ENTERTAINMENT
Saturday, January 19, 2019
East Oregonian
A SONG OF LEAVING
Street singer
gives anthem
to Venezuela’s
growing diaspora
By MANUEL RUEDA AND
CESAR BARRETO
Associated Press
LIMA, Peru — A year
ago, Venezuelan migrant Rey-
mar Perdomo was singing for
spare change on jammed buses,
struggling to make ends meet
while building a new life in
Peru’s capital.
But her life took a turn when
she wrote a heartfelt reggae
song about leaving her home-
land that went viral on the
internet and has brought tears
to hundreds in the Venezuelan
diaspora that has spread around
the globe. Now Perdomo com-
bines her street performances
with appearances at concerts
and on TV programs, and her
song has become the unofficial
anthem of Venezuelans who
have fled their country’s eco-
nomic implosion.
“This song gives me goose-
bumps” said Junior Barrios, a
Venezuelan migrant who lis-
tened to Perdomo perform her
song “Me Fui” — Spanish for
“I Left” — recently at a busy
plaza in Lima. “Leaving your
home from one day to the next
day isn’t easy, and this just
makes a whole bunch of emo-
tions surface at once.”
According to the Interna-
tional Organization for Migra-
tion, more than 3 million Ven-
ezuelans have left their country
since 2015 as food shortages
and hyperinflation became
rampant in what was once a
wealthy oil-exporting nation.
By the end of 2019 that number
is expected to grow to at least
5.4 million.
“Me Fui” is Perdomo’s
retelling of how she left Vene-
zuela reluctantly with her “head
full of doubts,” pushed by her
mother, who insisted there was
no other way for her to make
something of her life.
The song, which the 30-year-
old plays with a ukulele after
her guitar broke while busking,
talks about how she was robbed
and faced other hardships as
she had to cross four coun-
tries to reach Peru, pressing on
while “speaking softly and cry-
AP Photo/Martin Mejia
In this Dec. 28, 2018, photo, Venezuelan singer Reymar Perdomo, right, sings with fans who approached
her while she was doing a press interview at a park in the Miraflores area of Lima, Peru.
“I HAD LOTS OF MIXED FEELINGS ABOUT
HAVING TO LEAVE VENEZUELA, AND FELT A
LOT OF PAIN. AND I JUST NEEDED TO EXPRESS
THAT IN ORDER TO MOVE ON WITH LIFE.”
Reymar Perdomo
ing along much of the way.”
“I had lots of mixed feelings
about having to leave Venezu-
ela, and felt a lot of pain. And
I just needed to express that in
order to move on with life,”
Perdomo said in an interview
after performing on the streets
of Lima’s wealthy Miraflores
district.
Her nostalgic song has had
more than 2 million views on
YouTube thanks to a passer-by
who recorded Perdomo singing
and posted the video online. It’s
also gotten a wave of attention
on radio and television, helping
Perdomo get noticed by famous
pop artists around South Amer-
ica who have asked her to be
the opening act at their con-
certs. She has also produced a
slicker version that has had 1.3
million views on its own.
In December, Perdomo was
invited to Colombia by a pop-
ular satirist and Youtuber who
had her sing on a bus, surpris-
ing her by bringing along Latin
Grammy winner Carlos Vives
and Andres Cepeda.
Perdomo said she almost
fainted as Vives, who was
wearing a hat and fake mous-
tache, threw his disguise away
and started to sing the chorus of
her song.
“That happened exactly a
year to the date after I left Ven-
ezuela” Perdomo said. “And
for me to be there, performing
with one of my favorite singers,
singing my song, just felt like
proof that God exists.”
Perdomo used to be a music
teacher at a public school in the
rural state of Guarico and once
participated in a televised tal-
ent show. Although she says
she never voted for Venezue-
la’s socialist president, Nicolas
Maduro, as a public employee
she was required to sing at
pro-government rallies, some-
thing a few online critics have
held against her.
Though becoming some-
thing of a symbol of the Ven-
ezuelan exodus, she still strug-
gles to get by.
Her mother, brother, sister-
in-law and year-old nephew
have joined her in Peru and all
share a small rented apartment
in one of the city’s working
class districts. Only Perdomo’s
brother has found a permanent
job, working as a bouncer at
a nightclub, so the street per-
former works long days to help
sustain her family.
Still, social media fame is
opening new doors.
Perdomo says that Vives has
invited her to perform on a reg-
ular basis at his nightclub in
Bogota and that she is speaking
with organizations in Colombia
about the possibility of record-
ing an album focused on the
plight of migrants.
These opportunities have
her thinking about moving yet
again — this time to Colom-
bia’s capital.
“This has been a tough year,
but it has also been amazing”
Perdomo said. “I think that to
help people and do what you
love, you don’t need a lot of
money. You just need to believe
in yourself and be willing to
work real hard.”
Chamber Series
presents intimate
concert
LA GRANDE — The Grande Ronde Sym-
phony Association is presenting a concert that
features Viet Block, the assistant concertmas-
ter of the Oregon East Symphony, and Zach
Banks, the symphony’s music director.
Described as an intimate violin and cello
concert, the Chamber Series performance is
Saturday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. at 905 14th St., La
Grande. Tickets are $25 at the door.
“We are so excited to welcome in the New
Year with the treat of hearing Zach and Viet
performing in the intimate home setting,” said
Alice Trindle, Grande Ronde Symphony Asso-
ciation president. “The opportunity to hear
beautiful classical music presented only a few
feet away is an experience that is very differ-
ent than the concert hall, and one that truly goes
directly to your soul.”
A violinist, Block enjoys sharing the gift
of music with people from all walks of life,
especially those who can’t easily get to con-
cert halls. She has performed for senior com-
munities throughout Oregon and has volun-
teered more than 100 hours at the Portland V.A.
Hospital.
Banks, who hails from the Midwest, most
recently planted his musical roots in the Pacific
Northwest. For the last six years, he studied
cello performance at Portland State University,
earning a master’s degree.
For more information, contact grsym-
phony2@gmail.com or visit www.granderond-
esymphony.org.
Fishtrap Fireside
features Wallowa
County writers
ENTERPRISE — The upcoming Fishtrap
Fireside features longtime friends Rick Bom-
baci and Sara Miller, as well as Enterprise High
School student Nodya Papineau.
The free monthly event showcases Wallowa
County writers. In addition, audience mem-
bers will have an opportunity to read from their
works during an open mic. The event is Fri-
day, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. at Fishtrap, 400 E. Grant
St., Enterprise. Light refreshments will be
available.
Bombaci, who grew up in rural Connecticut,
lived briefly in Portland before moving to Wal-
lowa County. He has had various jobs, including
with the United States Forest Service, a waiter,
a bicycle mechanic, a high school teacher, a
computer consultant and a grant writer.
Miller appreciates the opportunity to exper-
iment creatively at Fishtrap. She writes poetry
and creative non-fiction.
An aspiring poet, Papineau has participated
in various Fishtrap programs for students and
young writers. This will be her first time read-
ing at a Fishtrap Fireside.
For more information, contact Mike Midlo
at mike@fishtrap.org, 541-426-3623 or visit
www.fishtrap.org.
WHAT TO DO
FESTIVALS
Martin Luther King Jr. March
•Monday, Jan. 21; 11 a.m.- 1 p.m.
•First United Methodist Church,
191 E. Gladys Ave., Hermiston
No cover. Includes march, music
and special speakers from Wake Up
Nation.
A Tribute to Martin Luther
King Jr.
•Monday, Jan. 21; 7 p.m.
•Great Pacific Wine & Coffee Co.,
403 S. Main St., Pendleton
No cover. An evening of music
and spoken word to honor King’s
legacy.
Eagle Cap Extreme Sled Dog
Race
•Jan. 23-26
www.eaglecapextreme.com
•Joseph, Enterprise, Fergi Ski
Area
Free, except banquet ($20/
adults, $8/ages 5-12). People can
watch races, which include Idi-
tarod & Yukon Quest qualifiers;
meet-and-greet with mushers at
vet checks; Race Central and Kids’
Corner.
Melonville Comedy Festival
•Friday, Jan. 25; 8 p.m.
•Eastern Oregon Trade & Event
Center, 1705 E. Airport Road,
Hermiston
www.melonvillecomedyfestival.
com
$25/advance, $35/priority seats.
Features headliner Reno Collier,
featured comedian Andrew Rivers
and emcee Thomas Nichols.
Prestige Wrestling: Tower of
Snakes
•Friday, Feb. 22; 7-11 p.m.
www.prestigewrestling.net
•Eastern Oregon Trade and
Event Center, 1705 Airport Road,
Hermiston
$15-$50. Features King Khash,
“Filthy” Tom Lawlor, Simon Grimm,
DJZ, Sonico, No Lives Matter, Team
C4, Mike Santiago, Julian Whyt and
more to be announced.
ART, MUSEUMS &
AUTHORS
“ArtWORKZ Junior Art Show &
Competition”
•Monday-Saturdays;
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
•Tamástslikt Cultural Institute,
near Wildhorse Resort & Casino.
www.tamastslikt.org
No entry fee. Youths through age
18 are invited to enter artwork in
all mediums by Jan. 30. Show runs
through Feb. 9 to March 30. (Randy
Melton, 541-429-7720).
“History in Photos from Wal-
lowa County”
•Monday through Saturdays;
noon-4 p.m.
•Josephy Center for Arts and Cul-
ture, 403 N. Main St., Joseph
www.josephy.org
Free. Highlights historical pho-
tos and photographers in Wallowa
County. Runs through Feb. 25.
“Parallel Worlds”
•Monday-Thursdays,
9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
•Betty Feves Memorial Gal-
lery, BMCC, 2411 N.W. Carden Ave.,
Pendleton.
Free. Features the work of Shea
Wilkinson, who creates art quilts
using free motion quilting and hand
embroidery. Gallery also open by
appointment by calling 541-278-
5952. Runs through Feb. 7.
“Form and Figure”
•Monday-Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
•Nightingale Gallery, Eastern Ore-
gon University, La Grande
www.eou.edu/ar t/
nightingale-gallery
Free. Features the work of Florida
couple Michael and Aneka Ingold.
Runs through Feb. 8.
MUSIC
Darci Carlson
•Saturday, Jan. 19; 8 p.m. No cover
•Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wildhorse
Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216,
Mission.
Scott Wilson
•Friday, Jan. 18; 9 p.m. No Cover.
•Hamley Steakhouse & Saloon, 8
S.E. Court Ave., Pendleton
Live Music Thursday-JJ Hill
•Thursday, Jan. 24; 7-9 p.m. No
cover.
•40 Taps, 337 S.W. Emigrant Ave.,
Pendleton
Cory Wilds
•Friday, Jan. 25 Saturday, Jan. 26;
8 p.m. No cover
•Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wildhorse
Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216,
Mission.
Live Music Thursday-Murray
Dunlap
•Thursday, Jan. 31; 7-9 p.m.
•40 Taps, 337 S.W. Emigrant Ave.,
Pendleton
No cover. The La Grande-based
band brings rock ‘n’ roll.
24/7 Band
•Friday, Feb. 1; Saturday, Feb. 2;
8 p.m. No cover
•Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wildhorse
Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216,
Mission
NIGHT LIFE
Saturday Night Trivia
•Saturdays; 9 p.m.
•Midway Bar & Grill, 1750 N. First
St., Hermiston
Free. Show what you know for
fun and prizes.
Karaoke w/DJ David
•Saturdays; 8 p.m.
•Riverside Sports Bar, 1501 Sixth
St., Umatilla
Shriners
Charity
Pool
Tournament
•Saturday, Jan. 19; 2 p.m.
•Midway Bar & Grill, 1750 N. First
St., Hermiston
$10/person. Hermiston Desert
Shrine Club benefit for the Shriners
hospital in Portland. Also features a
raffle. (541-567-5180).
Wino Wednesdays
•Wednesdays, 2-6 p.m.
C3
•Echo Ridge Cellars, 551 N. Thiel-
sen St., Echo
Karaoke at the Packard
•1st/3rd
Wednesday,
9 p.m.-midnight
•The Packard Tavern, 118 S.E.
Court Ave., Pendleton
No cover.
Wine Wednesday
•Wednesday, Feb. 13, 5-7 p.m.
•The Gathering Place at Bell-
inger’s, 1823 S. Highway 395,
Hermiston
No cover. Features tasting and
music.
Thirsty Thursdays
•Third Thursday; 6 p.m.
•Midway Bar & Grill, 1750 N. First
St., Hermiston
No cover. Hosts a local brewery
offering tastings and food pairings.
Jan. 17: Iron Horse.
LOL Comedy Jam
•Thursdays; 8 p.m.
•Wildhorse Sports Bar, Wildhorse
Resort & Casino, off I-84 Exit 216,
Mission.
No cover. Jan. 24: Andrew Riv-
ers, Michael Glatzmair; Jan. 31: Alex
Elkin, Ken Hamlett
Wine tasting
•Fridays, 4-8 p.m.
•Sno Road Winery, 111 W. Main
St., Echo.
Karaoke w/DJ David
•Fridays; 8 p.m.
•Riverside Sports Bar, 1501 Sixth
St., Umatilla
DJ and dancing
•Fridays, 8 p.m.
•The Pheasant, 149 E. Main St.,
Hermiston
Karaoke
•Fridays; 9 p.m.
•Midway Tavern, 1750 N. First St.,
Hermiston
Cimmi’s Late Night Martini
Lounge
•Fridays; 9 p.m.-midnight
•Virgil’s at Cimmiyotti’s, 137 S.
Main St., Pendleton
No cover. Features martinis, mix-
ology and music.
THEATER, STAGE, FILM &
LECTURES
“Aladdin”
•Saturday, Jan. 19; 2:15 p.m.
•SAGE Center, 101 Olson Road,
Boardman
www.visitsage.com
$5/person. View movie and
receive free bag of popcorn with
admission. Water is available for
purchase.
“Smallfoot”
•Friday, Jan. 25; 6 p.m.
•Adams Public Library, 190 N.
Main St.
Free. The animated adventure
is appropriate for all ages. Features
Channing Tatum, James Corden,
LeBron James, Danny DeVito and
more.
Sensory Friendly Movie
•Saturday, Jan. 26; 10:30 a.m.
•Hermiston Stadium 8 Cinema,
355 W. Theater Lane
www.facebook.com/
arcofumatillacounty
$5.50. In conjunction with The Arc
Umatilla County, sensory-friendly
screenings with lights up a little and
volume down. Doors open at 10 a.m.
“A Dog’s Way Home.”
“The Wizard of Oz”
•Feb. 1-2, 8-9, 7 p.m.
•Sunday, Feb. 3; 2 p.m.
•Hermiston High School, 600 S.
First St.
$10/adults, $8/seniors, $5/stu-
dents. Presented by Hermiston High
School drama department.
“Speakeasy Murder Mystery”
•Saturday, Feb. 9; 6 p.m.
•Pendleton Underground Tours,
31 S.W. Emigrant Ave.
www.pendletonunderground-
tours.org
$75/21-and-older. Reservations
required. Interactive event also fea-
tures food/beverages catered by
Oregon Grain Growers Brand Distill-
ery. (541-276-0730).