What to watch, read and enjoy this weekend in Latino USA.
Theatre
“CHARITY: Part III of A Mexican Trilogy” at the Los Angeles Theater Center (Los Angeles, California)
Three generations of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans in the United States are chronicled in this touching play centered around the family’s aged matriarch.
“Puerto Rico… ¡fuá!” at the GALA Hispanic Theater (Washington, DC)
So what was life on La Isla really like before the conquistadores arrived? This musical presents the history of the Taíno natives in a light hearted, amusing and unique way.
Museums & Art Exhibits
Transcultural Pilgrim: Three Decades of Work by José Bedia at the Miami Art Museum (Miami, FL)
A collection of work across José Bedia’s career – representing Cuban, North American and African influences – is the subject of this retrospective exhibit at the Miami Art Museum.
Picturing Puerto Rico Under the American Flag: The Photographs of Louise Rosskam 1937-1948,” at the Hunter College East Harlem Art Gallery (Bronx, New York)
The political complexities that epitomize Puerto Rico’s governance as part of the United States are the focus of this compelling exhibit of black and white photography.
Music
H20 Music Festival at the Cotton Bowl Stadium and the Cotton Bowl Plaza Stage (Dallas, Texas)
Latino artists headlining this blow-out event include Maná, Juanes, Paulina Rubio and Prince Royce.
Afrocusim at Prospect Park Bandshell (Brooklyn, New York)
Master musicians Buena Vista Social Club will be joining with artists from Mali in a concert celebrating Afro-Cuban musical stylings.
Movies
“Rock of Ages” (opens in theaters nationwide this Friday)
Mexican heartthrob Diego Boneta stars as aspiring rocker Drew in this fun musical based on the hit Broadway musical. Read our interview with the singer-actor here.
10th Cine Fest Brasil at Central Park Summerstage (New York, New York)
The story of Brazilian rock icon Raul Seixas is the subject of this film, whose screening will be preceded by band boTECOeletro in concert as part of the 10th annual Cine Fest Brasil in New York.
Books & Literary Events
Beyond The Ties of Blood by Florencia Mallon (Pegasus Books)
Santiago, Chile native Florencia Mallon presents a vivid novel set amid Chile’s violent 1973 military coup. It’s the first fiction release by the Guggenheim and Fulbright fellowship recipient, whose previous books include three non-fiction titles.
Chicago Tribune Printers Row Lit Fest (Chicago, Illinois)
This two-day long festival features a variety of authors across genres, but our favorites include Latino guests Luis Alberto Urrea and Daisy Martinez. The festival also includes vendors, plenty of books, book readings, a special children’s area, flash fiction contest and much more.
Cultural Events
The 2012 National Puerto Rican Day Parade (New York, New York)
This annual parade along Fifth Avenue in New York City celebrates Puerto Rico and its nearly 4 million inhabitants. This year’s theme is “Puerto Ricans in Higher Education” and will feature a variety of personalities and floats, as well as musical performances.
41st Annual Texas Folk life Festival sponsored by the Institute of Texan Cultures (San Antonio, Texas)
Experience the delicious cuisine, traditional dances, fine-crafted keepsakes, storytelling and music of more than 40 ethnic groups at the biggest three-day cultural celebration in Texas.
