The Good Friend – El Buen Amigo: SANTIAGO MASFERRER

1 Comment / Business, Community /

For the final issue of the year, I wanted to spotlight an individual who has a business that we all can get behind and support for the holiday season, a business connected to an organization that helps the Latin American community – and we found the perfect one!  So as the title of the article might have clued some of you, I’m going to place the spotlight on Santiago F. Masferrer, founder and executive director of El Buen Amigo/Latin American Cultural Association (LACA), and a long-time community activist. Mr. & Mrs. Masferrer I met Santiago many years ago. I was living in Tonawanda at the time, but I believe I learned of his organization and had the pleasure of meeting him during Buffalo’s Elmwood Arts Festival. So if you’ve been lucky and been to the place, you already know it is much more than just an organization. It is a place to shop for Latin Arts and Culture.  AND YOU STILL CAN SHOP – while supporting this nonprofit organization (Latin American Cultural Association), involved in education and culture in the Buffalo community while supporting Latino artists from other countries.  I remember the first time I visited El Buen Amigo. I felt “The Good Friend Energy” as soon as I stepped in the doorway. It was like I had teleported to a time when I could still be with my Abuelo y abuela.  The place was arranged by regional area at the time. So you might have a section where traditional Mexican items occupy a space. You will also see an area where you can purchase Brazilian or other areas with items unique to the culture!   You could get a sense of the similarities of items based on the area it was acquired from. And you can see where some areas of Central and South America and The Caribbean have influence in other areas of the world!  Santiago has operated and managed El Buen Amigo for over 30 plus years. Prior to El Buen Amigo, Santiago was a member of PODER and PRCC, and he worked as a Correctional Officer at Attica where he went out of his way to be of help to the inmates, especially introducing them to their culture and education.   El Buen Amigo was established by LACA to help promote and market a fair-trade price for authentic items crafted in many Latin American and Caribbean countries. When you shop there for your Holiday Gifts and future gift-giving times – for your entire family – you’ll be assured that much of the proceeds go directly back to the artists and artisans who created them – many by hand! Many will not have an identical pair. Leaving you with the awesomeness of buying and gifting the most unique items to everyone you know!   Shopping at El Buen Amigo this season and beyond, helps to continue the effort of teaching Spanish to the non-Spanish speaker. As well as, availing Santiago, go and others that work/volunteer the ability to professionally translate for other people, organizations, and companies!   Santiago is a loving husband, adored father and Abuelo! He is one of the most beautiful people I know in Buffalo! He has dedicated many years to the Elmwood Village area. Any time you see him you can be sure your conversations will be eye-opening!  If you want to know more about Santiago Masferrer and El Buen Amigo, visit them at 144 Elmwood Avenue, right off Allan Street. You will walk out knowing that LACA gives a beautiful, cultural face to Buffalo’s city of good neighbors, including yours as you walk out the place with a satisfying smile.  Enjoy the season with family and friends and have a Prosperous 2024! Read More From This Writer All Post Art Books & Poems Business Community Education Entertainment español Food & Culture Health Interviews Military & Veterans Music Peace People Politics Sports The Good Friend – El Buen Amigo: SANTIAGO MASFERRER December 18, 2023/No Comments Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Read More… Read More AGELESS NINJA November 1, 2023/No Comments Many of you may know, watched, or have heard of the show American Ninja Warrior. For those who have never… Read More LEADING WITH LOVE THROUGH DANCE October 4, 2023/4 Comments Thinking of the first time I met this fantastic human – my first thought was that she looked like she… Read More Load More End of Content.

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THE SWEET AND BRAVE SOUNDS OF SON JAROCHO MUSIC

Music /

On the crisp evening of Friday, October 20th, I had the pleasure of experiencing the beautiful sounds of Son Jarocho music, a regional folk musical style hailing from Veracruz, Mexico. Thanks to the talented ensemble known as Caña Dulce y Caña who took the stage at Buffalo’s historic Kleinhan’s Music Hall, the night was nothing short of magical, as this group transported us to a place of tradition, authenticity, and rich, captivating sounds. Kleinhan’s Music Hall itself set the perfect stage for this unique performance, with its ornate architecture and superb acoustics. As the audience settled into their seats, the anticipation in the air was palpable. The stage was adorned with an array of traditional instruments, creating an inviting atmosphere that promised a deep dive into the heart of Son Jarocho. Caña Dulce y Caña Brava, a group with deep roots in the genre, is made up of talented musicians who are not only masters of their instruments but also passionate ambassadors of the Son Jarocho tradition. Interestingly, Son Jarocho music is a genre typically dominated by male performers, however as the women took the stage, the commitment to preserving and sharing this rich musical heritage was evident from the moment they began playing. The performance began with Violeta Romero, a spirited zapateado, the rhythmic footwork characteristic of Son Jarocho, setting the stage for an evening of foot-tapping music. The zapateado, a dance performed on a wooden platform called a “tarima,” brought a strong percussive element to the performance, which blended seamlessly with the melodies. The instruments used by Caña Dulce y Caña Brava were a sight and sound to behold. The traditional “jarana” and “requinto” guitars, along with the “arpa jarocha” (a large, resonant harp) were played with precision and enthusiasm, showcasing the virtuosity of the group members. The melodies created by the harp, masterfully played by band leader and co-founder Adriana Cao Romero Alcalá, resonated through the hall, evoking feelings of nostalgia and joy. The vocal performances were equally impressive, as the group’s singers told stories through their soulful and harmonious voices. The lyrics of their songs often touch on themes of love, nature, and the daily life of the Veracruz region, making the music feel deeply rooted in tradition and culture. One of the standout moments of the evening was the fandango, a communal celebration that invites audience participation. The infectious energy of the fandango had the entire crowd clapping, dancing, and even trying their hand (or feet) at the zapateado. This interactivity made for a memorable and immersive experience that bridged the gap between the performers and the audience.  As the night drew to a close, Caña Dulce y Caña Brava received a well-deserved standing ovation. The audience was left with a newfound appreciation for Son Jarocho and a yearning to explore the rich cultural heritage of Veracruz, Mexico. The performance was not just a musical journey but a cultural exchange that left a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. After having the opportunity to take a few pictures with the band, as my mother and I walked through the hall I couldn’t help but appreciate what Caña Dulce y Caña Brava were doing, keeping the traditions of Son Jarocho alive through their music and touring. It made me think of the traditional Trios and Jibaro music I grew up listening to as a child visiting my Abuela in the Lakeview projects as a child. The sounds of Nito Mendez and Los Tres Reyes are a huge part of the soundtrack of my youth, and in this day and age where music has become almost disposable, I hope and wish music artists, particularly those of Puerto Rican descent, carry on those traditional sounds through future generations  In the heart of Buffalo’s West Side, Caña Dulce y Caña Brava introduced the city to the magic of Son Jarocho, and the experience will undoubtedly resonate in the hearts and minds of those lucky enough to be in the audience that night. This enchanting blend of tradition and authenticity, brought to life through the captivating sounds of traditional instruments, showcased the power of music to transcend borders and connect people across cultures.  It was a true celebration of the beauty and universality of music. Until next time. Read More From This Writer All Post Art Books & Poems Business Community Education Entertainment español Food & Culture Health Interviews Military & Veterans Music Peace People Politics Sports THE SWEET AND BRAVE SOUNDS OF SON JAROCHO MUSIC November 10, 2023/No Comments Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Read More… Read More ENTERTAINING, INSPIRING, AND INFORMING  THROUGH FILM October 1, 2023/No Comments  On Monday, September 25th, I had the great pleasure of presenting my film, “Boricua Soy Yo” at a free public… Read More A BITTERSWEET NIGHT, LISTENING TO THE MUSIC OF “GITANAA July 25, 2023/No Comments On Saturday, June 24th, my wife and I joined a few friends and enjoyed a night of live Latin music… Read More Load More End of Content.

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AGELESS NINJA

Business, Community /

Many of you may know, watched, or have heard of the show American Ninja Warrior. For those who have never heard of it or watched the show, it is pretty much a competition between an incredible athlete versus an obstacle course. The athletes are competing for the ultimate prize of $1,000,000. Only 3 have won that since 2009.  What many of you may not know is that this is being recognized as a bonafide sport. Where once people were known to set up courses in their backyards. Now you have gyms and League forming across the world. So much so that the Fédération Internationale de Sports d’Obstacles (FISO) World Obstacle was formed in 2014 as an international governing body for obstacles & and related sporting events.  Currently, there are a few gyms in the suburbs of Buffalo but none in the city. Enter Dave Kozak – affectionately and professionally known as the Ageless Ninja. He’s currently 76 years young. He trained in Lancaster at Hybrid Ninja Academy. He’s been on the American Ninja Warrior show twice! And in November 2021 he was acknowledged by the Guinness World Records as being the oldest Competitive Ninja Warrior in The World! (*) He started this journey competing in Spartan competitions with family members. He eventually saw a call for athletes for a local competition for Ninja Athletes and he’s been training and competing ever since. It is a sight to witness the youth at Hybrid Ninja Academy transform into a cheerleading squad for every competition!  Dave’s goal is to bring the love of this sport to Inner City Youth who may not have transportation and/or means to experience the exhilaration of working to overcome an obstacle in a very physical sense. Not only for the accomplishment in the gym but for the lessons that transmute into everyday challenges.   For as long as he has been training and competing is as long as he has been able to bear witness to how this unique sport has changed the lives of young people. Not just improvement in the way of physical fitness but their emotional, psychological, and socialization skills improve as well. The “athletes experience positive changes in self-awareness, self-discipline, self-confidence, and many other personal attributes.”  Just as he has had this opportunity, he wants the opportunity to be opened in the City of Buffalo for youth. As such he embarked on a venture and has secured non-profit status for The Buffalo Ninja Academy. His hope is to secure a location within 6 – 18 months. As well as funding for daily operations to offer training for youth at little to no cost.  A suitable home for The Buffalo Ninja Academy would be approximately 3000-4000 sq feet with a 10-12 foot+ ceiling. If you have led to such a space – connect with Dave as soon as you read the end of this article!  If you would like to financially contribute to this non-profit endeavor, you can reach Dave Kozak at: dvkozak@yahoo.com   The Buffalo Ninja Academy website is also under development at: http://buffaloninjaacademy.com  You can follow him on Facebook at Ageless Ninja.  (*) To see the feature on WGRZ-TV: Search Local Athlete is World Oldest Ninja or click here: https://youtu.be/nbn1fg6DO-Y?si=PDo6SVpXrzA6657b https://youtu.be/nbn1fg6DO-Y?si=PDo6SVpXrzA6657b%20%20 Read More From This Writer All Post Art Books & Poems Business Community Education Entertainment español Food & Culture Health Interviews Military & Veterans Peace People Politics Sports AGELESS NINJA November 1, 2023/No CommentsRead More LEADING WITH LOVE THROUGH DANCE October 4, 2023/No Comments Thinking of the first time I met this fantastic human – my first thought was that she looked like she… Read More “UNAPOLOGETICALLY & UNCOMPROMISING” July 10, 2023/No Comments This month I am shining the spotlight on a woman whom I met a few years ago. When I met… Read More Load More End of Content.

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