Ecolibrium Community Meeting: Solar and Batteries in Public Spaces
2025-04-24 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | The Loisaida Inc. Center, 710 East 9th Street, New York, NY, 10009, United States
Ecolibrium Community Meeting: Solar and Batteries in Public Spaces
Date: April 24, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Loisaida Center, 710 East 9th St, NYC 10009
Join us for the next Ecolibrium Community Meeting, where we’ll explore the role of solar energy and battery storage in public spaces and their integration into a community-scale Virtual Power Plant (VPP). This initiative connects solar and battery installations in public parks, community centers, and shared spaces with residential and commercial buildings, creating a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable urban energy network.
At our last meeting, we introduced the Virtual Power Plant (VPP) concept, showcasing how distributed energy resources (DERs) can work together to support a decentralized, clean energy grid. This session will dive deeper into the practical applications of solar and battery systems in public spaces, highlighting their role in reducing emissions, enhancing grid reliability, and providing backup power during outages.
We’ll also provide an overview of Ecolibrium’s paid summer internship program, which offers hands-on experience in engineering, data science, IT & cybersecurity, environment, digital arts, media, and economics—preparing students for careers in the green economy while working with our community to create a vision for a climate resilient future in the LES.
Loisaida Center’s Ecolibrium program is committed to energy and climate justice, empowering local talent to design and implement innovative sustainability solutions. By merging technical expertise, creative problem-solving, and community-centered action, the program fosters the next generation of leaders in urban sustainability.
Be part of the conversation—help shape the future of community energy!
This initiative is made possible through the generous support of Con Edison, the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development (Ladders for Leaders), CUNY Career Corps, NY State Dept. of Environmental Conservation, and the U.S. Department of Education/Congressional Community Project Funding.

Basics of Woodworking - Session 3: Wood Joints & Assembly Basics
2025-04-26 14:00 - 18:00 UTC | The Loisaida Inc. Center, 710 East 9th Street, New York, NY, 10009, United States
Course Title: Basics of Woodworking
Class Schedule: Saturdays, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM (April 12 – May 24)
Duration: 7 sessions (28 hours total)
Capacity and Target Audience: 6 Students – Beginners with no prior woodworking experience
Location: Loisaida Center – 710 East 9th Street, New York, NY 10009
Instructor: Josué Guarionex Colón
Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/xu2y4dt

Scope of Work

Objective:
Provide participants with foundational woodworking skills, safety protocols, and hands-on experience to build small projects independently.
Learning Outcomes:

Understand and apply woodworking safety standards.
Identify and use essential woodworking tools and materials.
Measure, cut, and assemble wood accurately.
Finish a personal woodworking project.

Resources Provided:

Tools: Saws, drills, clamps, sanders, measuring tapes, etc.
Materials: Lumber, screws, glue, sandpaper, and protective equipment.
Instructional handouts and project templates.

Key Deliverables:

Completed personal project (e.g., a small table or shelf).
Participant certificate of completion.

Curriculum
Session 1: Introduction to Woodworking & Safety

Overview of tools and materials.
Shop safety rules and demonstration.
Basic measuring and marking techniques.

Session 2: Tools & Techniques

Hands-on practice: saws (manual and power), drills, and sanders.
Techniques for cutting, drilling, and sanding.

Session 3: Wood Joints & Assembly Basics

Introduction to types of wood joints (butt, miter, dado).
Practice assembling a simple joint.

Session 4: Project Planning & Material Preparation

Selecting and measuring materials for the project.
Cutting and preparing wood pieces.

Session 5: Assembly and Construction

Assembling the project (e.g., a small table or shelf).
Tips for ensuring structural integrity.

Session 6: Sanding and Finishing

Sanding techniques for smooth surfaces.
Introduction to wood finishes (paint, varnish, stains).

Session 7: Final Touches and Reflection

Completing the project and applying finishes.
Group project showcase and feedback session.

Assessment:
Participants will be evaluated on their ability to follow safety protocols, demonstrate basic skills, and complete their project within the course timeline.
Requirements:
Participants must wear closed-toe shoes, and the program will provide safety goggles.

Basics of Woodworking - Session 4: Project Planning & Material Preparation
2025-05-03 14:00 - 18:00 UTC | The Loisaida Inc. Center, 710 East 9th Street, New York, NY, 10009, United States

Mixed Poetics 3 - BODIES
2025-05-03 18:30 - 20:30 UTC | The Loisaida Inc. Center, 710 East 9th Street, New York, NY, 10009, United States
MIXED POETICS 3
BODIES
Produced by Miah Artola
Featuring works by: Manon Wada, Hiromi Kiba, Miah Artola, Patrick Todd, Amy Hosig, Art Jones, Andrea Frierson, Townsend West, Marcelo Siles, Mark Mayer, James Long, Melissa Grey, David Morneau
Date: Saturday, May 3rd 2025
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Location: Loisaida Inc 710 East 9th Street New York, NY 10009

Admission: $20/ $10 (All funds will support participating artists!)
Pay with Venmo (must have/create Venmo account)
Admission can also be paid at the door.

Nuyorican Poets Cafe W.O.W. Open Mic at Loisaida Center
2025-05-07 18:00 - 20:30 UTC | The Loisaida Inc. Center, 710 East 9th Street, New York, NY, 10009, United States
Nuyorican Poets Cafe W.O.W (Womxn Orator Wednesday) Open Mic
Every First Wednesday of the Month from 6 to 8:30 pm at the Loisaida Center!
Hosted by Sumbodies Mama in-person & on-stage at the Loisaida Center, 710 East 9th Street (between Avenues C & D), Manhattan, NY 10009. Please note: all performances are live-streamed on Loisaida’s and our Nuyorican Poets Cafe’s YouTube channels (and the recording is available to watch on our YouTube channel right thereafter).
** On the first Wednesday of each month. **
** Doors open at 6 P.M. **
** Open Mic is from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. **
Tickets:
$10 (plus online fee) for performers or audience/viewing (same price).
$10 (at the door, via credit card or Zelle or Apple Pay, no cash

** NOTICE: By attending and/or participating in events by the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, you acknowledge that your voice and/or likeness may be recorded and/or photographed. **

** All art forms are welcome: poetry, short stories, comedy, monologues, songs (Note: ORIGINAL songs only). 4 minutes max. per performer. If you’d like to add an original audio track to your performance, please email the .mp3 or .wav file or the link to your online audio URL to chris@loisaida.org in advance. **

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Basics of Woodworking - Session 5: Assembly and Construction
2025-05-10 14:00 - 18:00 UTC | The Loisaida Inc. Center, 710 East 9th Street, New York, NY, 10009, United States

Nuyorican Poets Cafe Open Mic Wednesdays hosted by Solpreme at Loisaida Center
2025-05-14 06:00 - 20:30, 2025-05-28 18:00 - 20:30 UTC | The Loisaida Inc. Center, 710 East 9th Street, New York, NY, 10009, United States
Open Mic Wednesdays in partnership with Nuyorican Poets Cafe is every second and fourth Wednesday of the month.
The slam will be hosted by @orgsolpreme in person and on stage at the Loisaida Center – 710 East 9th Street, NY, NY 10009, from 6:00 to 8:30 PM!
Open to all genres including poetry, music, comedy, and storytelling. All art forms are welcome: poetry, short stories, humor, monologues, songs (Note: ORIGINAL songs only). 4 minutes maximum per performer. If you’d like to add an original audio track to your performance, please email the .mp3 or .wav file or your online audio URL link to chris@loisaida.org in advance.
Note: All performances will be recorded and live-streamed via LoisaidaTV and the Nuyorican Poets Cafe’s YouTube channels (and the recording will be available to watch on our YouTube channel immediately afterward). Participation in this event is with this understanding and giving consent to be filmed. If you missed attending and/or would like to re-watch your performance, find the recorded videos on our YouTube.

By attending and/or participating in these Open Mic events, you acknowledge that your voice and/or likeness will be recorded and/or photographed and may be used for promotional or educational purposes by both the Nuyorican Poets Cafe and Loisaida Center.

Tickets:
* $10 (plus online fee) in advance here on this ticketing page (for either audience/viewing or performances, same price)
* $10 (at the door at the Loisaida Center, via credit card or Zelle or ApplePay only, no cash)

<<Purchase Tickets – Click Here>>

SELF-DEFENSE WORKSHOP (FOR WOMEN!)
2025-05-14 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | The Loisaida Inc. Center, 710 East 9th Street, New York, NY, 10009, United States
The New York Junior League and Loisaida, Inc. presents:
Self-defense Workshop
Join Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu trainer Rachel Piazza to learn about physical and verbal strategies you can use to navigate difficult interactions, from common situations to worst-case scenarios.
Featured in: The New York Times

Location & Details

When: Wednesday, May 14th at 6:30–8:00 PM ET

Where: The Loisaida Center, 710 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009

Pizza & beverages provided

AN ARCHIVE FOR LOISAIDA by Arthur Lee
2025-05-15 13:30 - 17:00 UTC | Cooper Union, 7 East 7th Street, NY, NY, 10010, United States
AN ARCHIVE FOR LOISAIDATo remember and continue Loisaida’s history of activism in Cooper Union
May 15th – 30th
Located at the Cooper Union Library – Foundation Building, 7 E 7th St, New York, NY 10003
Opening EventMay 15th 1:30 PM
Open Hours are the same as the Library’s

Acting Fundamentals: The 15 Week Course
2025-05-17 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-05-24 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-06-14 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-06-21 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-06-28 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-07-12 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-07-19 13:00 - 15:30, 2025-07-26 13:00 - 15:30 UTC | The Loisaida Inc. Center, 710 East 9th Street, New York, NY, 10009, United States
Around the Block Teatro offers a 15-week Acting Fundamentals course led by Nikaury Rodriguez at the Loisaida Center.
Designed for beginner and intermediate actors, the program focuses on self-awareness, truthful reactions, and character development through theatre games, embodiment exercises, script analysis, and improvisation.
Classes are held every Saturday from 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM ET.
Tuition is $350, with scholarships and payment plans available.
To apply for a scholarship or to register, visit: https://www.aroundtheblockteatro.org/

Basics of Woodworking - Session 6: Sanding and Finishing
2025-05-17 14:00 - 18:00 UTC | The Loisaida Inc. Center, 710 East 9th Street, New York, NY, 10009, United States

¡Viva Puerto Rico! - Brief History of Puerto Rico 1898-Present (Part 2)
2025-05-22 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | The Loisaida Inc. Center, 710 East 9th Street, New York, NY, 10009, United States
Brief History of Puerto Rico 1898-Present
Location: Losaida Center – 710 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009
Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Part 2 – Thursday, May 22nd , 2025
• Puerto Rico, from 1952 to the Fiscal Control Board.
• The struggle for independence, from the commonwealth to the present.

Part 3 – Tuesday, June 17th, 2025
• Puerto Rico in the present.
• The migration of Puerto Ricans to the United States and their struggles.

Distinguished professors (economist, historians and political science professors) and advocates for social justice and for the sovereignty of Puerto Rico; Iván F. Elías Rodríguez, Martha G. Quiñones Domínguez, Julio A. Muriente Pérez, Jose (Che) Velasquez will present a brief history of Puerto Rico.
Moderator: Oscar Ocasio, PhD
Presented by: Movimiento Independentista Nacional Hostosiano & Friends of Puerto Rico Impact

Fiesta De Cruz en Loisaida
2025-05-23 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | The Loisaida Inc. Center, 710 East 9th Street, New York, NY, 10009, United States
“For nine consecutive years (1990–1999), during the celebration of Mayo Florido, Madrina Milagros Rodríguez and the pleneros group El Quinto Sonó—composed of Enrique Díaz, Echavarrias, Johnny, and Carmen—helped me fulfill my promise to the cross. I also send greetings to Norman Valee and José Lyn, founders of the Green Oasis Garden on East 8th Street in New York, who now smile down on us from heaven. We celebrated our Fiesta de la Cruz there for seven years. Special thanks to Samy Tanco, Carmen Pabón, Julio Picó, Mercedes Amarilis Villaman, Miguel Juan Concepción, Dennis Girón, Jeff Fogel, Julio Peña, and David Lemeire, who dedicated their resources to sustaining and continuing the Fiestas de Cruz tradition in Loisaida.
Puerto Ricans brought the Fiestas de Cruz to New York, where they found fertile ground and took root. Just as in Puerto Rico, in the great New York City metropolis these celebrations have evolved—from being intimate, family-centered events to becoming large public gatherings with meticulous organization and the participation of hundreds of people.
It is expected that the six Fiestas de Cruz currently held in New York will continue. We even dare to predict a strengthening and expansion of the devotion to the Holy Cross, a tradition that has adapted well to changing times without losing its spiritual essence and cosmic significance.
Now rooted in concrete and snow, the Fiestas de Cruz offer a space for community nourishment and empowerment, a renewal of energy and faith in life. Devotees and participants remain loyal to them because of the deep benefits they experience—benefits that go beyond wholesome recreation or simple socializing.
The key lies in the symbol itself, the revelation within the ideogram: there resides an epiphany.
In summary, the journey undertaken toward the Fiestas de Cruz celebrated in New York is divided into two stages. The first analyzes the main components of the devotion in order to establish its origins, similarities, and meaning—seeking to uncover the mythical connections of universal resonance preserved within this particular expression.”
Las Fiestas de Cruz se han celebrado en Puerto Rico por mas de doscientos anos, arraigandose en el fervor popular como una de las preferidas o “tipicas”. Cuenta con celebraciones, devotos y participantes a lo largo y ancho de la isla del encanto Borinquen, pasando la prueba del tiempo, han evolucionado desde el altar hogareno hasta la actual actividad publica con kioscos, orquestas, donde devotos hacen despliege de extravagantes altares, politicos y firmas comerciales “hacen su agosto”.
Los puertorriquefios trajeron las Fiestas de Cruz a Nueva York donde encontraron tierra fertil, echando raices, al igual queen Puerto Rico, en la gran manzana neoyorquina se han transformado de ser un acontecimiento familiar en actos publicos, de meticulosa organizaci6n, contando con la participaci6n de cientos de personas. Se prevee un continuar de la celebraci6n de las seis Fiestas de Cruz queen la actualidad se llevan a cabo en Nueva York.
Nos atrevemos a pronosticar un fortalecimiento y expansion de la devoci6n a la Santisima Cruz, que tan bien se han amoldado a los tiempos sin desvirtuar su esencia espiritual de significado c6smico. Adaptadas al cemento y la nieve, son las Fiestas de Cruz un espacio de alimentaci6n y fortalecimiento comunitario, de renovaci6n de energias y fe en la vida, que sus devotos y participantes siguen fieles a ellas por los beneficios obtenidos, mas alla de la sana recreaci6n o mera socializaci6n. la clave del simbolo, la revelaci6n del ideograma:
Ahi reside Una epifania. Resumiendo, el viaje emprendido hacia las Fiestas de Cruz celebradas en Nueva York, esta dividido en dos etapas. En la primera se analizan los componentes principales de la devoci6n para establecer procedencia, semejanzas, significado, queriendo encontrar las conexiones miticas de resonancias universales preservadas en el hecho particular.
-MAITREYI VILLAMAN MATOS, LAS FIESTAS DE CRUZ EN NUEVA YORK.

Basics of Woodworking - Session 7: Final Touches and Reflection
2025-05-24 14:00 - 18:00 UTC | The Loisaida Inc. Center, 710 East 9th Street, New York, NY, 10009, United States

LOISAIDA FESTIVAL 2025
2025-05-25 08:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | NY
Visit LoisaidaFest.nyc for the most up-to-date information

Loisaida: A State of Mind - Featuring the works of Marlis Momber & Maximo Colón
2025-05-25 18:00 - 2025-06-07 20:00 UTC | Piragua Art Space, 367 E 10th St, New York, NY, 10009, United States
Loisaida: A State of MindHonoring Nuestra Guerrera de LoisaidaMay 25th – June 7thFeaturing the works of Marlis Momber & Maximo ColónPiragua Art Space & Curated by: David “Daso” Soto367 East 10th Street
Loisaida: A State of MindPiragua Art Space, 367 East 10th StreetMay 25 – June 7, 2025
Join us for Loisaida: A State of Mind, a vibrant exhibition honoring the spirit and resilience of Loisaida through the lens of legendary photographers Marlis Momber and Máximo Colón. This special presentation celebrates our community’s heritage, activism, and artistry — and pays tribute to Nuestra Guerrera de Loisaida.
Presented by Piragua Art Space & David “Daso” Soto, Loisaida Cultural Archives, Siempre Palante, and Bloque, the exhibition captures the essence of Latinx cultural identity and public life in the Lower East Side.
✨ Free and open to the public.

Loisaida: Un Estado de ConcienciaPiragua Art Space, 367 East 10th Street25 de mayo – 7 de junio de 2025
Te invitamos a Loisaida: Un Estado de Conciencia, una exposición vibrante que rinde homenaje al espíritu y la resiliencia de Loisaida a través del lente de las reconocidas fotógrafas y fotógrafos Marlis Momber y Máximo Colón. Esta muestra especial celebra el patrimonio, el activismo y la creatividad de nuestra comunidad, honrando a Nuestra Guerrera de Loisaida.
Presentado por Piragua Art Space y David “Daso” Soto, Loisaida Cultural Archives, Siempre Palante y Bloque, esta exposición captura la esencia de la identidad cultural Latinx y la vida pública en el Lower East Side.
✨ Entrada libre y abierta al público.

TIERRA SIE II - INDIGENOUS FESTIVAL (Open Mic)
2025-05-31 17:30 - 20:00 UTC | The Loisaida Inc. Center, 710 East 9th Street, New York, NY, 10009, United States
TIERRA SIE IIINDIGENOUS FESTIVALMusic, Dance and Media Arts
“FIRE CIRCLE”Open Mic for the Protection of Territory
Featuring rapper Def-i Christopher Bidethá (Diné/Navajo Nation) — our MC for the night!
Saturday, May 31 • 5:30 PMLoisaida Center • 710 E 9th St, NY, NY 10009Free + open to the people$250 prize for contest winner!

¡Comedia en Español!
2025-06-03 18:30 - 20:00 UTC | The Loisaida Inc. Center, 710 East 9th Street, New York, NY, 10009, United States
Tuesday, June 3

¡Comedia en Español!

Noche de chistes para la comunidad hispanoparlante. Mujeres chistosas, Noche fabulosa! Con Suni Reyes (Comedy Central, HBO Max)

Date and time

Tuesday, June 3 · 7 – 8 pm EDT.
Doors at 6:30 pm
Ages 18+

RSVP HERE

OPEN MIC WEDNESDAYS
2025-06-25 18:30 - 20:30 UTC | The Loisaida Inc. Center, 710 East 9th Street, New York, NY, 10009, United States
Join the Nuyorican Poets Cafe for our off-site edition of the OPEN MIC hosted by Brian Acosta Arya during our 3-year #Nuyoricanstruction of our building – at the nearby Loisaida Center in the Lower East Side (“Loisaida”) in Manhattan, New York City!

In-person & on-stage at the Loisaida Center, 710 East 9th Street (between Avenues C & D), Manhattan, NY 10009. Buy ticket(s) in advance or at the door – the signup sheet to perform in the openmic is at the tickets/welcome table (near the stage) after you enter.

** Held on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of each month. **
** (Note: except during the summer months in July & August 2025) ***
** Doors open at 6 P.M. **
** Open Mic is from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. **

All art forms are welcome: poetry, short stories, comedy, monologues, songs (Note: ORIGINAL songs only). 4 minutes max. per performer. If you’d like to add an original audio track to your performance, the digital signup sheet at the stage will provide an online form to upload your audio files.

** Note: all performances will be recorded and live-streamed on Loisaida’s and our Nuyorican Poets Cafe’s YouTube channel. Participation in this event is with this understanding and giving consent to be filmed. If you missed attending and/or would like to re-watch your own performance, find the recorded videos on our YouTube channel. **

** NOTICE: By attending and/or participating in events by the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, you acknowledge that your voice and/or likeness may be recorded and/or photographed. **

Tickets:
* $10 (plus online fee) in advance here on this ticket page (for either audience/viewing or performances, same price)
* $10 (at the door at the Loisaida Center, via credit card or Zelle or ApplePay only, no cash)

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Wheeling & Healing 2
2025-06-26 06:00 - 20:00 UTC | The Loisaida Inc. Center, 710 East 9th Street, New York, NY, 10009, United States
Wheeling & Healing 2:

Holding the Mic in the Middle of the Storm

Wheeling and Healing 2 is here! OPEN DOORS Reality Poets are back Wheeling and Healing through words of empowerment, wisdom, and perseverance. Wheeling & Healing II is a poetry anthology edited by the Reality Poets. We invited long-term care residents, neighbors on Roosevelt Island, mentors, and friends to contribute their voices towards a message of empowerment.
Thank you to all who submitted writing and joined us at Loisaida Center on June 26th, 2025.

Raíces Vivas
2025-07-06 13:30 - 18:00 UTC | La Plaza Cultural, 700 E 9th Street, New York, 10009, United States
Raíces Vivas
A free, one-day event dedicated to celebrating Taino traditions and amplifying Indigenous voices.
Featuring two dynamic workshops, a communal meal break, and an engaging panel discussion, the event invites participants to explore Caribbean indigeneity through a contemporary lens. By blending percussion, dance, and ancestral knowledge, Raíces Vivas creates a space for learning, connection, and cultural celebration—welcoming everyone from members of the Latin American diaspora to anyone curious to know more about Taino culture.

Senior Day Summer BBQ
2025-07-11 10:30 - 13:00 UTC | The Loisaida Inc. Center, 710 East 9th Street, New York, NY, 10009, United States
