New London partners collaborate to celebrate Latino Heritage Month

(New London) A handful of New London cultural and educational organizations have joined forces to commemorate Latino Heritage Month with a plethora of exciting events. From September 30 through October 29, over a dozen diverse events including film screenings, art exhibits, poetry, spoken word, fiestas and educational workshops will culminate with two performances at the Garde Arts Center of the Tony-Award winning Broadway musical "In the Heights."

Jeanne Sigel, Director of Marketing & Development for the Garde Arts Center, is thrilled about the initiative stating, “It’s been a great opportunity for all our partners to jointly highlight, explore and celebrate our Latin-American community and the Latino heritage and culture.” The Coast Guard Academy’s Office of Inclusion & Diversity has been taking an active role in strengthening their community engagement and enthusiastically joined the effort. “We’ve had a positive relationship with Expressiones through our faculty and Compañeros Cadet Council so it made sense to build on what was already working when discussions began about getting involved,” noted Antonio Farias, Chief Diversity Officer.

Partners include: The Garde Arts Center, The Coast Guard Academy’s Office of Inclusion & Diversity, Expressiones Cultural Center, CGA’s Partnership in Education Initiative, Connecticut College’s Unity House, Mitchell College Library, Centro De La Comunidad, New London Youth Affairs, Writers Block, Encuentros De Esperanza, Heavy Hitters USA, New London Public Library and Provenance Center.

All events are open to the general public:

Latin America Project – Opening for Lucia Reategui: Sat, Oct 1st, 7pm

Expressiones Cultural Center, 84 Bank St, Free & Open to the Public
Visual & Performing Peruvian Artist Lucia Reategui joins Expressiones as an artist in residence through the Latin American collaborative program between I-Park & Expressiones.

Hispanic Heritage Film Festival: Tues, Oct 11th, 6:30pm

NL Public Library, Free & Open to the Public – Light refreshments will be served
"A Class Apart" – Built around the landmark 1954 legal case Hernandez v. Texas, the film interweaves the stories of its central characters with a broader story of the civil rights movement.

"Real Women Have Curves" – Ana, who has just graduated from high school, had planned on going to college and experiencing life, but her mother expects her to stay home and work in her sister’s factory. Ana discovers that real women take chances, have flaws, and embrace life.

Latino Book Club: Thurs, Oct 13th, 6pm

Expressiones Cultural Center, 84 Bank St, Free & Open to the Public
A stroll through the famous book and a bridge of understanding of the Spanish language through the wisdom of an expert.
Moderated by Prof. Luis Gonzalez of Connecticut College.

Art Exhibit with Guido Garaycochea: Sat, Oct 15th, 11:30am.

Mitchell College Library, 437 Pequot Ave, Free & Open to the Public

History of Salsa Music & Dance: Fri, Oct 21st, 6pm.

Expressiones Cultural Center, 84 Bank St, Free & Open to the Public
This interactive workshop tells the story about the evolution of Latin Rhythms into what is known today as Salsa Music and Dance. Learn more about its roots, culture, and evolution here in the United States.

Fiesta Latina: Fri, Oct 21st, 7pm.

Centro De La Comunidad, 109 Blinman St, Call for info: 860-442-4463
A wonderful evening of food, fellowship, and performances.

Recycled Art Youth Workshop: Sat, Oct 22nd, 9am

Expressiones Cultural Center, 84 Bank St, Open to the youth ages 8-12
In a quest to spread awareness of Reuse and Recycle, Expressiones will conduct a unique workshop for children as part of the Latino Heritage Month Series.

An Evening of Poetry & Spoken Word: Fri, Oct 28th, 6pm

Expressiones Cultural Center, 84 Bank St, Free & Open to the Public
NYC’s famed Poetry Group“El Grito De Poetas” will be joined by local youth and college poets for an exciting evening of Poetry and Spoken Word. Hosted by Prof. José Gonzalez of the Coast Guard Academy. Pre-show reception catered by Mambo Bar & Restaurant.

Broadway Musical – "In the Heights" part of the Broadway at the Garde Series: Sat, Oct 29th, 3pm & 8pm
Garde Arts Center, Tickets: 860-444-7373 x1; www.gardearts.org
The 2008 Tony award-winner for best musical, best score, best choreography and best orchestrations, tells the universal story of a vibrant community in Manhattan’s Washington Heights – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open, and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. Sponsored by Peoples United Bank and Jet Blue.

 

About the Garde Arts Center

Now in its eighty-third season, the Garde Arts Center is southeastern Connecticut’s non-profit center for the performing arts. The Garde owns and operates the historic 1450-seat Garde Theatre and the 130-seat Oasis Room where it presents musicals, opera, orchestras, contemporary music, film, dance, and family events. Home of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, the Garde hosts performances by regional arts organizations and provides educational programs for more than 12,000 young people. Under the leadership of Steve Sigel, executive director, since 1988, the Garde has become a major catalyst for the cultural and economic revitalization of New London.