VivirLatino

Note: I am honored and excited to be participating in this benefit for Miguel. The Nuyorican Poet’s Cafe was the first place I ever read poetry at the ripe old age of 18. I remember Miguel sitting by the door. I remember how nervous I was and how special it felt to be reading there, a place of such history. Grateful to add mi granito de arena among so much talent and community love.

The iconic Miguel Algarín is a man deserving of various accolades, among his most noteworthy being founder of the Nuyorican Poets Café in the Lower East Side in the early 1970s—a place where marginalized voices founded a movement and created a home that Allen Ginsberg once described as “the most integrated place on the planet.” Out of the Nuyorican Poets Café were born books and legends—too many to report here.

So what’s the point?

The man responsible for carving a space for literary and counter-cultural expression in the urban war-zone of the 1970s Lower East Side/Loisaida is in need of our help. Miguel is being forced to vacate his Lower East Side apartment this summer. As a 70-year-old disabled man this is proving to be quite a challenge. So to help offset the cost of his legal fees and other expenses we are throwing a party to raise money for him.

Así mismo.

As a living icon who has given a platform to thousands of marginalized voices in his lifetime, we feel that this is the least we can do for Miguel and hope that you can join us in our celebration in honor of him. Yes, the goal is to raise money, but the way in which we’ll do that is by having fun. Come join us as we revel in the Lower East Side/East Village poetry and performance legacy he helped create…

(Note: All money raised will go to Miguel Algarín. Neither The Phoenix, Latino Rebels, nor the performers will receive any funds raised—we are all volunteering our time.)

When: Sunday, July 24 · 4:00pm – 10:30pm

Where: The Phoenix
449 E 13th St/Avenue A – East Village – 21+
New York, NY

What : A benefit/fundraiser hosted by Charlie Vázquez

Featuring Penny Arcade, Machete Movement and San Juan Hill

With Carlos Manuel Rivera, Bonafide Rojas, J Skye Cabrera, Rob Vassilarakis, Papo Swiggity Santiago, Pietro Scorsone, Gabrielle Rivera, Jani Rosado, Karen Jaime, Maegan “La Mala” Ortiz, Odilia Rivera Santos, Tod Crouch, Deborah Magdalena and Jeny Nilenie and surprise guests!

All are welcome…$5 suggested donation but no one will be turned away…

If you are not in the NYC area or cannot attend but would like to help support, you can make an online donation aqui.