Bomba as a Lifestyle

Check out photos of Manny, Angela, Denise, Vitito and Amarilis at Spice, Video of Vitito tearing it up on the 

barril.

Last night as I was eating the cheesecake with guayaba at Bepo's on Loiza Street, it hit me, the realization that this was my last night in San Juan. I came to San Juan in search of Bomba and I found great teachers. I could honestly stay another month comfortably. I'll be returning to San Francisco with Bomba to inspire myself and share with my students and community. Big up all the Bomberos in San Juan and Loiza who took the time share and continue to create Bomba as a living breathing contemporary Puerto Rican art form.
I was able to do this project through Fund For Teachers. If you are a classroom teacher of color in S.F. or Oakland and want to make up your own trip for next summer, I encourage you to apply for the grant.
I return to San Francisco today, but the blog's not over. I found Bomba in San Juan and can't wait to continue to share, practice, learn....

Vezgigante come coco....

On Friday we hit up Taller Tambuye's espectaculo, where Marien Torres' students performed their best. The recital was at La  Repuesta and spectacular it was. La Repuesta is a bohemian joint in full form all the way to the Bob Marley screenprint wall paper in the bathroom (that I want to copy for my classroom). The show began with the little girls dancing with Vezgigante. This video clip above shows my favorite piece. The show gave me great inspiration for what I want to do with the students at my school.

After the show the Bombazo got started and we saw Nayeli, one of my favorite little Bomberas do her thang. Habla, Nayeli!