About this user
UVA
La PanaPoeta
"Para mi, mi arte es como el aire—es una necesidad."
"For me, writing is like air—it's a necessity."
UVA is an Afro-Latina spoken word artist, writer and educator who fully embraces the rhythm of her Latino heritage and the rich culture of her Afro-Caribbean roots. The result is a blend of African consciousness, Spanish verses and a vibrant West Indian color and texture that she melodically splashes on her audiences. A native of the Republic of Panama, UVA eloquently resonates and trumpets her poetic Afro-Latino messages with incredible clarity creating a sanctuary of creative cultural expression. Truly a performance artist, UVA has learned to appreciate the nuances of emotionally delivering her work so that her audiences can hear, see and feel her art in its totality. This commitment to excellence in her performances has garnered her the opportunity to open for as well as share the stage with various artists including Nikki Giovanni, Musiq Soulchild, The Last Poets, Sonia Sanchez, Roy Ayers and Eric Benet-to name a few. UVA has also toured, and often performs with Philadelphia's Hip-Soul as well as with Warren Oree and the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble, a world-renowned jazz band.
UVA's writing and bilingual delivery (Spanish & English) via the spoken word art form has garnered her numerous distinguished awards and accolades. Her work has been featured in numerous publications including Essence Magazine. She has also been featured in many radio stations throughout the United States and abroad. In addition to performing, UVA is also an avid advocate of Emerging Majority (Blacks/Latinos) youth and female empowerment. As the Founder and Director of Creative Bulla!—a not-for-profit organization, she has developed and facilitated diverse workshops and events for organizations interested in promoting cultural awareness and personal growth through the arts. UVA is also an Artist in Residence for the Philadelphia Arts in Education Partnership (PAEP) and has also served as Teaching Artist for the New Jersey Institute for the Development of Education in the Arts (IDEA). In these roles, she developed and implemented innovative art-based academic curriculums approved by the Pennsylvania and New Jersey School Districts.
In 2005, this poetic powerhouse launched "UVA: Observations in Black & Blanco," a one-woman show based on Spoken Word pieces from her CD "Labor Of Love," at the renowned People's Light & Theater. Told in the language of poetry, this stage play creatively maps UVA's physical, mental and spiritual journey from a young girl in the Republic of Panama to a woman in southwest Philadelphia. As UVA prepares to tour this play across the country in 2006-2007, she's also released a corresponding Live DVD and CD of the show.
Influenced by her Afro-Latino roots, UVA's work is expressively representative of her cultural heritage as she weaves her experiences into her verses. Her debut CD "Labor Of Love," released by Philadelphia-based independent label lil' drummaboy recordings, has been eagerly anticipated for the past four years. The CD, available on-line at www.lildrummaboy.com and at various Philadelphia retailers is a fusion of spoken word/poetry, jazz, hip-hop and soul. UVA is currently working on her third CD as well as preparing for her upcoming tours and documentary on the evolution of the Afro-Latina.
NOTABLE FEATURE PERFORMANCES, EVENTS & ACTIVITIES (Listing)
Some of UVA's Satisfied Audiences & Client Partners (workshops, events, feature shows) Include:
v October Gallery's Philadelphia International Black Arts Festival
v PECO/An Exelon Company's Caribbean Festival
v Coatesville Memorial Community Center
v West Chester Community Center
v Lil' Drummaboy Recordings' Burgundy Room Concert Series
v The Clef Club of Jazz & Performing Arts
v The Nuyorican Café
v People's Light & Theatre
v The Artist Loft Tour
v Pantene Total You Tour
v Black Women's Arts Festival
v West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Festival
v Clifford Brown Jazz Festival
v Prudential
v Sunoco Welcome America!
v Blue Funk
v Various universities including: PSU, Temple, Lehigh, West Chester University, University of Pennsylvania, Lincoln University
v Radio: Power 99 FM's Inner City, 90.1's The Bridge (PHL), 105.5 (Toronto, Canada), 88.5 For Lover's Only (Florida), WPKN 89.5 FM (Connecticut), WURD (Philadelphia)
v Delta Sigma Theta, Omega Psi Phi, Kappa Alpha Psi
v Po/Jazz Connection
v INROADS
v Philadelphia Public Libraries (numerous branches)
