"69 Years Young" - A Birthday Tribute to Miguel Algarín

On September 11th a well known, dynamic assemblage of accomplished Nuyorican poets will gather to honor one of our living legends. 

Our honoree is a Puerto Rican poet, writer, retired Rutgers University professor of English and co-founder of the most famous poetry hub in the United States, our home away from home, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. 

It is with great pleasure that we invite you to join us in celebrating the life and legacy of one of our own, Miguel Algarín.

With performances by-

Caridad De La Luz (La Bruja)

Simply Rob

Maria Isa

Jani Bomba Rose

Roberto Plena Irizarry 

Hosted by Papo "Swiggity" Santiago of Capicu Poetry &  Cultural Showcase

There will be music, surprise performances and two cakes! Bienvenido! 

$12 at the door

Brought to you by Bomba y Plena of MusingsAndScribbles.com

Sponsored by Latinos NYC

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Algarín was born in Puerto Rico and was educated and raised in a culturally-minded household. The love for all things involving culture always prevailed in his family. He received his primary and secondary education in New York and later went on to college. He developed a love and understanding of the works of Shakespeare. Shakespeare's antique tales were the force which motivated Algarin to strive to oneday have a place of his own where he could tell the story of where he lives. Eventually, Algarín became a Professor of Shakespeare, Creative Writing and United States Ethnic Literature at Rutgers University.

In 1973, Algarín's Lower East Side, Manhattan living room was being used as a gathering place for poets and artists. By 1975, there were so many poets and artists gathering and reciting their works in the apartment, that Algarín decided to look for a more comfortable location. After hosting the poets until 5am teaching at 8am became rather difficult. 

Algarín rented a space on East 6th Street and named it the Nuyorican (New York-Puerto Rican) Poets Cafe. In 1980, Algarín purchased a building on East 3rd Street to expand the cafe. The Cafe is now a non-profit organization that offers programs which include poetry and prose readings, theatrical and musical performances, and visual arts exhibits.

It is where we breathe our souls in sounds inspired by language. It where we bare our pasts, present and future. The newest and the most seasoned are welcome. It is where many of us find out who we are. Here we will honor his life and thank him for the gift and inspiration he has given us. 

Facebook: Jani Bomba Rose

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