Verse & Harmony

Fronterizos In Exile: Border writers & an open mic

2010-12-06T20:46:00.001-07:00

Verse & Harmony | Friday, August 14, 2009 | Photos

2009-08-26T21:01:00.005-06:00

Nancy Lechuga.

Isaac Peace.

Jesus Smith and Isaac Peace.

Anthony Jimenez and Richie Marrufo.

Jesus Smith.

Paul Escarsega.

Anthony Jimenez.

Dennyse.

Andrew Mammei.

Issac Peace.

Verse & Harmony's free expression zone returned to Lozada Studio Cafe for a third round. It was another enjoyable summer night of great poetry and music. Thanks to all that came out for another memorable night.

Next Verse & Harmony | Friday, August 14th

2009-07-27T00:21:00.002-06:00

Verse & Harmony | Friday, July 17, 2009 | Photos

2009-07-21T21:54:00.006-06:00

Lawrence Barrett, John Enriquez, and Arturo Enriquez

John Enriquez and Arturo Enriquez

Herman Campos

Miguel Juarez

Isaac Peace

Lawrence Barrett

Josh Ronquillo

Isaac Peace

Richie Marrufo

Anthony Jimenez

Andrew Mammei

Richie Marrufo

Claude Montes and Richie Marrufo

Paul Escarsega

Nancy Lechuga

Mark Eric

Claude Montes

Verse & Harmony's free expression zone returned to Lozada Studio Cafe for a second round. It was another packed night of hot poetry and music. Thanks to all that came out for another memorable night.

Next Verse & Harmony | Friday, July 17th | Lozada Studio Cafe

2009-06-16T14:10:00.001-06:00

Verse & Harmony | Friday, June 12, 2009 | Photos

2009-06-15T22:55:00.006-06:00

Lawrence Barrett

Jorge Guzman

Jay

Josh Ronquillo

PaulEscarsega

Miguel Juarez

Raquel Lopez

Richie Marrufo

Anthony Jimenez

Jorge Guzman and Rita Hamway

Andrew Mammei

Claude Montes

Jim Iholts

Ray Ramos

Ryan D.

Rocky "Skins" Melendez

Verse & Harmony's free expression zone stepped out of a two month hiatus with a vengeance at Lozada Studio Cafe. As usual, we had a packed and enthusiastic crowd and a line-up of talented new and returning performers. Thanks to all who came out for another memorable night.

Next Verse & Harmony | Friday, June 12th

2009-05-19T22:23:00.002-06:00

Verse & Harmony | Friday, March 13, 2009 | Photos

2009-03-15T18:55:00.006-06:00

Herman Campos.

Josh Ronquillo.

Wiley Driskell.

Gene Keller.

Arturo Enriquez.

Rocky "Skins" Melendez.

Lawrence Barrett holding his newly published book available on Amazon.com.

Another crowded house.

James Karam.

Rita Hamwee.

Mary Mooney.

John Sansone.

Grey Croyle.

Andrew Mammei.

Dee Ogee, featuring Octavio Gonzalez and Issac Esquivel. (deeogeemusic.com)

Celina O.

Rocky Melendez on the sound board.

Ian Crowder and Andrew Latiner.

Andrew Latiner.

Ian Crowder.

Nathan Burgess.

Jorge Guzman.

Verse & Harmony concluded its run at Rulis' with another entertaining evening of music, poetry, and dance. We had our revolving group of talented regulars joined by equally talented performers new to V&H's "stage". V&H will be going on a short break, probably a couple of months, to find a more suitable larger venue for this event. We remain committed to providing a time and space for the artistic community to freely express their verse, harmony, dance, and visual art.

The Next Verse & Harmony | Friday, March 13th @ Rulis'

2009-02-21T21:20:00.003-07:00

V&H is free but a minimum of $5 per person tab of food/drink is suggested. Rulis' is located at 318 N. Mesa (downtown storefront of the Cortez Building, right across from San Jacinto Park).

Verse & Harmony | Friday, February 13, 2009 | Photos

2009-02-15T21:32:00.008-07:00

Meiko

Lorena

Jorge Guzman

Alfredo Gutierrez

Erin Hodson

Mary Mooney

Arturo Enriquez

Rocky Melendez

Mariel Valenzuela

Josh Saenz, Houston Beroteran, and Jorge Albuerto

Andrew Latimer

Gene Keller

Jay

Adam Jimenez

Richie Marrufo

Anthony Jimenez

Andrew Mammei

Rick Bechtel

Josh Ronquillo

Verse & Harmony continued the tradition of having a awesome night of music and poetry. We had another packed SRO venue. Being the day before Valentine's Day, love was in the air as many romantic poems and songs were broadcast to our enthusiastic audience. The next V&H is set for Rulis' on Friday, March 13th. Hope to see everybody there...and be sure to get there early if you want a chance of sitting down.

Next Verse & Harmony | Friday, February 13th @ Rulis'

2009-01-15T21:55:00.005-07:00

V&H is free but a minimum of $5 per person tab of food/drink is suggested. Rulis' has a wonderful changing menu of international cuisine that is reasonably-priced. Rulis is located at 318 N. Mesa (downtown storefront of the Cortez Building, right across from San Jacinto Park). Please support the members of the business community that support the local arts movement.

Verse & Harmony | Friday, January 9, 2009 | Photos

2009-01-11T17:20:00.020-07:00

Stage art provided by Karl Whitaker.

Al Soto, a poet.

Dee Ogee featuring Isac Esquivel & Octavio Gonzalez. (www.deeogeemusic.com)

Andrew Mammei, a V&H pioneer.

Traveling Luke Heflee from Philadelphia, PA.

Josh Nilles, his second time at V&H.

Aislin and her dad.

Raquel Lopez, a V&H regular.

Josh Ronquillo, the Hacienda Heights Unknown Revolution.

Paul Escarsega, also from Hacienda Heights.

Iva Ramirez showed her artwork and read some poetry.

Josh Saenz, 13 years old and up-and-coming.

Josh Cohen got his commercial poetic license.

Lawrence Barrett, a V&H regular.

Ray Ramos, the unplugged poet.

The talented Nancy Green.

Jesse Edwards, a V&H regular.

Mauricio Gonzalez and Nancy Green.

A jam session featuring Luke Heflee, Maurio Gonzalez (hidden), Julio, Rocky "Skins" Melendez...

...Arturo Enriquez (and Luke again).

The very animated Jay.

Herman Campos from far East.

What can I say about this month's issue of Verse & Harmony? Besides having four guys named Josh up on stage, it was another great poetic and musical show. This time we had visual art decorating the space. V&H has been on organic fire since our coffeehouse days. It was packed...SRO...with a line outside waiting to get inside. I'm sorry that everybody (including Lucille Zavala and her crew) didn't get in. All I can say is that you need to come early if you want to get in and participate in the movement. Also, be sure to support Rulis' International Kitchen who provide this really nice space by bringing them your dining business. Until next month, peace out!

FIN.

Next Verse & Harmony | Friday, January 9th @ Rulis'

2008-12-18T22:03:00.004-07:00

V&H and is free but a minimum of $5 per person tab of food/drink is suggested. Rulis' has a wonderful menu of international cuisine that is reasonably-priced. Rulis' is located at 318 N. Mesa (downtown storefront of the Cortez Building, right across from San Jacinto Park). Please support the members of the business community that support the local arts.

Verse & Harmony | Friday, December 12, 2008 | Photos

2008-12-17T22:59:00.013-07:00

Tree on, PA set-up, mic check, Free Expression Zone sign up. It's show time!

Al Soto (poet)

Jesse Edwards (musician/singer)

Herman Campos (poet)

Adam Jimenez (musician)

John Sansone (poet)

Ray Ramos (poet)

Raquel Lopez (musician/singer)

Josh Ronquillo (poet)

Joshua Nilles (poet)

Sheri Glennwright (poet)

Krystee (musician/singer)

Anthony Jimenez (poet/musician)

Lucille Zavala (poet)

Carl Watson (poet)

Richie Marrufo (musician/poet)

Nick Rodriguez (poet)

Freddy Gutierrez (poet/musician)

Freddy Gutierrez, Mauricio (musician), and Roberto Santos (musician)

Roberto Santos (musician/poet) with Mauricio (musician)

Meiko Merrill (poet)

Maria Gandara (poet)

Paul Glenn (poet)

Rocky Melendez (bongos/sound technician)

Amalia Castro (singer) with Edgar (musician) and Jeza (musician)

Amalia Castro (musician/singer)

December 2008's edition of Verse & Harmony was at downtown's Rulis' International Kitchen, a really cool space for our wandering cabal of musicians and poets. It was a really special night with the flashing kaleidoscope of colorful holiday displays at San Jacinto Plaza juxtaposed against our talented troop of performers and loyal audience. I can never say enough about the performers that belt out body and soul before the mics--you guys/gals make V&H awesome every month! And special thanks to our Canadian, Northern, and local visitors on two wheels. I am sorry that Homonculous Stare couldn't perform due to electrical issues and my good friends Arturo Enriquez (bass) and Rocky Melendez (bongos) couldn't play during an intermission that we just couldn't fit in. (The steaming hot plate of poetic and musical treats flowed over.) Special thanks to Rocky for making us sound good, Al for being a good facilitator (hehe), and Ruli and his staff for being a super nice host and whipping up delicious treats.

Fin.

Friday, December 12th | Verse & Harmony @ Rulis' International Kitchen

2008-11-24T18:23:00.007-07:00

This event is free but a minimum of $5 per person tab of food/drink is suggested. Rulis' has a wonderful menu of international cuisine that is reasonably-priced. Rulis' is located at 318 N. Mesa (downtown storefront of the Cortez Building, right across the street from the downtown Christmas tree at San Jacinto Park). Please support the members of the business community that supports local poets and musicians.

Verse & Harmony | Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008 | Photos

2008-11-23T22:46:00.010-07:00

Ester Rodriguez (poet)

Annie Joe (poet)

Nick Rodriquez (poet) watches Karla Lopez (poet)

Josh Ronquillo (poet)

Humoculous Stare Band

Al Soto (poet)

Eddie Munoz (poet)

Lawrence Barrett (poet)

Andrew Mammei (poet)

Paul Escarsega (poet)

Nancy Green (poet)

Jesse Edwards (musician/singer)

Verse & Harmony's November 2008 issue was held at downtown's La Catrina Grill & Bar. A lot of great poetry and music was presented. Many new faces were added to the V&H cabal. Thanks to all the performers pictured above and Bobbi (poet) and Rocky Melendez (bongos & sound tech) whose photos I missed taking.

Friday, December 12th | Verse & Harmony @ Rulis'

2008-11-20T23:20:00.003-07:00

Saturday, November 22nd | Barbed Wire Open Mic @ Percolators

2008-11-20T23:17:00.002-07:00

Saturday, November 15th | The Next Verse & Harmony at a new location

2008-10-27T23:57:00.004-06:00

Verse & Harmony is excited to announce that we have moved to La Catrina Mexican Grill & Bar in Downtown El Paso. This is a super nice space for our open mic with an elevated stage, large seating area, and delicious menu items. We hope to see you out here on the 15th!

Verse & Harmony Is Moving

2008-10-22T10:10:00.005-06:00

Verse & Harmony will be moving the poets and musicians deluxe townhouse to another location, away from Lighthouse Coffee. I believe we have found a new comfortable and larger location that can serve the V&H community well. Please be patient and hopefully we will be able make an announcement real soon in time for a November open mic.

I would like to thank all the poets, musicians, dancers, and audience members who have supported Verse & Harmony over the past year. Additionally, I would like to thank Al Soto (co-MC) and Rocky Melendez (sound guy), two individuals who without their assistance this venture could not have happened and grown.

See you all soon!

--Federico Villalba (AKA El Palletero)

El Paso Magazine to Feature Verse & Harmony

2008-10-04T14:04:00.003-06:00

El Paso Magazine will have an article on Verse & Harmony in an upcoming issue. Their photographer will be taking photos of the action at the October 11th edition of V&H. Time to book an appointment with the poetry fashion consultant. Remember to go easy on the mousse.

Saturday, October 11th | The Next Verse & Harmony

2008-09-29T05:49:00.004-06:00

Join us for our first birthday. (Yup, the V&H baby is on its way to the terrible two's.) Remember to wear your funky clothes and beads.

Verse & Harmony | Saturday, Sep 13th, 2008 | Photos

2008-09-28T23:38:00.008-06:00

Angel Maldonado (poet)

Jim Ihots (musician/singer)

Al Soto (poet & co-MC)

Leeah (singer/musican)

Nancy Green (poet/musician) & Arturo Enriquez (musician)

Rocky "Skins" Melendez (bongos/audio tech)

Josh Ronquillo (poet)

Adam Jimenez (singer/musician)

Greg Livingston (poet)

Raquel Lopez (singer/musician)

Eduardo Munoz (poet)

Paul E. (poet)

Anthony Jimenez (musician)

Richie Marrufo (poet)

Raquel Duran (poet)

Lucille Zavala (poet)

Lawrence Barrett (poet)

Paul Glenn (poet)

Natalie Scenters-Zapico (poet)

Cecilio (poet)

Nancy Green (poet/musician)

Thanks to all the above shown performers and poet Herman Campos (no photo taken) for making September's V&H another entertaining night. V&H is only 11 months old and it has evolved into El Chuco's best monthly showcase of open mic poetry and music. Also, thanks to our loyal audience for their support. See you guys on October 11th for our 1st birthday.

Saturday, September 13th | The Next Verse & Harmony

2008-08-19T00:03:00.000-06:00

Verse & Harmony | Saturday, August 9, 2008 | Photos

2008-08-18T23:23:00.010-06:00

Alex Ramirez (musician/singer)

Jim Iholts (poet)

Herman Campos (poet)

Nik Adams (musician/singer)

Raquel Lopez (musician/singer)

Richie Marrufo (poet)

Leon de la Rosa (poet)

Lawrence Barrett (poet)

Paul Glenn (poet)

Spencer McLosky (writer)

Nik Adams (guitar/vocals), Rocky "Chewy Skins" Melendez (congas/bongos), & Arturo "Archie" Enriquez (bass) jammed during intermission.

Jim Iholts (poet), Federico Villalba (M.C.), & Al Soto (poet) look in disbelief at the rare granite dinosaur paw print fossil. The V&H cabal gave our amigo Florida Jim some going away gifts.

Rocky "CS" Melendez (congas/bongos)

Al "Esmokin" Soto (poet)

Another hot night of music and poetry was witnessed at Verse & Harmony. Thanks to all the performers, audience, and Lighthouse's Jackie & Brian for a great night.

Saturday, August 9th | The Next Verse & Harmony

2008-07-29T00:33:00.002-06:00

Verse & Harmony | Saturday, July 12, 2008 | Photos

2008-07-28T23:56:00.008-06:00

Rocky Melendez (congas and bongos), Arturo Enriquez (bass), Nikolas Adams (guitar), Lulu Gonzalez (violin), and Anthony Jimenez (piano, not shown) jam during intermission.
Chris Knight (poet).
Richie Marrufo (poet).
Emily Clarke (singer/poet).
Ada Marquez (poet).
Anthony Kumpf (singer/guitarist) from Las Cruces, NM.
Jazmin Garcia (poet).
Anthony Jimenez (pianist).
John Simonds (poet) from Las Cruces, NM.
Al Soto (poet and co-MC).
Ana Gonzalez (poet).
Jerry Kumpf (poet/singer) with a rain stick from Las Cruces, NM.
Raul Amaya (poet).
Abby Carl (poet).
Nikolas Adams (singer/guitarist).
Federico Villalba (poet/MC).
Herman Campos (poet).
Lawrence Barrett (poet).
Rocky Melendez (Congas, bongos, sound, tech, and PA man).
Lulu Gonzalez (violinist) visiting from New Orleans, LA.

Thanks to all 20 performers who served a steaming overflowing plate of great entertainment (the largest slate in V&H's short history), our loyal audience, and Lighthouse Coffee baristas Brian and Jackie for the great service. Keep the good karma packing the coffeehouse.

Saturday, July 12th | The Next Verse & Harmony

2008-07-02T12:49:00.004-06:00

The next live issue of Verse & Harmony is on Saturday, July 12th @ 7PM. See "The Three W's & Other Pesky Details" section on the top left column for more information. Please note the earlier sign-up and start times.

2008 Poets Enchanted Summer Road Trip

2008-06-19T04:38:00.004-06:00

Some of the El Chuco poets (Andrew, Rocky (with bongos), Al, & Fred) will be on a summer sabbatical to Northern New Mexico. We will be back for Poets Under The Stars (PUTS) at Music Under The Star (MUTS).

Verse & Harmony | Saturday, June 14, 2008 | Photos

2008-06-19T03:54:00.008-06:00

Folks, sorry for the delay on this brief post. (I have been getting ready for our poets road trip along with other tasks.) June 2008's issue of Verse & Harmony was great. We had a very large crowd and 16 individuals under the stage lights. We had four new poets and one new singer to V&H join us. The 16 are as shown: Amy Abeyta (singer), John Simonds (poet), Eddie Munoz (poet/singer), Al Soto (poet & co-MC), Maria Miranda (poet), Herman Campos (poet), Rocky Melendez (bongos and PA set-up), Maria Rice (singer), Roberto Santos (poet), Ken Kenyon (poet), Alfredo Gutierrez (poet & storyteller), Andrew Mammei (poet), Lawrence Barrett (poet), Armando (poet), Marva (visiting poet from Georgia), and Federico Villalba (poet & MC) (no photo). Thanks to everybody for showing up and providing a most enjoyable evening.

Saturday, June 14th | The Next Verse & Harmony

2008-05-12T01:13:00.006-06:00

The next live issue of Verse & Harmony is on Saturday, June 14th @ 7PM. See "The Three W's & Other Pesky Details" section on the top left column for more information. Please note the earlier sign-up and start times.

Verse & Harmony | May 10, 2008

2008-05-12T00:45:00.006-06:00

It was another entertaining evening at Verse & Harmony. The performers included Rocky Melendez (bongos/sound), Alex (guitar/singer), Vali (poet), Al Soto (poet/MC), Federico Villalba (poet/MC), Jim Iholts (poet/piano/singer), Eduardo Munoz (poet), Xavier Thomas (poet), Andrew Mammei (poet), Armando (poet), Jackie (poet/barista), and Julie Hernandez (poet–photo not taken). Thanks to everybody that made it out.

CKD & Marie Rice play @ Lighthouse | May 9, 2008

2008-05-12T00:28:00.004-06:00

It was a enjoyable evening with CKD performing at the Lighthouse Coffee Co. (East) with special guest Maria Rice. CKD is Jesse (lead guitar), Joe Tellez (guitar), Rocky Melendez (drums), and Arturo Enriquez (bass). Maria Rice (vocals/guitar) played solo and accompanied CKD.

Saturday, May 10th | The Next Verse & Harmony

2008-04-22T01:26:00.002-06:00

The next live issue of Verse & Harmony is on Saturday, May 10th @ 7:30PM. See "The Three W's & Other Pesky Details" section in the top left column for more information.

Friday, April 17th | Poet Juan Felipe Herrera reads @ UTEP

2008-04-22T00:53:00.003-06:00

Poet Juan Felipe Herrera recited from his "187 Reasons Mexicanos Can't Cross The Border". UTEP's Rosa Alcala, poet & professor, opened.

Saturday, April 12th | Verse & Harmony

2008-04-22T00:22:00.002-06:00

Photographs: Tommy, Angel, & David are joined by Rocky "Skins" Melendez (3rd photo). Other performers were poets Jay Y., Alfredo Gutrerrez, Kathleen Ravin, Ken Kanyon, John Simonds, Vali, Al "Orange" Soto, Federico Villalba, and singer/guitarist Maria Rice. As always, another packed and enjoyable night @ V&H/Lighthouse (East)!