Cemi Underground

Cemi is a Puertorico-​centric tiny venue/​store in the heart of El Barrio, serving as a «voice» for artists of different mediums.
Photography, literature, paintings, hand crafted jewelry (bought a beautiful beaded choker), t-​shirts, ceramics, you name it, it’s represented.
Although Puerto Rico is the main island represented they support artists from all over.
Today I sat in the audience, which consisted of rows of wooden chairs, only three across fit, along the center of the store/​venue, while an artist presented her work: a journey in book form and song.
It was great to see an artist do her thing up close.
Um, real close.
There was a point when we were asked to sing along and sway and we did. Kumbaya, but in the best way.
There was a lotta love in that room which is what is so great about this place. You definitely got caught up in the vibe.
The book was for sale afterwards of course.
I had already bought my cute necklace and was wearing it, so, no book for me although they raffled off a copy I was hoping to win.
I didn’t.
They do a comedy night too, one is coming up soon which I plan to attend.
They had bottled water and mavi but I’m not sure if it was for sale or just for the regulars.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time here and love how they are trying to support some serious artistry en el barrio. You can check out pics of their past events online/​myspace/​flickr.