HECHO EN CHICAGO:

A Celebration of Chicago’s Latino Arts

CHICAGO – Mike Oquendo Events, in collaboration with Latino arts organizations is gearing up to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with the launch of “Hecho en Chicago.” The month-long series will present groundbreaking performances and entertainment by Chicago-area Latino ensembles and artists. The series launches September 16, 2009 at El Teatro at the Center, located at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, and runs through October 14, 2009. Tickets available at the theater box-office and online at www.theaterland.com.

The homegrown celebration will feature theater, sketch comedy, music and film. The series will feature an Opening Night Fiesta, encore theater performances of “Brown Girls Chronicles” and “Made in Puerto Rico,” and the first ever Latino Short Film Festival in Chicago. The month-long celebration offers 18 total events under one roof of this River West theater complex.

The Hecho en Chicago series line-up includes the Opening Night Fiesta, with e-Hispanics.com on September 16 showcasing abbreviated performances from the entire series, which will also include appetizers and a post-show party. Featured theater productions will be presented by Vida Bella Ensemble (www.myspace.com/browngirlschronicles), Teatro Americano (www.latinospro.org), En Las Tablas Performing Arts (enlastablas@sbcglobal.net) and Elizardi Castro (www.elicastro.com.) Players (eslplayers@yahoo.com) will showcase their newest sketch comedy revue every Wednesday throughout the month. And for the first time in Chicago, the Latino Short Film Festival (www.latinoshortfilmfestival.com) will be dedicated exclusively to the Latino short film in filmmaking, along with a documentary film presentation by Tinta Roja Projects (tintarojaprojects.com).

Tickets for the performances are $8-$12 and Opening Night Fiesta tickets are $20. Event schedule and tickets available online at www.theaterland.com or at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts box-office at 777 N. Green Street, Chicago.

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Along with Mike Oquendo Events, “Hecho en Chicago” is presented by No-Maches.com, e-Hispanics.com and Kaila Designs. Mike Oquendo Events is a full event production company specializing in Latino-themed events. Their commitment is to professionally execute and deliver first-class events to a diverse audience.

Executive Producer Mike Oquendo has combined his love of the live arts and his production experience to produce over 70 shows a year in both the Chicagoland area and throughout the country. Creator of the "Mikey O Comedy Show" which features Latino and multi-cultural stand-up and theater, Mike is a prominent force in independent productions. His shows and events have been featured on local TV, radio and print media. Two notable accomplishments include sitting on the Board of Governors for the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences which produced the first Latin Grammy's in 2001, and being a concept contributor on three HBO Latino specials in 2006.

Media Contact:

Blanca Rodriguez

Mike Oquendo Events

media@mikeycomedy.com

Soldiering on

I ran my first 10-miler of the year this past Memorial Day weekend. I love this race because it's my own official and unofficial kick-off to birthday celebrations. Going into it I wasn't feeling prepared, physically or mentally. My running for the three weeks prior to race day consisted of a handful of 4-5 milers. Not quiet the training for a 10mile race, or is it? There's so much to be said for the power of momentum. It was an awesome race! While I wasn't feeling the most prepared it was very important to show up and run this race. It's a favorite, and because I missed it last year I soooo wanted to run it this year.

My strategy was to take it nice & easy. Well, that, and to trail other runners for inspiration. It worked! For the first 3-4 miles a woman wearing a gray t-shirt carrying her own water bottle became a pseudo pacer for me. I lost her when I walked through an aid station. For the rest of the race I trailed a women who was wearing blue shorts. She was running with a friend, and it looked liked she was pacing her friend too. Did I mentioned that it worked?! My pace was super consistent the entire race, I didn't even stop once except for walking through aid stations. I will have to employ this strategy for longer races, my final time was almost 2 minutes faster than when I ran this race 2 years ago, woo hoo! I hope to have some pics up soon.

Made in Puerto Rico

I love this show. Don't miss your chance to experience this hilarious one-man show! Final 9 shows this June at the CCPA. Here's the info:

“Made in Puerto Rico"
written, directed and performed by Elizardi Castro
executive producer, Mike Oquendo

Mikey O Comedy Productions proudly announces the encore presentation of “Made in Puerto Rico” for June 2009. Puerto Rican actor and comedian Elizardi Castro returns to the stage with his one-man show for a final engagement of 9 performances. This marks the third time Elizardi Castro takes centerstage at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 the night of the performances at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, 777 N. Green Street, Chicago. For tickets and schedule visit www.theaterland.com.

Don’t miss this hilarious theatrical experience for the entire family!

June 5, 6, 7
June 12, 13, 14
June 19, 20 and 21

“Made in Puerto Rico,” previously sold-out in February and March, is Elizardi Castro’s commentary of his Puerto Rican experience. Elizardi uses his collection of stories and memories to share his experience of a Puerto Rican living in the United States. His first one-man show “Malcria’o” gave him the opportunity to follow through on his dream to tell the story of who he is. “Made in Puerto Rico” continues the storytelling with a bolder sense of culture and the importance of passing on those traditions that make up the Puerto Rican experience. Elizardi Castro shares being made in Puerto Rico with candor and expressive humor.

Tix at www.theaterland.com
$12 in advance ($15 at the door)
For info: www.mikeyocomedy.com or 877-70-COMEDY

Chicago Center for the Performing Arts
777 N. Green Street, Chicago

Can't wait!!

Mmmm, Friday!

I was reading an article and was thinking that even though I've been feeling like life has been kicking my ass the last few weeks, LIFE IS INDEED WONDERFUL. Why do I feel compelled to write this to you? You never read much past the first line or two, and yet the keystrokes continue.

I know that THAT part isn't all you are. You're more, but it's a big part and I appreciate that. I appreciate you.

I'll stop waxing poetic now, I'm blaming the caffeine and chocolate donut, they made me do it.

What the hell?

Okay, that's the worst title for a post, but still, what the hell? I read here that the registration for this year's Chicago marathon is increased to $125. 125! I know lots goes into putting on a world event like the Chicago marathon, but geeeze. Are we paying for the whole thing? Part of the reason I took up running was because it was one way of getting the body into motion on the cheap. I really want to run it again this year, but I'll have to rethink my race schedule.

I haven't been running since Thanksgiving (yikes!), but my goal is to start again next week. I'll only be able to get a run in on Tuesday and Wednesday, but hey, it's a start.