News
March 2025
What's Going On . . .
Culebrense Theater comes alive. 3/27-29/2025
News
March 2025
What's Going On . . .
. . . a fundraiser!
Carnaval de Música Pa' Culebra 2/22/2025
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A huge thank you goes out to everyone who was present at our Música Pa’ Culebra fundraising activity on Saturday February 22nd. Thanks also to everyone who helped, especially the mothers who cooked a delicious meal full of love! As a Culebra family we began with a brief tribute to Minita Parrilla-Collazo, a very dear teacher who passed away earlier that day. We heard a few words from Cecilio Reyes and a minute of silence was held in her honor. Then three student bands performed; the Tingladitos, Banda 2 and the Steel Breakers. Música Pa’ Culebra has about 65 students enrolled this semester. There was also a presentation of Negroide poetry by the Fundación theater group. It was excellent. Then we had a moment to celebrate 50 years of PAZ in Culebra. In 1975, the US Navy stopped bombing Culebra, thanks to the struggle of the people of Culebra and their allies. We recognized our comrade Benjamin Perez, who was imprisoned in the fight against the US Navy. He was present at the activity. Then Jorgito Marquez, great-grandson of Ramon “Monchin” Feliciano, (mayor who led the fight in Culebra) read the ultimatum that Monchin delivered to the Navy 50 years ago. As a community, it was interesting that the activity was presented while everyone was eating sitting at the tables, which pleased everyone. We also celebrated the birthdays of Maestro Dahjan and Joanna. To close the night, the Steel Breakers surprised everyone... They presented a new repertoire with the song Las Avispas and Baile Inolvidable and Nuevayol, both by Bad Bunny. Two trombones added a nice accent, and the Salsa rhythms got everyone excited. Mauro Jiménez, grandson of the famous Carlos Trombón, from the Calypso group Isleños, showed his new skill on the trombone. Although Mauro did not know his great grandfather, the heritage and talent are present. He was accompanied on the trombone by his teacher Richie Ricardo, everyone was grateful! The musicians also did their salsa steps that turned out really well. A night for history! Our little Musicians went all out showing off their talents. Our teachers were spectacular. A wonderful team. And with the help of ALL of you…. We continue!
News
February 12, 2025
What's Going On . . .
International Chamber Orchestra wows Culebra
On Friday, January 24, Fundación de Culebra in collaboration with the International Chamber Orchestra held a wonderful musical experience for the students of Culebra. They visited both schools, talked with our children, then they played some musical pieces for them. It was an incredible, magical and unforgettable experience, especially for our little musicians. All were totally engaged and very attentive. Thank you to Abbie White, Lisa Olson and Jesus Pagan, liaisons for the schools. On Saturday, January 25, we presented a concert for the history books to about 200 residents and visitors. It began with Diamy Dickson on the piano, with two beautiful and emotional pieces. The little ones' Steel Drum band followed. What a surprise how fantastic the children played and even conducted! Then the Steel Breakers showed their talent and made everyone move in their seats.
The International Chamber Orchestra then took the stage. Five wonderful and talented musicians delighted us all with their beautiful musical performances. This was the fifth year we’ve had the ICO visit. We are always grateful to all who helped make this event possible. Especially to Emilio and Cara Colón. In this way, Fundación de Culebra began the celebration of 50 years of PEACE. It’s been fifty years since this community stopped the bombing by the US Navy. From 1975 when the bombing stopped until 2025 is 50 years of PEACE! We celebrated this PEACE with our children and youth playing Calypso and with the spectacular classical music of the ICO. What a wonderful way to celebrate it. We are very grateful to our friends at ICO, and all who make this possible.
News
January 15, 2024
What's Going On . . .
Matutinos in Culebra; Don't let the tradition get lost!
Matutinos are parties with musicians who play music live from a truck (on land) or from a boat (on water). These leave at 4:30 am and return at 7:30, where everyone shares a delicious asopao. The Fundación de Culebra, in its mission to preserve and promote Culebra traditions and thus strengthen the sense of identity, started last year to restore the tradition here. This year we had two Matutinos on land and two by sea. The logistics are complex because you have to prepare boats, load instruments, prepare sound and amplification, provide drinks, etc. We are very grateful to the team of our Música Pa' Culebra program; Fabian coordinating the musicians with Luz coordinating the logistics, Doug and Dahjan organizing the instruments and Joanna in the asopaos. The drivers of the vehicles, the decoration, etc. A whole mission that takes all day but the satisfaction is incredible. Seeing the community accompanying us in a caravan by land or sea and everyone waking up with joy to the steel drum and Christmas music. It is a priceless gift. It excites everyone and brings back nostalgia for the old days, many years ago, when Cucuito and the local musicians did it.
Matutinas by water! The best thing this year was that we had the student steel drum musicians from MÚSICA PA’ CULEBRA join us and play. They played beautifully! Alexander, Thalia, Joseph and Chichi on the steel drum and Mauro on the guiro showed off their playing. It was a proud moment for everyone, the parents, families and the community in general! We are sowing the seed so that the tradition continues for future generations. The youngest who accompanied us was Jairo (he is only one year old), grandson of Jackie and German. Thank you Fabian for helping coordinate it and taking care of the musicians. Thank you to our teachers/musicians Dahjan (drums), Fabian (drone) Doug (sound and conga), Ruben (congas), Papo (guitar), Mario (bass), Pedro (guiro) and Jesus on the cuatro. Also to H2OWater Taxi, Jackie and German, Joanna for the delicious soup and for everything, all those who came with the decorated boats (more than 15) and even a kayak!. Also to all those who gave us water, ice and helped carry the instruments and sound equipment. A gift for the community of Fundación de Culebra, celebrating its 30 years and H2O! From the big and small musicians! It was a beautiful awakening full of emotion and with children eager to play and follow the tradition.
Matutinos by land in Culebra! We left at 5:00 am to celebrate the beautiful Matutinos tradition through the streets of Culebra. The musicians played wonderful music for almost 3 hours on Mikhail’s flatbed truck. Behind the truck followed a caravan of decorated cars singing the joyful music that lifted everyone in Culebra. The neighbors came out and waved. The musicians: Fabian coordinating and on the steel drum, Dahjan on percussion, Wiki on drums, Ruben on congas, Edwin on brake drum, Alex and Luis Alexander on tambourines, Doug on sound and on the barrille, Mario on bass, Gaby with the tambora, Tomasito on cowbell, Nathania on maracas and Zuleyka singing. There was a special participation from two of the children from the Calypso bands of Música Pa’ Culebra; Thalia who played on the Steel Drum for several songs and at the end Joseph gave us a Calypso. The joy of everyone was super special and a great gift to the community. A community proud to see and share its traditions. We brought the party to Jaime and his family, giving them lots of love and affection from everyone.
We finished with a delicious chicken soup that Joanna prepared with the ingredients that Aneudi and Zuleyka from Colmado El Sol donated to us one day and the next Matutino, Colmado Milka donated to us. We are very grateful to Mikhail (the bravest guide) and Nina and her beautiful daughter Marbella (only two years old) because they prepared the truck with a roof, railings, stairs and beautiful decoration, courtesy of them and Pan Café/ Pan Deli. Luis Frank and Nina for helping with the route of the truck and security through the narrow streets of Culebra, trees and electric cables. Thanks to everyone who went and supported this effort. We are already looking for 4 sponsors for next December, to cover the costs of the asopaos, drinks, coffee, ice, etc. Thankful to ALL who gave us a hand. Special thanks to Fabian, who with his talent with the drone and his humility has won the hearts of this island. The commitment of Fundación de Culebra and its team is to continue with the traditions so that future generations can draw inspiration them. We continue!
News
December 24, 2024
What's Going On . . .
CHRISTMAS CONCERT IN THE PLAZA;
Gift to our community
We had the privilege of using the large stage that was hired by the Municipality of Culebra for the New Year's Eve activity on December 31st. There are no words to explain our excitement because thanks to all of you who helped us make this happen, our children and young people had an experience that they will treasure ALL their lives. The pride and joy of the children. The happiness and pride of the parents and relatives and of an entire community. The tourists and visitors who got to know our music, the Negroid poetry of the Theater group and above all the immense talent that there is in Culebra. They also got to know our organization Fundación de Culebra that we were closing our 30-year celebration on December 30. The activity was spectacular. We had the street full of people who got to know another Culebra, where the faces of the children and young people spoke and radiated pride and happiness.
Quoting our teacher José Fabian Rosa: “In Culebra we have an army of talented children and young people eager to learn to play music and to keep the traditions alive” We hope that this will be an event that marks new and future collaborations where Culebra shines with the wonderful talent we have here. This year, for the first time in many years, the Banda de Los Locales was invited to play on December 31st, where our teacher José Fabian Rosa is the Musical Director. He decided to invite two of our band students Luis Alexander “Goldi” Rivera and Keira Lebrón Munet, who played alongside the band of greats, professionals and with great pride with their beloved teacher. Many achievements and good energy for everyone. Happy New Year 2025! For them we will always continue!
Our thanks to: *Municipality of Culebra, the Hon. Mayor Edilberto “Junito” Romero *Rolando Santa- Producer * Pingüi Sound * Support from the Culebra Police to close the street *Alex Ayala brought the truck and helped to bring everything and return all the instruments * Maestros Dahjan and Maestro Fabian * Maestro Jorge De Jesús and Richie Ricardo * Doug Lang and Tommy Padrón, video and photography *Parents and Godfathers who helped to move everything and with the logistics.
News
December 30, 2024
What's going on . . .
30th Anniversary Celebration of Fundación de Culebra
at the Club Nautico de San Juan.
Thanks to all who joined us at Club Náutico in San Juan for making this fundraising party a real standout! The event began with a slideshow presentation where a brief summary of the 30 years of the organization and its 5 areas was presented: The Culebra Museum the Juan J. Romero Digital Archive the Culebrense Environmental Leaders group Música Pa’ Culebra And the Resiliency Program - with its current focus on putting the Casa de La Música y la Resiliencia into operation. This facility will provide necessary accommodations for teachers, visiting groups and program facilitators as well as providing a community meeting and performance space.
Then the music began. Our kids rocked it! Diamy Dickson played a beautiful piano accompanied by her teacher Jorge de Jesús Laboy and Richie Ricardo on the congas. Then the Steel Breakers Band played excellently, surprising everyone with how much they have improved. Our music teachers Dahjan Vargas and Jose Fabian Rosa are very proud of the student achievement. And rightly so. We honored Fabian for motivating the redevelopment of steel drum music in Culebra and helping to rejuvenate the local music scene. There was surprise recognition for Luz Cantwell, Executive Director of FC and Coordinator of the MPC Program. We really surprised her! First there were words from Maestro Fabian, followed by a tribute from Luis Alexander, who was student of Música Pa’ Culebra since 2016, and spent time as a teacher's assistant. Luz’s husband Richard shared some moving words. The Steel Breakers then dedicated and performed the song Preciosa for her. The other surprise was a gift of the work "Tribute to the Drum" a work made by a sister of Luz's life and great Raku ceramic artist, Roxanna Jordan. Luz said: “THANK YOU all for this special recognition.... I love you all very much and I have no doubt that I do everything with immense love. We continue!” Culebra en la Casa made everyone sing, dance and have a lot of fun. We closed with a group of pleneros that made the party even more exciting. Every year, this party becomes a more special celebration and it gets better. There is a spirit of unity, joy and hope for a better community, and a better Culebra in the positivity of our children.
Thanks to all the Culebra Lovers, those who attended and those who could not come but sent us their donation to support the Culebra Foundation and its programs. Important to recognize: Club Nautico de San Juan, Mendez and Co., Martin’s BBQ, El Nuevo Dia, Bernardo Fiol, Jorge Marchand, Sandra Rodriguez from Hechizos Gráficos, Azalea Garcia, Carmen Muñoz-Chappuis, Desiree Mieses, Christie Dubon, Paulina Mieses and the volunteers from Puerto Rican School for Girls, Joey Sala, Arq. Jose Coleman-Davis, Francisco Tirado, Carlos Rodriguez VAL, Gilbert San Lorenzo, Yadira Rivera, Joanna Perez, Justin Sullivan, Richard Cantwell, Carla Rivera, Amarilis Flores, Dr. Tamara Perez, Silmarie Padron. The Teachers: Dahjan Vargas, Jorge de Jesus, Doug Lang, Eduardo Padron, Tommy Padron, Richie Ricardo, Jose Fabian Rosa and Maribel Diaz. Special thanks to all the parents of the students who helped make this event happen. It’s a complicated process to transport kids and equipment from Culebra to San Juan and back. It couldn’t be done without a lot of helping hands. Congratulations and we continue in 2025!
News
September 28, 2024
What's going on . . .
Will Colón and the story of steel drums in Culebra
The Culebra Foundation is documenting the history of music in Culebra, especially that of the steel drums. We decided to invite Will Colón from Vieques and his wife Carmen to visit us. Will is a pioneer musician in playing and making steel drums. We thank Vieques Air Links and its president Carlos Rodríguez for donating the ticket. In fact, it was very important because Will was the first Viequense pilot to fly with VAL when it was created. Will is 80 years old at this time and came to Culebra when he was 14 years old. The story is fascinating about how they came to Culebra for a party, because the mayor of Vieques coordinated it, and so the band of young people arrived in Culebra. This was around the 60s. At that time there was no high school in Culebra, so those who wanted to continue studying moved to Vieques. There began lifelong friendships, affection and musical relationships. Among the locals who went to Vieques to study were Benjamín, Víctor Félix “Cucuito”, Edgardo “Gardín” Romero, Eddie Romero among others. We had a get-together on Saturday, September 28th, when Will and his wife arrived in Culebra. That day they got together; Benjamín, Gardín, Mario, Fabian and also our theater director Cecilio Reyes. We recorded the interview and the exchange between everyone. It was a day with a lot of magic and a lot of love. We collected our musical history and created another, a new one. We will tell you about it later. We recorded and then they played together as if they had always done it, we visited the Museum, the island and we ended up in the patio of Benjamín's house, Puerto de Palos. There we toasted to such a wonderful day and to the importance of rescuing our history and rescuing the brotherhood between the islands.
News
September 29, 2024
What's going on . . .
Fundación de Culebra: Celebrating 30 Years!
Thanks to El Nuevo Dia for the coverage.
We are proud of our achievements as a community organization in Culebra. We are grateful to the newspaper Nuevo Dia for the coverage and the wonderful experience for our children and youth. The community reacted with pride and joy. We thank Jorge Marchand for his constant support of our projects and our organization. We also thank Maria Eugenia and Maria Luisa Ferre for their support with the coverage. We continue for our community!
News
October 15, 2024
What's Going On . . .
CULEBRA - America's First Solar Island! in a coloring book
by Luz Rivera-Cantwell
Executive Director
This is a coloring book that explains how solar systems work and how important they are to us in Culebra. The publication is beautiful with all the icons of Culebra! A dream that Sonia Arocho and I shared, and today it is a reality. Education is our North Star, because we know that it is the way to achieve change. Thank you Chichi for being the main character that guides other children to be part of this effort. It was a surprise for her! Thanks also to the Environmental Defense Fund, the Center for Creative Economy, Rachel Simon and Rosa Colón: SODA Pops, designer of the book. It has already been presented to the children of the Ecológica, soon it will be presented to Abbie's School. Fundación de Culebra will give a book to each school aged child in Culebra. There will be books available in Spanish or English at the Museum for a donation of $5.00. Thanks to Lissette Nuñez (librarian), Dimarie Ramos (Eco School Director), all the teachers, Tommy Padrón, Sandra Bermudez and the special guests. It was a pleasure to read the story with the children, explain it and have each one make a commitment to be part of this effort. This is for them! We are asking parents to have their children tell them the story. It was a fun day for our children and youth!
News
What's Going On . . .
VIEQUES CARNIVAL 2024
July 21, 2024
We took 17 Culebra children of the Steel Breakers band, to the Vieques Carnival. It was quite a mission! Our entourage included the children, parents, families, program staff with an ENTIRE community in their hearts supporting us! This was possible THANKS to HMS FERRIES and Matt Miller for sponsoring the special chartered ferry trip between the two islands. We left at 11:00 am and returned at 8:00 pm. We also thank Natasha Rivera from the Municipality of Culebra and everyone who helped. In Vieques we want to thank Yistali Serrano from the Municipality of Vieques, for the food, water and facilities she welcomed us with. Also for the prime parking spot for the instrument truck. To Yamilette Albert, mother of one of the girls, for coordinating and providing lunch for the kids and staff. A very special THANK YOU to a SPECTACULAR group of PARENTS who accompanied us and helped with the activity (a requirement for the children to travel). It was a lot of work but it was immensely satisfying. THANK YOU to our Música Pa’ Culebra staff (Dahjan, Fabian, Doug, Eduardo, James) and support group, Richard, my sister Jeanette, Yadi, Mario, Joanna, Cecilio and all those who support us! It was an honor to meet the famous drone operator Will Colón from Vieques and we are already planning to interview him to collect stories between the islands. We had the opportunity to meet the mayor of Vieques, José Junito Corsino. He invited us to speak on stage about the Culebra Foundation and our 30-year celebration and what we do in our programs and community. It was an honor to have our founder Juan Romero's name introduced to the Carnival crowd. After the mayor of Vieques heard the steel drum set, he invited the children's band to play again next year! Our first Carnival! We learned a lot about logistics and organisation, but we were satisfied with our kids who lit up the party and got everyone dancing and hungry for more. Seeing the giant Culebra flag on the stage filled all of our souls. I leave you with photos and music...experiences for a lifetime! We are proud of our kids.
News
What's Going On . . .
MPC Summer Camp and
Camp Closing Concert 6/29/2024
June 2024
“We Are All Musicians” was this year’s theme. The closing concert was a night full of emotions after an intense month. We had, on a daily basis, between 70 and 80 kids from 5 to 14 years old. With a great team of 9 teachers, 2 volunteers and Luz coordinating, we presented the Summer Closing Concert with a full house. We had a ukulele performance, singing, small steel drums, dance performances and the Steel Drum bands of the older kids. During camp, the children received lessons in guitar, violin, cello, piano, percussion, band, art, dance, podcast, production, reading and games. They also had workshops on traditional games, gymnastics and fishing. They were four weeks full of fun learning, play and creative activities supervised with a lot of love. Our team is tired but satisfied with the work accomplished: we provided a fun, safe environment, gave them new experiences and made them happy and proud of themselves. We had the World Premiere of a new arrangement of the song Preciosa by Rafael Hernández by the steel drum band. It was a beautiful gift from teacher Dajhan Vargas and the young people of Camp MÚSICA PA CULEBRA. We recognized our beloved and talented teacher Dajhan with a plaque and a gift for his extraordinary work. It was a night full of emotion, where the children offered their talent to their families and their community. The audience filled the house and every corner of the Old School. We are helping to strengthen roots for our beloved Culebra. We believe that the relationships of these young people will stay with them and will make a stronger community. Thank you to everyone who has helped support this objective. You are the engine that makes it happen; Justin Sullivan, Bertil and Carmen Chappuis, Galina Elisman Borschow and Lic. Manuel Dubon. WE ARE ALL MUSICIANS AND WE ARE TOUGH! (daily affirmations with our children) 1. What can we do in life? Anything. 2.Who can achieve it?We can. 3. What if there are obstacles?We persevere. 4. What if we fail?We try again. 5. What if they tell us we can't?We look for other ways. 6. What if it is difficult?It try harder. 7. What if it takes time?We double down. 8. Who can get things done?We can. We are musicians! And we are the tough!
News
What's Going On . . .
Musical initiative resonates in Culebra thanks to the Rimas Foundation and Música Pa’ Culebra.
July 1 and 2, 2024
Music has had a different sound for more than 20 children and young people from Culebra who participated this week in a series of workshops to convert popular songs into steel drum rhythms thanks to a pioneering initiative led by the Rimas Foundation and local teachers from the Culebra Foundation, as part of their “Music Pa’ Culebra” program. The workshops took place on July 1 and 2 in Culebra with the aim of promoting the development of musical skills, self-esteem and teamwork among the young people of the island municipality. To this end, the foundations organized and mobilized experts and referents of popular music such as producer David B and artist Rafa Pabón. These, along with local teachers Dahjan Vargas and José Fabián Rosa from the Culebra Foundation and “Música pa’ Culebra,” led educational talks and practical sessions to learn how to turn popular songs into vibrant steel drum rhythms. “The RIMAS Foundation continues to focus on adding opportunities in music, arts, and sports to Puerto Rican children and youth. This time we mobilized our efforts to give a different opportunity to the children and youth of Culebra. We thank the Culebra Foundation and the entire community for opening the doors to new experiences for young people in music,” said José Ramón “Benny” Benítez, general manager of the Rimas Foundation. The workshops were held in a community environment of solidarity and learning, promoting not only musical skills, but also a sense of community and resilience among the participants. This event underlined the importance of providing platforms for cultural expression and personal development of young people. At the end of the day, the participants led a special performance where they showed their talent and the knowledge acquired, performing iconic songs such as “Me Fui de Vacaciones” by BadBunny, “TQMQA” by Eladio Carrión and “Aiwo” by Rafa Pabón. “Fundación de Culebra, celebrating its 30th anniversary, wants to thank Fundación Rimas for offering these workshops to our children and youth from Culebra. Our program “Música Pa’ Culebra” feels honored that they have chosen us for this special opportunity,” said Luz Rivera-Cantwell, executive director of Fundación de Culebra. The activity had the support of the community and the logistical support of Jerry’s Jeep Rental, who facilitated the transportation of the organizers during their stay on the island municipality.
News
What's Going On . . .
MPC Semester Closing Concert May 2024
May 30, 2024
Culebra Foundation celebrates 30 years! The semester Closing concert started things off with Isabella, Vida and Alma performing on the small steel drums, with Arcadio playing the drumset. They played well and showed their hard work. Then came Steel Drum Band 2. It’s nice to see how these young musicians continue to develop and how good they sound. The tightness of the steel drums with the drummers made it exceptional. Then teacher Fabián presented a song "Under the Sea", which was performed on the steel drums by a small group of three students. It turned out spectacular. We finished the show with the Steel Breakers! They presented a new repertoire that surprised everyone. The ensemble playing of these young people makes it feel like a unit. Their energy and pride was spectacular. Everyone who heard them was impressed and we were able to recognize all the new musicians who put their hearts into each musical melody. Then everyone went to eat mantecados and celebrated the joy of knowing that they did an excellent job. The talent of our children in Culebra is immense and we look forward to supporting their future growth. It is very important to recognize the work of the wonderful teacher Dajhan Vargas. We are grateful for his commitment and dedication to teaching and polishing the talent of our children. We are also grateful to teacher Fabián for his commitment to our program and our children. Thank you to the families and everyone who supports us and shares our achievements.
News
What's Going On . . .
Celebration of the 25 years of the Canal Luis Peña Marine Reserve and the Opening of the Fishing Center
June 14 and 15, 2024
Música Pa’ Culebra joined the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Canal Luis Peña Marine Reserve and the inauguration of the Fishing Coop. On Friday, the 14th of June, we celebrated the anniversary of the Marine Reserve at Summer Camp with a half day workshop and a drawing and commitment activity with all our children. It was a great way to educate the next generation about the history of our Canal Luis Peña Reserve. On Saturday June 15th, the entire community celebrated this important achievement. It felt like the old Culebra town festivals where almost everyone knew each other, residents, friends, visitors. The two Música Pa’ Culebra bands were invited to play. The two bands performed a rousing set. Then the old band Los Isleños with Fabian on the steel drum and other new musicians closed the night in an unforgettable way. We are grateful to teachers Dajhan Vargas and José Fabián Rosa Santos. Also to the parents for their support. Especially to Alex Ayala, Hamara Munet, Yamira Munet and Vitito and Kiwanna Ortiz. We continue for them always! Culebra Foundation celebrating 30 years with pride!
News
What's Going On . . .
CULEBRENSES ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERS
graduation of group two
June 6, 2024
Our second environmental leaders group completed their year of nature workshops and educational experiences. Bravo! Educating our young people for the conservation of our our island is an important part of the mission of the Fundación de Culebra. Their closing activity was a trip to Las Cabezas Lighthouse, which they enjoyed very much. We are now recruiting for the next group. Congratulations to all who participated in the program. We are grateful to Para La Naturaleza: Gabriela and Chris. And to Fundación de Culebra for Eggie. Onward! Celebrating 30 years of Culebra Foundation
News
What's Going On . . .
Sue Zinkowski
We Celebrate Her Life
April 12, 2024
On the night of April 4, the sky showed its most beautiful colors, as our beloved Sue Zinkowski made the transition and filled it with her magic and special talent. Sue loved Culebra and Culebra has always loved her. There are so many of us who will miss her, but we know that you are with your dear Nick. As you told us at the end "I am so lucky to have lived my life here in Culebra and to have so many friends who care for me and love me. Many thanks to Sara, Karen, Ann, Tony, Sara, Richard and everyone who supported me along this path.” Then we celebrated Sue's life. The family and friends of our beloved Sue Zinkowski held an informal service at the Culebra Cemetery on Friday, April 12 at 9:30 am. That day we celebrated her life and also Nick's. That day we met a large group of Sue's friends, from all the Culebra groups. We met as a family and shared our stories, with the company of her beloved dog Tara. Afterwards, Bill and Sara Mailloux invited us all to her house in Cerro Balcón for an exquisite brunch. We all gave a warm welcome to Culebra to Sue's niece, Barbara, and Nick's children, Kim and Guy, and granddaughter Rebecca, who made the trip to Culebra in Sue's honor. We had a Culebra family style celebration, celebrating Sue's life with photographs and stories. Sara expressed, “I have felt the love and comfort of so many people on our island these past few days. I appreciate each of you very much, as does Sue.” Sara behaved like the daughter Sue always dreamed of. Together we celebrate the privilege of having her in our lives. Sue you will always live in our memory.
News
What's Going On . . .
TRIP TO ST. THOMAS –
Steel Breakers Music Band of Música Pa’ Culebra
May 3, 2024
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A brief story of how the idea for this trip began. German suggested that it would be good to expose the kids in the band to other St. Thomas Carnival youth bands. Soon after, 4 of the children arrived to say that we need to talk. They wanted to go to St. Thomas for Carnival, but their parents told them they had to talk to me about it. It was super important. They stated that they wanted a uniform, I explained to them that Fundacion funds are often restricted and they said well we have to raise funds. They quickly came up with three ideas; concert for $5.00, sell food and car wash. We did two out of three, they played and we sold food and raised the funds. When the kids came I told them that we had to have a parents' meeting, they immediately corrected me and said; Luz and children. At that moment I told them that I was going to be a facilitator, that the meeting was theirs with their parents, and that the teachers had to be included. That's how it went. We had two parent meetings and uniform distribution for the Steel Breakers Band musicians. Super proud of everyone. Their happy and proud faces say it all.
Grateful to H2O Jackie and German for donating the shirts to the musicians and MPC staff. Talking, dreaming together and planning how to work to make them come true. The fundraising activities were a success. The mothers and fathers got busy working on the activity and cooking the delicious lunch. Joanna, Cecilio, James, Tomasito, Alex, Cindy, Edwin and many others helped too. The community supported us and many happy faces sharing with family enjoying the event. The teachers Dajhan (directing) and Fabian (supporting and playing) went the extra mile to be with the kids. The band's musicians played for almost 3 hours, proud and demonstrating their talent. Then they took all the instruments back to the school. When they finished, they went to share and celebrate the success of their presentation. Thank you all for your support. The HOUSE OF MUSIC AND RESILENCE already has a heart and belongs to our community. We continue for them Always! Friday, May 3, arrived, a day of a super experience for everyone, the trip to St. Thomas and the Children's Carnival. Leaving Culebra super early, going by boat traveling through the sea, looking at our island from afar and then arriving at another sister island, the colors, the people, the accents, etc. There is no better experience to feel Caribbean and Culebrense. Three boats with super captains; German (with all the children and some parents), Alex and Ranthy. We went and enjoyed the extensive and impressive Children's Carnival. Troupes of all kinds, batuteras, MokoJumbies, musical bands and Steel Drums bands. Children like ours climbing on double-decker trucks playing their hearts out. The largest band was three trucks and they sounded spectacular! Our children recognized some songs that are already in their repertoire full of emotion, carrying their Culebra flag with immense pride during the stop. We talked to the Tourism Office, who coordinate the Carnival for next year, to see if we can take the kids. We also met a friend of Fabian who is a Steel drum teacher and also has a jazz group. Building bridges to try to get other experiences for our kids. The children behaved very well. We are very proud of them. They learned that for dreams to come true you have to work for them. Also that they are an example and that they are a team, that we all take care of each other. We left satisfied and happy, and although we were running because the rain was coming, we arrived at Culebrita so that the kids could take a dip while customs filled up. Fundación de Culebra and its program MÚSICA PA Culebra we are convinced of the talent of our children and with the support and commitment of this group of mothers, fathers and teachers we are going to bring them out so that everyone can know them. Thank you to everyone who supports us because this is your achievement too. Special thanks to; MOTHERS AND FATHERS: These parents went to make the children's experience unforgettable and they achieved it. Jackie and German, Hamara and Alex, Kiwana and Ranthy, Yanina and Josue, Yamira and Vitito, Leyshla, Nicole, Zuleyka and Bebita. Also to Dominga, Tomasito and Jenna. Our little girls, Ana and Tanisha, were great. With this team of mothers and fathers we can achieve what our children want because with their talent and the commitment of parents and teachers we arrive. TEACHERS: Dhajan and Fabian are brave people with a big heart and commitment. Reviving the steel drum tradition in Culebra is an example of cultural resilience. We are achieving it thanks to you. We love you very much and are forever grateful! BREAKFAST: Nina and Mikail from Pan Cafe/ Pandeli gave us all breakfast sandwiches! Thank you! SNACKS AND WATER: Alex and Hamara, grateful for everything! MIX SANDWICHES: They took them in their snack bags. Thank you so much Baby. DOMINGA: Everyone's grandmother who took care of them, made them laugh and dance all the way down We returned exhausted but satisfied... and before arriving they asked me "Luz, when is the next excursion?"
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What's Going On . . .
Culebrense Community Theater LIVES!
April 18 and 19, 2024
The Culebra Foundation Theater Group presented the play Los Soles Truncos by René Marquez, for two nights in the new theater in Culebra. It was directed by Cecilio Reyes Matos, with a wonderful cast made up of Yadira Rivera, Kiwana Ortiz and Cynthia Consuegra.
They captivated the audience. Silmarie Padrón and Joanna Pérez did an excellant job as prompters and assistant directors. The spectacular set design was created by Marcos Lastra and Carlos Carrión. Lights were by Franchesca Climent and Sound by Jordi and Susie. The entire production staff worked as a team. The Community gathered as a family. Adults, young people and children enjoyed it. The children and young people came both days and behaved very well. There was a full house both nights! The surprise extra for the night was a short video made by the Culebra Foundation of the history of the Culebrense Community Theater. Dedicated to Cecilio and honoring the memory of Miss Sonia Arocho. Thanks to our sponsors; Villa Fulladoza, Treasure Bay, La Cava, Mi Pequeña Patria, Carlos Jeep and Posada La Hamaca who are the driving force behind our achievements. Above all, thanks to a great work team that put their heart into this production. Thanks to Cecilio, Yadi, Kiwana, Cynthia, Silmarie, Joanna, Fabian, Marcos and all the staff and team at the theater. Thank you Carmen Muñoz-Chappuis for your attention to detail and for always being part of our team. With the slogan that our historian Tamara Pérez gave us: Rescuing History to Preserve Memory... this is how the Culebra Foundation continues to celebrate its 30 years.
News
What's Going On . . .
30th Anniversary Celebration at the museum
Friday 15th of March 2024
Our 30 years of Culebra Foundation celebration at the Museum was a wonderful night! On Friday, March 15, 2024 we celebrated the people that have supported the Fundación de Culebra, as a community non-profit organization since 1994.
The Museum was a full house, Cecilio Reyes gave the toast, with everyone standing. We toasted Juan, Josefina, Fili, Sonia, Filippo, Vincent and all the hands that have made this work possible over all these years. We presented the legendary story of Nick Zinkowski, and we saw his book and the antique diving suits that he used, thanks to a donation that his beloved wife Sue provided for everyone's enjoyment. We recognized our Culebrense Musicians; Gardin, José, Eddie, Noemi, Mario, Jorge, Juan Juan, Chirito and Juni Prieto. We enjoyed the artworks donated by Maestro Antonio Martorell, especially the original work congratulating the Culebra Foundation for the patriotic feat of these 30 years. Our beloved teacher Cecilio Reyes with the coordination of Joanna Pérez introduced the spectacular declamations of negroid poetry by Fortunato Vizcarrondo and Luis Pales Matos. Everyone performed masterfully, Cecilio, Fabian, Yadi, Idalmari and Camila. We closed with a spontaneous Bohemia, all joining in to sing as family.... Thank you, Joanna, Richard, Rachel, Yadi for the food. Thanks to Tony who helped us put together and mount Martorell's works. Thanks to Doug, Tommy, Cuca, Sandra and Elisa. Thanks to Héctor and Sandra from Colmado Milka. And thanks to all who helped and attended. We spent it as a family as we used to do in Culebra...we hope of make these kinds of events a regular occurrence. If Music is the soul of the people, Culebra has a giant soul! There is a solid core of musicians on our island and there is a lot of fine talent.
What's Going On . . .
30th Anniversary Celebration at Música Pa' Culebra
Saturday 16th of March 2024
On Saturday the 16th, we held the 30 Years Celebration honoring our musicians. We did it at the Old School with an extensive program full of surprises. The exhibition of photos taken by photographer Doel Hernández and old photos of musicians is spectacular. You can still go see it at the school.
The event started with a super full house, we had a panel discussion with some of our musicians: José, Gardin, Benjamín, Mario and Noemi about music and the beginning of musical groups in Culebra. This is the kickoff for a project with UPR of Mayagüez, the Oral HistoryLab, which runs until September. We will videotape a series of interviews with Culebrense musicians to document their experiences as musicians in Culebra. We honored Gardin and Benjamín as musicians for their contribution to the history and culture of Culebra. We also posthumously honored our beloved Mañengue, who lived and shared his music for 15 years in Culebra, to whom we all gave a standing ovation. We began the musical activity with our youngest musicians who presented a piece on the tiny steel drums. Then the two youth steel drum bands played like greats, in a spectacular way, directed by Maestro Dahjan Vargas. We were surprised by a visit from the great musician Giovanni Hidalgo who came to greet us and talk to the children about the music. This despite the sadness of having come to collect his father Mañengue’s belongings in Culebra. It was an emotional moment. The surprise of the night was the return of Nueva Sonora Culebrense! It was spectacular, with the musicians; Mario, Rubén, Papo, Toño, Wiki, Rolando, Graciela and Fabian. They brought back memories and made everyone dance and sing....and they made us all happy as only music can do. We closed the night with the masterful presentation of Charlie Sepúlveda and the Turnaround with their tropical jazz. The musical quality of these internationally renowned musicians left everyone amazed. Especially those who are musicians because they recognize this special talent. We are immensely grateful to the CENTRO DE ECONOMIA CREATIVA for sponsoring the event. Also to Yadi, Elisa, Tony, Tommy, Doug, Mario, Fabian, Dajhan, Nathania, Joey, Cecilio, Eneida, Cuca, Joanna, Rosalinda and Nervadiris. Thanks to Sandra and Hector of Colmado Milka, to Caribe Digital of UPR for the design of the history books and materials and to the Oral History Lab UPR Mayagüez. We ended the event exhausted by the effort, but with a heart full of gratitude and emotion. We once dreamed of reviving the Culebrense musical tradition of the Steel Drum and of connecting the older generation of musicians with our youth. This is clearly happening. When we see the excitement and pride of the children as they play steel drums, it gives us immense happiness and fills us with a lot of love. Thank you all for your presence and for your support to continue our projects! Let's continue!
What's Going On . . .
Concert by the International Chamber Orchestra
and the Música Pa’ Culebra Band
Saturday, February 3, 2024
In celebrating our first 30 years we had the honor of sharing the ICO’s 5th year touring Puerto Rico. As in years past, they started this year’s concert tour in Culebra. Our dear Emilio, Cara, Sophia, Steven and Corey are international musicians that have become family. They give us the most valuable gift; their time and talent.
On Friday, the ICO did a presentation at the Escuela Ecológica. That evening there was a cocktail event at Eng. Joseen Rossy's house with music from the ICO. The next day, the musicians gave a workshop to our MPC children and shared the stage on Saturday with the Música Pa’ Culebra steel drum band. What a musical banquet it was.
They performed before an unprecedented audience of around 300 people! It took place at the Old School which was recently painted and full of color, thanks to a generous donation from architect Antonio Álvarez.
Our Steel Drum Band students played joyfully, led by their teacher Dajhan Vargas. It was a celebration of our Caribbean culture and heritage. Then we had a masterful performance of the International Chamber Orchestra accompanied by our teacher and symphonic percussionist Fabian Rosa. It was a magical night in the history of our beloved island.
Thanks to everyone who helped make it a reality. Thanks to our special guests Cecilio, Benjamín, Carmen, Azalea, Marinelba, María Amelia, Lulu. Thanks to Tony, Elisa, Tommy and to parents and family. Thanks also to H2O’s German and Jackie for giving the musicians a day trip to Culebrita, so they had an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of our island.
Producing events like this requires complex logistics, transportation, accommodations, meals. Thanks to Carlos and Coral of VAL for airfare. Thanks to the architect Jonathan and Sharon Marvel for food after the concert. Thanks to Fundación AIREKO for handling and transporting the piano. And thanks to Justin, Joey and the many who helped us in various ways.
There are many of us who are grateful to you, thank you all for your presence and support.
#Fundaciondeculebra Celebrating 30 years! We continue!
What's Going On . . .
Closing Out 2023
Wednesday, January 23, 2024
This year we celebrate 30 years of the Fundación de Culebra working with the community for the community.
We had an incredible end to 2023,full of activities, where many important bonds were created and many traditions were revived.Here we present a summary of everything that happened.
We are very grateful for the joyful support from the parents and other members of the community who helped us organize these events. We couldn’t accomplish so much without this support.In addition to forming the New MPC Steel Drum Band, we will be forming a second youth Steel Drum bandas an introduction for the younger kids.We have a new piano teacher, a weekly Bomba Circle with dancing on Wednesdays and we are organizing opportunities for musicians of all ages to play every Friday.
To all those who have supported us, in various ways, we want to offer a big THANK YOU. You are the driving force behind every achievement big or small. This year we will be hosting many activities so stay tuned.
PROJECT: HOUSE OF MUSIC AND RESILIENCE.
We broke ground on this project this past November on a property donated to the Fundacion by Justin Sullivan. It will be a place to comfortably house teachers and facilitators when they come to serve our community.
The property will also serve as a resiliency center, providing essential services during community emergencies and it will be a model for teaching energy efficiency.Our first step will be converting a shipping container into a performance/community space. One of our big goals for 2024 will be a fundraising campaign to pay for renovating the house which needs substantial improvements.
Endless thanks to Justin Sullivan, Mike Gifford, Douglas Lang, Jose Hernandez (Tony) and Ivan Vanchy Porto for their work and love.Thanks as well to the missionaries of the Methodist Church for their help and support.To Abi Carrillo, Ana and her work team.And to German Amaro, Gaby Castro and all those who support us.
The Matutinos, Culebrense Tradition!
This season we began the Matutinos in the spirit of the one who started them, our beloved Cucuito. On Saturday December 9th, starting at 4 am, the musicians of Culebra loaded up a flatbed and played music through the streets and neighborhoods of Culebra.
The spirit of our steel drum lineage was personified by our beloved and talented teacher Fabian, who came to play a part in the tradition. The Munet family and friends, Mayra, Wiki, Rubén, Kayla, Mario, Mañengue, Jorge and Doug, along with Fabian, played like brothers in music. The music session was capped with a delicious fish asopao, another of chicken, and arepas at Carolyn's kiosk. We are grateful to Calixto, Elia and Luzinaris. And I want to quote Carolyn . . ."traditions have to be worked on. . . and that's why I said yes to asopao." A thousand thanks to Mikail, Nina and her beautiful daughter who didn't miss a single song. Also to Michael, Maryann, Zorymar and Miguel. Today our hearts are happy because we worked and enjoyed it with and for our community!
Matutinos Afloat 2023!
Reviving traditions, on Saturday December 17th, we organized a large group to do Los Matutinos as they were done many years ago by our beloved Cucuito: performing Christmas music around the bay on boats. We loaded a bunch of musicians and their instruments aboard German and Jackie’s new power catamaran.
At 4 am, 12 illuminated Christmas boats followed us through Ensenada Honda singing and dancing.The beautiful music cheering many and awakening memories for many of matutinos from years past.Now we have young people and children experiencing this tradition for the first time. Our beloved steel drum player Fabian played masterfully with his magic touch . . .He was joined by Mario, Rubén, Wiki, Papo, Jorge, Dajhan, Mauro and Doug who together played and sangfor more than 3 hours while cruising around the bay.Upon arrival back at the dock, a delicious soup with arepas was waiting for us and many people came to receive and share the joy of a tradition that woke up with a beautiful sunrise.Brian and Diego from the UPR Mayagüez, Oral History Laboratory, documented the experience and told us that they had never seen anything like it.It was a great effort by many and although most were exhausted, all were filled with immense satisfaction.Thank you all, to everyone who was part of this dream come true.Musicians Present! For Culebra Always! The Legacy Continues!
Debut of the New Steel Drum Band
of Música Pa' Culebra
On December 10th, the Culebrense community came out to hear the 14 young people from the New Steel Drum Band of Música Pa Culebra. It was a spectacular show. This new band, full of joy, demonstrated their immense talent!
We are grateful to all the parents and community members who came to support them. We are grateful to teacher DajhanVargas who worked hard with the kidsto make this achievement possible.We would like to thank teacher Fabian, who came often to polish their technique and help with their musical arrangements. It took a lot of work behind the scenes, but we have immense satisfaction when we see the proud faces of the kids on stage. We are also grateful to Tío Mario, Rubén, Wiki, Doug and Jorge for accompanying them. Thank you to everyone who supports us. This achievement belongs to all of you too!
Club Náutico in San Juan
MPC Steel Drum Band with Pirulo and 5 Cats
On December 13th, The Música Pa’ Culebra Steel Drum Band played a fundraising benefit at Club Nautico in San Juan. They played spectacularly, displaying both talent and heart. We appreciate the immense support of so many who helped make this event a reality.
We applaud the young musicians who were responsible for loading and unloading their instruments from the truck. We also applaudthe great team of parents who supported and organized for the band. Thanks to Dajhan Vargas and José Fabián Rosa Santos, teachers who are helping to revitalize the important music culture of Culebra. Thanks to Joey Sala for so many years of making this dream come true. Also to Yadi and Doug who are key to this project. Thanks to the great Pirulo and his tribe for supporting our program, donating some instruments and sitting in with the band! Thanks to the 5 Cats, who played a set and invited the kids to sit in with them for a rollicking finale. It was an exhausting but satisfying event generating much pride! Thank you again to all who have helped make this possible.
End of Semester Concert
August to December 2023
In December, in addition to all the extraordinary activities we had, we had the End of Semester Concert. This concert was a very special one.
We start with our musical seeds, demonstrating their progress and filling us with happiness with their happy faces. To everyone's surprise, the little ones' Drone Band also performed with a Christmas song. Then our participant Yavet, blind, presented 2 songs on the drums, singing and accompanied by other musicians, which was excellent. Then the Young Children's Drone Band got everyone dancing to Magical Calypso.
The next part the Fèlix-Munet family and several local musicians took to the stage with Fabián, Dajhan, Doug, Jorge from the Música Pa Culebra team where the energy and dance of everyone in groups dancing and jumping was raised.
We closed with an end to the party where the Band of the Steel Drum greats came up and the two generations of musicians got together to play. Wiki and Rubén with his niece Keira, Mario with his granddaughter Anais…. Beautiful. We are reaching one of our goals, to recognize the musical history of our island and strengthen ties and alliances between musicians. Thus achieving Cultural resilience that strengthens us all in the community. Proud to be Caribbean!
HAPPY KINGS' DAY!
On Friday January 5th we celebrated our annual activity, Long Live the Tradition of the Kings! We had the honor and joy of having the famous group El Mundo de los Muñecos with the play Juan Bobo y el Caldero.
It was a magical afternoon where adults and children had fun and we remembered everything important about Tradition. Many thanks to Mike Rosado for helping us, Dajhan Vargas, the magic queens Yadi, Sandra and Cuca. Also to Elisa Sanchez for being the facilitator for Juan Bobo’s trip to Culebra.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2024 wishes to you from Fundación de Culebra and Música Pa Culebra!
May we celebrate children like Eliam who, at 6 years old, is the hope of a musical culture that lives in us and brings joy to our souls! Congratulations!
What's Going On . . .
A Big Step!
Monday, August 7, 2023
Dajhan Vargas, our percussion teacher, moves to Culebra becoming the first full-time teacher at Música Pa' Culebra.
The prestigious organization Centro de Economia Creativa has made this important step possible through its Maniobra program. The established agreement covers a period of one year with the possibility of two additional ones.
The musician and teacher Vargas, whose main instruments are the drums and marimba, has responded to the interest of the Culebrenses by teaching himself to play and teach the steel drum band. This summer, with only a month of camp, he prepared 3 groups of different ages and levels that performed impressively at our summer camp concert. We’re excited about revitalizing steel drum music in Culebra.
Let's all welcome Dahjan!
This important step brings us a great challenge: to provide a suitable lodging place.
So far, the teachers have stayed at the Fundación de Culebra offices. The situation now forces us to look for suitable alternatives for long-term housing.
If you know of any accommodations available, even if only for a few months, please contact us. We would also consider a recreational vehicle or shipping container already equipped for housing. In addition, we have a shipping container that we would like to convert into a permanent apartment. Any volunteers that could help us do the conversion would be greatly appreciated.
We continue!
What's Going On . . .
Summer Music Camp Concert
Sunday, July 9, 2023
After 4 intense weeks full of children and youth hungry to learn, we closed summer camp with a concert on Sunday, July 9. More than 90 children and young people passed through the camp. Their ages from 5 to 16 years. They had classes in percussion, band, piano, art, dance, PodCast, production, reading, Legos and children's games.
They also had workshops where they were introduced to the violin and the flute.
The Theme of the Camp: We are stronger than the Hurricane!
For a month they worked to learn how to be strong in an emergency.
I said: What if the Hurricane comes?
Them: You know what, it's leaving!
Me: What if the power goes out?
Them: We have generators!
Me: What if the power goes out again?
Them: We have solar panels!
Me: What if the water goes away?
Them: We have water cisterns!
Me: And if we can't play with electronics, what do we do?
Them: We play, sing, dance, paint and play instruments!
All: We're ready!
As part of our camp message, we introduced information about the Culebra resiliency centers (Museo 1905, Oficina 1908 and the Escuela Ecológica) along with information about other resources available on our island of Culebra.
We worked with the older kids to have them set an example for the younger ones...their motto: What are we? An EXAMPLE! They helped throughout the camp with various tasks. They also recognized that the little ones look at them and want to be like them. So they do set an EXAMPLE! Many kids wanted to stay longer to take advantage of our rooms and instruments. We plan to hire someone to open the classrooms in the afternoons, so they can go practice with supervision.
Production and PodCast classes were a hit with the youth. Most had never been exposed to this and they did not want to leave the studio. They learned that they have to prepare and that their voice can be a powerful thing. They designed logos for their groups with a computer graphics program, developed themes and questions and learned to work as a team. It was a first experience with recording and there is a lot of interest in continuing. It is our goal to work toward developing leaders for a better Culebra.
Maestro Dahjan taught the children and young people on the big Steel drums and they were a highlight of the concert. Camila worked up some choreography with each of the groups that was presented beautifully. All the participants had smiles and proud faces during the presentation.
Culebra has some very talented individuals. This concert was the product of just one month of work. Most of the participants had never played an instrument before. We have great faith that we can grow as a program and help the kids develop many useful skills. This was all possible thanks to a work team full of love and talent: Doug, Dahjan. Judith, Camila, Maribel, Eneida. Luis Alexander, Malena, and our wonderful volunteers: Patricia, Malena 2 and Olivia. Three of our teachers are young people who started camp with us in 2016 and were paid for their work this year.
Thanks to everyone who supports us so we can offer this camp. Without you this would not be possible! We would like to thank Carol Wojciechowicz, Philliple Labeau and Rachel for teacher housing. Thanks to Justin Sullivan, Bertil Chappuis and Carmen Muñoz who help us every year. Also John West and Cindy Stiles, Myrna Matos for answering our call for support. María Amelia and Roberto Fortuño for the pizzas to celebrate the closing of the camp and Cynthia Consuegra from Rolls of Heaven for bringing ice cream popsicles for everyone at the celebration activity. Marinelba Rosado and her daughters Malena and Patricia for the art supplies and Carlos Rodríguez of VAL for bringing them to Culebra. We also want to thank Sandra and Héctor de Milka, Ivonne Ayala, Joana Pérez, Jazmín Albert, María and José Bacardi, Pipi and Joanne Reyes, Nacho and María, Nicole Soriano, Yadira Rivera, Richard Cantwell for boxes of water and snacks. Thanks to the School Canteen Program that prepared lunch for everyone using the Ecological School kitchen and delivering it to camp daily.
Thanks to Jackie and German from H2O Water Taxi for treating the teachers to a trip to Culebrita. Also to Fundación Aireko, Joseen and Tata Rossy for the donation of equipment for the studio.
We set precedents in Culebra with such a large enrollment. We are growing in our eighth year with parents talking about wanting it to last longer. All this is possible because of your support. We do not receive government funding. For the concert we had a full house. We’re very proud of the children’s performances. A good time was had by all.
Thank you to all the parents for the confidence to have your children during this month.
Musicians Present! By Culebra, Always! We continue!
What's Going On . . .
Música Pa' Culebra - Fundraiser
Saturday, February 25, 2023
The first segment was a performance by the percussion students of maestro Dahjan Vargas. He started with the little ones playing the small steel drums and they behaved like pros! Alexander and Johanis, played the full size steel drums with help from Fabian on “Mi Viejo San Juan”
Next there was a performance by the dance group of teacher Adriana Chiqués. This group was accompanied by drummers from the school and players from the Wednesday night Bomba Drum Circle. The dancing was spectacular. Then, one of our adult students Yavet, who is blind, played drums to “Con Poder” as well as an interpretation of three drum rhythms. Everyone was impressed with his talent.
Paradise Steel Band with their teacher Fabian Rosa closed the concert playing spectacularly. They started with a piece following a Trinidadian tradition of “coming out” from behind their instruments and presented a new song that got everyone moving! They were joined for a few songs by two new younger members of the band, Alexander and Johanis. We are super proud of them. It was beautiful to see the small children as they watched the big ones playing.
We had a full house. The mothers provided the crowd with an exquisite meal. Yadi, Paulita, Joanna and Richard also cooked. We had a Chinese raffle run by Sara, with prizes donated by many businesses: Club Seabourne, Heather's Pizza, Moncho's, Harspoons, Rolls of Heaven, Jerry's Jeep, La Cava, Sue Zinkowski and Ivonne Ayala. After the show, the tables were set and we all ate and shared as a family the achievements of our children and youth.
We are grateful to all who joined us and to those who supported us even if they did not come..... it was a night of community and family...
“Musicians, PRESENT! For Culebra, ALWAYS!”
We continue!
What's Going On . . .
Sunday, February 12, 2023
Many years celebrating the life of a great musician and human being who is very loved by our community; Victor Felix "Cucuito". His daughter Mayra organized a Caribbean gathering where musicians from Culebra, Loíza and Caguas delighted everyone and shared like brothers. Arcadia, the matron of the musical Munet family at 94 was present and dancing to the announcements! Our beloved José Fabián Rosa Santos, director of the Fundación de Culebra and Música Pa' Culebra's Paradise steel band, came and played steel drums with band member Graciela Bermudez Albert. We met Frankie de Loíza, Bomba Siré, they have a steel drum band in Loiza. He plays a different style steel drum, which his father designed. We exchanged information and we’ll see hat the future holds. The activity lasted until late because the musicians did not want to leave nor the assistants. There was a delicious meal and we all danced and enjoyed ourselves as one great Culebrense and Caribbean family.
Thanks to Mayra La Nena from Loíza and Mayra from Culebra, and to all who cooperated and assisted for this musical celebration. We are also grateful for recognizing the young people of Música Pa' Culebra because the Legacy Continues! Let's continue!
What's Going On . . .
International Chamber Orchestra visits Culebra
Saturday, February 4, 2023
Música Pa’ Culebra Children's Workshop
Our young children enjoyed a fun, educational and inspiring concert and activities filled with smiles. The children surprised the musicians with their incredible questions. From which country did they come to which was the first instrument in the world! An experience that will accompany them throughout their lives.
Community Concert at the old school. Full house!
The small children began, sharing their musical activities with Cara Colón, beautiful! Then we listen to the interpretation of the composers Enrique Granados and Robert Schumann. A delight for all. We close the concert with the Legend... our beloved Puerto Rican composer and singer and heartfelt Culebrense Alberto Carrión. His performance was a beautiful and unforgettable closing to the concert.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and to those who support us to make this possible. Especially to the talented musicians Corey Cerovsek, violin, Sofia Kim, violin, Nestor Pou, viola, Cara Elise and Emilio Colón, chelo and Steven Vanhauwaert, piano. The logistics of bringing these musicians in is very challenging. Carrying a 400-pound piano that even the pianist helped carry up the stairs, the lodging, etc. There are many to whom we thank for achieving this wonderful experience for our community and visitors. Grateful to all the musicians for bringing their wonderful music to our island. It was an experience for history.
We continue!