A Little History
Raíces began in 1991 as a coalition of Latin American folkloric dancers and musicians who found that by joining together, they had a stronger presence in the arts scene in Philadelphia. Headed by founder Michael Esposito and then executive director, Yolanda Alcorta, the organization took shape as they began giving cultural performances in Philadelphia and the tri-state area, and hosting festivals such as the Festival de Sevilla and co-hosting the annual Feria del Barrio. In 2006, Raíces headquarters at 2757 N. 5th Street was adorned with a two-story, wall-to-wall mural depicting Latin American culture.
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Raíces Now
Currently, Raíces showcases artists representing many regions of Latin America, along with Spanish and African regions that have been influential in Latin American cultures. In addition to music and dance performances, we also offer music and art classes, weekly jam sessions, a monthly Tertulia and special workshops tailored to groups of young people and adults. Raíces continues to participate in the Feria del Barrio, the Puerto Rican Day Parade, and our annual Latin Roots & Rhythms Festival, a three-day music and dance celebration, that debuted in May 2010, and will continue in 2011!
Who We Are
Board:
Monica Rodrigo Useche - President
Concha Alborg, Ph.D. - Vice President
Lisa M. Linn de Barona- Treasurer
Evelyn Gutierrez - Secretary
Veronica Castillo Pérez
Joseph Gonzalez Ph.D.
Rodolfo Antonio Alvarez
Fred Wherry, Ph.D.
Staff:
Verónica Castillo-Pérez - Executive Director
Melissa Yarborough - Program Manager
Aida Cruz - Office Manager
Claudia Henriquez - Development & Marketing Manager
Brina Marcellus - Summer Intern from the Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia
Laura Granda Mateu - Summer Volunteer
Co-Founders:
Michael Esposito
Yolanda Alcorta
Funders:
Our work is made possible by generous contributions from the following funders:
Hispanics in Philanthropy Funders' Collaborative
Pennsylvania Council on the Arts
Philadelphia Cultural Fund
Samuel S. Fels Fund
The William Penn Foundation
Raíces' first annual Latin Roots & Rhythms Festival was supported by the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage through Dance Advance and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.