I was inspired to learn more about Bomba after attending a presentation in Berkeley by a woman working on her thesis about Bomba. I was drawn into the storytelling of the songs that preserve the voices of those that lived in colonial/post-colonial era of Puerto Rico. I'm also drawn to that drum rhythm that has the ability to open the door to your soul and beyond.
I began my journey equipped with a list of who-to-calls. I asked friends at home who they recommend I look up to take classes. What I have found here though, is that it seems Bomba is harder to connect with then I thought.
On Sunday, after reading a facebook post,we drove to the Balneario de Carolina to hit up the Bomba presentation. San Juan driving is on the next level: LA FREEWAY STYLE back to back cars from Isla Verde to Route 187. Cars parked along the side of the road as far as the eye can see and I even saw a cop giving out tickets!
All of a sudden there was a lane for me to turn. looking for parking on the other side of Route 187 I somehow ended up driving half on the sidewalk and finally entering the Balneario through a gate stating "Salida" as two cops on motorbikes drove past.
The Balneario was packed with families. It's a beautiful beach. We couldn't find the group at the beach that day among the crowd. That's ok though because I have an appointment with Gladys later this week where she's going to teach me one-one-one.
any updates?
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