Music: The Mariachi Academy of New York led by Ramón Ponce, Sr. & Ramón Ponce, Jr. of Mariachi Real de Mexico - TONIGHT Thursday, April 18th, 7:30pm - 9:30pm
The mariachi – a hundred year tradition – has been widely considered the quintessential Mexican folk-derived musical ensemble. It is largely kept alive by Ramón Ponce, Jr. and his father Ramón Ponce, Sr., both of whom are members of the band the Mariachi Real de Nueva York. Together they founded the Mariachi Academy of New York (MANY), a community-led not-for-profit organization devoted to preserving the rich heritage of mariachi to youth in New York. It intends to develop the skills in musical training, discipline, creativity and self-esteem while strengthening language, team working skills and a strong sense of identity.
Film: The Golden Age of Mexican Cinema in Bronx Theaters presented by Paulina Suarez-Hesketh
Friday, April 19th, 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Paulina Suarez-Hesketh is a doctoral candidate in Cinema Studies at New York University. She has an MA from the University of Chicago, and a BA from UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México). Her research interests include popular film genres, Latin American modernity, and immigrant home movies. During her presentation, Paulina will be showing clips from Mexican films and offering insights into their significance in the Canon of Mexican Cinema.
Palabras/Words: Rock & Read - Return to the Bronx with author and musician Larry Kirwan
Saturday, April 20th, 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Larry Kirwan provides lead vocals and lead guitar for the Irish rock band Black 47, which has been recording music and performing together for over 20 years. He is also the author of several books and plays, including Liverpool Fantasy and Green Suede Shoes: An Irish American Odyssey. His latest novel, Rockin’ the Bronx, tells the story of a young Irish immigrant who finds himself facing the turmoil of the 1980s Bronx.