Nuyorican Poets Cafe Turns 50

Tonight, the legendary Nuyorican Poets Cafe will celebrate five decades of hosting slams, musical performances, and more on the Lower East Side. Tomorrow, the venue will close its doors, to begin renovations expected to last the next three years. To reflect on the cultural importance of the space and its community we hear from listeners and speak to Karen Jaime, associate professor of performing and media arts and Latina/o studies at Cornell University. Jaime is also the author of the book, The Queer Nuyorican: Racialized Sexualities and Aesthetics in Loisaida. We also hear exclusive updates on the planned renovations from the Cafe's executive director, Caridad De La Luz.