¡Azúcar!

Review by Ariadna Sánchez

Ms. Matos and the children move their skeletons muy sabroso when they hear the song La Vida es un Carnaval. I think you know who the singer is, right?

Of course you know! Celia Caridad Cruz Alfonso is the interpreter of the song, and she is better known as Celia Cruz.

Women’s International Day is around the corner, and the best way to commemorate this day is by reading the book ¡Azúcar! written and illustrated by Ivar Da Coll. This stupendous book is the biography of the incomparable Guarachera de Cuba. With amazing illustrations, the written text becomes alive.

During her successful musical career, Celia Cruz received more than 100 awards. Among the most important ones are a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame, five Grammy Awards, and three Honoris Causa degrees by three different universities in the United States.  She was a successful woman in all scopes of life, a warrior and a worthy ambassador of her country’s and Latin America’s culture. Celia’s artistic legacy invites us to face life’s challenges with optimism while dancing to her contagious tune.

Celia’s motto was ‘Mi bandera es la alegría, mi causa cantar’. Although, she is no longer with us, her voice and her charisma will remain in our hearts forever. She died on July 16, 2003 at the age of 78 in New Jersey due to brain stem cancer. Celia Cruz was definitely a clear example of perseverance, tenacity, and humility for the newer generations.  

Congratulations to all women around the world for your dedication and commitment. Remember that reading gives you wings. ¡Azúcaaar!

Tito Puente, Mambo King/Tito Puente, Rey del Mambo

Meet Tito Puente—the King of Mambo.

Tum Tica!

From musical prodigy on the streets of Harlem to five-time Grammy Award winner, Tito Puente's life was full of rhythm. Drums and claves, saxophones and tambourines were all part of the fun. 

Tac Tic!

Author Monica Brown and Illustrator Rafael López, the award-winning creators of the Pura Belpré Honor Book My Name is Celia/Me Llamo Celia, team up once again for another spectacular collaboration in this upbeat tribute to a musical legend.

Video trailer narrated by author Monica Brown and illustrator Rafael López.

"My father was an inspiration to many generations of Latin music fans worldwide. This book is a testament to that. Now his name and likeness will reach a brand-new group of young fans who will discover his genius and talent."
-Tito Puente Jr.

"A vibrant, reverent celebration of the godfather of salsa."
-Kirkus Reviews

More information can be found at: rafaellopez-books.com and monicabrown.net 

‪

Monica Brown and Rafael Lopez Interview: 

Tito Puente Mambo King Rey del Mambo‬ 

In this behind the scenes interview Monica Brown and Rafael López talk about the collaboration of writer and artist on a new children's book Tito Puente Mambo King/ Rey del Mambo. 

Tito Puente Mambo King/ Rey del Mambo [HarperCollins] will be available March 5, 2013.

Reading - Writing - Celebrating - Marching: We Are the 99%

A Family Affair

Tim Z. Hernandez sent us a note about an upcoming literary event that also features his daughter.

Hecho En Califas: 3 Authors + 2 Musicos

I'll be reading at Innisfree Bookstore next Wednesday October 12 at 7pm.

Along with fellow California based authors, Nick Belardes and Michael Medrano, my daughter Quetzani and her friend Denzel Samaniego, both Boulder High students, will be opening with a few acoustic songs too. Should be a fun-filled literary evening with some locura tossed in for good measure. Innisfree Bookstore is on the Hill. Hope to see you there!

Innisfree Poetry Bookstore and Cafe
1203 13th Street Suite A
Boulder, CO 80302
(303) 579-1644

2011 Rudolfo and Patricia Anaya Lecture on the Literature of the Southwest

click on image for info

Wixaritari

The Museo de las Americas, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Mexico and the Mexican Cultural Center present Wixaritari. This exhibit provides viewers with an opportunity to experience one of the most important and unique cultures in Mexico today. Detached and elusive, the Huichol people have managed to preserve their way of life and maintain a spiritual relationship with the universe through complex ceremonies. Living in accordance with their original instructions, in a world where colorful visions and conversations with nature conjoin to create a resplendent aesthetic, Wixaritari: the Huichol Art of Mexico speaks a contemporary tongue.

October 13, 2011 6:00 p.m. Member Reception- Free for Members
7:00 p.m. General Reception $5.00
Featuring the music of the Rocky Mountain Guitar Duo

Join us for a presentation on the symbolism and magic behind Huichol yarn paintings. Create your own to take home and enjoy!
October 14, 2011 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Come back and practice your beading skills. Participate in an in-depth conversation with Huichol Master Artists.
October 15, 2011 1:00-3:00 p.m.

School workshops available throughout the duration of the exhibit.
Contact workshops@museo.org for more information.
All events at the Museo de las Amerícas
861 Santa Fe Drive Denver, Colorado 80204
303-571-4401
www.museo.org

Celebrating the Indigenous Roots of the Latino Community

Su Teatro hosts a special program in conjunction with the Eighth Annual Indigenous Film & Arts Festival.

Dance performance by Sambos Caporales of Bolivia.

Sirionó

Sirionó - A gripping tale of mistaken identity in a time of revolution. Set in the community of Ibiato, Bolivia, before the historic 1990 Bolivian March for Land and Dignity to the nation's capital, Sirionó tells the fictional story of a revolutionary guerilla as he flees from the dictatorship's military forces and is mistakenly accepted as the teacher the community of Ibiato has been expecting. In Ibiato with English subtitles. Saturday, October 15 - 1 - 3 p.m. Suggested donation $5-$10

Celebrating the Indigenous Roots of the Latino Community is part of the Eighth Annual Indigenous Film & Arts Festival, which runs from October 12 - 16, 2011 in various neighborhoods in Denver. All Festival events are free and open to the public (suggested donation: $5-$10).

The Indigenous Film & Arts Festival presents over twenty intriguing stories told by native peoples from around the world when it hits neighborhoods throughout Denver. This year's presentation, themed Adaptation: Finding Balance in a Changing World, features a multicultural variety of full-length films, shorts and documentaries from indigenous writers, actors and filmmakers

For more information and a complete Festival schedule visit www.iiirm.org or send an email to film@iiirm.org.

All Events at:

Su Teatro @ The Denver Civic Theater
721 Santa Fe Dr. Denver, CO 80204
303-296-0219
www.suteatro.org

¡Azúcar! Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Musical Icon Celia Cruz

Featuring award-winning artist Bobby Sanabria and The Celia Cruz High School of Music. As always, Hispanic Heritage Month has special significance at The Woodlawn Cemetery, as we once again celebrate one of the brightest stars to find her final resting place in the Bronx. Friends of Woodlawn is proud to present Azucar! Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Celia Cruz with The Bronx Music Heritage Center, Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education, and City Lore.

Please join us Sunday, October 9, at 1:00 p.m., for a FREE event honoring the legacy of The Queen of Salsa, whose timeless work continues to have a major impact on jazz, pop culture and Latin music worldwide.

Program includes: • Panel discussion on the life and influence of Ms. Cruz organized by preeminent City Lore folklorist Elena Martinez and moderated by Grammy-nominated musician Bobby Sanabria • Selection of Ms. Cruz’s music performed by students from The Celia Cruz High School of Music • Guided visit to the Cruz mausoleum, La Guarachera de Cuba’s final resting place.

Come celebrate and learn about the legacy of Latin music icon Celia Cruz! The event will take place in the Woolworth Chapel, just inside the Jerome Avenue entrance.

Woodlawn is the last stop on the IRT #4 train. The cemetery is also accessible from the Metro North Railroad Harlem Line (Woodlawn Station). By car, Woodlawn can be reached from the E. 233rd St. exit off the Major Deegan (#13) and the Bronx River Parkway (#10). The Woodlawn Cemetery is Designated A National Historic Landmark.

Visit theWoodLawnCemetery.org for more information.

The Woodlawn Cemetery
Webster Avenue & East 233rd Street
Bronx, New York 10470

We Are The Working Poor

Later.