Monday, November 28, 2016

Cuban Flag-raising in Union City

(UNION CITY, NJ) – Following the death of Cuban Dictator, Fidel Castro, the City of Union City’s Mayor, Brian P. Stack and the Board of Commissioners are scheduled to hold a ceremony to raise the Cuban flag in solidarity with the millions of Cubans around the world who have suffered under the Castro regime. 

“We stand together with all Cubans in Union City, Hudson County and around the world who have been enslaved, impoverished, disenfranchised and suffered many atrocities at the hands of Fidel Castro,” said Mayor Brian P. Stack.  “It is my sincere hope that Castro’s death will lead to freedom for the Cuban people and subsequently a relationship with the United States.  When the people of Cuba are finally free, we will celebrate together.” 

Hudson County is home to the largest population of Cuban immigrants in the Northeastern United States.  Cubans in Union City and all over the world are rejoicing in death of the infamous dictator and have expressed hope that real change will come for the people of Cuba.  Repressive laws have allowed for the imprisonment and even deaths of thousands of political protesters and caused many leave their families to seek refuge in the United States.

Union City will hold the Cuban Flag Raising Ceremony at 4 PM on November 28, 2016 at 38th Street and Palisade Avenue across from City Hall.  The Mayor and Board of Commissioners invite the public to join them as they raise the Cuban flag in solidarity with Cubans all around the world. 

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Bahia de Cochinos, Nuestra Perspectiva

Now available on DVD
“Bahia de Cochinos, Nuestra perspectiva"

“Bahia de Cochinos, Nuestra perspectiva" is a documentary film about the Bay of pigs as told through the eyes of Cuban Exiles who actually participated in the invasion.  Now, many years later, they contemplate the happenings and share their individual satires and feelings with us.  That story comes at a price, a price we ask them if they would be willing to pay again.  When all is said and done, are these past invaders resentful?  Do they cast any blame?  Who lost most in the Bay of Pigs invasion?

Featured in the film is testimony by members of the 2506 Brigade: Ángel Casabona Ruiz, Isidoro López González, Ricardo Montero Duque, Raúl Puig Sánchez, and Alvin Ross Diaz; as well as Sergio Gatria, director of the Cuban Information Center.  Their stories are moving and shed light of the infamous Bay of Pigs Invasion.  The film is bound to create some serious dialogue about what truly lies behind the events leading up to the invasion and the fallout thereafter.  

The film is directed by renowned Cuban director, Ricardo Bacallao and Lucio Fernandez; and produced by MeLu Films and The Grace Theatre Workshop, Inc.; Megan Fernandez, Executive Producer.

(Please note, this film is completely in Spanish.)

Order your copy today:

On Amazon.com by visiting:

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Saturday, May 21, 2016

Hudson County's Best Latin Band heads to NYC


Razor Boy Music presents the musical group Maxima Alerta at The Bitter End, located in Greenwich Village, 147 Bleecker Street (between Thompson and LaGuardia) New York City, NY 10012 on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 9:00 PM.   Maxima Alerta is one of the best known bands coming out of Cuba.  The band is now based in Hudson County, and have been selling out concerts wherever they play.  They are celebrating the release of their new single "Vive la Vida" https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9YEtBVjltIc.  Established in 1961, The Bitter End is the oldest rock and roll club in New York City. The classic red brick stage backdrop and intimate vibe make this historic venue almost as iconic as its headliners. For over 50 years, audiences have been blown away by legendary artists like Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Lady Gaga, Jackson Browne, Neil Diamond, Gavin DeGraw, Woody Allen, Jon Stewart, Randy Newman, Billy Crystal, Tommy James, Norah Jones, Donny Hathaway, Curtis Mayfield, and thousands more.

Audiences can expect to dance all night.  This music is for everyone.  Maxima Alerta’s sound is fresh and exciting, with a positive happy message.  Some of their songs you may recognize, such as “La Figura (“Ay Lola”)” which they recorded with the multi-award winning and internationally renowned group Gente de Zona.

Admission is $10 and can be purchased in advance online by visiting: www.BitterEnd.com  (Direct link: http://maximaalerta.bpt.me) This will be a special concert… a night of music and fun for everyone.  Come join the party.  You’re guaranteed a great time.

“Cuban Music with more Flow”  For more information about Maxima Alerta, please visit:  www.MaximaAlerta.com


Union City Artist Awards 2016

www.UnionCityMuseum.org

Benefit Event to Support Art Youth Group


The Grace Theatre Workshop, Inc., a not-for-profit youth based organization dedicated to providing free classes in the performing arts to children, will be holding their annual Spring Cocktail Party on Friday, June 10, 2016 at 7:00 PM at the William V. Musto Cultural Center, 420 - 15th Street, Union City, New Jersey.  The event will feature live performances, delicious food, dance music, and a great time.  The organization will also be presenting Community Service Awards to individuals who have contributed to the betterment of the community as a whole. Please join us on the Red Carpet and wear your best black & white outfit.

Donations for the Spring Benefit are $50.00 per person and can be purchased by visiting: http://www.gracetheatre.com/annualspringbene.html
Now into its sixteenth year, The Grace Theatre provides free classes in Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap/Rhythm, Folkloric Dance/Salsa, Flamenco, Singing, and Acting to children from Hudson County as well as free admission to professional performances to the students and their families. 

The Grace Theatre Workshop, Inc. has received much critical acclaim for its professional theatrical productions and is the premiere presenter of bilingual and Spanish language theatre in the State of New Jersey. 

The Grace Theatre Workshop, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization, and therefore donations are tax deductible.  Any contribution is greatly appreciated.  If unable to attend but would like to make a donation, please log on to:  http://www.gracetheatre.com/annualspringbene.html

Or mail a check or money order payable to:
The Grace Theatre Workshop
P.O. Box 4412
Union City, NJ 07087

For more information, please visit:  www.GraceTheatre.com 

Please support the arts and our children.  

It will undoubtedly be a wonderful evening. 

Monday, May 16, 2016

World Premiere Screening... Bahia de Cochinos, Nuestra Perspectiva

Provocative New Film Premieres in Union City
"Bahía de Cochinos, Nuestra Perspectiva"
("Bay of Pigs, Our perspective") 

(Union City, NJ)  The City of Union City, Mayor Brian P. Stack & Board of Commissioners present the World Premiere screening of the documentary "Bahia de Cochinos, Nuestra perspectiva" on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at 7:00 PM at the Union City Performing Arts Center, 2500 Kennedy Boulevard, Union City, NJ.  Free Admission.  Refreshments served. Free parking at the Parking Deck located on 23rd Street between Summit & Kerrigan Avenues.  The cast and crew of the film will be present.  

"Bahia de Cochinos, Nuestra perspectiva" is a documentary film about the Bay of pigs as told through the eyes of Cuban Exiles who actually participated in the invasion.  Now, many years later, they contemplate the happenings and share their individual satires and feelings with us.  That story comes at a price, a price we ask them if they would be willing to pay again.  When all is said and done, are these past invaders resentful?  Do they cast any blame?  Who lost most in the Bay of Pigs invasion?

Featured in the film is testimony by members of the 2506 Brigade: Ángel Casabona Ruiz, Isidoro López González, Ricardo Montero Duque, Raúl Puig Sánchez, and Alvin Ross Diaz; as well as Sergio Gatria, director of the Cuban Information Center.  Their stories are moving and shed light of the infamous Bay of Pigs Invasion.  The film is bound to create some serious dialogue about what truly lies behind the events leading up to the invasion and the fallout thereafter.  

The film is directed by renowned Cuban director, Ricardo Bacallao and Lucio Fernandez; and produced by MeLu Films and The Grace Theatre Workshop, Inc.; Megan Fernandez, Executive Producer.  The entire film crew was from Hudson County. The producers held a pre-release screening of the film in 2015 to get feedback before completing the project this month. 

(Please note:  this film is presented in Spanish, but informational materials in English will be handed out prior to the screening; and all discussions will be conducted in both English & Spanish.)



###


Pelicula Provocativa estrena en Union City
"Bahía de Cochinos, Nuestra Perspectiva"

(Union City, NJ) La Ciudad de Union City, el Alcalde Brian P. Stack y la Junta de Comisionados presentan el estreno mundial del documental "Bahía de Cochinos, Nuestra perspectiva" el Miercoles, 25 de mayo 2016 a las 7:00 PM en el Union City Performing Arts Center, 2500 Kennedy Boulevard, Union City, NJ. La entrada es gratuita.  Se servirán refrigerios. Estacionamiento gratis en el parqueadero localizado en la calle 23 entre Avenidas Summit y Kerrigan.  El reparto y el equipo de la película estarán presentes.  

"Bahía de Cochinos, Nuestra perspectiva" es una película documental sobre la Bahía de Cochinos representada a través de los ojos de exiliados cubanos que participaron en la invasión. Ahora, muchos años después, contemplan los acontecimientos y comparten sus historias y sentimientos individuales. Esa historia tiene un precio, un precio que les preguntamos si estarían dispuestos a pagar de nuevo. Cuando todo está dicho y hecho, ¿están estos últimos invasores resentidos? ¿Le echan la culpa a alguien? ¿Quién perdió más en la invasión de Bahía de Cochinos, los exiliados, los cubanos revolucionarios, o el pueblo de Cuba?  Esta es una nueva narración de esta historia, y se recuenta con profunda emoción.

La película cuenta con el testimonio de los miembros de la Brigada 2506: Ángel Casabona, Isidoro López, Ricardo M. Montero, Raúl Puig, y Alvin Ross; así como con Sergio Gatria, director del Cuban Information Center. Sus historias son conmovedoras y arrojan luz sobre la infame invasión de Bahía de Cochinos. La película posiblemente creará un diálogo serio sobre lo que realmente sucedió detrás de los acontecimientos que condujeron a la invasión y sus consecuencias posteriores.

"Bahía de Cochinos, Nuestra perspectiva" está dirigida por el reconocido director cubano, Ricardo Bacallao con Lucio Fernandez; producida por MeLu Films y The Grace Theatre Workshop, Inc.; Megan Fernandez, Productora Ejecutiva. 


Sunday, May 1, 2016

Maxima Alerta returns to Maxwell's

After a SOLD OUT performance in February at the legendary Maxwell’s in Hoboken, the musical group Maxima Alerta once again returns to Maxwell’s on Friday, May 13, 2016 at 8:00 PM.  The opening act will be the Grammy nominated artist Ariacne Trujillo accompanied by Olivia Duran.  Maxima Alerta’s director, Ray Machado, says “we love Maxwell’s and Hudson County.  This is our home.  We are so happy to be playing here, and we’re here to stay.” Buy your tickets today, visit:  https://www.ticketfly.com/event/1166891-maxima-alerta-hoboken/

Maxima Alerta is one of Cuba’s best known and loved fusion bands.  The group has moved to the US and it is now based in Hudson County.  They are celebrating the release of their new single "Vive la Vida" https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9YEtBVjltIc.

Audiences can expect to dance all night.  This music is for everyone.  Maxima Alerta’s sound is fresh and exciting, with a positive happy message.  Some of their songs you may recognize, such as “La Figura (“Ay Lola”)” which they recorded with the multi-award winning and internationally renowned group Gente de Zona.

Maxwell’s is located at 1039 Washington Street in Hoboken, NJ.  Admission is $20 paid at the door; or $15 in advance online by visiting www.MaxwellsNJ.com.  This will be a special concert… a night of music and fun for everyone.  Come join the party.  You’re guaranteed a great time.

“Cuban Music with more Flow”  For more information about Maxima Alerta, please visit:  www.MaximaAlerta.com

About Maxima Alerta

Maxima Alerta is known for its fusion of Cuban Music and other genres forming a fresh hip sound.  From son cubano to conga, from cumbia to merengue, from rap to ballads… all with a fresh modern sound taunting audiences on their feet to dance and have a good time. 

The group was formed in Santa Clara, a busy city in the center of Cuba, where Ray Machado aka “El Italiano”, the lead singer, musical director, and composer for most of the songs of the group, developed the band.

In 2003 Máxima Alerta exploded on the scene, hitting radio and television stations with two songs, "Cast pa 'front' and “Adegüello 1895" which very quickly became popular throughout the country. Thanks to these successes, in 2004 they delivered their new album “Llegaron los Alertas”, recorded at Abdala Studios owned by renowned singer/composer Silvio Rodriguez with the French company Lusafrica, and joining their catalog and sharing the stage with popular groups such as La Orquesta Aragón, Polo Montañez, Anacaona, Isaac Delgado, Osdalgia, among others.

In 2005 Máxima Alerta was nominated to Cubadisco as “Best Album Rap, Dance and Hip Hop” which garnered the group great popularity both nationally and internationally, as well as topping the charts. Later in 2009 the group returned to the top of the charts with the song "La Figura" recorded with the group Gente de Zona.

Later in 2011, they released the CD “Alertas para Todos”, recorded and produced by Nando Pro in Havana, Cuba. This is an album containing fourteen tracks, of which six featured special guests: Yulien Oviedo and Dantes (Charanga Habanera); Alexander Delgado y Randy Marcos (Gente de Zona); Sisto Llorente "El Indio" (Orquesta Aragón); Los Cuatro; and Alain Daniel and Ramón Lavado (El Chacal). The CD also features a song dedicated to one of the greatest Cuban baseball players, Victor Mesa.

Maxima Alerta has crafted an intense and dynamic signature sound. This fresh sound is a fusion: elastic bass lines, powerful programming, catchy choruses sung in unison with warlike ardor, counterpoints that owe as much (if not more) to rap as to reggae or Latin beats… it all comes together to showcase voices that drive themselves mercilessly, to unleash a verbal bombardment of exceptional skill and intensity but at the same time accentuating the flavor and influence of Cuban music.

After settling in the United States, Ray Machado reorganized the group and recorded a new production. In October 2015, Maxima Alerta was reborn in the United States performing in two SOLD OUT concerts in New York with Fernandito Villalona. In 2016, Maxima Alert released its new song "Vive la Vida" with an accompanying music video.  Subsequently the group had a SOLD OUT concert at the legendary Maxwell's in Hoboken, and another SOLD OUT concert with Latin bachata star Anthony Santos at the historic 1,500 seat Park Performing Arts Center.
  
“Cuban Music with more Flow”

                          
About Ariacne Trujillo Durand

Grammy Nominee Ariacne Trujillo was born in Havana, Cuba. She began her career as a child prodigy concert pianist. Blessed with perfect pitch, she was able to graduate with honors from Cuba’s hyper-competitive ISA conservatory while working as a singer and dancer at the legendary Cabaret Tropicana. Since arriving in New York City in 2002, Ariacne has performed or recorded with Paul Simon, Paquito D’ Rivera, Wynton Marsalis, Danny Rivera, Jonny Pacheco, John Scofield, Brian Lynch, Esperanza Spalding and Savion Glover. The most recent and significant collaboration of her career is her contribution to the Pedrito Martinez Group.

Such impressive bona fides aside, the most important qualities Trujillo brings to the mix are her ability to improvise both form and content, and her truly relentless sense of time. It’s standard Cuban practice to break down to piano, clave and kick drum, but her work with the Pedrito Martinez Group repeatedly highlighted her talent by breaking down to piano – just piano – and letting the audience experience the unstoppable groove that Trujillo lays down – often while singing lead in her powerful and endlessly flexible voice.
The range of expression in Ariacne’s playing and singing encompasses Classical, Afro Cuban, Latin Jazz, Opera, Ballet, Blues, Jazz, R&B, Soul, and Funk.

Monday, April 18, 2016

Assistance to those affected by the earthquake in Ecuador

Contact:  Mayor’s Office 201-348-5757

Union City offers assistance to those affected by the earthquake in Ecuador

(UNION CITY) Mayor Brian P. Stack and the Union City Board of Commissioners announce the collection of donations for the victims of Saturday’s earthquake in Ecuador. 

“My heartfelt sympathies go out to those families affected by Saturday’s earthquake,” said Mayor Brian P. Stack.  “We will try to assist in any way we can.”  Mayor Stack announced that the Union City Parking Authority would house a trailer to be used to collect canned goods.

“In the aftermath of such a disaster, people are attempting to contact family members to ensure their safety,” said Commissioner Marjorie Martinetti.  “The City is trying to assist families here, in Union City, during this difficult time.”  Families may call a helpline at 1844-668-4543 if they are trying to locate family members in Ecuador. 

For those looking to make a direct donation to the victims, the Consulate General of Ecuador suggests sending donations to the following:

Bank of America – USA
Pennsylvania Avenue & 15th Street NW, Washington D.C.
Account#: 3751560139
Account name:  UNDP Representative in Ecuador Dollar Account
Swift code: BOFAUS3N
ABA number:  111000012

Friday, March 4, 2016

MAXIMA ALERTA @ Drom, NYC

After two back to back SOLD OUT performances at the legendary Maxwell's and at the 1,400 seat PPAC,  Hudson County's favorite Latin band, Maxima Alerta, heads to DROM in NYC on Saturday, March 19th, 2016.  

Maxima Alerta has quickly made a name for itself in the tri-state as one of the most exciting Latin bands in the area.   Its fresh sound, catchy tunes, and energetic performances has garnered the group a strong and loyal fan base.  

Catch the group in its upcoming performance on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at DROM, 85 Avenue A (bet. 5th & 6th Sts.) in NYC.  

Purchase your tickets in advance by visiting:  https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1095243