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Flushing Times, Concert Preview >>
Queens Theater celebrates Latino culture
BY ANN MARIE GENZALE
When Queens Theater Executive Director Jeff Rosenstock started the Latino Cultural Festival in 1997, he wanted it to be a part of the community for years to come.
"I didn't want it to just be a pilot festival," Rosenstock said, "It was something, that once we did it, we wanted (it) to be a part of who we are."
A decade later, the JP Morgan Chase Latino Cutural Festival has not only become a huge annual celebration of Latino culture in Queens, but platform for popular Latino artists to expand their careers to audiences in the United States. In its third year, the Queens Theater hired artistic director Claudia Norman, an expert in Latino concert programming, who was able to not only bring Latino artists without United States record labels to the festival, but found many emerging voices as well.
Eva Ayllon, for example, known as the queen of Afro-Peruvian song, made her United States debut at the festival in 2000 and received her first New York Times review.
"What people appreciate are icons from Latin America like Eva Ayllon, Aldita and Candito," Norman said. "It creates meeting point between life in the (United) States and seeing artists from back home." Ayllon will perform on July 27 in the main theater at 8 p.m., and Norman suggests that audiences buy tickets in advance. "She sells out every time she comes here," Norman said.
Other icons like Ayllon are returning for the 10th anniversary of the Latino Cultural Festival, including the Noche Flamenco dance company, who will perform at the festival's opening night on July 26 in the main theater at 8 p.m. and Cuban singer Albita, known for her contemporary interpretations of traditional songs from her native Cuba. She will perform on Aug. 4 at 8 p.m. in the main theater.
Last year's event included a documentary film about Afro-Cuban jazz percussion legend Candido Camero, but this year he is appearing live alongside a star-studded roster of special guests including Hector Mantignon, Bobby Sanabria and Eddie Villegas, to celebrate his 85th birthday. He also performed at the kickoff party at D'Antigua in Jackson Heights. "When I walk," he said, "my arthritis makes me feel like I'm 100 years old. When I play the bongo drums. I feel like I am 20 years old, so watch out!"
Candido has been making music for over 65 years, since his humble beginnings in Havana, Cuba.
"When I was four years old, I began playing on cans of milk," he said. "My mother said to stop, so I wouldn't hurt my self. My uncle told her, 'Let him keep playing, he will be famous.' From his mouth to God's ear." He also made sure to pay tribute to his parents, who inspired him to be come a musician.
Candido is extremely excited about his performance in the festival this year, which will be on July 29 in the main theater. Every time he performs in Queens, he says, it is like performing in the United States for the first time.
In addition to these prominent established artists, this year's festival will have a concert event called Latina New Sounds, featuring three female singer/songwriters ready to burst onto the Latin alternative scene. MiMa of Puerto Rico, Luca Mundaca of Chile-Brazil and Valentina Gonzalez of Mexico, who will take the stage together on Aug. 3 at 8 p.m. in the main theater.
There will also be an Open-Mic night on Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. in the studio theater, showcasing the talents of local poets and spoken word artists. The event will be emceed by poet and artist Emanuel Xavier. Those interested in performing should contact Angel at areynoso@queentheatre.org. The event is free, but it is suggested to make reservations by calling 718-760-0064.
This year's festival includes art from all including the photography of Diana De La Pava, a performance by LaMicro Theater Company, a free screening of Bolivar Soy Yo ("Bolivar I Am") with English subtitles and free family events such as Bobby Sanabria's "Clave: Rhythmic Journey from Africa to the New World." Sanabria, Grammy-winning percussionist and respected composer and music educator, will give an entertaining history of the clave and the roots of Afro-Cuban music on Sunday, July 30. at 1 p.m. in the main theater. To make reservations, call 718-760-0064.
The festival has also commissioned a new work from Grupo Krapp, a modern dance company from Buenos A ires that blends theater with dance. The composition will premiere at the festival on Aug. 2 at the main theater.
Over the years, the festival has been achieving the mission Rosenstock and others have had in mind since its inception. "We wanted to celebrate the rich Hispanic culture in Queens, as well as give owner ship of the theater to the Latino community and break down the cultural barriers and serve the entire borough."
The success, he said, is evident in the growing audiences of the Festival and other events. "We have members of the Hispanic community 'crossing over' to children's programs, dance and concert performances that are not part of Latino programming, as well as non-Latin audience members coming out to the festival," he said. "The reward is seeing the audience coming to the theater and having great time."
For more information about the JP Morgan Chase Latino Cultural Festival and other Queens Theatre in the Park, call 718-760-0064 or visit their Web site at www.queenstheatre.org. 07/27/06
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