IMMIGRANT MOVEMENT INTERNATIONAL, M.A.K.U SOUNDSYSTEM, and OPEN A.I.R. ARTIST SERVICES PROGRAM PRESENT: IMMIGRANT BEAT WORKSHOP

LOCATION: Immigrant Movement International “€“ 108-59 Roosevelt Ave, Corona, NY 11368. Near 111th Street 7 Train Stop.

You are invited to this open conversation about the role of music in our experience as immigrant artists. Bring a record or an instrument. We will share ideas, songs and experiences. We will close with a jam session open to all!

Te invitamos a esta conversación abierta sobre el rol de la música en nuestra experiencia migrante! Trae un disco o un instrumento. Compartiremos ideas, canciones, y experiencias, y cerraremos con un jam musical abierto a tod@s!

About M.A.K.U Soundsytem

M.A.K.U Soundsystem is an immigrant band from New York City. With most of its members hailing from Colombia, M.A.K.U embodies an active quest for identity through sound and bodies in motion, and puts on a party for everyday people. Born in 2010 the band has independently released two full-length albums, one EP, and toured across the U.S. with their fiery grooves.

M.A.K.U’s distinctive sound is enriched with a variety of musical backgrounds brought to the table by each of its members. Although not inherently discernible there are hints of Colombian Folklore, Psychedelic-rock and Caribbean grooves. It all comes together through a D.I.Y. attitude of getting things done, from composing to releasing independent records; M.A.K.U is as much about the music as it is about a way of life.

On stage MA.K.U juxtaposes traditional Colombian percussion, drum-set, synthesizers, electric base, guitar and sizzling horns, creating an explosive performance filled with unshakable grooves. Lyrically M.A.K.U talks about the realities of everyday people, encompassing love, hardships, culture, and the immigrant experience, but with a positive, spiritual and sometimes humorous spin.

About Immigrant Movement International

Immigrant Movement International, (IMI) is a community space that hosts a variety of free experimental educational workshops facilitated by both artists and community members serving the needs of local immigrants. IMI acts as a think tank for those interested in creating a more humane and dignified legal and economic reality for migrants in the future and as a lab for the merging of arts and activism.

About Open A.I.R. Artist Services Program

The expanded Queens Museum features a new, expanded slate of artist services, including a brand new Studio Program, with professional development features and a networking Lecture Series that draws on human resources at the Queens Museum. Open A.I.R. programs will offer professional development topics targeted specifically to all interested emerging artists.

Open A.I.R. is made possible by a generous grant from The Scherman Foundation’s Katharine S. and Axel G. Rosin Fund. Additional support provided by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

Questions? Email sjmo@queensmuseum.org