Al Cafe, Remembered!

Levy Abad , Winnipeg Ethnic News

Hugo Torres Cereceda , Al Cafe pioneer

Last Saturday's event remembering the days of Al Cafe turned out to be a huge success when friends, activists, organizers, politicians came and enjoyed the music, storytelling, political conversation, pizza and beer at the Hotel Royal Plaza (330 Kennedy and Ellice).

Hugo Torres-Cereceda and Jaime Carrrasco, two of the founders of Al Cafe in the late 70's reminisce about the days. Hugo performed several of his hit songs that moved or inspired concerned folks and activists back then. Hugo is a revolutionary cultural activist from Chile who was forced to leave during the Pinochet dictatorship. The other founders were Omar Rubio, Teo Santis, Jose Santis ,Ana Santis, Gunther Ortiz (they are the backbone of Al Cafe) .




Famous for his socially relevant songs, Hugo arrived in Winnipeg in the 70's bringing with him radical music and performed in the biggest rallies here in the city back in the late 80's, mid-90's and until now. His music became part of the solidarity movements of the time (Chile, Nicaragua, El Salvador, South Africa, Palestine etc.), as well as the Peace Movement. He played in every major folk festival across the country, He recorded seven albums since then and currently, recording another album. His achievements define Hugo. I deeply respect his achievements and commitment. He is a contemporary of the revolutionary cultural activists in the Philippines during the time of the Marcos dictatorship who inspired me as a songwriter.







Henry Heller, a Professor at the University of Manitoba and a supporter and adviser of Winnipeg Ethnic News, spoke on the reasons why Winnipeg Ethnic News is remembering  Al Cafe and that is, to sustain Winnipeg Ethnic News as an avenue for multicultural expression and a paper that would address the standard issues of the day like health care and at then same time, inspire people to be aware of bigger issues such as neo-liberalism.




Other artists were also present to share their talents like Curtis Falk who sang songs of Bob Dylan such as "Masters of War," "Blowin in the Wind" and "Tambourine Man." Johsa Manzanilla, singer-songwriter, a member of Amnesty international, Aksyon ng Kabataang   (ANAK) and Migrante Manitoba, performed songs that tackle issues such as women's rights, Indigenous struggles  and songs calling for solidarity. An indigenous friend from Colombia did a storytelling titled "The Circle of the Moon." Jason Schreyer, City Councillor,  graced the event and performed a couple of songs that made the folks sing along.



Professor Radhika Desai of the University of Manitoba gave an analysis of the Global Situation and challenged left-wing activists to explore new ways to wage revolutionary struggles to confront neo-liberalism. For his part, Josh Brandon challenged activists to act locally and transform local structures to empower communities. Mary Jean Hande, Migrante  Manitoba volunteer, also shared some thoughts on Indigenous and environmental issues. The Vice-President of Winnipeg Labour and CUPE  expressed solidarity and so with Dennis Lewycky who also invited friends to support Neechi Commons. Carlos Sosa spoke about the issues of persons with disabilities.



I was surprised to see Rod Munoz who shared his thoughts on Al Cafe when he was still fourteen years old. Rod is one of the respected musicians from the Chilean Community . He is a pioneer member of  the first Latin band UNIDAD and founder of Papa Mambo. Bernice Pontanilla, another Al Cafe kid, also reminisced about the days of Al Cafe and the ideas that shaped her social consciousness. 

Events like Al Cafe demonstrates that culture is a powerful, unifying and mobilizing force. It provides the spirit of the movement. It was amazing to see friends and comrades from different shades of left come together and overcome sectarianism and savour songs and stories of life and struggles. Just like any event, there are people who work hard to organize and invite people to the event. Among them are Pablo Herrera and Simon Baer, both Editorial Staff of the Winnipeg Ethnic News. Yours truly, served as the host of the event and also performed to fill the gaps with socially reflective songs. Also worth mentioning are those who supported the fundraising event.




I would like to thank  the staff of Winnipeg Ethnic News, Glen Michalchuk of Peace Alliance Winnipeg, Rosemary Hnatiuk, Alan Freeman of the Venezuela Peace Committee, Las America's and Chilean Human Rights Council and Migrante Manitoba for sponsoring the event. Thanks to Hotel Royal Plaza for allowing us to hold the Al Cafe at the bar.