Hollenbeck Station To Be Renamed for First Latino Commanding Officer
By EGP News Service
The L.A. City Council voted Wednesday to rename the police substation in Boyle Heights for its first Latino commanding officer, also the first in Los Angeles Police Department history.
The council approved dedicating the Hollenbeck Station in honor of the late Capt. Rudy De Leon, who served as its commanding officer in the 1970s.
“Capt. Rudy de Leon was a man who, through sheer determination, rose above the limitations of his time and had the goodness of heart and strength of character to carry a whole lot of people with him,” Councilman Jose Huizar said.
“Commanding an LAPD Area Station is a remarkable accomplishment at any time in the department’s history,” LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said. “Rudy de Leon did it at a time and in a way that blazed a trail for many others who have followed in his footsteps.”
De Leon, who died in 2009, becomes the first Latino to have an LAPD police station named in his honor.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
El Chicano founding member memorialized
El Chicano band member joins elite group in Rock and Roll Heaven
By Joe Ortiz, Contributing Writer
Bobby Espinosa, the highly acclaimed organist and co-founder of the legendary El Chicano music group, was memorialized on Saturday, March 20, 2010, by family members, fellow musicians and close friends.
Espinosa, who has been a part of every recording the group has ever released, and was still actively performing with it in concerts all over the world, passed away on February 27, 2010. The gifted musician was recently inducted into "Hammond Heroes," an elite society of the best players on the Hammond organ, becoming the only Chicano Artist ever to be recognized for his unique style of Blues, Jazz and Latin music on the Hammond B3 organ.
At a heart warming memorial mass at St Alfonsus Church in East Los Angeles, and a special musical tribute by fellow performers at Stevens Steakhouse in the City of Industry, California, friends, family members and fellow musicians sent Espinosa off to rock and roll heaven, again, becoming the first Chicano to join another elite group of rock and roll musicians.
“I never knew Bobby personally, but I admired his work from a distance for many years, said Alan O’Day, who co-wrote the song “Rock and Roll Heaven” made famous by The Righteous Brothers recording hit in 1974. O’Day, who is best known for his 1977 number I hit, “Undercover Angel,” grew up with and performed with many Mexican Americans throughout southern California.
“It’s sad that a great musician like Bobby Espinosa has left us,” said O’ Day “but we finally have a Chicano among Heaven’s most gloriously renowned musicians.” In O’Day’s Rock And Roll Heaven song, he cited luminary performers such as Jimmy Hendricks, Janis Joplin. Otis Redding, Jim Morrison, Bobby Darrin and other legendary rock and roll heroes.
Over a hundred friends, family members and fellow musicians witnessed a personal musical tribute to Espinosa at Steven’s Steakhouse (a renowned Latino venue) in the City of Industry, performed by fellow El Chicano band members and other Latino musicians who knew and had performed with Espinosa during his 40 year career with El Chicano.
Freddie Sanchez, fellow co-founder and manager of the El Chicano band, coordinated the tribute to Espinosa, recognizing that his fellow musicians, family and friends needed to personally acknowledge Espinosa’s contribution to the music world, and to thank him for their own personal relationship with the gifted musician.
“As Bobby's brother and longest musical partner, I put this personal tribute together for everyone to attend with love in their hearts for this Chicano icon, and for everything that El Chicano’s music has always stood for,” said Sanchez.
“In our commitment to express our positive feelings and our love for our community, it is my intention to continue the legacy of El Chicano, which Bobby was a major part of, that we are still alive, and our new billing and theme will henceforth be" El Chicano Vive".
Sanchez added that he personally was grateful for the outpouring of sentiments from the musical world and (especially) the East Los Angeles community.
“I could rattle off the hundreds of names and well wishes and condolences I received from throughout the musical world, and also the great throng of musical brothers and sisters who gathered together to pay personal tribute to Bobby,” said Sanchez.
“They know who they are, and they would all agree that the important fact is that we finally have a Chicano musician in Rock and Roll Heaven, and many more will join that select group in the future.”
By Joe Ortiz, Contributing Writer
Bobby Espinosa, the highly acclaimed organist and co-founder of the legendary El Chicano music group, was memorialized on Saturday, March 20, 2010, by family members, fellow musicians and close friends.
Espinosa, who has been a part of every recording the group has ever released, and was still actively performing with it in concerts all over the world, passed away on February 27, 2010. The gifted musician was recently inducted into "Hammond Heroes," an elite society of the best players on the Hammond organ, becoming the only Chicano Artist ever to be recognized for his unique style of Blues, Jazz and Latin music on the Hammond B3 organ.
At a heart warming memorial mass at St Alfonsus Church in East Los Angeles, and a special musical tribute by fellow performers at Stevens Steakhouse in the City of Industry, California, friends, family members and fellow musicians sent Espinosa off to rock and roll heaven, again, becoming the first Chicano to join another elite group of rock and roll musicians.
“I never knew Bobby personally, but I admired his work from a distance for many years, said Alan O’Day, who co-wrote the song “Rock and Roll Heaven” made famous by The Righteous Brothers recording hit in 1974. O’Day, who is best known for his 1977 number I hit, “Undercover Angel,” grew up with and performed with many Mexican Americans throughout southern California.
“It’s sad that a great musician like Bobby Espinosa has left us,” said O’ Day “but we finally have a Chicano among Heaven’s most gloriously renowned musicians.” In O’Day’s Rock And Roll Heaven song, he cited luminary performers such as Jimmy Hendricks, Janis Joplin. Otis Redding, Jim Morrison, Bobby Darrin and other legendary rock and roll heroes.
Over a hundred friends, family members and fellow musicians witnessed a personal musical tribute to Espinosa at Steven’s Steakhouse (a renowned Latino venue) in the City of Industry, performed by fellow El Chicano band members and other Latino musicians who knew and had performed with Espinosa during his 40 year career with El Chicano.
Freddie Sanchez, fellow co-founder and manager of the El Chicano band, coordinated the tribute to Espinosa, recognizing that his fellow musicians, family and friends needed to personally acknowledge Espinosa’s contribution to the music world, and to thank him for their own personal relationship with the gifted musician.
“As Bobby's brother and longest musical partner, I put this personal tribute together for everyone to attend with love in their hearts for this Chicano icon, and for everything that El Chicano’s music has always stood for,” said Sanchez.
“In our commitment to express our positive feelings and our love for our community, it is my intention to continue the legacy of El Chicano, which Bobby was a major part of, that we are still alive, and our new billing and theme will henceforth be" El Chicano Vive".
Sanchez added that he personally was grateful for the outpouring of sentiments from the musical world and (especially) the East Los Angeles community.
“I could rattle off the hundreds of names and well wishes and condolences I received from throughout the musical world, and also the great throng of musical brothers and sisters who gathered together to pay personal tribute to Bobby,” said Sanchez.
“They know who they are, and they would all agree that the important fact is that we finally have a Chicano musician in Rock and Roll Heaven, and many more will join that select group in the future.”
One of the most powerful Latinos in Hollywood
Dan Guerrero: A Renaissance man & the son of a legend
By Al Carlos Hernandez, Herald de Paris
HOLLYWOOD – The eclectic producer/director Dan Guerrero has been twice honored by the distinguished Imagen Foundation for his positive portrayal of the Latino culture in his work. Hispanic Magazine recognized him as, “One of the 25 most powerful Latinos in Hollywood.”
Dan began his entertainment career in New York. He was a successful theatrical agent with clients in the original casts of countless Broadway musicals in the years from A Chorus Line to Cats. He returned home to Los Angeles for an equally successful time as a casting director for stage and television before turning his talents to producing and directing. More.
By Al Carlos Hernandez, Herald de Paris
HOLLYWOOD – The eclectic producer/director Dan Guerrero has been twice honored by the distinguished Imagen Foundation for his positive portrayal of the Latino culture in his work. Hispanic Magazine recognized him as, “One of the 25 most powerful Latinos in Hollywood.”
Dan began his entertainment career in New York. He was a successful theatrical agent with clients in the original casts of countless Broadway musicals in the years from A Chorus Line to Cats. He returned home to Los Angeles for an equally successful time as a casting director for stage and television before turning his talents to producing and directing. More.
Hispanic evangelical leaders push for climate change action
Hispanic Evangelicals Pump New Blood into Creation Care Agenda
By Michelle A. Vu|Christian Post/03/26/10
Hispanic evangelical leaders for the first time are pushing for action on climate change.
Leaders of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, the Hispanic version of the National Association of Evangelicals, joined the Evangelical Environmental Network Wednesday to announce their new partnership.
The two organizations plan to meet elected officials in Washington and work together to educate Hispanic churches on creation care, including helping churches learn how to be more energy efficient.
“This is so crucial to us because more than just climate change it is a pro-life issue,” said the Rev. Charlie Olmeda, board member of the NHCLC and senior pastor of 3rd Day of Worship in Allentown, Pa., on Wednesday.
Olmeda highlighted that biblical stewardship of the environment is among the seven priorities of the NHCLC. He said the NHCLC has been working on passing comprehensive immigration reform for years, but the organization recently realized that immigration and environmental issues are related.
“We are seeing people migrate to the United States because of the needs they are confronting in their own countries,” said the Rev. Efrain Pineda, senior pastor of Centro Cristiano Ministries in Manson, Wash., and a board member of the NHCLC. “A lot of the needs have to do with climate change. Poverty is increasing due to land destroyed and land hurt.”
Pineda said Hispanic Christian leaders are hearing in their churches from new immigrants that they are coming to America to seek a better life because their rice field or bean field is not producing.
The NHCLC represents more than 22,000 churches across the nation and 16 million Hispanic born-again Christians.
Olmeda believes that the Hispanic Christian community’s large population will make a difference when it comes to climate change advocacy.
“We all know that when it comes to government it is all about numbers,” Olmeda said. “And when you represent a large constituency then you have an influence behind the bills that we are looking to see passed."
“So the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Council will begin to disseminate this information among churches and our organizations,” he said.
Olmeda said now member Hispanic churches can not only say they believe in good environmental stewardship but through the partnership with EEN they will know how to respond to climate change.
By Michelle A. Vu|Christian Post/03/26/10
Hispanic evangelical leaders for the first time are pushing for action on climate change.
Leaders of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, the Hispanic version of the National Association of Evangelicals, joined the Evangelical Environmental Network Wednesday to announce their new partnership.
The two organizations plan to meet elected officials in Washington and work together to educate Hispanic churches on creation care, including helping churches learn how to be more energy efficient.
“This is so crucial to us because more than just climate change it is a pro-life issue,” said the Rev. Charlie Olmeda, board member of the NHCLC and senior pastor of 3rd Day of Worship in Allentown, Pa., on Wednesday.
Olmeda highlighted that biblical stewardship of the environment is among the seven priorities of the NHCLC. He said the NHCLC has been working on passing comprehensive immigration reform for years, but the organization recently realized that immigration and environmental issues are related.
“We are seeing people migrate to the United States because of the needs they are confronting in their own countries,” said the Rev. Efrain Pineda, senior pastor of Centro Cristiano Ministries in Manson, Wash., and a board member of the NHCLC. “A lot of the needs have to do with climate change. Poverty is increasing due to land destroyed and land hurt.”
Pineda said Hispanic Christian leaders are hearing in their churches from new immigrants that they are coming to America to seek a better life because their rice field or bean field is not producing.
The NHCLC represents more than 22,000 churches across the nation and 16 million Hispanic born-again Christians.
Olmeda believes that the Hispanic Christian community’s large population will make a difference when it comes to climate change advocacy.
“We all know that when it comes to government it is all about numbers,” Olmeda said. “And when you represent a large constituency then you have an influence behind the bills that we are looking to see passed."
“So the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Council will begin to disseminate this information among churches and our organizations,” he said.
Olmeda said now member Hispanic churches can not only say they believe in good environmental stewardship but through the partnership with EEN they will know how to respond to climate change.
MLS' Chivas featuring more Hispanic players
New year, new approach for Chivas
Luis Bueno, Sports Illustrated, 03/26/10
CARSON, Calif. -- Little-known fact: A lot of what passes as Mexican food in the United States is not really Mexican food. Go to Sahuayo, Michoacan, or Tepic, Nayarit, and try to order a Spicy Chicken Burrito or a Double Decker Taco.
Now, for most of its existence, Chivas USA has been Major League Soccer's version of Taco Bell, offering up a low-quality version of an authentic Mexican flavor.
That ends now.
With Martin Vasquez as head coach, Chivas enters the season with a large number of Hispanic players and will likely play a much different style than in recent seasons. Chivas USA begins the MLS season with 11 Hispanic players. Some are of Mexican descent, such as Mariano Trujillo (born in Mexico City), Jesus Padilla (San Jose, Calif.) and Jorge Flores (Anaheim, Calif.), while others were born elsewhere in Latin America, such as Osael Romero (El Salvador) and Maykel Galindo (Cuba).
There are plenty of non-Hispanic players on the squad -- Ante Jazic, Sacha Kljestan and Michael Lahoud are expected to play big roles -- but the flavor of this club is downright spicy.
Vasquez has gotten away from the the tried-and-true MLSers and relying on elbow grease for results. Gone are players such as Jesse Marsch and Carey Talley, who logged valuable minutes under former coach Preki.
Vasquez has, in essence, brought in some authentic Mexican ingredients with which to cook. Gone are the olive oil and basil of last season, and in are the manteca and cilantro. We'll pass on the crunchy tacos, but another plate of tacos de lengua and some carnitas estilo Michoacan, por favor. And Vasquez isn't afraid to throw in some pupusas and casados on the platter.
Suddenly, the club has some flavor. And that's the way it should be, Trujillo said.
"It's important because the name, Chivas, it says that there are Latinos in here," said Trujillo, a veteran of four Mexican league clubs. "The people want Latinos on the team, but not just Latino players; they want good players. I think it should be a mix of both, Latino players and players [from elsewhere] ... so we can play good and win so the people can come to the stadium, watch us win and, most important of all, get titles."
Though he's stockpiled the pantry with flavors he's used to, Vasquez said it wasn't intentional in every case.
"It just happened that way because of the positions we were looking for, especially with [defender Michael] Umana," Vasquez said. "It had nothing to do with him being Hispanic."
Vasquez said he jumped at the opportunity to bring in Umana, a regular on the Costa Rican national team and World Cup '06 veteran who played the past three seasons in his home country. Another offseason acquisition, Osael Romero, was targeted in part because he was Hispanic, but that was not the only factor.
"[We were] looking for somebody in the attacking third to come and help us," Vasquez said. "Maybe it was him being Hispanic -- El Salvadoran -- but it was also his qualities."
In other words, don't show up speaking Spanish and expect to sign a contract.
That's what happened in 2005, the wretched first season that produced four wins and an embarrassing number of moments. Sure, the team had plenty of Hispanic players, but bad soccer is bad soccer, wherever the players come from. And Chivas USA did not want bad soccer, so Bob Bradley came in for one season and then Preki followed for three, and between them they turned the club into a strong contender, highly successful in the regular season but one still in search of postseason success after four consecutive first-round exits.
But things are different now. The roster has a different look to it, but the attitude surrounding the club is also different. Is it better or worse? Players won't say, but it's just different.
"A lot of it comes from Martin," Kljestan said. "He came in from the beginning and said, 'This is how we're going to play. This is how it's going to go whether you are going to buy into it or not. Either you believe in the system or you don't. If you don't believe in it, then get out of here.' Everyone has bought into the system and everyone enjoys playing under him and he makes it real fun for everybody. He's passionate about his job. He's passionate about Chivas, especially when he speaks to the team and speaks about the team."
For Vasquez, whose team starts the season against Colorado on Sunday, the bottom line remains the same.
"Whether we have a lot of Hispanics or not, the objective is to continue to keep showing that consistency in our league," Vasquez said. "That's every coach's objective and that's mine as well."
For openers
Chivas USA's chief rival, the Los Angeles Galaxy, will open against New England on Saturday as Home Depot Center will once again play host to two MLS games in two days. Galaxy star David Beckham is injured (ruptured Achilles tendon) and will not play much, if at all, during the MLS season, but he could be at the stadium for this match. Beckham returned to the club on Wednesday and watched part of the training session from the sidelines.
Keep an eye out for Real Salt Lake's Alvaro Saborio. The longtime Costa Rican international could be the Newcomer of the Year, and the first step toward that happens Saturday as Real Salt Lake visits San Jose. Saborio is still adjusting to life in the United States and still familiarizing himself with his RSL teammates, but he could turn out to be an upgrade over the departed Yura Movsisyan.
New York opened Red Bull Arena with a friendly match last Saturday against Santos of Brazil (a 3-1 win), but this time the game is for keeps. Red Bull Arena will once again captivate the imagination and attention of MLS fans, who, no matter what team they cheer for, will likely want to see the spectacle that is MLS' newest stadium. The Red Bulls and Fire could play a listless, nil-nil draw Saturday night and the match would still be memorable.
Luis Bueno, Sports Illustrated, 03/26/10
CARSON, Calif. -- Little-known fact: A lot of what passes as Mexican food in the United States is not really Mexican food. Go to Sahuayo, Michoacan, or Tepic, Nayarit, and try to order a Spicy Chicken Burrito or a Double Decker Taco.
Now, for most of its existence, Chivas USA has been Major League Soccer's version of Taco Bell, offering up a low-quality version of an authentic Mexican flavor.
That ends now.
With Martin Vasquez as head coach, Chivas enters the season with a large number of Hispanic players and will likely play a much different style than in recent seasons. Chivas USA begins the MLS season with 11 Hispanic players. Some are of Mexican descent, such as Mariano Trujillo (born in Mexico City), Jesus Padilla (San Jose, Calif.) and Jorge Flores (Anaheim, Calif.), while others were born elsewhere in Latin America, such as Osael Romero (El Salvador) and Maykel Galindo (Cuba).
There are plenty of non-Hispanic players on the squad -- Ante Jazic, Sacha Kljestan and Michael Lahoud are expected to play big roles -- but the flavor of this club is downright spicy.
Vasquez has gotten away from the the tried-and-true MLSers and relying on elbow grease for results. Gone are players such as Jesse Marsch and Carey Talley, who logged valuable minutes under former coach Preki.
Vasquez has, in essence, brought in some authentic Mexican ingredients with which to cook. Gone are the olive oil and basil of last season, and in are the manteca and cilantro. We'll pass on the crunchy tacos, but another plate of tacos de lengua and some carnitas estilo Michoacan, por favor. And Vasquez isn't afraid to throw in some pupusas and casados on the platter.
Suddenly, the club has some flavor. And that's the way it should be, Trujillo said.
"It's important because the name, Chivas, it says that there are Latinos in here," said Trujillo, a veteran of four Mexican league clubs. "The people want Latinos on the team, but not just Latino players; they want good players. I think it should be a mix of both, Latino players and players [from elsewhere] ... so we can play good and win so the people can come to the stadium, watch us win and, most important of all, get titles."
Though he's stockpiled the pantry with flavors he's used to, Vasquez said it wasn't intentional in every case.
"It just happened that way because of the positions we were looking for, especially with [defender Michael] Umana," Vasquez said. "It had nothing to do with him being Hispanic."
Vasquez said he jumped at the opportunity to bring in Umana, a regular on the Costa Rican national team and World Cup '06 veteran who played the past three seasons in his home country. Another offseason acquisition, Osael Romero, was targeted in part because he was Hispanic, but that was not the only factor.
"[We were] looking for somebody in the attacking third to come and help us," Vasquez said. "Maybe it was him being Hispanic -- El Salvadoran -- but it was also his qualities."
In other words, don't show up speaking Spanish and expect to sign a contract.
That's what happened in 2005, the wretched first season that produced four wins and an embarrassing number of moments. Sure, the team had plenty of Hispanic players, but bad soccer is bad soccer, wherever the players come from. And Chivas USA did not want bad soccer, so Bob Bradley came in for one season and then Preki followed for three, and between them they turned the club into a strong contender, highly successful in the regular season but one still in search of postseason success after four consecutive first-round exits.
But things are different now. The roster has a different look to it, but the attitude surrounding the club is also different. Is it better or worse? Players won't say, but it's just different.
"A lot of it comes from Martin," Kljestan said. "He came in from the beginning and said, 'This is how we're going to play. This is how it's going to go whether you are going to buy into it or not. Either you believe in the system or you don't. If you don't believe in it, then get out of here.' Everyone has bought into the system and everyone enjoys playing under him and he makes it real fun for everybody. He's passionate about his job. He's passionate about Chivas, especially when he speaks to the team and speaks about the team."
For Vasquez, whose team starts the season against Colorado on Sunday, the bottom line remains the same.
"Whether we have a lot of Hispanics or not, the objective is to continue to keep showing that consistency in our league," Vasquez said. "That's every coach's objective and that's mine as well."
For openers
Chivas USA's chief rival, the Los Angeles Galaxy, will open against New England on Saturday as Home Depot Center will once again play host to two MLS games in two days. Galaxy star David Beckham is injured (ruptured Achilles tendon) and will not play much, if at all, during the MLS season, but he could be at the stadium for this match. Beckham returned to the club on Wednesday and watched part of the training session from the sidelines.
Keep an eye out for Real Salt Lake's Alvaro Saborio. The longtime Costa Rican international could be the Newcomer of the Year, and the first step toward that happens Saturday as Real Salt Lake visits San Jose. Saborio is still adjusting to life in the United States and still familiarizing himself with his RSL teammates, but he could turn out to be an upgrade over the departed Yura Movsisyan.
New York opened Red Bull Arena with a friendly match last Saturday against Santos of Brazil (a 3-1 win), but this time the game is for keeps. Red Bull Arena will once again captivate the imagination and attention of MLS fans, who, no matter what team they cheer for, will likely want to see the spectacle that is MLS' newest stadium. The Red Bulls and Fire could play a listless, nil-nil draw Saturday night and the match would still be memorable.
Latinos more secular, not protestant
Latinos More Secular, Not Protestant
Americamagazine.org
A new analysis of religious identification finds that contrary to popular and scholarly belief, U.S. Latinos are not leaving the Catholic Church for Protestant churches but are becoming more secularized, affiliating with no faith at all.
A study released March 16 by the Institute for the Study of Secularism in Society and Culture at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., reported that Latinos who have left the church since 1990 have shifted toward secularism as they become more Americanized.
The study noted that as in the general U.S. population, Latinos became less identified with Christianity between 1990 and 2008, down from 91 percent to 82 percent. Those who said they identified with no faith grew to 12 percent in 2008 from 6 percent in 1990.
The American Religious Identification Survey of 2008 reports that Latino immigrants continue to be the largest factor in maintaining the size of the U.S. Catholic population. Latinos comprised 32 percent of all U.S. Catholics in 2008 compared with 20 percent in 1990. Among Latinos, 60 percent in 2008 said they were Catholic, compared with 66 percent in 1990.
Americamagazine.org
A new analysis of religious identification finds that contrary to popular and scholarly belief, U.S. Latinos are not leaving the Catholic Church for Protestant churches but are becoming more secularized, affiliating with no faith at all.
A study released March 16 by the Institute for the Study of Secularism in Society and Culture at Trinity College in Hartford, Conn., reported that Latinos who have left the church since 1990 have shifted toward secularism as they become more Americanized.
The study noted that as in the general U.S. population, Latinos became less identified with Christianity between 1990 and 2008, down from 91 percent to 82 percent. Those who said they identified with no faith grew to 12 percent in 2008 from 6 percent in 1990.
The American Religious Identification Survey of 2008 reports that Latino immigrants continue to be the largest factor in maintaining the size of the U.S. Catholic population. Latinos comprised 32 percent of all U.S. Catholics in 2008 compared with 20 percent in 1990. Among Latinos, 60 percent in 2008 said they were Catholic, compared with 66 percent in 1990.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Latino music legend succumbs
Bobby Espinosa, Founding Member of Legendary Latino Rock Group, EL CHICANO, Succumbs
By Joe Ortiz
Bobby Espinosa, the man behind the Hammond organ and piano for the Legendary Latino Rock & Jazz, Blues group "EL CHICANO", passed away last night (February 27, 2010). One of the original founding members of the group succumbed at 11:30 PM at White Memorial Hospital in East Los Angeles. He was 60 years of age. By his bedside included his children Reyna, Bobby Jr.; manager of the group, Freddie Sanchez; band mate Jerry Salas, as well as dear friends Tim, Norca and Michelle.
Espinosa has been a part of every recording the group has ever released, and was still actively performing with the group in concerts all over the world. Over the years he has played alongside many of the Top Artist's of today. His compositions have been recorded by El Chicano and other artists, and he has been a producer on many of the group’s recordings and several outside music projects.
He was recently inducted into "Hammond Heroes" an elite society of the best players on the Hammond organ! That honor bestowed on the gifted musician makes him the only "Chicano Artist" ever to be recognized for his unique style of Blues, Jazz and Latin music on the Hammond B3 organ.
A memorial to Espinosa is being planned for the near future. For more information, contact Freddie Sanchez at (602) 531-2962 or email him at fs@elchicanomusic.com
By Joe Ortiz
Bobby Espinosa, the man behind the Hammond organ and piano for the Legendary Latino Rock & Jazz, Blues group "EL CHICANO", passed away last night (February 27, 2010). One of the original founding members of the group succumbed at 11:30 PM at White Memorial Hospital in East Los Angeles. He was 60 years of age. By his bedside included his children Reyna, Bobby Jr.; manager of the group, Freddie Sanchez; band mate Jerry Salas, as well as dear friends Tim, Norca and Michelle.
Espinosa has been a part of every recording the group has ever released, and was still actively performing with the group in concerts all over the world. Over the years he has played alongside many of the Top Artist's of today. His compositions have been recorded by El Chicano and other artists, and he has been a producer on many of the group’s recordings and several outside music projects.
He was recently inducted into "Hammond Heroes" an elite society of the best players on the Hammond organ! That honor bestowed on the gifted musician makes him the only "Chicano Artist" ever to be recognized for his unique style of Blues, Jazz and Latin music on the Hammond B3 organ.
A memorial to Espinosa is being planned for the near future. For more information, contact Freddie Sanchez at (602) 531-2962 or email him at fs@elchicanomusic.com
Latino music legend interview
THE ULTIMATE WILLIE COLON INTERVIEW
By Al Carlos Hernandez, Herald de Paris, February 14, 2010
HOLLYWOOD (Herald de Paris) - Willie Colón is an international Latin Music superstar and one of the founding fathers of the genre of music called “Salsa.” This New York City Bronx-born of Puerto Rican grandparents has fused his musical talent, his passion for humanity, and his community and political activism into an extraordinary and multifaceted career. He is, for many, a spokesman for a generation. More.
By Al Carlos Hernandez, Herald de Paris, February 14, 2010
HOLLYWOOD (Herald de Paris) - Willie Colón is an international Latin Music superstar and one of the founding fathers of the genre of music called “Salsa.” This New York City Bronx-born of Puerto Rican grandparents has fused his musical talent, his passion for humanity, and his community and political activism into an extraordinary and multifaceted career. He is, for many, a spokesman for a generation. More.
Hispanic filmmaking training offered in N.M.
Redford collaborates on New Mexico film program
By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN, Associated Press
SANTA FE, N.M. — Actor and director Robert Redford and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson unveiled details Friday of a collaboration that will expand training opportunities for Native Americans and Hispanics interested in filmmaking, the arts and the environment.
Redford and Richardson first announced the "Sundance in New Mexico" idea last spring. In recent months, it has evolved and been given a new name — "Milagro at Los Luceros" — to better reflect that the institute will be a product of New Mexico, rather than just an offshoot of Redford's Sundance Institute in Utah.
"It's a name that reflects the spirit of the land and the passion of its people," Richardson said at a news conference.
The project will be based at Los Luceros, a state-owned hacienda and complex of buildings along the Rio Grande north of Espanola. Besides the historic buildings, the state will use $750,000 in federal stimulus funds to build a series of eco-friendly lodges where aspiring filmmakers can stay while attending workshops.
Redford and Richardson signed an agreement to formalize the partnership. Redford said he has been committed throughout his life to enabling "underrepresented voices" — particularly those of Native Americans and Hispanics — to tell their stories.
Growing up, he said, he watched films that misrepresented American Indian culture and vowed that if he could ever do something to change that, he would.
"What I would like to see in Los Luceros is these cultures telling their stories in their own way, on their own turf," Redford said. "They're not over at Sundance telling these stories. They're here where their cultures were raised. This environment, I think, is very important."
Milagro at Los Luceros will be like a work-study program.
Participants won't have to pay for writing workshops or actors' labs, but they will be required to give back to the community in some way, whether by fixing fences at the property or encouraging local elementary students through classroom visits.
Beginning in the spring, Los Luceros will host a series of workshops and discussions as well as free screenings of Redford's "The Milagro Beanfield War," which he filmed in northern New Mexico in 1988.
There will also be an actor's lab designed specifically for Native American and Hispanic actors who will be chosen by a panel of professionals after audition workshops around the state. Officials said it will be the first lab of its kind and used as a national training model for diverse populations.
Richardson described the partnership with Redford as rare.
"It's extraordinary for a person the caliber and stature of Bob Redford to collaborate with state government to create a new kind of initiative that will address film and film arts as they relate to jobs and jobs training," Richardson said. "It's a great gift from Bob Redford to the state of New Mexico."
Redford said establishing Milagro at Los Luceros is not unlike the beginnings of the Sundance Institute.
"We're starting in a very humble way and we'll let it grow," he said.
By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYAN, Associated Press
SANTA FE, N.M. — Actor and director Robert Redford and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson unveiled details Friday of a collaboration that will expand training opportunities for Native Americans and Hispanics interested in filmmaking, the arts and the environment.
Redford and Richardson first announced the "Sundance in New Mexico" idea last spring. In recent months, it has evolved and been given a new name — "Milagro at Los Luceros" — to better reflect that the institute will be a product of New Mexico, rather than just an offshoot of Redford's Sundance Institute in Utah.
"It's a name that reflects the spirit of the land and the passion of its people," Richardson said at a news conference.
The project will be based at Los Luceros, a state-owned hacienda and complex of buildings along the Rio Grande north of Espanola. Besides the historic buildings, the state will use $750,000 in federal stimulus funds to build a series of eco-friendly lodges where aspiring filmmakers can stay while attending workshops.
Redford and Richardson signed an agreement to formalize the partnership. Redford said he has been committed throughout his life to enabling "underrepresented voices" — particularly those of Native Americans and Hispanics — to tell their stories.
Growing up, he said, he watched films that misrepresented American Indian culture and vowed that if he could ever do something to change that, he would.
"What I would like to see in Los Luceros is these cultures telling their stories in their own way, on their own turf," Redford said. "They're not over at Sundance telling these stories. They're here where their cultures were raised. This environment, I think, is very important."
Milagro at Los Luceros will be like a work-study program.
Participants won't have to pay for writing workshops or actors' labs, but they will be required to give back to the community in some way, whether by fixing fences at the property or encouraging local elementary students through classroom visits.
Beginning in the spring, Los Luceros will host a series of workshops and discussions as well as free screenings of Redford's "The Milagro Beanfield War," which he filmed in northern New Mexico in 1988.
There will also be an actor's lab designed specifically for Native American and Hispanic actors who will be chosen by a panel of professionals after audition workshops around the state. Officials said it will be the first lab of its kind and used as a national training model for diverse populations.
Richardson described the partnership with Redford as rare.
"It's extraordinary for a person the caliber and stature of Bob Redford to collaborate with state government to create a new kind of initiative that will address film and film arts as they relate to jobs and jobs training," Richardson said. "It's a great gift from Bob Redford to the state of New Mexico."
Redford said establishing Milagro at Los Luceros is not unlike the beginnings of the Sundance Institute.
"We're starting in a very humble way and we'll let it grow," he said.
Latino artist featured at Tucson exhibit
Tucson artist's Latino-themed work gains first show inside familiar space
Ernesto Portillo Jr., Arizona Daily Star | February 28, 2010
In artist David Tineo's darkening world, there is a bright light shining.
The Tucson artist, who has painted more than 200 murals and at least 3,000 paintings, has macular degeneration, which has cost him some of his eyesight.
But the partial loss of eyesight has not cut into his passion for his work. And now after 35 years of painting, educating and promoting Latino art in Tucson, the bright light will shine on Tineo's body of work.
The Tucson Museum of Art's retrospective, "¡Viva David Tineo!" opened Saturday and continues through July 3. It is the first large examination of his work at the museum.
"I see David as a very important artistic figure in Tucson, in Arizona and in the Southwest," said Fatima M. Bercht, the museum's curator of Latin American Art.
While this is the museum's first exhibition of Tineo, one of his major murals, "Raices," has graced the museum's north-facing wall since 1992. Tineo painted the large mural with fellow muralist Antonio Pazos.
For Tineo, who has been a strong advocate of elevating Latino art, his retrospective makes a loud statement on the works of Latino artists, specifically local painters and sculptors.
"Art is not only in our neighborhoods but everywhere and it should be in the museum," said Tineo during an interview late last year at South Tucson's Galeria Mistica.
Tineo, who grew up in Barrio Anita and Menlo Park, began developing his art while attending Cholla High School, where he also was an athlete.
In 1976, Tineo worked on his first mural at El Rio Neighborhood Center. It incorporates symbols of Chicano and Mexican history and the struggle for civil rights. Several years earlier, Chicano activists and barrio residents had staked their claim for a community center and, more importantly, civil rights.
"My gift is a responsibility," Tineo said of his talents and commitment to arts and activism. He also credits others for spurring him on.
His murals are scattered around town at such places as El Charro Cafe Downtown; "Compass to the Southwest" on North Park Avenue on the University of Arizona campus; "Sueño de Cuauhtémoc" at Pima Community College Desert Vista Campus; and "Historia de la Raza" at the South Tucson Civic Center.
Tineo believes about one-third of his murals have been taken down or painted over. Art evolves, as well as disappears. He understands that not all art is expected to survive.
The mural at the Tucson Museum of Art was not expected to stay. But museum officials decided otherwise and attached it to the north facing wall.
"It is a major visual component when people think of the Tucson Museum of Art," said museum director Robert Knight. "The mural has become a significant landmark for the museum."
The museum would like to preserve the 16-feet-by-60-feet mural, which has lost much of its vigorous color from its exposure to the sun and elements.
"Certainly it needs and demands to be conserved for the future," said Knight.
Assembling Tineo's work for the retrospective wasn't easy - many of Tineo's paintings are held by local collectors His early works and his sketches and drawings were more difficult to find, said Bercht.
Gene Edwards, owner of Galeria Mistica, said Tineo's work is ready for worldwide exposure. Tineo's use of spiritual symbols, mixed with images of life, are visually strong and appealing.
"His work is very necessary," said Edwards, who has hosted three shows of Tineo's art. "I believe in his work."
If you go:
¡Viva David Tineo! A Retrospective of Tucson's Muralist and Art Educator
• When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays through July 3.
• Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 North Main Ave.
• Cost: $8, with discounts available. Free to members, and 12 and under. First Sunday of each month free to everyone.
• Information: 624-2333, or www.tucsonmuseumofart.org
Ernesto "Neto" Portillo Jr. is editor of La Estrella de Tucsón. He can be contacted at 573-4187 or eportillo@azstarnet.com
Ernesto Portillo Jr., Arizona Daily Star | February 28, 2010
In artist David Tineo's darkening world, there is a bright light shining.
The Tucson artist, who has painted more than 200 murals and at least 3,000 paintings, has macular degeneration, which has cost him some of his eyesight.
But the partial loss of eyesight has not cut into his passion for his work. And now after 35 years of painting, educating and promoting Latino art in Tucson, the bright light will shine on Tineo's body of work.
The Tucson Museum of Art's retrospective, "¡Viva David Tineo!" opened Saturday and continues through July 3. It is the first large examination of his work at the museum.
"I see David as a very important artistic figure in Tucson, in Arizona and in the Southwest," said Fatima M. Bercht, the museum's curator of Latin American Art.
While this is the museum's first exhibition of Tineo, one of his major murals, "Raices," has graced the museum's north-facing wall since 1992. Tineo painted the large mural with fellow muralist Antonio Pazos.
For Tineo, who has been a strong advocate of elevating Latino art, his retrospective makes a loud statement on the works of Latino artists, specifically local painters and sculptors.
"Art is not only in our neighborhoods but everywhere and it should be in the museum," said Tineo during an interview late last year at South Tucson's Galeria Mistica.
Tineo, who grew up in Barrio Anita and Menlo Park, began developing his art while attending Cholla High School, where he also was an athlete.
In 1976, Tineo worked on his first mural at El Rio Neighborhood Center. It incorporates symbols of Chicano and Mexican history and the struggle for civil rights. Several years earlier, Chicano activists and barrio residents had staked their claim for a community center and, more importantly, civil rights.
"My gift is a responsibility," Tineo said of his talents and commitment to arts and activism. He also credits others for spurring him on.
His murals are scattered around town at such places as El Charro Cafe Downtown; "Compass to the Southwest" on North Park Avenue on the University of Arizona campus; "Sueño de Cuauhtémoc" at Pima Community College Desert Vista Campus; and "Historia de la Raza" at the South Tucson Civic Center.
Tineo believes about one-third of his murals have been taken down or painted over. Art evolves, as well as disappears. He understands that not all art is expected to survive.
The mural at the Tucson Museum of Art was not expected to stay. But museum officials decided otherwise and attached it to the north facing wall.
"It is a major visual component when people think of the Tucson Museum of Art," said museum director Robert Knight. "The mural has become a significant landmark for the museum."
The museum would like to preserve the 16-feet-by-60-feet mural, which has lost much of its vigorous color from its exposure to the sun and elements.
"Certainly it needs and demands to be conserved for the future," said Knight.
Assembling Tineo's work for the retrospective wasn't easy - many of Tineo's paintings are held by local collectors His early works and his sketches and drawings were more difficult to find, said Bercht.
Gene Edwards, owner of Galeria Mistica, said Tineo's work is ready for worldwide exposure. Tineo's use of spiritual symbols, mixed with images of life, are visually strong and appealing.
"His work is very necessary," said Edwards, who has hosted three shows of Tineo's art. "I believe in his work."
If you go:
¡Viva David Tineo! A Retrospective of Tucson's Muralist and Art Educator
• When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays, noon to 5 p.m. Sundays through July 3.
• Where: Tucson Museum of Art, 140 North Main Ave.
• Cost: $8, with discounts available. Free to members, and 12 and under. First Sunday of each month free to everyone.
• Information: 624-2333, or www.tucsonmuseumofart.org
Ernesto "Neto" Portillo Jr. is editor of La Estrella de Tucsón. He can be contacted at 573-4187 or eportillo@azstarnet.com
Hispanic event includes multicultural groups
AROUND THE WORLD FESTIVAL
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 3, Issue 6
Voices United of Idaho consists of members from the Native American community, Hispanic community, Chinese community, GLBT community, Filipino community, Korean community, and the African American community.
A fun filled night with free entertainment from around the globe. Enjoy traditional and modern performances from multicultural groups in Idaho.
What: Multicultural Event
When: March 19, 2010
Who: Voices United of Idaho
Where: The Basque Center of Idaho
601 West Grove Street
Boise, ID 83702-5971
J.J. Saldaña at the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs at
208.334.3776
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 3, Issue 6
Voices United of Idaho consists of members from the Native American community, Hispanic community, Chinese community, GLBT community, Filipino community, Korean community, and the African American community.
A fun filled night with free entertainment from around the globe. Enjoy traditional and modern performances from multicultural groups in Idaho.
What: Multicultural Event
When: March 19, 2010
Who: Voices United of Idaho
Where: The Basque Center of Idaho
601 West Grove Street
Boise, ID 83702-5971
J.J. Saldaña at the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs at
208.334.3776
Hispanic groups meet with Comcast, NBC
Comcast, NBCU meet with Hispanic advocacy groups
By Bob Fernandez, Philadelphia Inquirer
Hispanic civil rights and advocacy groups met in Philadelphia yesterday with top executives at Comcast Corp. and NBC Universal Inc. to discuss Hispanic media issues related to the proposed $30 billion merger of the cable company and the entertainment giant.
The meeting was part of the full-court press by Comcast and NBC to court favor with special-interest groups that might oppose the merger in Congress and at the Federal Communications Commission.
D'Arcy Rudnay, senior vice president of communications at Comcast, said the meeting was private and was one of many Comcast was holding. "The meetings have been constructive," she said, noting they began about two weeks ago and are being held in several cities.
Hispanic media issues typically involve complaints about a lack of Hispanic TV station owners, insufficient news and entertainment programming choices, and TV shows that reinforce negative Hispanic stereotypes, Hispanic officials said.
NBC Universal operates the NBC and Telemundo television networks.
Comcast declined to say which groups were represented at the meeting in the Comcast Center.
But sources in the Hispanic advocacy community said that among the groups represented were the National Council of La Raza, the League of United Latin American Citizens, and the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility.
Corporate executives present were Comcast chief executive officer Brian Roberts, NBCU president Jeff Zucker, Comcast executive vice president David Cohen, Comcast vice president Susan Gonzales, and NBCU chief diversity officer Paula Madison.
Felix Sanchez, chairman and cofounder of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts in Washington, a 14-year-old nonprofit group that was not invited to the Philadelphia session, said there were few Hispanic voices on highly rated news shows such as NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday mornings, and that Telemundo has cut costs in local TV news operations under NBC's ownership.
"I would be willing to see commitments made, but commitments have been made in the past, so one is skeptical of future promises," Sanchez said, referring to steps that might bring his support for the merger.
Joe Torres, government relations manager for Free Press, a nonprofit group fiercely opposed to the merger, said, "Historically, media consolidation has been terrible for the Latino community. . . . We don't control our image, and other people are telling our stories."
Contact Bob Fernandez at 215-854-5897 or bob.fernandez@phillynews.com.
By Bob Fernandez, Philadelphia Inquirer
Hispanic civil rights and advocacy groups met in Philadelphia yesterday with top executives at Comcast Corp. and NBC Universal Inc. to discuss Hispanic media issues related to the proposed $30 billion merger of the cable company and the entertainment giant.
The meeting was part of the full-court press by Comcast and NBC to court favor with special-interest groups that might oppose the merger in Congress and at the Federal Communications Commission.
D'Arcy Rudnay, senior vice president of communications at Comcast, said the meeting was private and was one of many Comcast was holding. "The meetings have been constructive," she said, noting they began about two weeks ago and are being held in several cities.
Hispanic media issues typically involve complaints about a lack of Hispanic TV station owners, insufficient news and entertainment programming choices, and TV shows that reinforce negative Hispanic stereotypes, Hispanic officials said.
NBC Universal operates the NBC and Telemundo television networks.
Comcast declined to say which groups were represented at the meeting in the Comcast Center.
But sources in the Hispanic advocacy community said that among the groups represented were the National Council of La Raza, the League of United Latin American Citizens, and the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility.
Corporate executives present were Comcast chief executive officer Brian Roberts, NBCU president Jeff Zucker, Comcast executive vice president David Cohen, Comcast vice president Susan Gonzales, and NBCU chief diversity officer Paula Madison.
Felix Sanchez, chairman and cofounder of the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts in Washington, a 14-year-old nonprofit group that was not invited to the Philadelphia session, said there were few Hispanic voices on highly rated news shows such as NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday mornings, and that Telemundo has cut costs in local TV news operations under NBC's ownership.
"I would be willing to see commitments made, but commitments have been made in the past, so one is skeptical of future promises," Sanchez said, referring to steps that might bring his support for the merger.
Joe Torres, government relations manager for Free Press, a nonprofit group fiercely opposed to the merger, said, "Historically, media consolidation has been terrible for the Latino community. . . . We don't control our image, and other people are telling our stories."
Contact Bob Fernandez at 215-854-5897 or bob.fernandez@phillynews.com.
Famed Latino teacher ill
Legendary East L.A. teacher Jaime Escalante battles cancer
LA Times, March 1, 2010
Jaime Escalante, the legendary Garfield High School math teacher immortalized in the film "Stand and Deliver," is battling cancer.
The news about Escalante, 79, was posted on the Web page of actor Edward James Olmos, who portrayed the educator in the critically acclaimed 1988 movie. Jaime Escalante
Olmos said Escalante was in serious condition and that his family had run out of money to pay the medical bills.
"The treatment he needs has depleted all the funds his family can raise," Olmos said in the announcement on his website. The family "did not want to ask for help, but we took it upon ourselves to get the word out to all the country and around the world, to make his final days as comfortable as possible -- and maybe even give him a chance to beat the cancer that has afflicted him."
Olmos could not be reached Monday night for comment.
Escalante was born in La Paz, Bolivia. His father and mother were both teachers.
He arrived in Los Angeles in the early 1960s and later landed the job at Garfield High in East Los Angeles. He was able to transform the school's calculus program into one of the top public school programs in the country.
In 1999, Escalante returned to Bolivia to teach math.
"I wanted to do something for my country, like I did something in East L.A. for the barrio," he told The Times in a 1999 interview in Bolivia.
- Robert J. Lopez
LA Times, March 1, 2010
Jaime Escalante, the legendary Garfield High School math teacher immortalized in the film "Stand and Deliver," is battling cancer.
The news about Escalante, 79, was posted on the Web page of actor Edward James Olmos, who portrayed the educator in the critically acclaimed 1988 movie. Jaime Escalante
Olmos said Escalante was in serious condition and that his family had run out of money to pay the medical bills.
"The treatment he needs has depleted all the funds his family can raise," Olmos said in the announcement on his website. The family "did not want to ask for help, but we took it upon ourselves to get the word out to all the country and around the world, to make his final days as comfortable as possible -- and maybe even give him a chance to beat the cancer that has afflicted him."
Olmos could not be reached Monday night for comment.
Escalante was born in La Paz, Bolivia. His father and mother were both teachers.
He arrived in Los Angeles in the early 1960s and later landed the job at Garfield High in East Los Angeles. He was able to transform the school's calculus program into one of the top public school programs in the country.
In 1999, Escalante returned to Bolivia to teach math.
"I wanted to do something for my country, like I did something in East L.A. for the barrio," he told The Times in a 1999 interview in Bolivia.
- Robert J. Lopez
Latino museum event planned for East Harlem
Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts & Raíces Latin Music Museum
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 3, Issue 6
El Barrio/East Harlem – Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts, and the Raíces Latin Music Museum, at Boys & Girls Harbor, Inc. are pleased to join El Museo del Barrio for Super Sabado Target Free Saturdays on the third Saturday of every month. The next Super Sabado at El Museo is scheduled for Saturday, March, 20th from 11:00 am until 8:30 pm. Highlighting the vitality of the Heckscher Building as a resource for Latino Culture and a destination for visitors, Harbor Conservatory and Raíces will be offering the following free programs on Saturday, March 20:
10:00 am – 11:00 am, Latin Dance Class for children 8-10 years of age in our 5th Floor Gym, taught by Jocelyn Duran. Mambo, Cha Cha, Salsa and Merengue are just some of the dances that will be taught in this class.
11:00 am – 12:00 noon, Afro-Caribbean Dance for children 6-8 years old in studio 623 taught by Alma Cruz. Accompanied by live drummers youngsters learn the dances of the African Diaspora in the Caribbean exploring the dynamics of movement and style.
12:00 noon – 1:00 pm, ¡Retumba! is a multi-ethnic all-female music and dance ensemble founded in March 1981 in celebration of Women's History month. Interweaving traditional rhythms, beautiful ancient melodies, with its very own unique interpretation, ¡Retumba! bases its work on the music and dance of Africa, Europe, and its expressions in the Americas and the Caribbean -Puerto Rico, Cuba, and The Dominican Republic. ¡Retumba! brings forth the drama and excitement of world culture and traditions into a feast of folkloric music that can be enjoyed by everyone.
1:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Exhibition: Raices: The Roots of Latin Music in New York City, Raices Latin Music Museum Gallery on the 5th Floor. Explore the history and evolution of Salsa dating back centuries to its contemporary ties to New York.
The stately Heckscher Building was constructed in the early 1920s by the Heckscher Foundation for Children and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Boys & Girls Harbor (formerly known as Boys Harbor) the 72 year old multi-service youth agency “homesteaded” the Heckscher Building in the l970s and helped bring in other tenants including El Museo del Barrio, Central Park Conservancy and La Casa de Herencia Puertoriquena.
The Mission of El Museo del Barrio is to present and preserve the art and culture of Puerto Ricans and all Caribbean, Latin American and Latino people in the United States. Through its extensive collections, varied exhibitions and publications, bilingual public programs, educational activities, festivals and special events, El Museo educates its diverse public in the richness of Caribbean and Latin American arts and cultural history. Now celebrating 40 years of Latino arts and culture and re opening you many learn more about El Museo and the full schedule of activities planned for “Super Sabado” at www.elmuseo.org.
Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts, now celebrating its 40th anniversary of enriching lives through the arts was established by Boys & Girls Harbor by a young Juilliard graduate named Sandy Owen in 1970. Boys & Girls Harbor, founded in l937 by Anthony Duke, is a community-based non-profit organization that positively affects the lives of over 3,500 children and young people from East and Central Harlem and the Bronx each year through education, cultural enrichment and character development. The Harbor has always maintained its view of the primacy of performing arts in the quest for a holistic and satisfying life for children and teens.
For more information regarding Harbor Conservatory and its music, dance and theater programs, please call (212) 427-2244 ext. 573 or visit us on line at www.harborconservatory.org
The Latino Journal E-News, Vol. 3, Issue 6
El Barrio/East Harlem – Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts, and the Raíces Latin Music Museum, at Boys & Girls Harbor, Inc. are pleased to join El Museo del Barrio for Super Sabado Target Free Saturdays on the third Saturday of every month. The next Super Sabado at El Museo is scheduled for Saturday, March, 20th from 11:00 am until 8:30 pm. Highlighting the vitality of the Heckscher Building as a resource for Latino Culture and a destination for visitors, Harbor Conservatory and Raíces will be offering the following free programs on Saturday, March 20:
10:00 am – 11:00 am, Latin Dance Class for children 8-10 years of age in our 5th Floor Gym, taught by Jocelyn Duran. Mambo, Cha Cha, Salsa and Merengue are just some of the dances that will be taught in this class.
11:00 am – 12:00 noon, Afro-Caribbean Dance for children 6-8 years old in studio 623 taught by Alma Cruz. Accompanied by live drummers youngsters learn the dances of the African Diaspora in the Caribbean exploring the dynamics of movement and style.
12:00 noon – 1:00 pm, ¡Retumba! is a multi-ethnic all-female music and dance ensemble founded in March 1981 in celebration of Women's History month. Interweaving traditional rhythms, beautiful ancient melodies, with its very own unique interpretation, ¡Retumba! bases its work on the music and dance of Africa, Europe, and its expressions in the Americas and the Caribbean -Puerto Rico, Cuba, and The Dominican Republic. ¡Retumba! brings forth the drama and excitement of world culture and traditions into a feast of folkloric music that can be enjoyed by everyone.
1:00 pm – 6:00 pm, Exhibition: Raices: The Roots of Latin Music in New York City, Raices Latin Music Museum Gallery on the 5th Floor. Explore the history and evolution of Salsa dating back centuries to its contemporary ties to New York.
The stately Heckscher Building was constructed in the early 1920s by the Heckscher Foundation for Children and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Boys & Girls Harbor (formerly known as Boys Harbor) the 72 year old multi-service youth agency “homesteaded” the Heckscher Building in the l970s and helped bring in other tenants including El Museo del Barrio, Central Park Conservancy and La Casa de Herencia Puertoriquena.
The Mission of El Museo del Barrio is to present and preserve the art and culture of Puerto Ricans and all Caribbean, Latin American and Latino people in the United States. Through its extensive collections, varied exhibitions and publications, bilingual public programs, educational activities, festivals and special events, El Museo educates its diverse public in the richness of Caribbean and Latin American arts and cultural history. Now celebrating 40 years of Latino arts and culture and re opening you many learn more about El Museo and the full schedule of activities planned for “Super Sabado” at www.elmuseo.org.
Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts, now celebrating its 40th anniversary of enriching lives through the arts was established by Boys & Girls Harbor by a young Juilliard graduate named Sandy Owen in 1970. Boys & Girls Harbor, founded in l937 by Anthony Duke, is a community-based non-profit organization that positively affects the lives of over 3,500 children and young people from East and Central Harlem and the Bronx each year through education, cultural enrichment and character development. The Harbor has always maintained its view of the primacy of performing arts in the quest for a holistic and satisfying life for children and teens.
For more information regarding Harbor Conservatory and its music, dance and theater programs, please call (212) 427-2244 ext. 573 or visit us on line at www.harborconservatory.org
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