Poetry and Popsicles Kept The Crowd Cool At ‘VIVA Poesía, Música y Cultura’

Don Mathis | July 1, 2015 | Events | No Comments

The Mission Marquee Plaza is the former drive-In theater next to Mission San Jose

SAN ANTONIO,TX – ‘VIVA Poesía, Música y Cultura,’ a celebration of poetry, music and more, hosted by the City of San Antonio’s Department for Culture & Creative Development, was similar to Gemini Ink’s ‘Paletas y Poesia’ held here last year. This year’s event again featured San Antonio Poet Laureate Laurie Ann Guerrero. This talented woman, originally from the South Side, was recently announced as the Texas Poet Laureate for 2016.

Guerrero read excerpts from her book released last month, A Crown for Gumecindo. Inspired by memories of the poet’s late grandfather, this crown of sonnets walks the listener through the stages of grief. Guerrero also read a new poem inspired by a sneak peek at the DoSeum which opened June 6.

Laurie Ann Guerrero is San Antonio’s Poet Laureate. She will become the Texas Poet Laureate in 2016.

‘VIVA Poesía, Música y Cultura’ opened with a welcome from Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran (District 3). DJ Max Edman kept the music flowing between performances by San Antonio’s favorite poets.

Anthony ThePoet, his long beard flowing in the breeze, served as master of ceremonies. Poetry from across the generations and across the city was shared with 300 aficionados at the former drive-in theater near Mission San Jose.

“Anthony the Poet” is the nom de plume for Anthony Flores.

Winners from the Public Library’s Young Pegasus Poetry Competition and five Golden Writers from the Bihl Haus performed beneath the screen on the art deco stage. Amanda Flores introduced young talent from Fresh Ink Youth Slam.

Many contestants from La Voz de San Antonio 2015 were there. Eddie Vega recently returned from a slam competition in Arkansas. He read his crowd-pleasing “Olmos Park” and “Paleta Man.” Jessica Tilton and Nathan Zertuche can often be found at slam circles around town.

Fernando Esteban Flores recited “Barbacoa Kind O’ Weekend Blues,” which appeared in the program at the Tejano Conjunto Festival last month. Jazz Poet Eduardo Garza, Incarnate Word High School teacher Jacinto Jesus Cardona, and Rod Stryker of the Sun Poet’s Society appeared after dark.

Palo Alto College professor Juan Tejeda showcased his students’ music with Conjunto Palo Alto. The Maya Guirao World Music Project provided other melodic entertainment.

Professor Juan Tejeda (left) is leader of Conjunto Palo Alto.

A highlight of the evening was a series of short film clips by SAY Sí students. Each segment showcased a local poet sharing the spoken word. The crowd cheered as images flashed across the historic screen at the old drive-in theater.

The City has saved this historic theater and preserved it as a park.

The Mission Marquee Plaza has many other activities this summer. A farmer’s market is held on the grounds adjacent to Mission Library from10:00 am to 2:00 pm the second and fourth Saturday of every month through October.

And families are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks every other week for the H-E-B Family Film Series. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles will show on July 11, Big Hero 6 on July 25, and Muppets Most Wanted on August 8. There will be other movies on August 22, September 12 and September 26. All films feature complimentary popcorn and activities for the family. Gates open at 7:00 pm with informational booths and food trucks; films start at dark.