This March, Milagro will be presenting three women-led events that will address a broad spectrum of issues including social justice, emotional well-being, and environmental concerns. The series kicks off with a free tertulia on March 6th, presenting the premiere of Bunnie Rivera’s short film THIS LAND IS. Subsequently, on March 16th, Jessie Marquez will enchant the audience with her Cuban jazz concert, AMIGAS, followed by Clara Grun and Amy Vanacore’s album release concert A SONG FOR TREES.
tertulia: Art and Conversation with Bunnie Rivera – Join us on Wednesday, March 6th, to meet Bunnie Rivera, one of Milagro's recipients of the Latino Artist Fund. She will premiere her short film "this land is...," a story that originated over 30 years ago and is based on real-life events. The film follows a young boy rescued at the age of 4 from a life of squalor and brought to live with his grandmother. However, his happiness is shattered when his mother returns to reclaim him at the age of 11. Plunged back into neglect, the boy finds himself at a crucial juncture, faced with the need to make tough decisions that will shape his path forward.
AMIGAS Concert – In honor of Women’s History Month, Latin songstress Jessie Marquez and pianist Kerry Politzer pay homage to the great Cuban composer and innovator, Marta Valdés. Expect to enjoy lush, poetic, and intoxicating music by two of Portland’s musical gems.
A SONG FOR TREES Album Release Concert – Join us on Saturday, March 23rd, to meet Clara Grun, one of the recipients of Milagro's Latino Artist Fund, as she continues the success of her tertulia and collaborates with Amy Vanacore to present their album "A Song for Trees." This conceptual album is an anthropomorphic project in which they convey human stories through their unique connection with trees. Many of their songs feature a specific tree, sometimes from their own yard, as the main character and source of inspiration. Their music is characterized by piano-driven melodies, poetic lyrics in both English and Spanish, layered vocals, and a fusion of acoustic and electronic sounds.
With over 35 years of experience, Bunnie Rivera stands as a seasoned professional in the entertainment industry. Her journey began in Portland, joining the early days of Milagro’s creation. Throughout the years, she has contributed to Milagro in various roles, from serving as a board member and acting on stage since 1989. Bunnie’s career also spans over 30 years in Hollywood, where she made a mark in television and film.
Latin jazz vocalist Jessie Marquez blends Cuban, Brazilian, jazz and pop sounds for music with lush harmonies and cool grooves. While her themes revolve around love and longing, her soothing vocals are a balm for any heart. Marquez got on-the-job training in Havana, where she recorded with members of the Afro Cuban Allstars. Sana Locura (2004) reached the top of Latin jazz and Salsa charts in the US and Europe. A frequent visitor to the island, she has appeared on Cuban television and radio and has performed throughout the country.
Clara Grun, a bilingual singer-songwriter from Nicaragua, and Amy Vanacore, a professional pianist and piano teacher from New York met in Portland, Oregon, eight years ago and started writing songs collaboratively in July of last year. They were awarded grants from the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) and Milagro Theatre to record these songs at Portland’s legendary Falcon Recording Studios this year, and they are thrilled to share their new and original music!
