Perez Puts the Spotlight on APAP 2018

Perez debut at APAP 2018

Here is a link to APAP, the Association of Performing Arts Professionals, an organization celebrating diversity and inclusiveness in the performing arts, and here is a link to Donate!

Presidents intro:

APAP|NYC offers many opportunities to engage and network with performing arts colleagues. Plenary events feature inspiring keynote speakers who are charting the future of the industry, and professional development sessions are led by thought leaders and influencers from the field.

I was so impressed by Kaumakaiwa Kanaka’ole.

She is a global touring and recording artist whose genre-crossing work strives to “prompt the Native into action and engage our psyche.” Her music has been honored with five Nā Hōkū Hanohano music awards and presented in eight international tours. “My work draws directly from ancestral memory and hula practice, with roots in chant that transforms to melody. She was one of the speakers at the Opening Plenary: Trans.ACT: What is the Role and Responsibility of the Performing Arts in our World Today? Just saying dynamic and smart!

This year I did my debut at APAP – I was a part of Gail Boyd’s showcase

I presented the Truth Concert Moments in storytelling -Songs of love -truth and conflict. Please enjoy and please book this show.

Eva’s Tune – an original composition that highlights the beauty and hope – a vision of goodness that is within us all
Crazy He Calls Me –this composition selected for 2 reasons- one because I was exposed to mental illness as a child ,as my mother was in and out of mental intuitions all her life- and i was always challenged by the thought that, I too, might be crazy -the second reason is because we need to be a bit crazy to love and trust -we do need to cling to love and passion now and always
Cherokee – Ray Nobles composition – Perez chose this because Trump is breaking the federal government’s promises to Native Americans
People Make the World Go Round– go underground young man – this line spoke to Perez as to all the lyrics presented in the entire Truth Concert House in New Orleans Nina Simone influence on the Truth Concert I Put a Spell on You – Nina Simone influence on the Truth Concert
I Ain’t Got No – Nina Simone influence on the Truth Concert and with the current political and environmental situation this is a chore composition for the Truth Concert Colors original spiritual by Perez about colors of wisdom and souls and Shine – if we can

footage by Sara Pettinella – littlecombproductions.com

With more than 1,000 performances happening in and around the conference, artist showcases are one of the top reasons professionals from around the world come to APAP|NYC and I was thrilled to be a part of this.

APAP is a great hang and you run into old friends and you make new friends – For me it’s a must do every year

This year APAP closed out with hip cat Bassem Youssef Physician. Comedian and arts activist

Known as “the Jon Stewart of Egypt”, Youssef was named one of Time Magazine’s “100 most influential people in the world” and Foreign Policy magazine’s “100 Leading Global Thinkers” in 2013, and won the Committee to Protect Journalists’ International Press Freedom Award. A heart surgeon turned political satirist, Youseff was watched by millions on his Egyptian television show, until a warrant for his arrest was issued by a government without a sense of humor. He is the author of the book Revolution for Dummies: Laughing – He is very smart and very funny.

Shout out to all who performed at APAP 2018 Congratulations.