NALAC's inspiring preformances

Spoken Hand Percussion Orchestra

Last night (Thursday, October 18) I had the pleasure of attending NALAC's evening performances at the Prince Music Theatre. I didn't know what to expect when I attended, but I left amazed. Performances included Awilda Rodriguez Lora, Quique Aviles, Circa '95 and Spoken Had Percussion Orchestra. All different types of performances, but they had something in common. They each brought a sense of identity and the self to the audience.

Lora performed a very personal story about her upbringing through spoken word, music and acting. She spoke about the role of women in today's society and the machista mentality our fathers usually have. While adding some humor, she ended on a note about discovering herself and looking after herself but still caring for others. Aviles had a great story to tell through poetry and spoken word. He spoke greatly about immigration and how our mothers and fathers leave their country to come live the dream in the United States of America.

So what is it about the arts? I believe it can change lives for the better. Whether visually, voice or through sound, we should be creating better worlds for our sons and daughters. Keep art programs in our schools, encourage a little creativity, because without these activities, we will not only lose culture, but our self-identity as well.