SYNOPSIS
¡EPA! Artists For Asylum Seekers is an evening of performances, healing, dancing, drinks, & love to raise funds & coats for NYC’s newly arrived asylum seekers. Thousands of immigrants, mostly Venezuelan, are arriving in New York and are being used as political pawns and NYC shelters are overwhelmed. The Good Shepherd Church and South Brooklyn Mutual Aid have become indispensable community centers that provide clothing, sanctuary, food, and resources to our asylum seeking families. Artists for asylum seekers is one of the many ways we will move through crises in such ways; providing comfort, resources, reflection, support and necessary solidarity during devastating times.
Yara Travieso, Guadalupe Maravilla & Lolo Bello brought forth ¡EPA! as part of The Clemente Soto Velez Cultural & Educational Center’s annual BORIMIX Festival. The cultural field is providing a response to the political and social crisis brought on by Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s decision to bus asylum seekers from the border to New York City. A panoply of musicians and performers offered their star-power to attract audiences and raise funds in solidarity with the asylum seekers. These include Venezuelan Grammy award winner DJ "Cheo" Pardo from Los Amigos Invisibles, the earth shattering voice of Carolina Oliveros of Combo Chimbita, the Caribbean powerhouse Xenia Rubinos, the Joropo queen Mafer Bandola of LADAMA, & the all-female salsa group Lulada Club, sponsored by the local Puerto Rican establishment, Que Chevere.
The event raised over $10k and hundreds of winter coats for our immigrant communities. The Good Shepherd Church and South Brooklyn Mutual Aid. Guests can also bring coats to donate. The event also provided information on ways people can continue to support and volunteer for various organizations that have been working on the frontlines to help asylum seekers.
CREDITS
Hosted & Directed by by Yara Travieso
Co-Hosted by, Guadalupe Maravilla
Produced by, Lolo Bello
Presented with The Clemente Soto Velez Cultural & Educational Center’s annual BORIMIX Festival
In partnership with Que Chevere, The Community Spirit, & Polar
MUSICAL GUESTS:
Carolina Oliveros
Xenia Rubinos,
Mafer Bandola
Lulada Club
DJ "Cheo" Pardo