projects
the poet
My solo poetry performances are usually in the slam style poetry. I write and perform in both English and Spanish. My poetry is the foundation for the projects you will see below.
This poem is title “Phone Call” and it inspired by the anti-immigrant phone calls I would receive while working for the goverment.
raices to roots
Raices to Roots is theater company that uses poetry, dance, and live music to tell the stories of the Chicago Puerto Rican diaspora.
Dancers and poets interpret each other while live music drives the scenes. The productions can range from a 1-hour theatrical production with a cast of 7 people to stripped out 3 piece cast depending on the venue/event.
Please see the video of our production. More videos and photos can be found on the Racies to Roots social media pages
ESSO Funk is bilingual band that draws from Latin, Hip Hop, and House influences to create a dance blend of music. You can usually catch us at a variety of festivals in Chicago and throughout the Midwest. I primarily work with the band as a lyricist and vocalist reciting my poems in the music.
ESSO FUNK
SLAM DIASPORA
Slam Diaspora is virtual and in-person poetry slam in Spanish. The initiative is to keep writers in the United States writing in Spanish and to foster aspiring poets of latino origin to start exploring in Spanish. Participants from all over the United States compete virtually.
The winner from each season represents Slam Diaspora in the World Poetry Slam. You can follow Slam Diaspora on social media for the archives.
THis is my latest project in collaboration with the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center. we combine slam-style poetry with original plena music from puerto rico.
the video is an excerpt of a live peroformace
pleneros y poetas
pilsen public art tours
This project is not directly related to my performances or poetry activities. PPAT is my company where I give tours of the murals in the iconic neighborhood of Pilsen.
I have over 20 years of experience in giving tours. I gained this knowledge from my 10 years as an educator at the National Museum of Mexican Art. I was recruited by the late muralist Jose Guerrero. After his passing, his widow gifted me the business which I continue today.
Please visit ppat.space for more information on pricing and routes or to book a tour.