Here's an excerpt from President Barack Obama's inauguration speech:
Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.
On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.
On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.
We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.
In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned.
PUERTO RICO SUN WANTS TO KNOW
Gente, do you believe Barack Obama will help bring positive change for Puerto Rico? Do you think he will help resolve the island's political status issue?
Do you think boricuas and Latinos in the United States will make great strides with this new administration? I keep hearing all this black and white talk, so I'm wondering. In some ways, I find Latinos have been marginalized from all the media coverage, which is focusing on how blacks and whites feel...
Send Puerto Rico Sun your thoughts.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Catalino “Tite” Curet Alonso: A Man & His Music
Latin music rejoices with the return of Tite Curet Alonso's music back on the airwaves after 14-year absence
by Aurora Flores
It was in Old San Juan’s “Bombonera” restaurant in 1977 when I spotted the traditional straw hat and signature daisheke on the man sitting at the counter. Catalino “Tite” Curet Alonso was holding a note pad and tape recorder when I sat beside him. He was reserved, diffident and guarded, until we began talking about Ismael "Maelo" Rivera’s, “Esto Si Es Lo Mio” that I was reviewing for Billboard Magazine. That’s when a glint appeared in his eyes, a smile crossed his face, and we bonded for that moment around talk of ‘Maelo, plena, bomba, poverty, race, politics, religion y música!
Curet defined a revolutionary period in Latin music. His compositions brought out the best in the interpreter. Masterworks included Hector LaVoe’s “Periodico de Ayer” or “Juanito Alimaña,” Cheo Feliciano’s “Anacaona,” Pete El Conde’s “La Abolición,” Andy Montañez’ “El Echo de Un Tambor,” Celia Cruz’ “Isadora Duncan,” and La Lupe’s “La Tirana.”
Curet’s name was ubiquitous, gracing hundreds of album credits of many of the top Latin music artists of the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. He penned more than 2,000 songs, spawning and jump-starting the artistic careers of many, from La Lupe, to Cheo Feliciano to Frankie Ruiz. The most in-demand composer of tropical music, Curet’s songs were guaranteed hits, and classics today.
“You had to take a number and wait on line,” Ruben Blades told the L.A. Times when Curet passed away. “His songs could revive any career, so there was always a fight to get new material from Tite,” recalled the Panamanian singer/songwriter whose interpretation of Curet’s “Plantación Adentro” also hit the top of the charts.
Curet helped father the nascent salsa movement that was marking time in clave through the streets of Puerto Rico and Latin New York. Through news events, music and lyrics, his words inspired hope and faith, solace and joy during a time of social upheaval. In more than 2,000 tunes, Curet was the musical narrator of current events and national pride, romance and religion. He wrote in a time when the social reality of the poor was in direct opposition to the political power line, leaving music as the life-support of hope and faith. Tite Curet reflected the face of a community in need of answers.
His talent for composing extended beyond the borders of the Caribbean dipping into Mexico, Venezuela, Paraguay, Spain and Brazil which he credited for receiving his best musical training referring to them as the “sorcerers of ‘el medio tono’,” (the half tone). His merengue for Los Hijos del Rey, “Yo Me Dominicaniso” made much noise while Tony Croatto’s version of Curet’s “Cucubano” became a hit, later recorded by Menudo. From Chucho Avellanet to Nelson Ned, Tite Curet Alonso was a pivotal figure in the musical repertoires of many Latino superstars.
A compilation of the music of one of Puerto Rico’s most important composers of the late 20th Century now comes to light after a fourteen-year absence in Puerto Rico. Emusica has just released a 31-tune double CD set, featuring some of Curet’s most-loved works.
His songs were unavailable since 1995 due to a separate performance rights society contract Curet signed that built an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy between the radio stations, the publishing rights organizations and the composers. Basically, Tite Curet signed a contract with ACEMLA (Asociación de Compositores y Editores de Música Latinamericana), a performing rights organization that insisted on aggressively collecting additional fees from radio stations on top of the already established publishing rights organizations such as BMI, ASCAP or SEAC. Now imagine the chaos this would cause if every composer insisted that every radio station pay another organization, (not even the individual directly) for performing rights.
“It was a cultural crime,” notes Latin music writer Jaime Torres Torres of El Nuevo Dia. “An entire generation was deprived of the genius of this notable and creative songwriter.”
“When a younger generation cannot hear the songs of the masters that came before them, they create their own,” adds Richie Viera of the Viera Record Shop in Puerto Rico noting this lack of Curet’s commercial hits on radio as a contributing factor to the growing trend of “reggaetón” while salsa music still struggles on the island.
This compilation reflects several of the master composer’s themes. However, Curet was most proud of his writing skills, in particular his journalistic ability often pointing to his scant use of adjectives in crafting a hit number. Tite Curet wrote for newspapers, magazines, hosted radio shows and was later writing screenplays for stage and television as well as children’s songs and hymns.
To read Aurora Flores' complete article profiling Curet, go to her site at
http://www.zondelbarrio.com/Press.php
c 2008 Aurora Flores/All rights reserved
Monday, January 19, 2009
Las Octavitas Barrio Fiesta
A trovador performs with the Estampas de Borinquen musical group @ Las Octavitas celebration at the Julia de Burgos Cultural Center, organized by the executive committee of the Archdiocese of New York's San Juan Bautista fiesta.
For more of my photos from last night's celebration at the Julia de Burgos Cultural Center in NYC's El Barrio, go to www.flickr.com/photos/clarisel (Click on the Navidad '08-Octavitas '09 photo set.)
For more of my photos from last night's celebration at the Julia de Burgos Cultural Center in NYC's El Barrio, go to www.flickr.com/photos/clarisel (Click on the Navidad '08-Octavitas '09 photo set.)
What! United States colonialism?
Pensamientos
In 2008, the fact that there are about 4 million Latinos, mostly the residents of Puerto Rico, who are United States citizens but do not have the full rights of most American citizens emerged in dramatic terms. There was the oddity of the Democratic and Republican parties holding presidential primaries in Puerto Rico although the people of Puerto Rico, all US citizens, could not vote for president in the general election. In addition, although they are US citizens, the people of Puerto Rico do not send full voting representatives to the US Congress, but only one Resident Commissioner who cannot vote on the floor of the House of Representatives, and no one to the US Senate. Will President-elect Obama be able to resolve the status problem during his first term as he has pledged? We wish him luck on that one! -- Angelo Falcon, president and founder of the National Institute for Latino Policy, which is based in NYC.
This article by Angelo Falcon was originally published in the recent issue of the National Institute for Latino Policy's e-newsletter.
In 2008, the fact that there are about 4 million Latinos, mostly the residents of Puerto Rico, who are United States citizens but do not have the full rights of most American citizens emerged in dramatic terms. There was the oddity of the Democratic and Republican parties holding presidential primaries in Puerto Rico although the people of Puerto Rico, all US citizens, could not vote for president in the general election. In addition, although they are US citizens, the people of Puerto Rico do not send full voting representatives to the US Congress, but only one Resident Commissioner who cannot vote on the floor of the House of Representatives, and no one to the US Senate. Will President-elect Obama be able to resolve the status problem during his first term as he has pledged? We wish him luck on that one! -- Angelo Falcon, president and founder of the National Institute for Latino Policy, which is based in NYC.
This article by Angelo Falcon was originally published in the recent issue of the National Institute for Latino Policy's e-newsletter.
Opportunity
La Voz del Paseo Boricua in Chicago is looking for volunteer translators
For nearly five years, La Voz has served as the newspaper of Chicago's vibrant Puerto Rican community. Monthly it distributes 10,000 copies throughout the greater Northwest Side of the city in the areas of Humboldt Park, Logan Square, West Town and Hermosa and beyond. The purpose of La Voz is to provide information and analysis on issues of importance to the city's Puerto Rican residents, such as housing, youth, culture, health, and community empowerment. Specifically, La Voz is a key part of the educational campaign, "¡Humboldt Park No Se Vende!"
Currently, La Voz is seeking volunteer Spanish translators. As a completely volunteer-run newspaper, La Voz cannot offer monetary compensation, but it offers experience working with a local newspaper and a chance to contribute to the Puerto Rican community, anchored on Paseo Boricua. If you are interested in translating or supporting this effort, e-mail lavoz@prcc-chgo.org or call (773) 227-7794.
To check out the newspaper online, go to
http://lavoz-prcc.org
source: The Puerto Rican Cultural Center (Chicago) newsletter
La Voz del Paseo Boricua in Chicago is looking for volunteer translators
For nearly five years, La Voz has served as the newspaper of Chicago's vibrant Puerto Rican community. Monthly it distributes 10,000 copies throughout the greater Northwest Side of the city in the areas of Humboldt Park, Logan Square, West Town and Hermosa and beyond. The purpose of La Voz is to provide information and analysis on issues of importance to the city's Puerto Rican residents, such as housing, youth, culture, health, and community empowerment. Specifically, La Voz is a key part of the educational campaign, "¡Humboldt Park No Se Vende!"
Currently, La Voz is seeking volunteer Spanish translators. As a completely volunteer-run newspaper, La Voz cannot offer monetary compensation, but it offers experience working with a local newspaper and a chance to contribute to the Puerto Rican community, anchored on Paseo Boricua. If you are interested in translating or supporting this effort, e-mail lavoz@prcc-chgo.org or call (773) 227-7794.
To check out the newspaper online, go to
http://lavoz-prcc.org
source: The Puerto Rican Cultural Center (Chicago) newsletter
Sunday, January 18, 2009
IMG_3133
Little Mr. Puerto Rico King Joe @ the Artisans Fair & Exhibit in Bridgeport, organized by The Puerto Rican Parade of Fairfield County in Connecticut
For more photos from the Bridgeport fair, go to www.flickr.com/photos/clarisel (Click on the New England set)
For more photos from the Bridgeport fair, go to www.flickr.com/photos/clarisel (Click on the New England set)
Friday, January 16, 2009
Celebrate Las Octavitas in the Barrio
Navidad criolla
Christmas is not over yet for many boricuas pues estamos en las OCTAVITAS.
Join the Comite de la Fiesta de San Juan Bautista for
las OCTAVITAS
Dedicated to Rudy Vargas
6:30-10:30 p.m., Sunday, January 18
Julia de Burgos Cultural Center
2nd flr. Theater
1680 Lexington (btwn. 106 & 105th Sts.)
NYC's El Barrio
As we celebrate
"La Fiesta de San Juan Bautista."
featuring
Zon del Barrio
&
Estampas De Borinquen
with a "controversia" (vocal duels)
by Trovadores Boricuas
Admission: $15
Bring your instruments
There will be food, raffles & refreshments.
A recent study found Puerto Ricans to be the happiest people on earth. Some say it's because we celebrate
the Christmas season (Las Navidades) longer than any one!
Puerto Rico's holiday season begins with Thanksgiving and ends with Octavitas, the last holiday of the season, beginning 8 days after the Epiphany (Jan. 6, 3 Kings Day) and lasting for 8 more days! In Puerto Rican tradition, if you received a visit from a friend or relative on Three Kings' Day, you return the visit eight days later.
The traditional festivities of San Juan Bautista are a form of cleansing in tribute to St. John the Baptist. In Puerto Rico and other islands, people take to the beaches in a communal cleansing ritual completed by music, dancing and food.
The festivities will begin with songs to the Three Kings followed by a "controversia" where troubadors compete with one another to see who can improvise the best. Zon del Barrio will follow with aguilnaldos, bolero, plena, bomba, boogalu and Salsa Navideña for the dancers! ¡Wepa!
In N.Y. we celebrate with music, dance, song and food at this time when people everywhere want to "renew" themselves making "resolutions" for a better year and a better life. Celebrate this life with us on Sunday and bring your instrument, voice and just plain good cheer one last time as we celebrate the end of the holidays with Zon del Barrio.... in el barrio, of course.
www.zondelbarrio.com
www.myspace.com/zondelbarriony
www.youtube.com/aurorazdb
-- Aurora Flores
(photo of Aurora Flores and Zon del Barrio at the 'Mis Banderas' concert at Hostos Community College in the Bronx last December; photo by Clarisel Gonzalez)
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Cemi Underground's Luis Cordero chats with PRSUN Radio tonight
PRSUN Radio
Tune in at 9 p.m. tonight for a chat with Luis Cordero, the owner of Cemi Underground, a cultural bookstore and gallery in East Harlem that features literature, arts and a host of community events highlighting boricua and Latino talent. We will chat on Cemi Underground's challenges, accomplishments and future plans.
www.blogtalkradio.com/prsunradio
For more information on Cemi Underground, go to www.cemiunderground.com.
Photo of Luis Cordero and Elena Marrero at the Viva Bronx festival last year. (photo by Ismael Nunez)
UPDATE: Listen to show right here in this blog or go to www.blogtalkradio.com/prsunradio.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Politics
Obama vows to solve Puerto Rico's status
It's a 110-year-old dilemma that Congress has never committed to solve: Puerto Rico's ambiguous political relationship with the U.S.
President-elect Barack Obama has vowed to turn this around.
In a letter sent earlier this month to newly elected Puerto Rican Gov. Luis Fortuno, Obama pledged to "enable the question of Puerto Rico's status to be resolved" during his first term. For more, go to
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/services/newspaper/printedition/tuesday/orl-probama1309jan13,0,5768559.story
Obama vows to solve Puerto Rico's status
It's a 110-year-old dilemma that Congress has never committed to solve: Puerto Rico's ambiguous political relationship with the U.S.
President-elect Barack Obama has vowed to turn this around.
In a letter sent earlier this month to newly elected Puerto Rican Gov. Luis Fortuno, Obama pledged to "enable the question of Puerto Rico's status to be resolved" during his first term. For more, go to
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/services/newspaper/printedition/tuesday/orl-probama1309jan13,0,5768559.story
PRSUN Heads to CT for Three Kings Exhibit
I plan to go to Bridgeport, Connecticut this weekend to take part in the Three Kings exhibit. I plan to exhibit my photography as well as promote Puerto Rico Sun Communications, a community-minded independent multimedia social entrepreneurship.
The exhibit, which was postponed from last weekend because of bad weather, will be held on Saturday, January 17.
The Puerto Rican Parade of Fairfield County is organizing the event, which will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Chase Wellness Center, 1071 East Main St.
I was invited to exhibit my work by the organization’s president, Diana Calderon Torres, a new member of our Puerto Rico Sun social network. She says they have about 22 artists and craftspeople lined up for the event.
If you go, make sure to stop by my table.
Community calendar
Al-Juriya
English/Spanish film...Puerto Ricans witness the occupation of Palestine
In light of the events in the Middle East, Cemi Underground presents this film.
3 p.m., Saturday, January 17
Cemi Underground, NYC's El Barrio
Suggested donation: $5
For more information, go to www.cemiunderground.com.
Community calendar
"Pregones Theater Music Emsemble" to perform in NYC's El Barrio
'Theater Music, Afro Caribbean Music, Spiritual Music' performance
Camaradas El Barrio in East Harlem
9:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 14
To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=48706237031
"Pregones Theater Music Emsemble" to perform in NYC's El Barrio
'Theater Music, Afro Caribbean Music, Spiritual Music' performance
Camaradas El Barrio in East Harlem
9:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 14
To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=48706237031
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