The Latinx Contemporary Performance Festival

The Latinx Contemporary Performance Festival: A Vibrant Celebration of Culture and Creativity. To be held at the Arizona Latino Arts and Cultural Center (ALAC) in Phoenix on May 5th, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. This dynamic event promises a diverse array of performances, including music, dance, poetry, storytelling, theater, and performance art, offering attendees a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the richness and vitality of Latinx culture.

The festival lineup features an impressive roster of artists:

Ricky Araiza & Teatro Bravo Ensemble: Arizona-based theatre artist Ricky Araiza, an ensemble member of Childsplay Theatre in Tempe, brings his rich experience in physical ensemble-based theatre to the stage.

Liliana Gomez: a mother, dance maker, and arts advocate, shares her passion for dance within her community and beyond. She is the managing director for the BlakTinx Dance Festival and an independent dance artist.

James Garcia: Founder and producing artistic director of New Carpa Theater Co., James Garcia brings his expertise in staging Latino and multicultural works to the festival. He is also a communications and public policy consultant and journalist.

Anna Flores: a border-dwelling poet and writer, brings her powerful voice and perspective to the stage. Her recent awards and honors include a 2021 Swarthout Award in Writing and a 2020 Mabelle A. Lyon Poetry Award.

Zarina Mendoza: Mexican immigrant artist Zarina Mendoza shares her knowledge, experiences, and culture through movement. Her work explores political and social climates regarding identity, immigration, and empathy.

Melissa Dunmore: Guardian of diasporic narratives and matriarch-in-training, Melissa Dunmore brings her roots from Brooklyn, New York, to the desert. She has been featured by La Voz and Arizona Republic for her art and activism and has opened for bestselling contemporary poet Rupi Kaur.

Marivel Luna Simms: Mexican American vocalist Marivel Luna Simms, known for her background in Mariachi music and classical training, creates a unique blend of music and storytelling. She has spent years lending her voice to different projects in the Downtown Phoenix community. Marivel will be accompanied by her partner Jesse Simms.

Esteban Rosales: Mexican-American multidisciplinary performance artist Esteban Rosales infuses abstract compositions with existential nihilism and glamour. His expertise in lighting design enriches his dance works, creating captivating performances.

The event will be emceed by Jessica Valiente, an amazing audience pump hype person known for her dynamic presence and engaging personality. DJ Cervantes will provide music before, during, and after the event, ensuring a lively and vibrant atmosphere for all attendees.

The Latinx Contemporary Performance Festival is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture.
Don't miss this opportunity to witness the vibrant and diverse expressions of Latinx culture. Join us for an evening of inspiration, entertainment, and celebration!