Engaging lineup explores the vibrant culture through film, dance, poetry and music
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — SEPT. 9, 2024 — Dutchess Community College is excited to announce a dynamic series of events from Sept. 18 to Oct. 31 in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. This year’s celebration will feature a diverse lineup of activities, including experiential art and dance workshops, film screenings and discussions, live musical performances and poetry readings.
Film Screenings and Discussions
The celebration will kick off on Sept. 18 with a screening of the 2024 documentary “Frida” from 6–8 p.m. in Hudson Hall, room 404. Directed by Carla Guttierez, this film explores the life and art of renowned artist Frida Kahlo. Following the screening, DCC Professor of Art Margaret Craig will lead a Q&A session. Traditional Mexican tamales and aguas frescas will be offered.
On Oct. 1, a screening of the 2006 documentary “From Mambo to Hip-Hop” will be held from 12:30–1:45 p.m. in Hudson Hall, room 404. Directed by Henry Chalfant, this film examines the musical evolution of the South Bronx from mambo to hip-hop, highlighting its significant impact on global pop culture. Attendees can enjoy empanadas and drinks during the screening.
Art Workshops
On Sept. 24 from 12:30–1:45 p.m., artist-educator Aurelio del Muro will lead a workshop in Dutchess Hall, room 101. After a discussion on the work of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and the tradition of ex-voto paintings, participants will have the opportunity to create their own ex-voto-inspired works, with all materials provided. The workshop will also be livestreamed at www.sunydutchess.edu/live.
Dance Workshops
Join dancer-choreographer Argelia Arreola on Oct. 8 from 7–8 p.m. in the Conklin Residence Hall Atrium for a rumba workshop. This vibrant dance style, rooted in 16th-century Cuba, will be explored in this open-to-all-levels class. Comfortable clothing is recommended.
Literary Events
On Oct. 10, from 12:30–1:45 p.m., DCC’s Mildred I. Washington Art Gallery will host a reading and conversation with poets Daniel Villegas and Edwin Torres. Villegas, a bilingual poet from Colombia, and Torres, a Bronx-based poet, will present their work and discuss their artistic processes.
Music and Performance Events
Mexican composer Ik’Balam Moyrón Castillo will present an evening of conversation and music on Oct. 16 from 7–8:15 p.m., livestreamed at www.sunydutchess.edu/live. The event will explore the connections between jazz and son jarocho and feature selections from his latest album, “Avenir.”
The celebration will culminate with a concert by Juntas Chicas on Oct. 31 from 12:30–1:45 p.m. on DCC’s Washington Quad. This female-fronted group blends son jarocho, rancheras and norteño with jazz, cumbia and flamenco. The performance will be livestreamed at www.sunydutchess.edu/live, with a rain location at Drumlin Hall Cafeteria.
DCC’s Hispanic Heritage Month events are free and open to the public. A full calendar with more details can be found here: www.sunydutchess.edu/hhm.
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Founded in 1957, Dutchess Community College is a two-year community college that has earned a reputation for providing an outstanding education and offers one of the lowest tuition rates in New York state. The College currently has four locations including its main campus in Poughkeepsie, DCC @ Fishkill, DCC @ HVR Airport, and DCC @ the Partnership. For more information visit www.sunydutchess.edu.