Above: a woman works at making ediciones vigias books in Matanzas, Cuba.

Scenes from Havana, including the fortress el morro and the city at sunset. All photos by © 2009 Lisa Rathje.

Immerse yourself in the flavors, art and culture of Cuba at an Open House hosted by SFMS Board President Lisa Rathje and her husband Rob Taylor. This is the third in a series of House Parties in celebration of our 25th anniversary. All proceeds benefit future Susquehanna Folk programming.

Lisa Rathje has traveled to Cuba for the past four years as a part of a research team conducting oral history interviews with members of the Afro-Cuban arts intelligentsia, including writers, story-tellers, Cuban folklorists, active tradition bearers of Santería, playwrights, publishers, and directors. Her work is contributing to a documentary film on Cuban poet Nancy Morejón, among other projects.

The house party will bring some of the arts, food, and culture of Cuba to Susquehanna Folk, with an emphasis on a press in Matanzas called ediciones vigía that makes handmade books and publishes Cuban authors, including Morejón. Over 20 of the books published by vigía will be displayed in this intimate gathering space, along with other Cuban arts and photographs. The traditional hospitality and flavors of Cuba will also be a part of this experience, made with recipes Lisa has learned from her Cuban hosts.

Presentations at 2:30 and 4:00

At 2:30 pm and again at 4 pm, Lisa will share stories of Cuban life and culture, offer an "inside tour" of the delicate vigía books, and describe how politics has (and has not) affected everyday life in this tiny island nation.

2-5pm at the home of Lisa Rathje & Rob Taylor

216 Harris St, Harrisburg, PA 17102
GoogleMap »

• $16 in advance

• $20 at the door

• Children attending with parents admitted free.

• Advance Tickets

  @ BrownPaperTickets.com