Jessica Medina has just released her new album "Rosa," and her single, "Locura" written by Alex Cuba has been a big hit. Jessica is a multi-tasker, mom, singer and career woman. She also makes time for the causes important to her heart. Congratulations Jessica and thank you for gracing The Queso with your beautiful voice.

Lalo Alcaraz visits the Queso podcast for a real conversation about his work, some of the challenges he has faced and of course, to make us laugh. Over the years, his work has been really inspirational to me, which is why this is such a special episode for me. #ShareThisEpisode Lalo Alcaraz is an award-winning nationally-syndicated editorial cartoonist, and so much more!  Follow Lalo on IG: @laloalcaraz1

Back for more! This short episode is to catch up a bit as I have been absent for a minute. Also, to encourage women, each other, to keep pushing and keep moving! Finally, it is March and we are kicking off talking about all things Cesar Chavez, the United Farmworkers and Dolores Huerta. Thank you for listening.

May 1, 2022 at Joe's on Weed Street in Chicago - The Sandra Delgado Experience. Sandra joins me on the podcast to talk about the show and so much more. Sandra is a musician, an actor and activist. See how theatre has a place in activism here at www.collaboraction.org (Sandra is an active Board Member). In addition, she is the creator of the well-known production, "La Havana Madrid." From www.sandradelgado.net: "La Havana Madrid is Delgado’s smash hit immersive documentary theater experience, complete with live music, based on the true story of the 1960’s Chicago nightclub, La Havana Madrid. Inspired by real stories of Cuban, Puerto Rican and Colombian immigrants who found refuge there, La Havana Madrid recreates a special time and place in Chicago history by immersing audiences in the lively music of that decade, from mambo to salsa."

Save the date, May 20th for An Evening with the South Chicago Dance Theatre:  Celebrating Five Years, featuring five world premieres by five dynamic choreographers  —Ron De Jesus, Stephanie Martinez, Crystal Michelle Perkins, Wade Schaaf and Kia Smith-at the Harris Theatre in Chicago. Make sure to use the code FRIENDSANDFAMILY 5 for a nice discount to the show. Go to https://www.harristheaterchicago.org or https://www.southchicagodancetheatre.com

**OPENING DAY** Sci-Fi Romantic Independent Film - WITHOUT WARD - Available on Digital 3.25.22, Starring: James Duval, Michael Gladis, Alexis Dziena, Marguerite Moreau, Ring Hendricks-Tellefsen, Carole Ruggier, Harold Perrineau and Martin Landau. Written and directed by Cory Cataldo, a sci-fi, romantic independent film.

Here we are at the top of the year, ready for more interviews! Thank you for following, listening and sharing. 

In my 2022 kick-off episode, I mentioned Aleta Clark, "Englewood Barbie." You can find her on Instagram as @englewoodbarbie.

I also mentioned a series on Youtube, "Soft White Underbelly," by Mark Laita. 

Plese be sure to check these out, and show your support for their work in their communities.

The Queso Podcast is dedicated to showing the human connection, the softer side of life even amidst a harsh reality. I am also dedicated to learning about and showcasing different cultures through language, music, and art.

I am looking forward to more wonderful conversations in 2022.

Happy New Year!

Marco Tapia es el presentador muy conocido por su programa Dulce y Picante TV (Youtube) donde ha entrevistado los artistas mas grandes de Latinoamerica. Pero ahora Marco se lanza con su propio proyecto, Marco Tapia Musica.

https://www.facebook.com/marcotapiamusic

"Expulsado del paraiso"

The Queso Podcast welcomes director/poet, Carlos Lopez Estrada (Raya and the Last Dragon (2021), Blindspotting (2018), and Marvel's Legion (2017), and poets, actors, educators- Raul Herrera and Marqueshe Babers. Here, they share the process of making of the film, "Summertime," and how their lives intersected throug poetry, making this journey possible. "Summertime" is a breathtaking trip through a day in L.A. (but is relatable anywhere you may be), it's raw, funny and most of all, inspiring. The entire movie was written by 27 talented Los Angeles young adult poets from the Get Lit program, who originally started the Get Lit program through their high school teachers. An exciting part of this film is that it too evolved into something to be shared and learned, in the form of FREE classroom curriculum available for educators everywhere. Go to: www.getlit.org/summertime-curriculum for FREE resources. The curriculum is free thanks to a grant from Tiger Tales Media. 

Watch the trailer, Good Deed Entertainment’s feature film SUMMERTIME, (72) SUMMERTIME (2021) Official Trailer HD - From the Director of Raya and the Last Dragon - YouTube

 

** Clips from the film and educational materials will be available for free.   Additional options including virtual classroom visits, Q&A’s and performances from the poets featured in the film, and licensing the film SUMMERTIME for screenings, are available to purchase for a cost**  

 

"Summertime" was Produced by Carlos López Estrada, Kimberly Stuckwisch, Diane Luby Lane, Jeffrey Soros, Alisa Tager, Kelly Marie Tran

Welcome Joanna Wozniak to the Queso Podcast. Joanna's is one of those stories we love to hear post-pandemic (or shall we say during the pandemic). Joanna was a professional ballet dancer with the Joffrey Ballet for 20 years. Because of the shutdown due to the pandemic, and her love of coding, she now has a new career as a data analyst. Although it sounds far-fetched, this is the result of a resilient human being, who worked several jobs, danced and pursued a college degree in order to be ready for a time like this. 2020 brought many changes for her, including getting married! I hope you are inspired by Joanna's story and how all things can be possible, if you work hard, persevere and keep pushing ahead. Most of all, dance, keep dancing, move your body, and your mind will follow! #TheQuesoPodcast #WhatThePandemicLeftBehind #JoffreyBallet #CareerMoves #KeepItMoving

 

Music credit: "Brave" by Sad Puppy