A monthly space providing a unique experience for lovers of traditional world music, as well as more contemporary styles and spoken word reflecting present-day socially conscious themes.
The name of SPARC’s latest community cultural endeavor, the “Planet Siqueiros Peña,” is inspired by the revolutionary Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros and the South American musical Peñas that produced a wave of music that took old rhythms to express new realities. Historically, the Peña movement emerged during the 1960’s in Chile and in Argentina in times when oppressive military governments did not allow artists to assemble. They were safe spaces that began in private homes where poets and musicians would discretely come together to share food and wine along with their songs of despair and hope. During the following decades, forced into exile, many musicians moved north bringing the Peña spirit with them.
Next Peña Event @ 685 Venice Blvd. Venice, CA
We are located at the Historic Venice Police Station (our home since
1977), adjacent to the Historic City Hall and the Venice Fire Station,
between Lincoln Blvd. and Abbot Kinney, approximately 5 blocks from
Venice Beach.
Saturday, July 31st 2010 7:30pm - 10:00pm
SUSPENDIDOS
EN EL TIEmpo
Suspended in Time
AN evening
of SALVADORAN POETRY, MUSIC & ART
FEATURING
A CELEBRATION OF POETRY and book release
BY
SALVADORAN POET CYNTHIA GONZALEZ
(FORMERLY KNOWN AS CYN da’ Poet)
WITH Musical performances by
Duo Amanecer, Megan Velasco & DJ Michael Spinz
On Saturday, July 31st, at 685 Venice Blvd, Venice, CA (Old Venice Jail), SPARC’s historic headquarters
since 1977, “Planet Siqueiros Peña” presents an evening of Salvadoran poetry,
music, and art. The night will showcase Salvadoran/Angelino artists:Cynthia Gonzalez (formerly known as Cyn
da’ Poet), musical performances by Duo Amanecer and Megan Velasco and an art
exhibition featuring the works of Leaf, Lizvet Corral, Ofelia Yanez, Timoi De
Leon, and Carlos Rogel. The evening will also showcase the sounds of LA-based
DJ, Michael Spinz.
The evening will feature a book-release and readings by
Salvadoran poet Cynthia Gonzalez from her new book, “Suspendidos en el Tiempo”
(Suspended in Time). Cynthia uses her poetry to soothe the soul, unite
cultures, and become the voice of those who have remained silent. Cynthia was
born in El Salvador and raised in South Central Los Angeles. She began writing
at the age of 14 and since 2006 has performed at several venues and school
campuses throughout California. Cynthia is known for, “her direct style and
ability to tackle sensitive subjects in the Latino community through her work (Lilliane Ballasteros, Oxy College).
Given that Cynthia’s book is being published in Argentina, the
evening will also include a musical performance by Duo Amanecer, a fusion of
Argentine folklore featuring the different styles of Argentine cultural rhythms
like zamba and chacarera. Their performances are known to establish a spiritual
and passionate connection with audiences. Also featured is singer Megan
Velasco; she is known for her performances on Univision’s “Objectivo Fama”, a
Spanish version of American Idol. The sounds of DJ Michael Spinz will open and
close the evening with his commanding style of mixing, blending and having
people dancing.
The SPARC gallery will feature the artworks of five talented
visual artists including: LA-based artist, Lizvet Corral who just completed the
design of Cynthia’s new book, “Suspendidos en el Tiempo”; the feminist art of
Timoi De Leon; the photography/art of Ofelia Yanez; photography by Leaf; and paintings
by Carlos Rogel.
SPARC is proud to present the “Planet Siqueiros Peña” series
that provides a unique blend of socially conscious traditional world music,
contemporary musical styles, and spoken word. Food and open cash bar will be available
during intermission; donations to benefit art school tuition fees for creative
youth in El Salvador.
Planet Siqueiros Pena 
