piece of "LATINO NY" with her. She was overcome by joy when at the last minute she also won the raffle of a TAINO SPIRIT
piece that was recently featured at the Museum of Natural History.
The feedback from the crowd was amazing as Radio Capicu host Urban Jibaro talked to the people during the breaks:
Denise (Brooklyn) - "I have not been to an open mic this intense since the Sugar Shack, thanks for bringing poetry back to Brooklyn."
Giovanni (Harlem) "Very profound and original."
Evelyn (Queens) " It was right on point, very creative."
Flower from East New York - "This is my first time at a poetry show...it was deep!"
NoShawn Street (Brooklyn) "Definition's poetry impacted me so much I had to get on the mic, it's like a family here."
Jose Arias (Staten Island) "This is what Brooklyn needs...food for the masses..."
Ponce - "It is always a pleasure to work with Latinos that are doing things in the community."
Once the show ended, the Capicu Culture Happy Hour was reborn and the party began...and did not end until 3am. We danced all night to the best of Salsa, Merengue, Hip Hop and Reggaeton at Notice Lounge while
we got our drink on! This is what Notice Lounge is known for...simply being "THE HOT SPOT" to be. We thank Jason, the owner for giving us a voice in Brooklyn.
So there it is people. If you have read a recap or two about what we have done here in Brooklyn. Levantate! It is time for you to experience it for yourself.
Visit www.CapicuPoetry.com and sign up to win free passes to the premier venue for cultural expression in NY. We also have a Myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/capicupoetry.
Tell a friend to tell a friend to tell their cousins....We do this for you!
As I am,
George Torres
The Urban Jibaro
Saludos...
As a Boricua, I have recently began to miss one of the great traditions of my childhood...Dia De Los Reyes. Now I know that many Latinos in the US, primarily 2nd and 3rd Generation do not observe this holiday...but I felt it important enough to share with those that remember, hoping that they will not let Santa be the only thing our children look forward to on during las fiestas navidenas.
The art featured in this post is that of Olga Ayala, please support her by visiting her link and buying some of the beautiful work she creates.
Felicidades en este Dia de los Reyes!
As I am,
The Urban Jibaro.
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Three Kings Day
(source Wikipedia)
In Spain, Mexico, Cuba, Puerto Rico and some other Latin American countries Epiphany day is called El Día de los Reyes (The Day of the Kings). The day when a group of Kings or Magi of the Bible arrived to worship and bring three gifts to the baby Jesus after following a star in the heavens. This day is sometimes known as the Día de los Tres Reyes Magos (The day of the Three Royal Magi) or La Pascua de los Negros (Holy Day of the Blackmen) in Chile, although the latter is rarely heard. In Spanish tradition, on the day of January 6th, three of the Kings: Melchor, Caspar, and Balthazar, representing Europe, Arabia, and Africa, arrived on horse, camel and elephant, bringing respectively gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus.
In Spain, Argentina, and Uruguay, children (and many adults) polish and leave their shoes ready for the Kings' presents before they go to bed on 5 January. Sweet wine, nibbles, fruit and milk are left for the Kings and their camels. In Mexico, it is traditional for children to leave their shoes on the eve of January 6 by the family nativity scene or by their beds. Also a letter with toy requests is left and sometimes the shoes are filled with hay for the camels, so that the Kings will be generous with their gifts. In Puerto Rico, it is traditional for children to fill a box with grass or hay and put it underneath their bed, for the same reasons. In some parts of northern Mexico the shoes are left under the Christmas tree with a letter to the Three Kings. This is analogous to children leaving mince pies or cookies and milk out for Father Christmas in Western Europe.
In the afternoon or evening of the same day the ritual of the Rosca de Reyes is shared with family and friends. The Rosca is a type of sweet-bread made with orange blossom water and butter, and decorated with candied fruit. Baked inside is a small doll representing the baby Jesus. The person who finds the doll in his piece of rosca must throw a party on February 2nd, "Candelaria Day," offering tamales and atole (a hot sweet drink thickened with corn flour) to the guests. In Spain, the bread is known as Roscón; made with the same items, traditionally the roscón was simply a round sweetbread with candied fruit on top, however, recently, different flavoured whipped creams are used as filling. The 'Jesus' doll evolved into a small toy similar to a Kinder Surprise it also includes a bean. The person who gets the toy is then crowned king for the day, while the person who finds the bean is responsible for paying for the Roscon.
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Read more about Olga Ayala here on Sofrito For Your Soul!
Nuestra Arte: Hecho A Mano con Olga Ayala
or you can contact her at:
OLGA AYALA
HANDICRAFTS (HECHO A MANO)
Functional Art In Polymer
(718) 448-0730
(718) 709-6574 cell
http://www.olgaayala.zoomshare.com
http://www.myspace.com/prpetite
Familia....
I wanted to share some very exciting news, Two talented Taino artists, John “Aguilar” Marrero (Boriken) and Reina Miranda (Kiskeia) have expanded their selection of Taino themed artwork on their CafePress website.
The website "Taino Spirit" sells orginal artwork by the duo whose works were recently donated to the Pa'l Pueblo Charity event to help raise money for the children of Bushwick United Headstart.
Now you have an opportunity to buy or gift this beautiful artwork and represent for your cultura.
Visit Taino Spirit at www.cafepress.com/aguilar
As I am,
Your friendly neighborhood Jibaro
(SofritoWire December 2007)
It was time to make it rain candy canes in Brooklyn!
It was Tuesday, December 19th, 2007. There we were in Bushwick United
Headstart School on Montrose Avenue, which is flanked by the historic
167 year old Most Holy Trinity Church in Williamsburg. Going into this
partnership, we knew that the school itself provides services to many
low-income families from Borinquen Plaza housing projects, which one
easily sees on the street right beyond the school. There was an
element of surprise here for us, as we saw that the children came from
a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds. However, when one comes to
think of it, when we look at the diversity of Brooklyn itself, one
would see that the classrooms were a microcosmic representation of the
County of Kings.
Once we walked into the doors, we were greeted by many appreciative
members, some of whom were not only parents but eager volunteers of
Bushwick United who were with us every step of the way. Coordinator
Jessica Arocho (who was dressed as Mrs. Claus) introduced the program
to us with these words:
"We have 3 classrooms, but there are 5 daily class sessions at our
center. One full-day session and four half day sessions, all in all
we have around one hundred children in our care every day that we are
responsible for. We also feed all of these children, there is a
full-scale, fully staffed kitchen on the second floor. What makes our
school stand out is that we prepare our meals using sofrito seasoning,
and the kids love it!"
In the bustling activity of Bushwick United, it was hard to find a
place that would not be disturbed for our Santa to get into gear.
Nonetheless, George "Urban Jibaro" Torres transformed himself into the
childrens hero of the day, Santa Claus! Or, as the adults took to
calling him, "Jibaro Claus"! In his new supercharged North Pole gear,
and along with Mrs. Claus and myself as PaPo The Reindeer in tow,
Santa was ready to help the children burst into radiant smiles,
inspirational laughter, and the giving spirit of the season.
We spent the entire day giving out gifts to these beautiful kids. We
were even joined by a brother of the Phi Iota Alpha latino fraternity,
who put on some Reindeer antlers and helped us give out toys. Jessica
and I would go in first to prepare the children for Santas arrival,
getting them to clap and chant "Santa! Santa! Santa!" to set the
Christmas mood, and our Capicu Santa would walk in and talk to each
child, take pictures, sing songs and even dance with the children. One
of the many highlights of the day took place in one of the older
classes, where the back of the room became a sing-a-long dance floor,
and we even saw Santa Claus doing the "robot dance"!
The warmth with which these kids received us stirred up powerful
emotions. Throughout the day, volunteers, parents, staff...and even
Santa and his helpers would be found with tears of joy in their eyes.
All in all, every single child at the center received a high quality
toy gift and also a DVD movie, as a direct result of the Pa'l Pueblo
Charity event that we held days earlier in the month for this school.
We recognize that the true, genuine heros of this story are the
community workers at the school who work tirelessly to secure a future
for these children and the parents who fight to defeat the odds
stacked against their children. It is because of these real life
everday Santas that we commit to the neighborhood.
This is the beginning of something dynamic, and we welcome you all to
join in our community movement as we look to continue using our
combined resources to make history in Brooklyn.
Felicidades!
PaPo Swiggity
This event was made possible via sponsorships from the following
entities, Notice Lounge, LatiNation, American Latino TV,
SofritoForYourSoul.com, Blaze – A Page Graphics, 5 Star Events, Phi
Iota Alpha Fraternity Inc, Hermandad De Sigma Iota Alpha Sorority Inc,
Exit Studios, Boricuation.com, Aguilar Marerro & Reina Miranda from
Taino Spirit, The United Confederation of Taino People, Raul Rios from
Despierta Boricua, Pathmark, Rachael Strauss (People in Espanol),
FutuVision and all the Capicu supporters.
SofritoWire: December 2007
This year, not only does Santa Claus wear a Pava in Brooklyn, he definitely dances to hot salsa!
The Pa'l Pueblo Charity event held on Friday December 14th 2007; what an incredible success story! So many talented artists of different disciplines took the stage to stand in solidarity with the Capicu Poetry commitment to giving back to the community. Over a hundred kids had a Christmas this year due directly to our Pa'l Pueblo event.
The stage was set for a full scale parranda celebration. The native congas of Notice Lounge were now in the company of magnificent band instruments awaiting their masters calls.
At the door, you were greeted by the warm smiling faces of Bushwick United Headstart volunteers and their Family Coordinator, Jessica Arocho who would take your donations, answer any questions about the event and direct you to the heated trays of delicious arroz, pollo y pernil which were available all night for guests.
On a wall near the stage, one would see large posters of some of our event sponsors, Phi Iota Alpha, American Latino TV, and 5 Star Events.
As one looked around the lounge and saw all the familiar faces of the immediate neighborhood, most of which have never seen anything like Capicu Poetry in their whole lives in Brooklyn, right away we knew that this would indeed be a powerful, significant step towards our goal of community engagement and service. This is what the Pa'l Pueblo Charity represents. This is what we are about.
Showtime. After thanking our sponsors and our staff, Urban Jibaro introduced the evening by saying that due to the budget, we would be celebrating Noche Buena, Navidad, Ano Nuevo and Dia de Los Reyes all rolled up in one night, to which the crowd laughed and applauded. Jibaro introduces the Master Of Ceremony PaPo Swiggity, who immediately gets to work to whip the full house into a frenzy.
Here are some lines from the opening salvo:
"Let me tell you about this rumor I heard today,
I'm bringing you the best bochinche in NYC, uncut.
Are you guys ready for what I found out about cuz it's tssssss hot..
Here it is.. (points to a man in the crowd, asks his name)
I heard that YOU are an ACTIVIST.
(does the same with 2 more people around the room)
The allegations are that tonight you aligned yourself with the
progressive Capicu movement.. yes! You, a Community Activist! An agent
of change. Think not? if you made a donation today, of toys, money, or time..
put your hands up for me. If you are a sponsor of this event, or an artist,
musician, or brought someone with you, thus making you a
promoter.. put your hands up. By your participation, you are directly
responsible for the positive emotional welfare of a child in Brooklyn
who otherwise may not have had a holiday this year, so give yourselves
a round of applause! And we're not stopping here, are we?"
PaPo then tells the crowd that they are now infused with the spirit of the Civil Rights Era Black Panthers, Brown Berets and Young Lords who were all about assuring community control, and gets them to pump their
fist into the air and yell out "Pa'l Pueblo!" and "Capicu!" What a sight.
The energy was high, and right away the stage bursts into live parranda
music by the legendary Joe Falcón & the Coco Rico band. Falcón's bass guitar stood as tall and proud as he, as they swayed together to form the rhythmic dance of music making. We were certainly not surprised that salsa dancing broke out in the middle of the party, as this is becoming a ritual of the Capicu community since MelleSol and Canella had their salsa dance-off in September.
The range of artists was astounding. Conscious hip hop, reggaeton, poetry, comedy, salsa y parranda, Taino art and revolutionary urban art. All delivered as promised by Capicu Poetry, making them indeed the Capicu Cultural Showcase. There were music performances by Peruvian female hip hop artist IllFamed, the hip hop poet OL SoUL who set spoken word to a hip hop beat, a reggaeton performance by La Vision and stand up comedy by Edgar Rivera (of Tangana Comedy; Nuyorican Poets Cafe). Our Poetry session included powerful spoken word by Blaze-A-Page, poet/musician Bonafide Rojas of The Mona Passage, Brooklyn's own Conan, Canella ("but he is not a poet") and poet/painter/playwright (from the Dominican Republic) Yubelky Rodriguez.
We were also honored to feature the urban fashion of 1Soul Designs, a fellow progressive Brooklyn Boricua company which challenges the media, fashion industry, and implements programs for neighborhood High School teens (and, in fact, throughout Latin America) to learn the fashion craft.
More highlights of the evening included the spontaneous collaboration of Edwin Berroa (of 5 Star Events) playing congas with Coco Rico, comedian Edgar Rivera's hysterical performance as he poked fun at the crowd, The Taino Godfather Kahayarix (of Despierta Boricua) coming through with big red bags full of toys! They came from a host of organizations connected to Kahayarix and Taino Spirit from the Lower East Side to Yonkers. Last but not least, artists Reina Miranda & Aguilar Marrero (from Taino Spirit) raffling off their hand painted Taino themed denim jackets. This stunning artwork helped Capicu Poetry raise an additional $400.00 to buy toys for the Bushwick United kids, and we thank them deeply for showing such strong support for the kids and offering their creations to our public.
Indeed, a magical night in a sense, if you consider a handful of people set out to bring Christmas to over 100 kids, and to have done so succesfully. We want to thank all who showed support, and we'll see you at our New Years Open Mic on Friday, January 18th, 2008. Happy Holidays to you and yours from the staff at Capicu Poetry!
Note:
This event was made possible via sponsorships from the following
entities, Notice Lounge, LatiNation, American Latino TV,
SofritoForYourSoul.com, Blaze – A Page Graphics, 5 Star Events, Phi
Iota Alpha Fraternity Inc, Hermandad De Sigma Iota Alpha Sorority Inc,
Exit Studios, Boricuation.com, Aguilar Marerro & Reina Miranda from
Taino Spirit, The United Confederation of Taino People, Raul Rios from
Despierta Boricua, Pathmark, Rachael Strauss (People in Espanol) and
FutuVision.
Esperate, is there a strange new language of sofrito-flavored
Brooklynese brewing at Capicu Poetry? It certainly seems so! If you know the significance of Papo Swiggitys new urban latino terms of endearment "Coki" and "Choops", or the now infamous "Cacaracu" cry of veteran Brooklyn poet Joe P.Y., then you find yourself at the door of a new cultural revolution taking place in the County of Kings! We had about 80 guests for this special Latino Heritage show. However, love and art is universal and the room was still as diverse as ever. Urban Jibaro and Lisa "Goddess" Centeno did an amazing job juggling the needs of the door and bar in the front, while The Guy set himself up in the audio room. One would find a piece of Spanish Harlem off in the featured artist table as Olga Ayala and her beautiful, unique jewelry and figures attracted alot of attention throughout the evening. One of Olga's standout pieces is a brightly colored clay Vejigante dancer, looking at this piece gives you an immediate vision of a carnival in the tropics. PaPo went around greeting the guests and taking names for the open mic list.. and boy did we have some surprises in store! We opened up our night in Capicu tradition, with a surprise introduction to the poetry of an amazing Bronx Latina artist and activist, MelleSol! One of her powerful pieces, entitled "My Twelfth Second", focused on the experience of domestic violence and drew the admiration and attention of the many women in attendance. We were also honored to see the poetic powerhouse known as Max Parthas (of PrysmaticDreams) perform one of his signature pieces, "What Happened To Hip Hop", which was received very well by our young crowd. Shout out to Tribal Raine as well, as they both travelled up from South Carolina and we were honored that they chose our event as part of their NYC tour. Among the open mic'ers, we were honored to have author Joe P.Y. (Of Poetry Alive), Luis Bernard (spoken word artist, NYC community organizer from the In Progress Group), Boricuation hip hop artist G Positive, Taino Brigs, Canela, Bushwicks Own Conan (who offered some beautiful tribute pieces). PaPo surprised everyone by having our resident soundman "The Guy" play a salsa set, and pitted Canela and MelleSol to dance to Marc Anthony's"Nadie Como Ella". Soon, the floor was packed with salseros and salseras, and we spun directly into the open mic with Canelas piece"You said!" In our feature artist's OL SoUL ( who is, ironically, in his early 20's), one will find a dynamic charm in the way he commands his words and the crowd. His set included one of his signature pieces about Hip hop, entitled"Radio", and also a duet erotica piece with Bella Trastorna. SoUL had a very exciting surprise in store when he decided to end his set with friends from the progressive artists Readnext Poetry Squad- Decora, Latin Translator and FreeFlowin. OL SoUL also announced the upcoming Capicu / Lose Control Collaboration JIBARO SOY featuring his poetry as well as some of Urban Jibaro's wordplay to take place at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe on September 27th. (More details can be found on www.CapicuPoetry.com) After Urban Jibaro came on stage and thanked the crowd for coming out, Notice Lounge opened it's door to an eager young crowd for pool and dancing and many of us got to mix and mingle, Brooklyn style! Many thanks to those of you that continue to support true art! Signed, El Coki Next Show in Brooklyn: Friday, October 12th @ 7:30PM Check out http://www.CapicuPoetry.com or our MySpace at http://www,myspace.com/capicupoetry for our schedule |
Creating Art Where it's Needed
To say that we noticed Kiki on the Internet would be a big understatement, it was more like Kiki knocked us off our feet with his enthusiasm, energy and expressive paintings. The Internet is a vast space of activity, but somehow Kiki seems to rise above all the hustle and bustle and takes command of your attention. His work deserves the attention too! Read the article and look at his work and see if you agree.
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BFC: What was the culture in your home growing up and how did your parents influence your formative years?
I was born in Miami and moved to Northern New Jersey when I was a baby, then moved back to Miami when I was 8. My mom has always been involved with clothing and fashion. She used to take us into New York City with my brothers when I was real young. She's always been a big supporter of me with creating. When I was 16 she took me to New York and we went to every single museum in the city. She took me to a Basquiat, Keith Haring and Kenny Scharf show that was up during that summer. I was moved. When I was younger people said my work looked like Basquiat, I understand why. It was from that trip to and from that important show. I still have the catalog somewhere in my studio. My dad was always supportive too, but he was more hands off. He let me do what I wanted and really didn't ask questions. He wasn't opinionated and I think that was really important.
BFC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
I started formal training in painting at the age of 11. When you're a kid you know its what you want to do, because every kid loves to paint. I stuck with it. I remember falling in love with painting when I found out there wasn't any rules. I honestly couldn't believe it. I mean I had to learn color, the figure and basic things. But when you're alone, there are no rules. I learned that real young. I think when I saw the real competitiveness from all the talented kids from high school that also sparked something.
BFC: What was a major lesson or experience you've taken from the New World School of the Arts High School that you still remember or influences you today?
New World is going to be mentioned often when great artists are talked about in the future. It’s still a young place. Very talented people come out of there. I learned a lot. There was just so much going on, and when you're in your teen's things just effect you so much more. Miami is where I'm from and it’s growing day by day. It's like a newborn baby and your watching her grow. I could have gone to New York to do art, but I made a conscious decision to do it here. Great art is created where it’s needed.
BFC: Can you briefly describe how your work has evolved? What elements have changed and what has remained consistent? What is a neon expressionist?
My work has changed a lot, when I was younger it was aggressive, then I really started to exploit the ideals of Latin American Art from the standpoint of a Miami born Cuban. Now my work is breaking down the figure and I'm doing something so new. My colors aren't as bright anymore. I'm taking painting somewhere else. That’s where I am. One consistent theme has been the aggressiveness, bold lines and compositions of rhythm.
Neon Expressionism is something I'm working on with a group of artists from Miami and from other parts of the world. It's a reaction to what’s happening today in painting. A Neon Expressionist to me is pretty much post Neo Expressionism.
BFC: When you created OpenZine, it touched on political issues. Do you still incorporate political messages in your work? How much does culture plays into your work or is it primarily personal?
Actually OpenZine was never that political. When you get too political when you're not in politics its like a bad movie. Artists, at least many don't know politics. How could they? Too busy doing art!
Some of my new work deals with war, but it’s not super obvious. If its too obvious people know what you are doing and don't question it. It becomes illustration and not really the type of art that leaves questions unanswered. You need the eye and mind to wonder. Also, I don't sit there and say I'm going to make a piece about war, it comes out on its own and it takes a few nights of sleep to realize why I painted that, and why I painted this.
BFC: You seem to enjoy bringing art to people. You paint live in nightclubs and you're active on the Internet. If you're gaining support from collectors and galleries, why do you continue to self promote your work?
Self-promotion is always good. The live art thing was my calling card to get people to recognize the name. In the process I got paid a lot of money to do it. Collectors hang out at the weirdest places. It worked, now I'm using it for more serious things in art. It’s like a promotional campaign. I don't do art on public walls or anything, what’s another way that people can see what’s happening with me? I’m coming up with new things that will take the art further. I am always finding new methods.
BFC: What would you like people to understand or feel about your art?
I'm just carrying on the tradition of painting. I hope people can appreciate and respect that.
BFC: What issues, styles or themes can we look forward to your art in the next few years?
I'm interested in Jewish mysticism, Freemasonry and geometry. The idea of magic in painting which was a common thing and pretty taboo among the modern painters. I do a lot of automatic drawings like André Masson. I didn't even know what that was until a friend brought it to my attention. I like using the subconscious with a level of provoked thought. I'm interested in tapping into new forms of creating images in space. I'm not there yet but as a form of inspiration I went to Spain about a month ago. I'm searching and as the saying goes, when you seek you shall find.
BFC: For new artists, do you have any final words of encouragement or advice about creating art?
Never get jealous of anyone’s success. If they can make it, you can too. There’s enough innovation to be created to be praised. Keep your eyes on what it is you want to achieve. Keep it crystal clear in your mind. Work hard on your creations. Try to visit galleries and museums to see what’s happening. Surround yourself with good-natured people. Also, remember its good to make money with art. It’s a blessing. So when you see an opportunity, take it. Make sure you control the money. Don't let the money control you. Also, nobody will respect you, if you don't respect yourself or your art.
Be sure to see more of Kiki's work in the Bullfighter's Cafe Art Gallery .
CALL FOR ENTRIES: SHOWTIME 8TH ANNUAL LATINO FILMMAKER SHOWCASE
Showtime proudly announces its 8th Annual Latino Filmmaker Showcase. Committed to supporting up-and-coming Hispanic talent, Showtime is now seeking submissions from aspiring directors. We invite you to enter your 15-30 minute short film for consideration. Three to five finalists will be selected. These films will be featured on the Showtime network during Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15th- Oct. 15th) 2007. One winner will be selected among the finalists to receive a $30,000 grant to produce an original short film that will premiere exclusively on Showtime. Submission forms are available at SHO.com or by e-mailing Sandra Avila at Sandra.Avila@showtime.net
Submit your film along with the official release form by May 15th to:
Showtime Networks, Inc.
Attn: Sandra Avila
10880 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 1600
Los Angeles, CA 90024
I
was born in August 1967 in the urban city of Brooklyn, NY to Puerto Rican parents.
My mother is from Ponce, Puerto Rico and my father is from Fajardo, Puerto Rico.
I currently reside in Queens, NY, and have the best of both worlds. 
While
traveling through Europe and the Caribbean I had the opportunity to visit the
worlds most treasured pieces in history like … the Mona Lisa, Winged Victory,
Michael Angelo’s David and to view art by Obed Gomez, Elizabeth Baez, Frida
Kahlo, Goya, and so much more.
My
family and life experience is what leads my hand and nourishes my creativity.
My family plays a big role in inspiring me along with some of my favorite
artists like, Frida Kahlo, Goya, Picasso and Rafael Tufino just to name a few.
I enjoy experimenting with various mixed mediums, acrylic and oil paint, fabric,
wood, ceramics etc. My favorite subjects to paint are of culture (Hispanic-Africano
and Taino), emotion (Loss-satisfaction-serenity) and spirituality (Santeria-Latin
folk Catholicism and Christianity).
I enjoy 
sampling various existences and experiences. My paintings are a record of my
experiences and ideas, an expression of heart and personal truth. It has been
a great way to express myself visually. My emotions, love and passion for my
ancestral past and traditions are all conveyed in each painting.
If I had to sum up my inspirations into one word it would be “Life”. The driving force behind my work is very personal. It is an influence of family, culture and a deep sense of spirituality.
“I believe that if you do not try you will never know and the only risk you miss is the one you don’t take”.
Current Features & Exposure: 2007
Featured
as a Latina artist on ABLA’s virtual gallery my painting is also used on the
homepage. The auction is posted in the website calendar www.artbylatinaartists.com
Mi Gente...
Sofrito For Your Soul invites you to become part of our cultural revolution once again. As we begin to rebuild some of the archives that have blessed these pages over the last 10 years...we once again open the doors to hear your voz!
Sofrito For Your Soul is a reality because of people like you who contribute and help us grow. We are looking for articles, columns, short stories, music, written and spoken word poetry, video as well as all kinds of artwork to document the evolution of our culture in the United States.
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