El Viaje (The Journey)

Percussionist and 2000 Pew Fellow Pablo Batista will blend traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms and contemporary Western instrumentation, Afro-Caribbean choreography and evocative multi-media imagery in a performance that will tell a story of the spiritual and cultural resilience of those forced to emigrate from Africa to the Americas and re-establish themselves with dignity. Created in collaboration with co-writers and co-arrangers Dennis Guevara and Victor Pablo, and dancer/choreographer Richard Gonzalez, El Viaje will feature a dynamic mix of instruments including bata and conga drums, piano, trumpets, trombones, and string quartet, creating an immersive musical experience for audiences at Temple University's Performing Arts Center.

Additional unrestricted funds are added to each grant for general operating support.