Bomba y Plena at L.I.U. with Flaco Navaja & Machete Mvmnt

Last week we had the pleasure of performing at Long Island University for the The 8th annual Letras Con Sazón brought to you by Capicu Poetry in association with the Xi Chapter of Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha Incorporada and the Psi Chapter of Phi Iota Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.

We served up our own taste of Nuyorico as Bomba y Plena poems with about our culture and perspective. Plena's 5 Borough Death Punch, Nuyorico & Rockin to the Greatest set the pace for the evening. Speaking of the Nuyorican struggle, what the city has to offer, nostalgia for the island, the contrast between where we're from & where we're at and the poisonous pop culture machine and human condition in light of societies disregard for what truly matters, he killed it. Deep stuff! 

Flaco's poetry is theatrical, take you to another place. He embodies the spirit of Hector Lavoe when he's belting our "Aguanile" and tells of of his journey as the amalgam or salsa, reggae, rock and puerto rican protest music. 

Machete Mvmnt played bomba and spit El David poetics with remarkable lyrical flair. We closed the show with a warm familial bomba dance session in which Plena, Flaco & talented dancers Selina "60 Sadie" Rose & Silmarie Nuñez shut the place down with an impromptu showing of Boricua cultura that I will never forget. Pa'lante, mi gente!

Flaco Navaja is a singer, poet, actor, who is born and raised in the Bronx. He sings in both Spanish and English and has toured with various groups across the globe.

Recent singing engagements:
YERBABUENA, New York City’s premier Boricua Roots Music group (Lead vocalist since 2001)
THE NICKY MARRERO ALL STARS (Lead vocalist, 2004)
THE LATIN JAZZ COALITION (Back-up vocalist, 2000-2004)

Navaja’s original style of poetry combines singing, beat-boxing, and spoken word. He was the host of the legendary open mic showcase; “All That! Hip Hop Poetry & Jazz” at the famous Nuyorican Poets' Cafe. He has performed at national and international venues and events. In 2003, he toured internationally with the Tony Award winning Russell Simmons' DEF POETRY JAM and he has appeared on four episodes of the HBO series. He is a New York Theatre Workshop Usual Suspect and a comedian with the Nuyorican Rule troupe.

Theatrical credits:
“THE SEVEN” by Will Power at New York Theater Workshop
“SLANGUAGE” by Universes, at Flint Theater in Vermont, Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, and New York Theater Workshop
“TEA” by Ben Snider at PS 122
“MOMMA'S BOYZ” by Candido Tirado at Repertorio Español, PS 122
“NOW AND THEN” by Michael J Garcez at La Tea

Navaja is a member of Screen Actors Guild and has appeared in several films.
His film acting credits include:
"FIGHTING" Directed by Dito Montiel, starring Terrance Howard and Channing Tatum(2008)
"Shine On" Directed by Agustin (2008) "A KISS OF CHAOS" Directed by Ricardo Thompson
“THE GIRL IN THE PARK” Directed by David Auburn, starring Sigourney Weaver and Kate Bosworth (2007)
“PRIDE AND GLORY” Directed by Gavin O’Connor, starring Edward Norton (2007)
“SANCTIFIED” Directed by Val Lik (2006)
“ON THE OUTS” Directed by Michael Scholnik & Lorie Silverbush (2004) Nominated for two IFC Spirit Awards

Read more:http://www.myspace.com/flaconavaja#ixzz13QExZfcb