JERUSALEM, February 19, 2010 (WAFA)- The HaviKoro Crew, an American hip hop group based in Houston, Texas, concluded their Palestinian performance tour, playing to capacity crowds in the West Bank and East Jerusalem during their three-day program that ended in on February 18, 2010.
The U.S. Consulate General Consulate said in a press release that the group performed for audiences and conducted workshops in Ramallah, Nablus and East Jerusalem on a program sponsored by the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem, in partnership with local Palestinian arts and educational institutions. The HaviKoro Crew consists of four members: Mario Jaramillo, Joe Belmarez, Chris Thomas, and Nathan Rene Cano.
Speaking after a workshop at Tomorrow’s Youth Organization in Nablus, HaviKoro leader Mario Jaramillo commented, “We are pleased to have been invited by the U.S. Consulate General to take part in this program. It is an honor for us to represent American hip hop in the Middle East and we have been deeply impressed by the quality of dance and performance by several Palestinian hip hop groups that shared the stage with us this week.”
U.S. Consul for Press and Cultural Affairs, Frank Finver explained at the opening performance in Ramallah on February 16 that this program came about in response to demands from young Palestinians who are searching for new and innovative means of communication through the performing arts. “HaviKoro represents the best of hip-hop from the heart of America to the hearts of the Palestinian youth. This vibrant and energetic means of expression transcends boundaries and creates a special bond between our cultures and people. The U.S. Consulate General is pleased to support this excellent program.”
The U.S. Consulate General was honored to partner with several Palestinian arts and educational institutions in Ramallah, Nablus, and East Jerusalem to organize the workshops and performances. Among these were The Friends School Ramallah, Sabreen Association for Artistic Development, Tomorrow’s Youth Organization, Dar Al Fanun Wa Al Turath, and The Jerusalem Hotel. The program was made possible by a Performing Arts Initiative Grant from the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem. It was one of several cultural exchange programs that the U.S. Consulate General sponsors throughout the year to promote mutual understanding and stronger ties between Palestinians and Americans.
