Prose, photographs festejan culture
Campus Times
May 21, 1999
The La Vernacula magazine staff sponsored its first ever poetry reading
in the daily theater Tuesday evening. Contributors were afforded the opportunity
to read their selections to the audience of students and ULV community members.
Certian Vernacula participants chose to have thier works read by others.
Culminating the evening's event was the Spanish rock band Doble Cruz, lead
by vocalist and lead guitarist Luis Gonzalez.
Nearly 40 people occupied the seats of the Dailey Theatre for the poetry
reading of La Vernácula, the University of La Verne's Latino
community magazine.
The event, which took place Tuesday evening, served as an opportunity
for members of the University community to present their photographic and
poetic talents. It also featured the musical performances of Doble Cruz,
as well as guitarists Marcelo and Beto, as featured entertainment.
"This is the first year we've done this; hopefully in the following
years, it will continue," said senior Alejandra Rojo, who has served
as editor in chief of the publication for the last three years. "In
the past, we haven't had the funds to do something like this."
The celebration of the 1998-99 edition of La Vernácula
began with an introduction by Rojo, who told of the production and transition
process of this year's 52-page publication.
"This year, La Vernácula has seen many changes. Some
might think the changes are too drastic, others might think that it was
about time that the changes were made," she said. "I see it as
La Vernácula finally stepping out of its shell."
Rojo also expressed her appreciation for the current La Vernácula
staff, saying that its total of 12 members is the largest staff she has
seen.
This year's production team was made up of senior Kenia Magallenes;
juniors Elizabeth Limón and Graciela Manjarrez; sophomores Carolina
Franco, Mario Guerrero and Rosie Ruelas; freshmen Elina Abedi, Veronica
Garcia, Enrique Gutiérrez and Nancy Morales; and Assistant Professor
of Spanish Martha Barcenas-Mooradian as its adviser.
After the introduction of the staff and the magazine as a whole, Rojo
introduced Marcelo, who, as the first performer, played numerous classic
songs on his guitar. Following the performance, those who contributed literary
works to La Vernácula read some of their productions.
Among the contributors to the publication were senior LaVelle Wilson,
who read "How Long?" as well as Guerrero, who shared about his
own life in "Autobiography: A Portrait of a Mexican Struggle."
Other pieces from La Vernácula's contributors were also read,
including sophomore Maria Muñoz's "What's Your Reality?"
and "Moving On," in addition to senior Michael P. Bailey's "Kitchen
Table" and a senior using the pen name ERC's untitled work.
Before the intermission, guitarist Beto shared some of his own musical
works with the audience. Immediately after the 15-minute break, literary
work readings began once more, with members of La Vernácula
reading other contributors' works.
"God and the Blessings He Gave Me," and "Viva Cuba"
by seniors James Rosario and Valancy Rasmussen, respectively, were among
the pieces read. Also, senior Mike Naya's "Empty Inside" and Tito's
untitled and "Coqueta" pieces were shared.
Following the conclusion of the readings, Doble Cruz, a local Spanish-rock
band, concluded the event with a display of its own talents. The group,
composed of Mariano Gallegos (bass), Luis Gonzalez (vocals and guitar),
Angel Medina (drums) and Joshua Montes (percussion), performed self-composed
songs such as "Insomnio (Insomnia)," "Sumanper" and
"Perdida Entre Sueños (Lost in Dreams)."
By the end of the night, Rojo said she was satisfied with the outcome
of the event. "It was great, and it was fun," she said. "I
like how everyone could get together and just enjoy poetry and music-the
whole evening."
Muñoz described the event as something that "went well,
but it needs more support from the community as whole, meaning the University.
"Most people don't even know that this [La Vernácula]
even exists -- it shouldn't be that way," she said.
Muñoz, who will serve as next year's Latino Student Forum president,
said she hopes Doble Cruz will return to ULV again for a performance.
Copies of La Vernácula are available to the public at
several locations on the University campus, including Founders Hall, Woody
Hall, Miller Hall and the Student Center.
