Weekend Passport: Puerto Rican comedy and a global dance party

By Siri Bulusu
Elizardi Castro, creator and star of Made in Puerto Rico.
Elizardi Castro, creator and star of Made in Puerto Rico. Photo courtesy of Ray Mejia of Jillian Art Photography
Elizardi Castro, creator and star of Made in Puerto Rico. Photo courtesy of Ray Mejia of Jillian Art Photography
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Elizardi Castro, creator and star of Made in Puerto Rico.
Elizardi Castro, creator and star of Made in Puerto Rico. Photo courtesy of Ray Mejia of Jillian Art Photography
Elizardi Castro, creator and star of Made in Puerto Rico. Photo courtesy of Ray Mejia of Jillian Art Photography
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Weekend Passport: Puerto Rican comedy and a global dance party

By Siri Bulusu
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Elizardi Castro, creator and star of Made in Puerto Rico. (Photo courtesy of Ray Mejia of Jillian Art Photography)

Made In Puerto Rico at The Athenaeum Theatre. June 23, Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets $25 online or at the door.

Elizardi Castro was a practicing lawyer in Florida before he decided to give it all up for performance theater. His one-man stand up show, Made in Puerto Rico, is a funny yet heartfelt account of Castro’s experiences growing up Puerto Rican in America.

Blanca Rodriguez, the Manager and Publicity Director for Mike Oquendo Events, says Castro’s comedy is “clever and playful. It’s physical and a little sarcastic, but he’s always clean – he’s writing for his grandmother.”  Rodriguez says Castro’s show is relatable because his stories make you laugh at yourself. This clip is just a taste:

Global Dance Party at Old Town School of Folk Music. June 22, at 8:30 p.m. $10 at the door.

People of the ancient Andes had a unique way of celebrating the summer solstice, or “Inti Raymi” in Kichwa, the Incan language. They would dance the “Chari Churay,” a step unique to the Otavalo region, meaning “stamping one’s feet into Earth.” Dancer Carmen Edith Pachacama, explains that the dance step, which is a combination of various stomping motions, was meant to prepare the land for harvesting.
Chicago/Equadorian band Runa Roots joins Carmen Pachacama for an evening fit for the Incans. Dance lessons will be available during music breaks.
Check out their moves:

International Fest 2012 at the Korean Cultural Center. June 23, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Free.

T

(Courtesy of International Fest 2012)
he Korean Cultural Center and the Wheeling Chamber of Commerce bring you International Fest 2012. The day is full of performances from Ireland to the Philippines, as well at 30 food vendors with everything from Polish cuisine to Korean food and wine. The kids area features face painting, library readings and pony rides. A family-friendly way to get exposed to international culture.

The Korean Cultural Center of Chicago celebrates the road to discovery and helps preserve Korean immigrant’s history and cultural legacies in Chicago.