The Annual People's Poetry In The Park / Bomba Fest & BBQ w/ Friends & Family
Hola, mi gente!
It's that time again! Every year I host a picnic for our friends and family and just like last year, we feature LIVE ENTERTAINMENT.... Bomba y Plena drums and dance will fill the air, an Open Mic around 2 PM hosted by Nuyorican/ Capicu poet PaPo Swiggity, live painting by some of the best artists in the city and we're always surprised by what our people in the crowd offer! If you were one of the OVER 100 people that attended last year's picnic, then you KNOW it's an event you shouldn't miss...
OFF THE HOOK! Prepare to bring some food for the grill and beverages, soon we will post a list of our needs :)
* * IN ADDITION... We are celebrating a few birthdays! We will celebrate the beginning of a new year for Grito De Poetas poet Rob Vassilarakis, visual artist Mia Roman and Mimi Rivera. * *
For those of you who are not familiar with this event, please allow me to explain. During the summer many of us gather for different events, may it be poetry, party cruises, concerts, birthday parties, etc. Unfortunately for some, many of these events take place at clubs or lounges.
I've come to understand there are many people who miss out on these gatherings for the following reasons: Employment, Under 21, Unable to find a babysitter, and for many of us, our financial situation isn't so great.
My main objective: I always do this picnic on the last Saturday before classes officially resume as an End of Summer Break gathering. I do it this way to provide a neutral ground for EVERYONE to attend and enjoy. This is an awesome icebreaker as well. There is no need to "dress to impress", no pressure of "one on one' meetings, but most importantly, it's a FAMILY event. No one needs to be left behind.
This is an awesome way to meet the people you've established relationships with over time over the line but have never had the chance to meet. This is also a great way of meeting new people and creating new relationships.
It's always wonderful to share laughs, stories and great food, play games, dance, and create new stories for new memories. However, you still miss out on some of these awesome events and that's why I thought to do it different this year.
I've reached out to some of my wonderful people and they've agreed to contribute to this picnic and turn it into an extraordinary event.
******* LOCATION *******
Public Transportation:
Take 6 train to Pelham Bay Park then transfer to the BX-12 Orchard Beach
Driving:
In the Bronx, Take Bruckner Expressway (I-95N) To
Orchard Beach/City Island Exit 8B.
Follow signs for Orchard Beach.
We will be i the grass area right alongside the parking lot, near the ball courts. There's NO WAY you'll miss us. If you've attended before, know that it's in the same spot. I'll post a video of the area soon.
