Some Literary Events/ December 23-Jan 3

All Events free unless otherwise noted

December 27 (6:30 pm - 8:30 pm) Bilingual Creative Writing Workshop. Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture Without Borders and the New York Writers Coalition present a weekly workshop for Spanish- and English-language writers of all levels of experience. Participants must sign up in advance. Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture Without Borders, 64 Fulton Street, Suite 403. For more information and to RSVP, email info@manoamano.net or call 212-587-3070 to register.

January 1 (Starts 10 pm) Nuyorican Friday Night Poetry Slam. Since 1989, an ever growing New York City's tradition. Please arrive early (suggested arrival is 9:15 pm). Admission: 10$. Hosted by Mahogany Browne. At the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, 236 East 3rd Street (Reverend Pedro Pietri Way) between Avenue B and C. For more information, click here or call 212-780-9386.

Some Literary Events/ December 17-December 24

All events are free unless otherwise noted.

December 18 (Starts 10 pm) Nuyorican Friday Night Poetry Slam. Since 1989, an ever growing New York City's tradition. Please arrive early (suggested arrival is 9:15 pm). Admission: 10$. Hosted by Mahogany Browne. At the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, 236 East 3rd Street (Reverend Pedro Pietri Way) between Avenue B and C. For more information, click here or call 212-780-9386.

December 20 (10 am - 6 pm) Mano a Mano presents Posadas and Pastorelas. This weekend's family celebration promotes the popular traditions of the Mexican community of New York and features crafts, traditional storytelling, and food. Highlights include a Posada, a singing holiday procession, and a Pastorela, the traditional shepherds’ play. The event culminates in a party with piñatas. Admission is free, but donations are suggested. At the Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street. For more information, click here or call 212-587-3070.

December 20 (12 pm sharp) Edwin Torres at the Acentos Writers Workshop. The acclaimed hands-on poetry series organized by Acentos Foundation welcomes Edwin Torres, featured on MTV's Spoken Word Unplugged and the Charlie Rose Show. RSVP is required by sending email to fish@louderarts.com. Please bring proper identification to the event. At the Eugenio María de Hostos Community College, Room A-329, 475 Grand Concourse, Bronx. For more information, click here or call 917-209-4211.

December 21 (6:30 pm - 8:30 pm) Bilingual Creative Writing Workshop at Mano a Mano. In collaboration with the New York Writers Coalition, Mano a Mano- Mexican Culture Without Borders presents a weekly workshop for Spanish- and English-language writers of all levels of experience. Participants must sign up in advance. For more information, email info@manoamano.net to RSVP or call 212-587-3070.

Some Literary Events/ December 10-December 18

All events free unless otherwise noted.

December 10 (7pm) CEMI Underground presents Poetic Serenade. Come to Taller Boricua and CEMI Underground's open mic poetry night, hosted by poet Carmen D. Lucca with musical accompaniment by Julio Rosaly. $7 at the door. At Taller Boricua's Multi Arts Space at the Julia de Burgos Cultural Center, 1680 Lexington Avenue. For more information, call 212-831-4333.

December 10 (9 pm - 11 pm ) Just Add Sound: Open Mic. Grassroots Community Space will be hosting its final open mic of the year, a recurring events that falls on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Sign up is first come, first serve. All ages welcome. At Grassroots Community Space, 54 Coles Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302. For more information, email info@grassrootscommunityspace.com

December 11 (6 pm) Tertulia at el Cervantes. Juan García de Oteyza, Executive director of Aperture Foundation, will talk with the audience about his career as publisher in Spain, Mexico, and the United States. At Instituto Cervantes's La Galería, 211 East 49th Street (between 3rd and Second Avenues). For more information, call 212-308-7720.

December 11 (6:30 pm - 11 pm) "Pa'l Pueblo" Charity Holiday Drive. Capicu Poetry and Cultural Showcase and Notice Lounge present their 3rd Annual Benefit for Bushwick United Head Start "Toys For Head Start" program. Toy donations and door proceeds will go to the children. Hosted by Papo Swiggity and featuring Parranda style music, a delicious Latino holiday buffet, and Nuyorican/Urban poetry. Tickets: $10 reserved admission, $15 at door. To reserve tickets or make a donation, click here. At Notice Lounge, 198 Union Avenue (between Broadway & Montrose), Brooklyn. For more information, call 718-954-1066.

December 13 (12 pm - 5 pm ) La Caza Azul's Book Sale. Join La Casa Azul Bookstore this December for its annual holiday book sale. Guest appearances by local authors throughout the day. At East Harlem Café, 1651 Lexington Avenue (@ 104th).

December 18 (Starts 10 pm) Nuyorican Friday Night Poetry Slam. Since 1989, an ever growing New York City's tradition. Please arrive early (suggested arrival is 9:15 pm). Admission: 10$. Hosted by Mahogany Browne. At the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, 236 East 3rd Street (Reverend Pedro Pietri Way) between Avenue B and C. For more information, click here or call 212-780-9386.

December 13 (12 pm) Acentos Writers Workshop Welcomes Christina Oliveros. The Acentos Writers Workshop was established with the purpose of nurturing the newer voices in the poetry community. This week, poet and author Christina Olivares will host the workshop.  To check out images from past workshops, click here.  RSVP is required,  email fish@louderarts.com. Participants must have identification before participating in the workshop. At Eugenio María de Hostos Community College, Room A-329, 475 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451. For more information,  call 917-209-4211. 

Some Literary Events/ December 3-December 11

All events are free unless otherwise noted. 

December 3 (7 pm) Javier Marías at the New York Public Library. In conversation with Paul Holdengräber, the reknown Spanish writer will discuss the third instalment of his three-part novel Your Face Tomorrow -- Poison, Shadow, and Farewell (New Directions, 2009). Tickets: $25 general admission and $15 for library donors, students, and seniors with valid identification. At the South Court Auditorium, Stephen A. Schwartzman Building,  5th Avenue and 42nd Street. For directions and to buy tickets, click here. For further information, call 212-930-0855. 

December 3 (7 - 9 pm) Sabrina Lastman at the Juan Carlos. The King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center's Poetry Series presents vocalist and educator Sabrina Lastman in a performance based on poems by the recently deceased Uruguayan author Idea Vilariño.  In Spanish. Reception to follow. At the King Juan Carlos I of Spain Center, New York University, 53 Washington Square South. For more information, call 212-998-3650.

December 6 (12 pm - 5 pm) Meet the Authors at La Casa Azul's Holiday Book Sale. Join La Casa Azul Bookstore this December for the annual holiday book sale. Spending your money with locally-owned independent businesses puts it to work directly helping your local economy. During the book sale at 3pm, buyers will have the opportunity to meet with authors Sergio Troncoso, Daniel Serrano, and Ivan Sanchez. At East Harlem Café, 1651 Lexington Avenue @ 104th Street. For more information, call 212-831-7272. 

December 7 (8 pm - 9 pm) Poetry Reading. Select pieces from this week's theme, "Closure", will be chosen and presented at The Red Room Lounge with an open invitation to friends, family and neighbors. Poets in attendance include Cynthia K. Paulino and Connie Vasquez. At the Red Room Lounge, One Bennett Avenue @ 181st Street. For more information, call 917-975-2690. 

December 9 (7 pm - 10 pm) Lemon Anderson at 310 Lounge. Join us for the celebration of the author's book release of his critically acclaimed stage memoirs, County of Kings. Excerpts from the memoirs will be read, while the author will be at hand to sign books. $25 open bar from 7-9 pm. Please RSVP by Tuesday, December 8th to lemonprojectnews@gmail.com. At 310 Lounge, 310 Bowery St. For more information, call 212-477-1979.

December 11 (10 pm) Nuyorican Friday Night Poetry Slam. The first poetry slam in New York City was held at the Nuyorican Poets Café in 1989, and to this day, the poetry slam is still going strong. Today’s Nuyorican Poetry Slam is the result of a tradition of talented hosts, amazing performers, and heart-stopping performances. Please arrive early (suggested arrival is 9:15 pm). Admission is 10$. Hosted by Mahogany Browne. At the Nuyorican Poets Café, 236 East 3rd between Avenue B and C, Reverend Pedro Pietri Way. For more information, call 212-780-9386.

December 11 (6:30 pm - 11 pm) 3rd Annual "Pa'l Pueblo" Charity Holiday Drive. Capicu Poetry in association with Notice Lounge has partnered together once more to host the 3rd Annual"Pa'l Pueblo" Charity Holiday Drive. Toy donations and proceeds from the door will benefit children of Brooklyn's Bushwick United Head Start "Toys For Head Start" program. This event will be hosted by co-founder Papo Swiggity and will feature  "Parranda" style music, a delicious Latino holiday buffet, and Nuyorican/Urban poetry. $10 reserved admission/$15 at door. To reserve tickets or make a donation, click here. At Notice Lounge, 198 Union Avenue (between Broadway & Montrose), Brooklyn, NY. For more information, call 718-954-1066. 

December 11 (6 pm) Tertulia at the Cervantes. The prestigious Mexican editor Juan García de Oteyza, currently director of the Aperture Foundation will talk about his career in Spain, Mexico, and the United States and a presentation of "The Publishing World: From Literature to Philosophy". At Instituto Cervantes's La Galería, 211 East 49th Street (between 3rd and Second Avenues). For more information, call 212-308-7720.

Some Literary Events/ November 26-December 3

All events free unless otherwise noted. 

November 26 (8 pm - 9:45 pm) Spanish Tertulias at Librería Caliope Bookstore. Every Thursday, the local bookstore features lectures, book signings, open mic and film forums in Spanish. Wine and crackers towards the end. At Librería Caliope Bookstore, 170 Dyckman Street (Between Broadway and Sherman Avenue). For more information, call Cesar Gonzales at 212-567-3511. 

November 27 (7 pm - 9: 30 pm) The Sense of a Woman at Nuyorican's Poets Cafe.  LatinosNYC and Boricuation Cultural Foundation present a celebration of women empowerment through poetry, featuring True from El Grito de las Poetas, with "La Reina" Rhina Valentin, Adele Ramos, J.F. Seary, Nene Ali, music by Jessie Rose, and performances by Ero Dancers and Caridad de la Luz, "La Bruja". Tickets: $10. At the Nuyorican Poet's Cafe, 236 East 3rd Street, Reverend Pedro Pietri Way (between Avenue C & B) For more information, call 646-325-1759.

November 27 (6 pm) Tertulia at Instituto Cervantes. Mexican author and artist Pablo Helguera will discuss his creative work. Helguera is also the director of academic programs at MOMA and author of conceptual art projects such as The School of Panamerican Unrest. In Spanish, with tapas and wine. At Instituto Cervantes's Gallery, 211 East 49th Street. For more information, call 212-308-7720.

December 2 (6 pm) Writing in Spanish in New York City: A New Generation. Mexican writer Carmen Boullosa will introduce four young authors, who, following the tradition of José Manuel Heredia, José Martí, García Lorca, José Juan Tablada, and many others, write in Spanish in New York City: Luis Henao, Javier Muñoz, Karina Rieke, Denise Monteiro. All five authors will read from their recent literary work. At the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute, 684 Park Avenue. Please RSVP to rsvp@queensofiasi.org or call 212-628-0420.

December 3 (7 pm) Javier Marias at the South Court Auditorium. This lecture will feature the internationally recognized Spanish novelist, Javier Marias, in conversation with the director of LIVE from the New York Public Library, Paul Holdengraber. Marias will come to discuss the "noir narratives" of his latest work, Poison, Shadow and Farewell (New Directions, 2009). At South Court Auditorium, Stephen A. Schwartzman Building, 5th Avenue and 42nd Street. For more information, click here or call 212-930-0855. 

December 3 (7 pm) Dialogues of Silence at the King Juan Carlos Center at NYU. Part of the King Juan Carlos Center's Poetry Series, Sabrina Lastman's Dialogues of Silence will consist of a solo vocal artist who translates a poetic atmosphere into a dance and sound experience based on the poetry of Uruguayan poet Idea Vilarino. Readings in Spanish with a reception to follow. At the King Juan Carlos Center, New York University, 53 Washington Square South. For more information, call 212-998-3650. 

Literary-related exhibitions:

On view until December 5 (Mon - Fri 10 am - 6 pm, Sat. 10 am - 4 pm, Sun. closed) There Goes My Hero. Curated by Erin Riley-Lopez, this exhibition showcases women artists who use the format of comic books and/or the comic book superhero to comment on larger socio-political concerns. Works by Dulce Pinzón, Wanda Raimundi-Ortiz, and Blanka Amezkua, among other artists. At the Center for Book Arts, 28 West 27th Street, Third Floor, Manhattan. For more information, call 212-481-0295.

Musical Offerings /November 20 - 27

November 20 (10 pm - 4 am) Los Hermanos Rosario. Dominican merengue group performs live. Tickets: $25. At Club La Boom, 57th Street and Northern Boulevard, Woodside. For reservations and more information, call 718-204-2069.

November 21 (8:30 pm) Sín Lineas en el Mapa. Latin American music duo, Luz María Carriquiry and Eulogio Moros, from Argentina perform as part of their Hay Locuras tour. Free admission. Donation suggested. At the Terraza Cafe, 40-19 Gleane Street, Elmhurst. For more information, call 718-803-9602.

November 22 (8 pm) Devendra Banhart in Concert. Venezuelan Devendra Banhart performs in light of his new album What Will We Be. Tickets: $26 - $30. At the Town Hall, 123 West 43rd Street. For more information, call 212-840-2824.

November 22 (9 pm - 11 pm) Gregorio Uribe Big Band. The 16-piece “musical family” blends Afro-Colombian rhythms with funk grooves and powerful big band arranging. Tickets: $10. At the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, 236 3rd Street (between Avenues B & C). For more information, call 212-505-8183.

November 23 (8 pm) GlamourTango. Latin American Cultural Week ends with the debut of GlamourTango in New York. Including international artists Valeria Lima, Polly Ferman, Bettin Harh, Tali Roth, Machiko Ozawa, Ina Paris and Anne Lieberwirth. Directed by Mario Cammarano. Tickets: $25. At City Winery, 155 Varick Street (between Spring and Vandam Streets). For more information, call 212-608-0555.

November 24 (7 pm & 8 pm) Afro Cuban & Salsa Classes. Two hour session every Tuesday through December 15th. At Nola Studios, 250 West 54th Street, 11th Floor. For more information, send an e-mail to salsonera@gmail.com or call 212-582-1417.


November 25 (6 pm - 12 am) Spanish Harlem Salsa Night. The official house band of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade and the Hispanic Day Parade, Zon del Barrio performs. Admission: Ladies free until 7 pm, Gentlemen $5. $10 after 7pm. At MILK Lounge, 2056 Second Avenue. To RSVP or for more information, call 212-594-9355.


November 25 (10 pm - 2:30 am) Salsa Bash. Celebrate and give thanks with your fellow salseros at this pre-Thanksgiving celebration. At Club Cache, 221 West 46th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue). For more information, call 347-385-6745.