FILM SCREENING NUYORICAN DREAM

Taller Boricua and Arts Engine invite you to a film screening and post-film discussion Q & A with Nuyorican Dream Producer Katy Chevigny,  Media Noche / PR Dream Founder and Director Judith Escalona and Arts Engine Filmmaker Services Manager Felix Endara        THURSDAY, MAY 19, 6:30 - 9:00PM    Event is FREE Please RSVP at contact@tallerboricua.org   NUYORICAN DREAM (82 minutes, 2000) Directed by: Laurie Collyer Produced by: Katy Chevigny, Laurie Collyer and Julia Pimsleur Associate Producer: Robert Torres Camera by: Aurora Agüero, Victoria Garza, Jaime Reyes Edited by: Allan Title Executive Produced by: John Leguizamo and Jellybean Benitez         Nuyorican Dream chronicles the struggles and aspirations of a New York Puerto Rican family as they contend with the devastating effects of urban poverty. The film follows Robert Torres, Marta's eldest son and the only one of his family to finish high school and college. College was supposed to lead to the American Dream, but the experience of transcending class has had the result of alienating Robert from his family.   The film captures harrowing images of a family in crisis. Sisters Beti and Tati struggle with devastating drug addictions, brother Danny spends half his life in prison, and mother Marta supports the entire extended family through welfare and selling homemade pasteles and used clothing on the street. What emerges most strongly about the Gutierrez family is the fierce love and support that sustains them. Nuyorican Dream is not just about "making it" in America, but about making it with the family intact.    For additional information on the film visit http://www.bigmouthproductions.com/films/nuyorican_dream.html   or Taller Boricua's website: www.tallerboricua.org     ABOUT THE PARTICIPANTS: Katy Chevigny, Arts Engine's co-founder and senior director, is a documentary filmmaker, entrepreneur and nonprofit manager. For fifteen years, Chevigny has advocated for a diverse media culture, one that illuminates important stories and amplifies voices not often heard in the mainstream media. Chevigny founded Arts Engine and its predecessor Big Mouth Productions. As a film director, Chevigny most recently directed the film Election Day, which premiered at the South By Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival in March 2007 and was broadcast on public television by POV in 2008. Chevigny also co-directed Deadline (2004), an Emmy-nominated documentary about the dramatic events that took place in Illinois in 2003 concerning capital punishment. The film aired on NBC in July 2004 and premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, won a CINE Golden Eagle Grand Jury Award and the Thurgood Marshall Journalism Award. Chevigny has produced many award-winning documentaries at Arts Engine, including: Arctic Son, Journey to the West: Chinese Medicine Today, Nuyorican Dream, Innocent Until Proven Guilty and Outside Looking In: Transracial Adoption in America. Felix Endara, Filmmaker Services Manager Arts Engine Ecuadorian-born Felix Endara is a filmmaker and independent programmer living in New York City. His films have screened at festivals including Berlinale and Mill Valley. He has programmed screenings at the Brooklyn Museum of Art; been a reviewer for P.O.V. and Tribeca All Access; and an advisor for Cinereach Reach Fellows. He currently manages Arts Engine's fiscal sponsorship program and the monthly screening series DocuClub.      Judith Escalona is the director, writer and editor of The Krutch. She is currently editing a new film project called Bx3M, the story of three Latino youths coming of age in a city going up in flames. Escalona is the Executive Director and Founder of Puerto Rico and the American Dream (www.PRdream.com), the award-winning, bilingual web site on the history, culture and politics of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican diaspora. PRdream's office is located in East Harlem/El Barrio, where the organization has launched several new media initiatives, among them a new media art gallery and digital film studio known as MediaNoche (www.medianoche.us). She is also a film curator and critic who has written for various publications including the Daily News, NY Latino, QBR/Quarterly Black Review, and Womensnet.net. Escalona teaches film and television at The City College of New York. She is also an award winning segment producer for the CUNY-TV show Independent Sources. Recently Escalona won an Ippies Award for the documentary short Color on the Great White Way.         Taller Boricua Galleries at the Julia De Burgos Cultural Center: 1680 Lexington Ave., NYC, NY 10029 (between 105th & 106th streets)   Directions: 6 train to 103rd Street station     This event is made possible with support from The New York State Council on the Arts, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and The Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone.               Arts Engine supports, produces, and distributes independent media of consequence and promotes the use of independent media by advocates, educators and the general public. By fostering the production and use of independent film, video and new media, Arts Engine connects media makers and active audiences in order to spur critical consideration of pressing social issues. www.artsengine.net

Taller Boricua / The Puerto Rican Workshop is a 40-year old artist-run nonprofit art gallery and multidisciplinary cultural space in El Barrio. Our mission is to be a proactive institution for the community in East Harlem by offering programs that stimulate its social, cultural and economic development through the promotion of the arts.

NYC SALSEEK PARTY at Hudson Terrace

SALSEEK PARTY

WITH WORLD SALSA DJ HENRY KNOWLES

At Hudson Terrace on Friday, May 6th

Performance by Nelida Tirado & Eddie Torres Jr, &

World Salsa Finalist Alfred Pena & Aleksandra Kozlowska from Rhythmology

New York City, New York (April 29, 2011) – Back by popular demand, SALSEEK.com, an interactive digital magazine and all-inclusive go-to-guide to the hottest news and trends in salsa dancing celebrates once again with an exciting salsa soiree at its monthly hotspot Hudson Terrace, a luxurious rooftop bar and lounge at 621 West 46^th Street (between 11^th & 12^th Avenue) on Friday, May 6^th at 9pm. 

Admission: Before 10pm $10.00 plus drink specials, after 10pm $12.

This month’s festivities will include music by world salsa DJ Henry Knowles, performances by Nelida Tirado & Eddie Torres Jr, World Salsa Finalist Alfred Pena & Aleksandra Kozlowska from Rhythmology, and a “Best Dressed” Contest where one male and female dancer will be chosen by NYC stylist Gina Costanza to win a FREE dinner for two at Mojito Restaurant in NYC. When you look hot, you feel hot, you dance hot!

Each month, SALSEEK hosts their official dance party to celebrate the music and dance of Salsa as well as their special features including Nelida Tirado, Talia Castro-Pozo, Shani Talmor, Angel Ortiz, Magna Gopal, Melanie Torres, Joseph Rivera, Sheena Larsen and Cesar Corrasco, Afro-Cuban All Stars and Franklin Diaz.

With its magnificent city views, Hudson Terrace is an unparalleled entertainment hotspot discreetly tucked at the edge of midtown Manhattan.  In collaboration with SALSEEK, this spectacular haven of serene opulence offers an incredible dance floor, full-bar and cocktails, comfortable seating, a performance stage, and all night dancing to the sizzling sounds of Latin music.

SALSEEK.com provides unique feature articles, columns and news, tips from salsa experts, instructional videos, documentaries and photos captured by NYC photographer Chasi Annexy including directories of 9 major US cities highlighting local schools, clubs, dancers and more.  A special edition includes weekly television episodes showcasing the best of salsa in partnership with EN LA ESCENA TV, a bilingual entertainment show on Latino and Caribbean lifestyle, culture, and entertainment.

For press inquiries and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Natalie Maniscalco at Natalie@salseek.com or at 845.659.6506.

SALSEEK pr & events provides a variety of services including public relations, event production, photography, advertising and sponsorship/promotional services for the salsa industry worldwide. SALSEEK stems from a unique passion and appreciation for the art form and essence of the dance, Salsa, and the world culture of the people who love it. 

HUDSON TERRACE: When two respected nightlife impresarios joined forces, a neglected turn-of-the-century horse stable transformed into one of New York’s most elite and desirable event destinations.  Since opening in the spring of 2008, Hudson Terrace has become the venue of choice for some unforgettable celebrations – playing host to corporate fetes, politicians, celebrities, diplomats and party revelers from all walks of life. http://www.hudsonterracenyc.com/

Natalie J. Maniscalco

SALSEEK

www.SALSEEK.com, a digital magazine on all things salsa! 

Mobile: 845.659.6506

natalie@salseek.com

SALSEEK IN THE NEWS:

Fox5Good Day NY

http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/entertainment/music/new-swing-sextet-20110216

NBC Nightly News with Chuck Scarborough

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Salsa_Anyone__New_York-116323274.html

ABC’s Tiempo

http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news&id=5790398

WOR Radio

http://podcast.wor710.com/wor/2810171.mp3

SALSEEK pr & events is also a company that provides a variety of services including public relations, photography, event production, sponsorship and advertising for the salsa industry worldwide. SALSEEK stems from a unique passion and appreciation for the art form and essence of the dance, Salsa, and the world culture of the people who love it.

Keeping the Music ALIVE! Celebrating 10 Years of Salsa “AfterWork” & the 5th Year Anniversary of Salsa Monday’s at Taj Lounge

Keeping the Music ALIVE! Celebrating 10 Years of Salsa “AfterWork” & the 5th Year Anniversary of Salsa Monday’s at Taj Lounge

By Natalie J. Maniscalco & Photo by Chasi Annexy

“What's important is to keep the Salsa music alive in New York City,” says Henry Knowles, a world class Latin DJ, manager of Grammy Nominated New Swing Sextet and creator of the Salsa “AfterWork” concept.

Marking 10 years of the inception of after work salsa parties, Henry Knowles in collaboration with Izzy Rodriguez at the time, originally started their Latin parties at Hush, a small venue on West 19th Street. After becoming an instant success, the trend took off and even Frankie Martinez was brought in as the weekly instructor for free salsa lessons. A year into the making, the venue was sold, but the party was moved to El Flamingo on West 21st Street where it lasted for four years, becoming one of the hottest Salsa AfterWork parties in New York City. “People cried when it closed,” says Henry. Not only was it a place for dancers to let loose after a day’s work, but El Flamingo offered talented bands and artists including Johnny Pacheco, Papo Lucca, Andy Montañez, Lebron Brothers, Johnny Colon, Spanish Harlem Orchestra with Ruben Blades, New Swing Sextet, Domingo Quiñones, and many more a home for LIVE music performances.

In July of 2005, the building was sold and a new venue was in need to carry on the tradition of LIVE music and Salsa AfterWork parties. “After El Flamingo closed, I had a difficult time finding the perfect place to move the party to. Finally I walked into Taj one night and instantly fell in love with the venue,” he says. “On Monday, April 25, 2006, we had the grand re-opening of Salsa AfterWork Mondays at Taj Lounge and after some time, Talia and Mike partnered up with me to help with promotions. Since then, the party has once again become the hottest AfterWork salsa party in NYC, including one of TimeOut NY's top NYC parties.”

Now, in its 5th year, a collaboration of artists, dancers, performances, and LIVE music will celebrate yet another amazing moment in New York City Salsa. In addition, SALSEEK, who recently featured world renowned dancer Talia Castro-Pozo with photos shot in Time Square by photographer Chasi Annexy, will help ring in the celebration with Henry Knowles, Talia Castro-Pozo and Mike Pena, along with two-time Grammy Award winning artist Willy Torres & Willy’s NYC Salsa Project. This electrifying party will also include special guests Ray De La Paz, Herman Olivera, Jimmy Bosch, Frankie Morales, Cheo Medina, New Swing Sextet, and spectacular dance performances by Frankie Martinez & Abakua Dance Company and a new routine by Talia and Lee. DJ's Henry Knowles, Louie Love, DJ Woody, David Sala & DJ Eric will be spinning the best of Salsa & Latin dance music all night.

Event details:

Monday, April 11th
Taj Lounge on 48 West 21st Street
Doors Open @ 5PM
Dance Performances @ 10:30pm

FREE beginner salsa Lesson with Talia @ 6:30pm

*Admission $8 before 7pm/$12 after (except special events)
*$8 Mojitos & $6 Coronas
*Reduced Dining Menu on Monday Nights
Restaurant Open until 10:30pm. For dinner reservation call Taj 212-620-3033
*21 & Over - ID Required

For More Info Call/Text:
914.316.3222 Henry / 917.620.3109 Talia or 646.418.6291 Mike

Produced by:
Henry Knowles in association with Talia Castro-Pozo & Mike Peña
For more info visit: www.tajmondays.com
To view Talia’s article and photos click: http://www.salseek.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=218:from-peru-to-the-big-apple-talia-castro-pozo-takes-on-the-world

Alexis y Fido CD Party - En La Escena

Alexia y Fido have their CD release party at Katra, Leticia Reyes interviews them for En La Escena.

Pan con Queso Pt 3 - En La Escena

Last segment of the interview with Micheal Diaz aka Juan Bago and Oscar Martinez, with Director Gilbert Flores, on their video Pan con Queso, a parody of the Black and Yellow song by Kaliff.
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Último segmento de la entrevista con Michael Díaz alias Bago Juan y Oscar Martínez, con el director Gilberto Flores, en su contenido de vídeo Queso Pan, una parodia de la canción Negro y amarillo por Kaliff.

Pan con Queso Pt2 - En La Escena

We are back with more of Pan con Queso and this time Leticia Reyes and JI Starr get to know more about Pan con Queso and Cafecitos ... Don't miss the ins and outs with us, En La Escena.

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Estamos de vuelta con más de con Queso Pan y esta vez Leticia Reyes y JI Starr conocen más acerca de Pan Con Queso y Cafecitos ... No te pierdas los detalles con nosotros, En La Escena.

My conversation with American Idol contestant Karen Rodriquez

If you have been following this seasons American Idol, you would have definitely heard of this young Latina, hailing from the Big Apple NYC, living in Washington Heights known for its large vibrant Dominican community, Karen Rodriguez.

As you know at the beginning of the season, you have contestants that think that they can sing, (well in the bathroom), were told that they could sing (friends lied to them), and then you have the jewel among the rocks that actually can sing, that is Karen Rodriguez.

From her first appearance on American Idol, she mesmerized them with her poise, control and of course beautiful powerful voice, (and the confidence of a true New Yorker).

Tonight I caught up with Ms Rodriguez by phone on her birthday, making her 22 years old; I asked her ‘When did you first decide to audition for this seasons American Idol?’ She said that she was actually on the computer and she saw the advertisement to audition through MySpace, and thought to herself why not, so she recorded herself and sent it in.

Now her cultural background is kind of unique, I mentioned before that she lived in Washington Heights, her father being Dominican, but her mother was from Peru. So you have that Caribbean island influence and the South American connection all in one “Sancocho”.

I asked her how it was growing up in NYC aka Washington Heights as a Latina. Karen replied living in the Heights I was greatly influenced by my neighborhood, hearing Bachata and Merengue in the streets and then of course all the Dominican food, I love that about my culture.

Not knowing too much about her mother’s side of the family she said she visited Peru and was amazed at the beauty and richness of the culture there, it helped her immensely in knowing how her mother grew up.

Back to American Idol: Karen did something unique during her tenure on the show; she sang her songs both in English and Spanish, with the greatest of ease. I asked her did she feel that the audience and America connected with what she did.

Emphatically she said yes, “I wanted to share who I was as a Latina, wanting to be the first Latin crossover American Idol winner on the show”, she said that she received so many tweets from all around the country thanking her for representing all the Latinas by what she did and how she did it.

Since food is such a large part of the Latin culture I asked her what was her favorite dish, the list read like a restaurant menu, starting with Arroz con Habichelas, (Rice and beans) Platanos Maduras, (Sweet plantains) Steak with onions and of course Mofongo, (which can consist of green bananas, garlic, seafood or pork) depending on where you went, I had to smile because all that is on my list too. I said well that really makes you Dominican, she laughed and agreed.

Now she is back in NYC, I asked Karen what was in her future?, she said now that she is back in NY she wants to pursue opportunities in TV and film, either in commercial ads or acting, most of all she wants to continue to sing and hopefully sign a record deal, always representing to the best of her ability as a Latina.

I was very impressed by her poise and confidence, I am sure we will be hearing and seeing more of this talented young lady, we all wish Karen at En la escena all the best, and look forward to having her on the show, for a more in-depth interview.