|
the louderARTS Project |
|
synonymUS |
|---|
|
|
"I had one of the best times I've ever had as a poet. The musical collaborations during the open and showcases are both challenging and respectful, and the jazzy, pinpoint musings of the band made my poems sound new, even to me." Founded in May 2002 by past members of the breathingPOETRY Branch of the louderARTS project, synonymUS is the cutting-edge, alternative word series that has created a unique space for organic arts collaborations. With poetry as a foundation, we have established a dynamic community among artists of different disciplines through our live interactive performance workshops and performances. During the course of the year, this series has presented cutting-edge multi-disciplinary features, including Universes, Mahina Movement, the Urban Folk Collective, Kevin Covall, Slanty-Eyed Mama and Roger Bonair-Agard - to name a few. synonymUS offers an open space for poets, dancers, singers, breakers, painters, DJs, musicians and filmmakers to perform and develop collaborative work. Beginning in September 2004, synonymUS will feature performances on the third Wednesday of each month at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. The evening will begin with the Open Form@, a collaborative open mic event introducing artists from different genres to performance in a rehearsed or improvisational environment. The Open Mic Showcase will follow, spotlighting synoymUS contributors in a more rehearsed and orchestrated expression of their work. Showcase participants are selected from the Open Form@, and will work with synonymUS in the development of their featured work. The evening will close with a multi-disciplinary featured performance that exemplifies the mission of synonymUS. All elements of synonymUS will be recorded, rounding out our effort to help promote artistic community from street to stage. Showcase Open Mic participants will receive complimentary copies of a Demo. Recordings from synonymUS Open Form@ and Featured Performances will be reproduced with the artists’ permission as CD compilations. In between workshops, we will be holding synonymUS JAMs. These give the artist an opportunity to develop work and relationships in a studio/workshop forum. The ensuing dialogue lays the foundation for the pieces to be performed at subsequent performances. Our aim is to provide a community of artistic resources, and to foster cooperative relationships aimed at promoting the word – both at synonymUS, and in all its forms. Our far-reaching goal is to help dedicated artists, by providing a venue and talent pool, in developing individual or group work. A core group of artists provide the support for this ensemble, working together to compose and perform a moving celebration of word.
Curated by Raymond Daniel Medina
Every 3rd Wednesdays @ 6:45 pm
Updated on Tuesday, October 24, 2006
After two years of tearing the roof off The Nuyorican Poets Cafe, we are taking a moment to exhale. Many thanks to all of our poets musicians, dancers, featured acts and spectators who showed us so much support! Special thanks to The Nuyorican for allowing us such a legendary space to breath in the word. The lungs are a miraculous instrument, and either voluntary or not an inhale is always in the making. Keep your eyes, ears and emails peeled to see what venues and schools synonymUS will be popping up next to continue the exquisite movement of collaboration. Much love to our past featured artist/poets/musicians, who challenged, astounded and inspired the synonymUS collective and audiences alike; Jackie Sheeler w/ Talk Engine Patricia Smith Transmitting Edwin Torres VisionIntoArt Duende Sugar Stick John Garettson Eliane Rebecca Hart Saheli Kelly Tsai Brent Shuttleworth Kontrast R.A. Villenueva Marty McConnell to name a few…
|
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .