Incorporating local Bronx youth performers, Call & Response is a theatrical bomba music and dance piece that focuses on Puerto Rico’s Abolition [of Slavery] Day. The work explores themes of identity and culture based on the participants’ life experiences. Jose Ortiz – aka Dr. Drum – is a Bronx based, self-taught percussionist of Afro- Caribbean rhythms. As the co-founder and musical director of BombaYo!, he is an advocate for the arts and an organizer and educator of Afro-Puerto Rican bomba. For the past 13 years, he has taught at numerous after-school programs throughout New York City, as well as developed original curricula for teaching percussion to youth.
This program is a partnership between Lincoln Center Education (LCE) and Casita Maria Center for Arts Education.