William Ramirez

Hi friend,

This has been the summer of eye-popping tickets and tours. That’s nice if you have the budget, but your local street corner offers more accessible fun. I found joy in the annual Fiesta Patronales de Holyoke, a celebration of civic pride. A street fair is one of the best uses of public space – it gives you a chance to see neighbors, reconnect with friends, and eat treats out of a styrofoam cup. What more could you want?

For me, student dancers are always a highlight. If you’ve ever watched an episode of Dance Moms, you know the drill. The A+ students who know all the choreography (as opposed to the A for effort students who look a little lost.) The crowd-pleasing soundtrack (in this case a super cut of Gloria Estefan, Celia Cruz, and Willow Smith’s Whip My Hair.) There’s always the dance teacher marking steps in the corner. Festival vibes meet the rehearsal room and I am here for it.

There’s something compelling about arts kids working through their imperfect performance. Not to mention the excited parents in the cheering section, sending love no matter the quality or outcome. It’s the purest form of works-in-process. So check your local calendar. I’m sure there’s at least one festival, block party, or street fair coming up near you before summer ends!

Yours in these streets,
Tiffany

Hi friend,

The stars are aligning, and the art season is heating up! There’s always a special vibe as spring starts. This year feels extra good – the spring equinox, five-planet alignment, Passover, Easter, and Ramadan magic all rolled out over the past few weeks. Given all the valid reasons to be pessimistic, I’ll welcome any bright spots!

Spring brings all sorts of reasons to be out and about: openings, fundraisers, festivals, and art fairs. Top on my list is the exhibition no existe un mundo poshuracán: Puerto Rican Art in the Wake of Hurricane Maria. Curator Marcela Guerrero is strategically retelling the story of America with her additions to the Whitney’s Latinx offerings. There are two great opportunities to catch the exhibition before it closes:  a night of Puerto Rican arts and culture, presented with WNYC and Futuro Studios tomorrow April 20 (also livestreaming), and an all-free admission day on Sat, April 22.

Yours in blossoming,
Tiffany