Latino Arts’ To Bring Local and International Artists to Celebrate Latino Culture
Arts Organization Welcomes Well-Rounded Group of Classical Guitarists, Visual Artists and Afro-Latino Musicians
MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin (January 24, 2019) – Latino Arts, Inc. is ready to blossom and make an endless impression on the Greater Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin community this spring! The culturally grounded organization is scheduled to host an array of talented local and international artists ranging from classical guitarists to hands-on cultural education workshops and everything in between.
Following the popular Diego Y Frida: A Smile Halfway Through the Journey and the parallel group exhibition by local artists, Latino Arts Gallery will welcome a unique photography exhibit, Mas de Mil-Walk-Aqui, by local artist Freddy Hernandez. This collection highlights the beauty of Milwaukee and the growing presence of the city’s Latino population. Following Mas de Mil-Walk-Aqui, the Latino Arts Gallery will showcase the artistic knowledge and skill of Bruce-Guadalupe and UCC Acosta Middle School students in The Big Idea VII. In its sixth installment, this exhibition will showcase both students and their teachers as they continue to develop and implement art curriculum through Advancing Literacy and Math through Art (ALMA).
In the Latino Arts Auditorium, the spring season will begin with The Sixth Annual Guitar Festival and Concert. This daylong event will unite classical guitarists of all ages in competition, culminating in an evening concert performance from classical guitarists, Alfonso Moreno & Oman Kaminsky. The music doesn’t stop there, in March The Pedrito Martinez Group will hit the stage with their Afro-Cuban rumba Batá drum rhythms. Finally, we wrap up with Making Movies, a blend of pulsing Afro-Latino rhythms, psychedelic jams and rock ’n’ roll swagger all rolled into one powerful live performance. The foursome showcases their Latin American roots using instruments like the Panamanian mejorana while also incorporating the sounds from the electric guitar.
For ticket purchases or a sneak peek to an upcoming exhibition or performance, visit www.latinoartsinc.org. Connect with Latino Arts on Facebook at www.facebook.com/latinoartsinc and follow @latinoartsinc on Instagram.
Exhibitions
Mas de Mil-Walk-Aqui
Exhibit by Freddy Hernandez
March 8 – June 7
Opening Reception: Friday, March 29 at 5:00 p.m.
Freddy Hernandez combines his passion for landscape photography with his love of Milwaukee’s unique energy to emphasize the growing presence of the city’s Latino population and the places they occupy in the city.
The title Mas de Mil-Walk-Aqui is a Spanglish play-on-words of the city’s name which translates to “more than thousands walk here” as an observation of the Hispanic community’s contribution to Milwaukee, making the city a more diverse and beautiful place. This beauty is celebrated through imagery in this captivating photographic exhibition.
Freddy Hernandez’s is a Milwaukee based artist and photographer, who is showcasing his locally produced work in his first professional exhibition.
The Big Idea VII
June 27 – August 23
Opening Reception: Thursday, June 28 at 5:00 p.m.
This exhibition commemorates the Advancing Literacy and Math through Art Program (ALMA), which showcases the artistic knowledge and skill of Bruce-Guadalupe Elementary and Middle School and UCC Acosta Middle School students, in 3rd through 8th grades. Artwork demonstrates ALMA student’s exploration of culturally relevant “Big Ideas” such as immigration and cultural identity, community, origin, perseverance, and the American dream.
Exhibitions in the Latino Arts Gallery are open Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. for a suggested donation of $1.
Performances
The Sixth Annual Guitar Festival & Competition Presented by the Latino Arts String Program Featuring Alfonso Moreno & Oman Kaminsky
Saturday, February 9 at 7:00 p.m.
The Latino Arts Strings Program invites classical guitarists ages 18 and under to participate in the festival that will feature a youth competition with world class judges. The winners of the competition will perform with guest artists Alfonso Moreno and Oman Kaminsky during the Guitar Festival Concert. Moreno has performed over 9,000 times throughout Europe, the Americas, and Asia, his versatility gives him the freedom to alternate his musical activities with giving Master Classes, playing solo or chamber ensemble recitals, or as a soloist with world-renowned symphony orchestras. Kaminsky is one of Mexico’s leading guitarists and is the winner of numerous competitions around the globe; currently, he is a guitar professor in two of Mexico’s preeminent music schools.
The Pedrito Martinez Group
Friday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m.
Cuban born group leader, Pedro Pablo “Pedrito” Martinez’s, career as a leader began in 2005 with the formation in NYC of The Pedrito Martinez Group. The Pedrito Martinez Group has its roots planted firmly in the Afro-Cuban rumba tradition and in the Batá rhythms and vocal chants of the music of Yoruba and Santeria. The group has developed into an extraordinarily tight and musically creative unit. Their Grammy-nominated first album was released October, 2013 and was chosen among NPR’s Favorite Albums of 2013.
Student Matinee: Thursday, March 28 & Friday, March 29 at 10:30 a.m.
Making Movies
Friday, May 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Making Movies blends pulsing Afro-Latino rhythms, psychedelic jams and rock ’n’ roll swagger into powerful live performances, full of theatrics and cathartic climaxes. Armed with the ambitious and politically charged 2017 release I Am Another You — “lyrically and sonically one of the best albums of the year,” NPR raved — and a companion EP, You Are Another Me, the Kansas City band punches out one high-energy song after another. The foursome showcases their Latin American roots, with frontman Enrique Chi incorporating traditional instruments like the Panamanian mejorana alongside electric guitar, or the Chaurand brothers swapping drums and percussion for a dueling zapateado huasteco, a traditional form of dance from Veracruz, Mexico.
The band’s political idea is straightforward enough that they can express it in four words: “We are all immigrants.” In supporting that cause, a portion of all proceeds from I Am Another You goes to the National Immigration Law Center.
Student Matinees: Friday, May 17 at 10:30 a.m.
Tickets:
The Sixth Annual Guitar Festival
Tickets for evening performances in the Latino Arts Auditorium:
Tickets for the evening show are $15 for general admission in advance ($20 at the door), $10 for seniors 60 and over and full-time students in advance ($15 at the door), and $8 per student in groups of 10 or more. Our Dinner & A Show special features Café el Sol’s Friday fish buffet before the performance (beverage and gratuity not included) for $25 in advance ($30 at the door). Advance tickets prices are available until 11:59 p.m. the day before the show.
Ticket prices for student matinee performances in the Latino Arts Auditorium: $12 Adults & Seniors, $8 Students & Kids (3 Years and Older).
Educational Workshops
Afro-Latino Drumming Circle with BabaCeeloe
March 7, & 8 | 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. & 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
In Afro-Latin culture, a “bembé” is a spontaneous community drum and dance circle, filled with improvisation and high energy self-expression. In this bembé, learn the basics of Afro-Latino drum rhythms from master percussionist and veteran educator, Cecilio Negrón, Jr., experience polyrhythmic music with your peers and in a hands-on experience you will never forget!
Latin Dance Workshop
May 13 & 14 | 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. & 12:30– 2:00 p.m.
Led by instructor Imani Jalil, a Milwaukee native and member of Panadanza Dance Company, this exciting and interactive workshop will give students a taste of Latin dance and culture!
Registration required. Cost is $8 per student.
For more information, visit the “For Teachers” page on www.latinoartsinc.org.
Special Events
Pinto con Tinto
Thursday, February 7 | 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Unleash your inner artist and create your own unique piece of artwork to take home, while enjoying wine and tapas with fellow budding artists!
The $25 admission fee includes wine, tapas, instructor guided painting and all supplies. Registration required at www.latinoartsinc.org/special-events/pinto-con-tinto/.
Lunch & Learn at Latino Arts
Let’s Taco-Bout It!
Monday, March 25, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Learn about the history and significance of this widely popular street food.
Tickets are available for $10 each. The event includes a light lunch. www.latinoartsinc.org/special-events/lunch-and-learn/
Café con Arte
Thursday, April 4, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Let our Managing Artistic Director, Jacobo Lovo, guide you on and a gallery tour and discussion surrounding our current art exhibit! Enjoy learning more about the art, the inspiration and symbolism behind it, and the unique techniques utilized in each exhibition featured in the Latino Arts Gallery!
Tickets are $3 and the event takes place in our Latino Arts Gallery and includes coffee and churros. RSVP is required at info@latinoartsinc.org.
The Latino Arts Auditorium & Gallery are located in the United Community Center at 1028 South 9th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204.
About Latino Arts, Inc.
With roots going back more than 25 years, Latino Arts, Inc. was formally established in 1997. Since then, the organization has brought cultural awareness, artistic and educational experiences, and a diversity of Hispanic artists from throughout the Spanish-speaking world to share their talents with the greater Milwaukee community. More information is available at www.latinoartsinc.org.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
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