Third Puerto Rican Artisan Fair to be held in New York

New York, New York (UCTP Taino News) - The 3rd Annual “Comite Noviembre Artisan Fair and Exhibition" will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2008 in New York City from 11am – 6pm at 405 West 59th St. In keeping with its mission to promote Puerto Rican culture and art as well as to commemorate its 21st anniversary, the Comité has invited Puerto Rican artisans from Puerto Rico and the United States to participate in this event being held at the Church of ST. Paul the Apostle.

Of particular note is the participation of the artist company “Taino Spirit” featuring Aguilar Marrero and Reina Sipainaru Miranda. The works of the duo have been receiving increased attention with their exhibitions and displays being featured at the United Nations, the American Museum of Natural History, and other prestigious venues. Taino Spirit was recently acknowledged by Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion for their dedication to promoting Taino and Caribbean cultural awareness. Artist Aguilar Marrero received an additional distinction with one of his works being selected for the Comite Noviembre’s featured art poster for this year’s event. Marrero will be signing copies of these limited edition Comite Noviembre posters for visitors.

The Comite Noviembre seeks to create a “festive atmosphere” similar to the “fiesta patronales” that takes place in each town of Puerto Rico. The plan is to transform the event venue into a typical Puerto Rican plaza with artists, sculptors, vejigante mask makers etc. promoting and selling their wares while typical Puerto Rican food is sold from kiosks and musical acts entertain throughout the day. Workshops for children are planned such as mask making, the history of the three kings’ celebration, and other activities.

UCTPTN 11.18.2008

Caribbean Women share Immigrant Voices in New York

New York (UCTP Taino News) - An evening of poetry and dialogue about the Caribbean immigrant experience will take place for one night only on Thursday, November 6, 2008 at Chelsea Studios in New York. The event entitled "Immigrant Voices: - Caribbean Women II" will feature several Caribbean Women who will share their stories about leaving their homes and country in search of a "better life in the United States". Immigrant Voices is hosted by Back Home, Art by Mia and CARIB and the program will begin at 7:00pm and admission is $10 with proceeds befitting CARIB, a non-profit organization. Featured artist for the program include Maria Aponte, Cheryl Boyce, Taylor L. Deean Fontaine, Gloria Ester Fontanez, and Reina M. Miranda of Taino Spirit. For additional information on the program call 1(646)300-9650. Chelsea Studios is located at 151 West 26th Street, Studio 607 (6th Fl.), between 6th and 7th Avenues in New York City. (Photo: Reina Miranda of Taino Spirit)

UCTPTN 11.06.2008

Native Artist Robby Romero’s Music Single Enters Top Ten

UCTP Taino News - The new single from American Indian songwriter and performer Robby Romero, "Who's Gonna Save You," enters the top ten at #9 on the National Aboriginal Music Charts. The hit single is now is available on Romero’s new album release Painting The World.

"Painting The World" celebrates the historical adoption of the United Nations' "Declaration on The Rights of Indigenous Peoples", a declaration that underwent the longest period of debate and negotiation of any other international human rights instrument in United Nations history. The album features an impressive array of Indigenous artists from around the world and is intended to “bridge the gap between Indigenous Peoples, human rights, and the environment.”

Guest artists featured on Painting The World include Brian Majloa (Zulu), the Gwich’in Children’s Choir (Gwich'in), Yungchen Lhamo (Tibet), Soni Moreno (Mayan/Apache/Yagui), Sofi Jannok (Saami), the P. Town Boyz (Ojibwe), George Gray (Maori), Ataahua Papa (Maori), Sixto Masaquiza (Quichua), Cameron McCarthy (Kuku-Yalanji),and Roberto Mukaro Borrero (Boriken Taino).

More information on the album and Romero’s discography can be reviewed at http://eaglethunder.com/.

The release of Painting the World took place during the United Nations Permanent Forum On Indigenous Issues Cultural Event on Earth Day April 22 at United Nations Headquarters in New York City with a live performance by Romero accompanied by McCarthy and Borrero.

UCTPTN 11.05.2008

Taino Spirit at Camaradas in NYC

Taino celebrate Equinox and International Day of Peace in the Bronx

Bronx, NY (UCTP Taino News) – Taino People gathered in the South Bronx on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2008 in recognition of the Autumnal Equinox and the International Day of Peace. Organized by the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society, Bohio Attabei Women's Circle, and Iukaieke Guainia in collaboration with Friends of Brook Park the gathering included ceremonies, songs, music, food, and discussion. Along with representatives of the host organizations, also in attendance throughout the day were members of Casa Atabex Ache, and hip hop poetry duo “Taino Survivalists.” A focus on the protest campaign against a proposed Columbus monument in Boriken (Puerto Rico) was featured among the various discussions taking place throughout the day. The plans to erect the Columbus statue are being initiated by the Mayor of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and The Holland Group Inc. The establishment of an international, inter-tribal coalition against the statue was announced. Follow-up on the campaign will be coordinated by the United Confederation of Taino People.

UCTPTN 09.22.2008

Taino will gather to celebrate the equinox in the Bronx

New York, NY (UCTP Taino News) - In recognition of the Autumnal Equinox, the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society, Bohio de Attabey Women's Circle, and Iukaieke Guainia will host a ceremonial family gathering at Brook Park in the Bronx, New York on Sunday, September 21, 2008. In collaboration with the Friends of Brook Park, the gathering will begin at 12noon with the preparation of the sacred fire. The event is free and the organizers have requested that attendees please bring their own musical instruments - maracas, guiro etc. - and food to share. Brook Park is located at 141st Street and Brook Ave in the South Bronx. For more information on the gathering contact mukaro@uctp.org or call 1(212)604-4186.

UCTPTN 09.16.2008

Taino Dancers Commemorate International Day

New York, NY (UCTP Taino News) - Members of the Cacibajagua Taino Cultural Society encourage audience participation during their successful presentation at the American Museum of Natural History on August 9th, 2008. The program was co-sponsored by the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues Secretariat, NGO Committee on the UN International Decade of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, the Tribal Link Foundation, and the United Confederation of Taino People in commemoration of the United Nations International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. (photo credit: John Kwok)

UCTPTN 08.19.2008