INDY'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTING ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Latino Arts at Garfield Park

Garfield Park, with its stately sunken gardens and unhurried, European feel, is a city treasure. When you add the programming that’s been taking place at the Garfield Park Arts Center, that treasure has a heartbeat.

July 20, the GPAC will hold its Second Annual Latino Arts Celebration, “Viva Cuba!,” a public party featuring an art exhibit, reception and plenty of great music. Local faves Sancocho will bring their drum-based rhythms, opening for the internationally acclaimed Afro-Cuban salsa band Grupo Yaya.

Manolo Yanes is the founder of Grupo Yaya, and the 14-piece group boasts Grammy winners that include Yanes and others. Originally from Cuba but raised in Miami, Yanes has a musical background that is rich in the sounds of Afro-Caribbean music as well as other genres found in the musically eclectic community. Willie Crespo, a salsa icon who hails from Puerto Rico, joins Yanes along with other talented musicians.

The opening act, Sancocho, will provide an energetic beginning with folkloric dance and drumming. It’s a great opportunity to get up and dance and it’s free of charge.

A variety of art exhibits will complement the music with works that include the likes of an 18-foot mural by Hector Del Campo and a photography exhibit of Havana by Skip Comer, plus works by Belen Cassani, Berthrum Cooper Jr., Glenn Walker and other international artists. The exhibit will be open through Aug. 30.

Cuban food will be available at an additional cost.
The party runs from 6-10 p.m. The Garfield Park Arts Center is located at 2432 Conservatory Drive. It’s near the center of the park, near the pagoda. For more information, call 317-327-7066.