Ocu-Pasión

Send a text

Capítulo 027: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by multidisciplinary artist, host of "Sobre Mesa" and co-founder of "Mi Latinidad", Alix Rhode.  Listen in as we discuss navigating the theatre landscape, creating creative community, and launching a multimedia company  that produces theatre, showcases, digital media, and other works by Latinx artists.

Alix Rhode (She/Her) is a Chicago-based actor, singer, dancer, poet, and photographer. She graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and is also Co-founder & Director of Marketing and Communications for Latinx multimedia company Mi Latinidad.

Find Alix on all social media @alixrhode and www.alixrhode.com

https://instagram.com/milatinidad?utm_medium=copy_link

http://www.milatinidad.org/

https://open.spotify.com/show/6jlZ9lkt0Ie1JoDVHVrwAi?si=NrjuK-g-TGaI8E7oDGzbbg

Ocu-Pasión Podcast is a heartfelt interview series showcasing the experiences of artists and visionaries within the Latin American/ Latinx community hosted by Delsy Sandoval. Join us as we celebrate culture & creativity through thoughtful dialogue where guests from all walks of life are able to authentically express who they are and connect in ways listeners have not heard before.

Delsy Sandoval is the Host and Executive Producer of Ocu-Pasión. If you want to support the podcast, please rate and review the show here. You can also get in touch with Delsy at www.ocupasionpodcast.com

Follow Ocu-Pasión on Instagram: @ocupasionpodcast 
www.instagram.com/ocupasionpodcast

Join the Ocu-Pasión Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/5160180850660613/

Visit www.ocupasionpodcast.com for more episodes.

https://linktr.ee/Ocupasionpodcast

Ocu-Pasión Podcast, hosted by Delsy Sandoval, is a heartfelt interview series celebrating the diverse experiences of Latin American/Latinx artists and visionaries. Join us in exploring culture and creativity through meaningful conversations. If you'd like to support the podcast, please rate and review us here. For more information and to get in touch with Delsy, visit www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram @ocupasionpodcast, join our Facebook Group here, and find all episodes on our website www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our Substack newsletter at ocupasionpodcast.substack.com for updates and exclusive content. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Send a text

Capítulo 026: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Singer, Actor, and Songwriter Gerard Flores. Listen in as we discuss developing music with a message, forging bonds with audiences, and the role of the Artist in the modern world.

"The role of the artist is to create balance in the world by offering more beauty"

*New single “Vente Ya”  out April 8th

Gerard Flores is a bilingual singer and actor from Buenos Aires, Argentina currently living and working in Los Angeles. 

After a successful TV and music career in Argentina, Gerard came to the US to take his career to new heights. With a vision of bringing world-class performance to Latin pop music, Gerard set out on the creation of his debut EP. Gerard’s music is inspired by the performance caliber of JLo, the sex symbol status of Ricky Martin and the dance moves of Chayanne. Gerard’s music has a distinct and fresh sound bringing together influences of pop, flamenco and reggaeton in a modern way that connects across cultural lines.

Gerard’s mission is to use music to empower people to be radically authentic regardless of religion, race, sex, sexual orientation or image. Being the victim of bullying as a kid, Gerard experienced the isolation of being different. It was music that shifted Gerard’s mindset from seeing his differences as a liability to seeing his uniqueness as power. Today, Gerard’s music aims to inspire people to celebrate their differences and claim their unique power. 

In his first EP as a solo artist, Gerard has partnered with the multi-Grammy nominated and Latin Grammy winner Trevor Muzzy who has produced JLo, Lady Gaga, Alejandro Sanz, Pablo Alborán and RedOne. Gerard co-wrote the songs with Aleena Gibson a Swedish songwriter who is known for working with Jason Derulo, Nick Carter, Chenoa, and David Bisbal.

In Argentina, Gerard had a successful career across television, theater and music. Gerard was a daily cast member of the highest rated TV show in Argentina, Susana Gimenez, recording 300 episodes over the span of multiple years. Prior to Susana Gimenez, Gerard toured throughout Latin America as part of the musical Lucia la Maga directed by the celebrated singer Valeria Lynch. After Lucia la Maga Gerard went on to star in six separate musicals each touring through South America. 

In the US, Gerard has been cast in From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series, Harbinger: The Movie, My Secret Lake and multiple international commercials. Gerard has also written and produced a Web Series called Just Living:The Series, which can be found on Amazon Prime.

Follow Gerard:
https://gerardflores.com
https://www.instagram.com/gerardfloresofficial/

Pre-Save "Vente Ya" here: https://show.co/e2LLOMa

Ocu-Pasión Podcast is a heartfel

Ocu-Pasión Podcast, hosted by Delsy Sandoval, is a heartfelt interview series celebrating the diverse experiences of Latin American/Latinx artists and visionaries. Join us in exploring culture and creativity through meaningful conversations. If you'd like to support the podcast, please rate and review us here. For more information and to get in touch with Delsy, visit www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram @ocupasionpodcast, join our Facebook Group here, and find all episodes on our website www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our Substack newsletter at ocupasionpodcast.substack.com for updates and exclusive content. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Send a text

Capítulo 025: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Master Brewer Kassy and Jess Fierro, Colorado's first Female and Latina Owner/Head Brewer and  winner of Season 1 BEERLAND on VICE presents Atrevida Beer Co.  Listen in as we discuss operating a female forward brewery, winning a national homebrew competition called BEERLAND ,and producing unique flavors that challenge traditional notions of craft beer.

While stationed in Germany, US Army veteran Rich Fierro and his wife Jessica first discovered true craft beer, igniting Jessica's passion for brewing and her own Mexican-influenced flavors. Along her brewing journey, Jessica became the first Beerland winner, distributing her winning homebrew recipe, Dona Neta, with Golden Road Brewery. Rich and Jessica now bring you Atrevida Beer Co., the first Latin-owned brewery in Colorado ran by a female Head Brewer.

Winner of 2021 SCWCC Minority Business of the Year
2021 PPSBDC Small Business Champion
2020 Hispanic Emerging & Business leader of the Year
2019 Governor's Minority Small Business of the Year

Diversity is on tap!

Salud! 

Follow Atrevida Beer Co.:
https://www.atrevidabeerco.com/why-atrevida
https://www.instagram.com/atrevidabeerco/

Ocu-Pasión Podcast is a heartfelt interview series showcasing the experiences of artists and visionaries within the Latin American/ Latinx community hosted by Delsy Sandoval. Join us as we celebrate culture & creativity through thoughtful dialogue where guests from all walks of life are able to authentically express who they are and connect in ways listeners have not heard before.

Delsy Sandoval is the Executive Producer of Ocu-Pasión. If you want to support the podcast, please rate and review the show here. You can also get in touch with Delsy at www.ocupasionpodcast.com

Follow Ocu-Pasión on Instagram: @ocupasionpodcast 
www.instagram.com/ocupasionpodcast

Join the Ocu-Pasión Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/5160180850660613/

Visit www.ocupasionpodcast.com for more episodes.

https://linktr.ee/Ocupasionpodcast

Ocu-Pasión Podcast, hosted by Delsy Sandoval, is a heartfelt interview series celebrating the diverse experiences of Latin American/Latinx artists and visionaries. Join us in exploring culture and creativity through meaningful conversations. If you'd like to support the podcast, please rate and review us here. For more information and to get in touch with Delsy, visit www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram @ocupasionpodcast, join our Facebook Group here, and find all episodes on our website www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our Substack newsletter at ocupasionpodcast.substack.com for updates and exclusive content. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Send a text

Capítulo 024: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Dancer, choreographer, and instructor and Founder of 3-19 Dance Art, Beatriz Eugenia Vasquez. Listen in as we discuss the beauty of dance, the mission of 3-19 Dance Art company, and forging a new path for inclusivity in Ballet.

Born in Bogota Colombia (South America), Beatriz studied with Internationally world known teachers and at The Joffrey Ballet School in NY. She has danced with Ballet 2000, The Bilingual Foundation of the Arts, Green Stage Alliance/Stage of the Arts, Casa 0101, Central Avenue Dance Ensemble, Pacific Standard Time, Comfort Disturb Troupe, Mojacar Flamenco Dance Company, and Los Angeles Fusion Dance Theatre. Beatriz has worked as a model for Visual Artists: Tiger Munson, Eva Montealegre, and Petra Eiko. Beatriz also dances for world famous Tap dancer Chester Whitmore with whom she has toured and performed at the Musical International Museum in Arizona, The Ford Theatre, and Los Angeles Metro. 

Beatriz is the founder and director of 3-19 Dance Art (Where Magical Realism meets Dance). Her works have been performed at some of Los Angeles most prestigious venues, UCLA, USC, California Plaza, Bach in the Subways/ Union Station, Highways Performance Art Space, Los Angeles Theatre Center, Pico Rivera Sports Arena, Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Los Angeles Festival of Books. 

Beatriz has worked as choreographer for The Bilingual Foundation of the Arts, Teatro Akabal, Casa 0101, The Watts Village Theatre Company, Macha Theatre, Cabaret Tango, Guadalupe Radio’s production of Cristo Vive 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 directed by award winner theatre director Denise Blasor, and most recently as choreographer and dancer for the stunning production of “I am Frida Kahlo” Created and directed by Froylan Cabuto. 

Beatriz has also choreographed for music videos with artists such as Archer Black, Arnold G, JD Mata and Leopold Nunan. 

In 2019 her acclaimed full length production of “Bewitched Writing”based on the life of World renown writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez had its sold out premiere at the Wille Agee Playhouse in Inglewood CA for 6 consecutive performances. 

In 2020 Beatriz was chosen by the Los Angeles Public Library to portray Dolores Del Rio in their exhibition “Historical Portraits of Los Angeles History” and later that same year she was a featured artist in Artists of Los Angeles in “Look What SHE did” a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the mission to inspire women and girls to greatness by bringing to light stories of remarkable women who changed the world. 

Beatriz is the recipient of 2 awards, and 2 recognitions from the City of Los Angeles. The International GVII Award for promoting the classical arts in the Latin communities of Los Angeles and The excell

Ocu-Pasión Podcast, hosted by Delsy Sandoval, is a heartfelt interview series celebrating the diverse experiences of Latin American/Latinx artists and visionaries. Join us in exploring culture and creativity through meaningful conversations. If you'd like to support the podcast, please rate and review us here. For more information and to get in touch with Delsy, visit www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram @ocupasionpodcast, join our Facebook Group here, and find all episodes on our website www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our Substack newsletter at ocupasionpodcast.substack.com for updates and exclusive content. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Send a text

Capítulo 023: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by writer, creative and social justice scholar Laura Tejeda. Listen in as we discuss exploring the dynamic Los Angeles street vending community, honoring your history & roots, creating "Hungry in East Los", and writing/hosting for L.A TACO.

Laura Tejeda is a lifelong East LA resident.  She has a Masters Degree in Higher Education and works with college students particularly in Equity & Social Justice based education. Laura is also a freelance writer for L.A. TACO and she is the founder of Instagram based page @hungryineastlos which began in 2016 in efforts to challenge gentrification in East LA and raise awareness to support family owned & people of color owned businesses. Laura is host for an L.A. TACO web series titled "Hanging with Taqueros" and host of LA TACO LIVE where she explores LA Culture, news, politics, lifestyle and FOOD! You can find her work here!

Follow Laura:

https://www.instagram.com/hungryineastlos/
https://www.instagram.com/lataco/
https://www.lataco.com
https://solo.to/hungryineastlos

Ocu-Pasión Podcast is a heartfelt interview series showcasing the experiences of artists and visionaries within the Latin American/ Latinx community hosted by Delsy Sandoval. Join us as we celebrate culture & creativity through thoughtful dialogue where guests from all walks of life are able to authentically express who they are and connect in ways listeners have not heard before.

Delsy Sandoval is the Executive Producer of Ocu-Pasión. If you want to support the podcast, please rate and review the show here. You can also get in touch with Delsy at www.ocupasionpodcast.com

Follow Ocu-Pasión on Instagram: @ocupasionpodcast 
www.instagram.com/ocupasionpodcast

Join the Ocu-Pasión Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/5160180850660613/

Visit www.ocupasionpodcast.com for more episodes.

https://linktr.ee/Ocupasionpodcast

Ocu-Pasión Podcast, hosted by Delsy Sandoval, is a heartfelt interview series celebrating the diverse experiences of Latin American/Latinx artists and visionaries. Join us in exploring culture and creativity through meaningful conversations. If you'd like to support the podcast, please rate and review us here. For more information and to get in touch with Delsy, visit www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram @ocupasionpodcast, join our Facebook Group here, and find all episodes on our website www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our Substack newsletter at ocupasionpodcast.substack.com for updates and exclusive content. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Send a text

Capítulo 022: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by writer, director, editor, and graphic designer Chris Banda. Listen in as we discuss the process of character building, sharing authentic stories, and healing through writing. 

Raised in West Covina, California. Chris was always interested in art and enrolled at Mt. Sierra college to become a graphic designer. Though his abilities in graphic design, he created several layout and film posters. https://bandabear71.wixsite.com/chrisbanda

But film was always his ultimate goal.

Feeling as though there were not enough Latino stage plays that represented what he wanted to work on as an actor, he began his writing career simply out of necessity. He enrolled at Rio Hondo College in Whittier, California, where he wrote several plays, including The Long Walk, dAWGS, The Hand of Handsome Eddie, and Playing Clean which was performed for the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival New Works program. His first professional production was an extended adaptation of his play dAWGS which was produced by L.A. Teatro produced and performed at The Ivar Theater and Gardner Stage in Hollywood, and the prestigious Los Angeles Theater Center.

In 2010, Chris enrolled at the Los Angeles Film School and quickly became recognized for his writing and editing skills in his short films Working: A Jazz Musician and Suerté (https://youtu.be/IU4vDCYUFXI). In 2021, for his thesis film, he adapted his one-act play Playing Clean into a Short Film (https://youtu.be/075ZEjqmgnk) which received high acclaimed for writing and editing. After graduating he began to work as a writer and editor working on several short films, features and web series including the award winning web series Encounters were he wrote two episodes, Adobo, (https://youtu.be/WwYkVECoGo0) and award winning The Moment Between the Lights, (https://youtu.be/T3tnszGeouM) which he also directed.

In 2015, he began working as a fulltime editor editing content for Machinima and Fullscreen Media. It was during this time be began working as the primary editor for Emmy award-winning director Kico Velarde and his docu-series Lowrider Magazine’s Lowrider Roll Models. (Selected Episode https://youtu.be/C7r2tCMmM9k. It was during Lowrider Roll Models where he drew inspiration for his next project.

In 2021, he completed his latest play entitled Lolo (https://youtu.be/kVQtuZ032xc). Lolo Trailer (https://youtu.be/QWigl8Z-Gf0)

The play tells the story of a young Mexican-American woman working as a mechanic in her families Auto shop. The play surrounds her returning home after the sudden death of her fa

Ocu-Pasión Podcast, hosted by Delsy Sandoval, is a heartfelt interview series celebrating the diverse experiences of Latin American/Latinx artists and visionaries. Join us in exploring culture and creativity through meaningful conversations. If you'd like to support the podcast, please rate and review us here. For more information and to get in touch with Delsy, visit www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram @ocupasionpodcast, join our Facebook Group here, and find all episodes on our website www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our Substack newsletter at ocupasionpodcast.substack.com for updates and exclusive content. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Send a text

Capítulo 021: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Dancer and Performance Artist Salomé Egas. Listen in as we discuss exploring intersectional identities, action driven artwork, and venturing beyond the traditional theatre landscape to engage with audiences head on. 

SALOMÉ EGAS is an Ecuadorian mestiza performer, educator and entrepreneur who is permanently questioning her identity through dance, theater, film and textile arts.  As a solo performer and a member of The New Latinx Art Collective, Salomé incorporates radical self-love and indigenization as tools to empower the ancestral knowledge carried by femme bodies of color. Her solo “Reflejo'' has been supported by The Greenwich Arts Council (2021), The Immigrant Artists Biennial (2021) and the Exponential Festival (2020); her solo “(Up)rooted”  was commissioned by Skidmore College’s Tang Museum (2019). She’s performed nationally at Abrons Arts Center, LaMama, Dixon Place, NYTW, Joe’s Pub, among others. Internationally, Salomé has performed in Ecuador, Venezuela, Cuba, Argentina and Canada. She participated in 2019-20 Creative Capital’s Latinx Artist Workshop and EmergeNYC (2018). 

As an arts educator, Salome has taught and created curriculums in Dance, Theater and Spanish for different public and private institutions in NYC and Ecuador. Salomé recently started dabbling in Bilingual Children’s Literacy and is happy to release her first children’s book in March 2022! She is also the founder of “BY SALO,” an online brand that focuses on making sustainable clothing and accessories through recycled, upcycled and/or hand-sewn, hand-dyed materials. 

Salomé obtained a Master’s in Performance, International Education and Mythologies from NYU (2018), and a Dance-Theater degree from Skidmore College (2014).

Salome’s website: https://www.salomeegas.com/

Salome’s instagram:https://www.instagram.com/salomeegas/

By Salo’s website: https://bysalo.com/

By Salo’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/by_salo/

By Salo Books instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bysalo_books/

The New Latinx Collective instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newlatinxartcollective/

Ocu-Pasión Podcast is a heartfelt interview series showcasing the experiences of artists and visionaries within the Latin American/ Latinx community hosted by Delsy Sandoval. Join us as we celebrate culture & creativity through thoughtful dialogue where guests from all walks of life are able to authentically express who they are an

Ocu-Pasión Podcast, hosted by Delsy Sandoval, is a heartfelt interview series celebrating the diverse experiences of Latin American/Latinx artists and visionaries. Join us in exploring culture and creativity through meaningful conversations. If you'd like to support the podcast, please rate and review us here. For more information and to get in touch with Delsy, visit www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram @ocupasionpodcast, join our Facebook Group here, and find all episodes on our website www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our Substack newsletter at ocupasionpodcast.substack.com for updates and exclusive content. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Send a text

Capítulo 020: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Author of "Jefa-in-Training" and Founder of Womxn Crush Music Ashley K. Stoyanov Ojeda. Listen in as we discuss building community for rising women & non-binary songwriters, coaching creative entrepreneurs on how to grow their businesses, and writing the first Spanglish project-launching toolkit for the new generation of boss women.

Ashley K. Stoyanov Ojeda is a community-builder, business-development strategist, coach, and socialpreneur. Originally from Queens, NYC, and born to a Mexican mom and French-American father, Ashley's career started in the music industry in 2012, working at major record labels, publishers, and venues. After relocating to Portland, OR, post-college, she created her own network for local womxn songwriters, now a national organization that has been featured in The Recording Academy, called #WomxnCrush Music. 

Since the rapid growth of her organization, she has dedicated her career to creating opportunities and developing businesses and communities of underrepresented entrepreneurs through her coaching and consulting, and has become known as the Business Hada Madrina (Business Fairygodmother).

Ashley joined The Mujerista team in 2020 to help create and grow The Mujerista Network, a digital network dedicated to empowering and celebrating the next generation of Latinas making an impact en la cultura. Ashley currently resides in Portland, Oregon.

Follow Ashley:
https://www.ashleykstoyanov.com
http://www.womxncrushmusic.com
https://www.instagram.com/ashleykstoyanovojeda/
https://www.instagram.com/womxncrushmusic/
https://linktr.ee/ashleykstoyanov

Ocu-Pasión Podcast is a heartfelt interview series showcasing the experiences of artists and visionaries within the Latin American/ Latinx community hosted by Delsy Sandoval. Join us as we celebrate culture & creativity through thoughtful dialogue where guests from all walks of life are able to authentically express who they are and connect in ways listeners have not heard before.

Delsy Sandoval is the Executive Producer of Ocu-Pasión. If you want to support the podcast, please rate and review the show here. You can also get in touch with Delsy at www.ocupasionpodcast.com

Follow Ocu-Pasión on Instagram: @ocupasionpodcast 
www.instagram.com/ocupasionpodcast

Join the Ocu-Pasión Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/5160180850660613/

Visit www.ocupasionpodcast.com for more episodes.

https://linktr.ee/Ocupasionpodcast

Ocu-Pasión Podcast, hosted by Delsy Sandoval, is a heartfelt interview series celebrating the diverse experiences of Latin American/Latinx artists and visionaries. Join us in exploring culture and creativity through meaningful conversations. If you'd like to support the podcast, please rate and review us here. For more information and to get in touch with Delsy, visit www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram @ocupasionpodcast, join our Facebook Group here, and find all episodes on our website www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our Substack newsletter at ocupasionpodcast.substack.com for updates and exclusive content. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Send a text

Capítulo 019: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Artist, Musician, Activist, and Founder of The Pharmacy, Gary "Galapagos" Viteri. Listen in as we discuss the process of building a collaborative community space, creating inspired art, and supporting the local music scene for generations to come.

GARY “GALAPAGOS” VITERI
Andean-American Artist & Activist Based in Philadelphia. Since the New Millennium, Touring the Globe On Stage & Off Playing His Guitar, The First American Born in an Ecuadorian Immigrant Family, Raised On Equal Parts: La Bamba/Ninja Turtles/Superman, Viteri has recently become known as the “Spear-Head” of the local Art & Music Cafe (@thepharmacycoffee) in His Local Community of Point Breeze.

After a Cycling Accident in 2009, Viteri was taken away from International Touring. Forced to ReInvent Himself after the 2008 Economic Collapse; Using his knowledge & experience, Viteri purchased, renovated & repurposed an old Pharmacy in his neighborhood. Since then, The Pharmacy, Gary & Sharky (a Pitbull he rescued from his block) have become the “Anchor” of the neighborhood (according to Google)

After nearly a decade after his accident & over 1000+ Events, The Pharmacy was forced to cancel their 2020 schedule & closed for renovations. After some much needed maintenance & upgrades, Gary reopened the cafe in 2022 w/ Live Music from the Rooftop, returning to his roots, celebrating a decade of business w/ the 1st Annual @LatinPunkFest debuting his latest project @qlebrasmusic uniting the New & Old Generation of LatinxAmericans in Philadelphia.

Currently, Viteri shares his studies in Andean & Kichwa Culture through his Art & Music Production, using his platform to spread awareness & information regarding Native & Indigenous Language & Ancestry by curating/creating open source content for All Ages.

Follow Gary Galapagos:  
www.thepharmacyphilly.org
www.instagram.com/Thepharmacycoffee
www.instagram.com/garygalapagos
www.instagram.com/qlebrasmusic
www.instagram.com/latinpunkfest

Ocu-Pasión Podcast is a heartfelt interview series showcasing the experiences of artists and visionaries within the Latin American/ Latinx community hosted by Delsy Sandoval. Join us as we celebrate culture & creativity through thoughtful dialogue where guests from all walks of life are able to authentically express who they are and connect in ways listeners have not heard before.

Delsy Sandoval is the Executive Producer of Ocu-Pasión. If you want to support the podcast, please rate and review the show here. You can also get in touch with Delsy at

Ocu-Pasión Podcast, hosted by Delsy Sandoval, is a heartfelt interview series celebrating the diverse experiences of Latin American/Latinx artists and visionaries. Join us in exploring culture and creativity through meaningful conversations. If you'd like to support the podcast, please rate and review us here. For more information and to get in touch with Delsy, visit www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram @ocupasionpodcast, join our Facebook Group here, and find all episodes on our website www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our Substack newsletter at ocupasionpodcast.substack.com for updates and exclusive content. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Send a text

Capítulo 018: On this episode of Ocu-Pasión we are joined by Broadway veteran, university instructor, theatre facilitator, and director Michelle Rios. Listen in as we discuss Theatre within social activism, collective creation, and the art of storytelling. 

Michelle's  credits include the Tony Award nominated Broadway productions of Paul Simon and Derek Walcott's The Capeman, The Sound of Music (starring
Richard Chamberlain), and Man of La Mancha (starring Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell).  She also performed the coveted role of “Abuela Claudia” opposite Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award winner Lin Manuel Miranda in In the Heights and originated the role of  “Maria Elena” in the opera Missionaries written and directed by the late Elizabeth Swados, which premiered at both La MaMa, ETC. and New York Stage and Film.   A classically trained vocalist, Ms. Rios was also a Metropolitan Opera Mid Atlantic Semi-finalist, and has collaborated with artists on theatrical, classical, and contemporary new works.  She was a guest artist in Spoleto Music Festivals in both Italy and Charleston, SC, where she performed the world premiere of Magic & Transformation, a chamber orchestral piece with lyrics by the late Lou Reed and music by contemporary composer Peter Gordon. 

Other guest artist concert appearances include: The Washington Opera, The National Symphony, The Greenville Symphony, The Arlington Symphony, The Pan American Symphony Orchestra, The Core Ensemble, Opera Maxlrain (Germany), The “In” Series, etc.  Ms. Rios has performed and collaborated with such luminaries as Paul Simon, Lin Manuel Miranda, Marc Anthony, Ruben Blades, Uzo Aduba, Lila Downs, and Academy Award nominees Ed Harris, Mare Winningham, and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, to name a few.  She performed the role of "Signora Nacarelli" in the World Premiere of the first chamber production of The Light in the Piazza by Tony Award winning composer Adam Guettel.   She also originated the role of “Lupe” in the World Premiere of Tony Award nominees Michael John LaChiusa and Sybille Pearson's Giant directed by award winning Broadway and West End director and choreographer Jonathan Butterell ("Everybody's Talking About Jamie").  She performed alongside Grammy Award winning recording artist Lila Downs as “Mama Elena” in the Sundance Theatre Lab workshop presentation of Like Water for Chocolate with music and lyrics by Lila Downs and a book by Pulitzer Prize Award winning playwright Quiara Alegria Hudes.  Ms. Rios received a 2018 Helen Hayes Award nomination for her performance as "Abuela Claudia" in the U.S. Spanish premiere of In the Heights  directed and choreographed by Luis Salgado with original Spanish lyrics by Lin Manuel Mi

Ocu-Pasión Podcast, hosted by Delsy Sandoval, is a heartfelt interview series celebrating the diverse experiences of Latin American/Latinx artists and visionaries. Join us in exploring culture and creativity through meaningful conversations. If you'd like to support the podcast, please rate and review us here. For more information and to get in touch with Delsy, visit www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Connect with us on Instagram @ocupasionpodcast, join our Facebook Group here, and find all episodes on our website www.ocupasionpodcast.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our Substack newsletter at ocupasionpodcast.substack.com for updates and exclusive content. Your support is greatly appreciated!