Toys in Three Languages BY PATRICE ELIZABETH GRELL YURSIK In Miami you’re just as likely to hear street-corner conversations in Spanish or Kreyol as you would in English. Regardless of whether you say feliz navidad or joyeux noël, the pleasure of giving Christmas joy is universal. Many children in our sprawling city don’t get a visit from Santa Claus, so a unique toy drive has been organized to send some holiday cheer to the needy. Bring a new unwrapped toy to Santos Sangria’s Vena Poetica, a trilingual open-mike poetry night held monthly at La Vena del Gusto. Spoken-word heroine Deborah Magdalena-Sama hosts the popular event. “Our balanced trilingual thing is really what makes the evening special. We’re looking for toys for kids between the ages of ten to eighteen, because those older children are often forgotten,” says Magdalena-Sama. There will be free sangria from 7:00 to 8:00. Date/Time: Price: Wed., December 6, 7pm Admission costs five dollars, plus an unwrapped toy

November 10, 2006 Miami, FL – ‘Expect the unexpected’ has become the motto of this monthly event. Rich with unexpected performances and guests, Vena Poetica con Deborah Magdalena is an evening filled with messages of peace, love, and challenging injustice, making it a perfect home for one of FLORIDA DEPARTRMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES (DCF) holiday toy drives. When Shamelle Jenkins, a special liaison for DCF, asked Deborah if Vena Poetica could host a Toy Drive, she wholeheartedly agreed. “We knew it was our responsibility.” declared Deborah. “It would be hypocritical for us poets and poetry lovers who speak of human revolution and celebrate our culture to not want to inspire kids and bring joy to their lives, especially during the holidays.” she continued. Deborah Magdalena’s multi-cultural Vena Poetica continues to inspire, entertain and offer a place to meet new people, unwind and relax. With a mission to give local poetic artists a ‘home’ Deborah Magdalena has started a trilingual movement that has put Miami on the cultural map! This open mic has not only brought out some of the most talented local artists to her stage but has aroused a movement that is quickly building momentum. Vena Poetica con Deborah Magdalena finds its stage at the wine & tapas bar La Vena del Gusto on SW 8th Street near downtown Miami. The restaurant is co-owned by Mari Gonzalez and Pedro Damian, an artist known for his creation of Miami’s Gallo art. Between spoken word sets one can hear music from various artists from the elHood.com community including multi-platinum commemorated & co-host of MEGA Flo Morning Show 94.9FM DJ Felix Sama, Spain’s Urban Flamenco super star Digitano, Showtime at the Apollo Winner Big Brooklyn Red, hot MC and producer Mr. Phillips and Latin Grammy winner Nestor Torres. Deborah Magdalena closes her invitation with one small request- “All we ask from our Vena Poetica guests is that they bring an unwrapped toy or book (ages 10-14) to our next trilingual open mic.” WHO – Deborah Magdalena WHAT – Vena Poetica con Deborah Magdalena, a Trilingual Open Mic – TOY DRIVE WHEN – Wednesday Dec 6, 2006 7pm WHERE – La Vena del Gusto 26 SW 8th Street (corner of S. Miami Ave) Miami 305-374-9177 TIME – Doors open at 7pm, First poetry set at 8pm FREE SANTOS SANGRIA 7PM- 8PM FREE ADMISSION FOR PERFORMING POETS 7PM – 8PM – ALL PERFORMING POETS MUST BRING UNWRAPPED TOY FIVE DOLLAR COVER CHARGE AT THE DOOR ALL PRESS GUESTS WHO BRING A BUSINESS CARD & TOY WILL RECEIVE FREE SELECT TAPAS