"We are cultural and musical preservationists. We bring people together to honor our roots and pay homage to our ancestors through music, drum and dance.
¡WEPA! provides a foundation and shrine to experience the true meaning of tradition, joy and freedom."

¡WEPA! MUSIC SAMPLER COURTESY OF ANTONIO OCASIO (TRIBAL WINDS)

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Lost In Music: a vinyl affair for true heads



This Saturday, June 21, 2014
9pm - 5am

Loftkid Luis, Joann Jimenez + Antonio Ocasio present...

LOST IN MUSIC
“a vinyl affair for true heads”
A WEPA AND BLIND FAITH COLLECTIVE

Vinyl Selectors
Loftkid Luis
Antonio Ocasio (Tribal Winds / WEPA NYC)

Opening Set
August Goulet (Blind Faith Collective NYC)
Unique, Private Space with Limited Capacity.
To Ensure Entry, You Must RSVP:
lostinmusicnyc@gmail.com
or purchase ticket:
http://uv.rs/1n6XoLQ
$20 Entry


Reflections Yoga Studio
250 West 49th Street - 2nd Floor


Monday, May 5, 2014

HONORING OUR ANCESTORS :: An Free Outdoor Celebration


“HONORING OUR ANCESTORS”
presented by WEPA NYC

Saturday, May 31, 2014 (1 - 8pm)

A free outdoor celebration dedicated to our roots, ourselves and our interconnection.
 
Nowadays, it’s easy to lose touch with our human connection.  We are descendants of people who made sacrifices so that we could live a better life. Let’s keep their memory alive and share our heritage, especially with the children.
 
At the end, we are all ONE.
 
Music by: Antonio Ocasio and Ace HouseNation

Hosted by: Joann Jimenez
 
Drum Circle begins at sunset... bring instruments, a blanket, elders, children, anything you'd like to share and an offering for "The Tree of Life". Pets are welcomed

To volunteer, inquiries, if you'd like to celebrate something special or just show some love, reach out to: joann@wepanyc.com
 
In tribute to our ancestors, we are encouraging wellness of body, mind and soul. We are looking for Yoga, Tai-Chi, Meditation, Nutrition, Dance, Zhumba, Stretching, Health Drinks, etc...  Please contact us if you would like to participate.
 

Funds will go towards: Sound System Rental, Gas for Generator, Truck Rental, Park + Sound Permits, Porto Potty, Flowers & Candles, Art and Craft Supplies for the children, Snacks and Water for Everyone

East River Park Ampitheatre
FDR Drive & Grand - Entrance on Cherry Street - walk over the pathway
F to East Broadway or any train to 14th Street then 14D Bus to Delancey St / FDR Drive


Wednesday, April 30, 2014

WEPA joins HOUSE COALITION at Dance Parade!

 
REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE!
SELECT HOUSE COALITION FROM THE DROP-DOWN MENU
http://danceparade.org/wp/ join-a-dance-company-or-gro up-in-the-parade/


MAKE A DONATION TO HELP FUND OUR FLOAT:
http://www.gofundme.com/ 6yy3sk

DANCE PARDE WEBSITE!!!
http://danceparade.org/

House Coalition, the biggest and boldest of the social dance groups to parade in the annual NYC Dance Parade and DanceFest, is proud to announce the selection of its 2014 theme as well as of this year’s headliner DJ.

House Coalition Celebrates Frankie Knuckles: “Where Love Lives”

To celebrate the life and legacy of Francis Nichols, better known to the dance world as the Godfather of House, Frankie Knuckles, and to mark his recent passing on 31 March 2014, House Coalition is dedicating its participation in the 2014 Parade to Frankie Knuckles. Our theme this year, “Where Love Lives,” is an homage to Frankie’s spirit and person, as well as to his music. The title comes from the classic by Alison Limerick made famous by Frankie’s symphonic, soaring remix—a perfect example of his musical genius.

The Gallery's Nicky Siano headlines House Coalition 2014!

To complete our celebration of Frankie’s legacy, House Coalition is excited to announce that this year’s headliner DJ is none other than Studio 54’s famously flamboyant pioneer DJ and seminal disco producer Nicky Siano. Best known in the mainstream for creating the soaring, sexy soundscapes of dynamic diva-driven disco that made Studio 54 irresistibly surreal, Nicky’s most celebrated in the Underground for designing the first crossover, and inventing beatmixing at his legendary Gallery—the “first disco,” which he also opened. A guru to Frankie Knuckles and the late great Larry Levan, Nicky Siano helped shape the world of nightlife for dancers the world over; his playlists at Studio 54 became the hit lists for disco everywhere, and his quirky “space disco” productions are coveted classics among Underground musicologists.

On the weekend after King Street’s most hallowed block is finally renamed for the Garage’s revered Larry Levan, House Coalition is thrilled that we can celebrate the life of the Godfather of House with his professional guide and personal friend, whose seminal contributions to disco helped make house possible. Nicky joins House Coalition DJs Antonio Ocasio & Ali Coleman on the float, and Blind Faith Collective’s Francis Nishida is slated to play for our famous “warm-up line-up block party.”

NYC Dance Parade this year rolls on Saturday, 17 May 2014. House Coalition is the Parade’s biggest and most anticipated group (200+ dancers), and annually anchors the “club” section at the rear. Past headliner DJs include the legendary ‘Jellybean’ Benitez, Jihad Muhammad, Kervyn Mark, Wil Milton & others. House Coalition was also instrumental contact for last year’s Grand Marshall and Grammy Award winner Louie Vega. House Coalition has paraded every year since Dance Parade’s inception in 2006. House Coalition’s leader and founder is ‘Loft Kid’ Luis Vargas, head of production at The Loft NYC and founding member of Blind Faith Collective.

Monday, March 31, 2014

UPLIFTED Secret Loft :: THE WAY IT USED TO BE


No Dress Code
Fully Stocked Bar
Comfortable Couches
Bumping Sound System
Beautiful Wooden Floors
Exclusively Private Loft Space
Convenient by Transportation
Food Available on the Premises

Saturday, April 26, 2014
10pm til the break of dawn

Liberate Recordings, Seed Recordings, Joann Jimenez, Tribal Winds and Nino Torre present:
UPLIFTED Secret Loft :: THE WAY IT USED TO BE

The best music selection you’ve ever laid your ears on!

Music By:
Antonio Ocasio
Bradford James
Eric Eman Clark
Nino Nitemix Torre

Live art by: Craig Anthony Miller

On-Line Ticket Sales:
April 1-7: $10
April 7-13: $15
April 14-23: $20

At Door: $25 with free drink

Cut Off On-Line Sales: April 23

CLICK HERE to PURCHASE

Secret Loft Location will be revealed on Wednesday, April 23rd
Hint: Downtown Manhattan – all trains and cabs go there.
Parking available a few feet away.

Must be 21+ with Valid ID



AZUCAR with special guest Antonio Ocasio (WEPA NYC / Tribal Winds)


Saturday, April 5, 2014
10pm - 4am

The inception of a 10 year conception
makes it to a very special place in Harlem...

Joann Jimenez + Charo Velecio present:

AZUCAR

Level 1: Resident Charo Velecio
Level 2: Guest Antonio Ocasio (Tribal Winds / WEPA NYC)

Live Music

$10 Entry
21+

Solace
3694 Broadway - corner of 143 Street
New York, NY 10031
1 Train to 145 street

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

WEPA WINTER BREAK

We thank you for your ongoing love and support.
We are on a much needed winter break and will be back
very soon.  Please send us an email to be added to our
list.  You'll be the first to know when we are back!

wepanyc@gmail.com

Love & Light,
Joann + Antonio

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

WEPA brings HOUSE to the South Bronx :: December 6th


Friday, December 6, 2013
10pm - 4am

We are taking it back home to our roots in the South Bronx
with a space (outside the club) to experience the
true meaning of tradition, joy and freedom.

Joann Jimenez presents...

WEPA NYC
The Original Home of
Afro-House & Latin Soul

Music by: Antonio Ocasio (Tribal Winds)

Special Birthday Celebration for Joann Jimenez


BYOC: Bring Your Own Cooler
It’s that kind of party! NO DRINKS sold on premises
bring ice, cups, everything you need!


There will be food. Feel free to contribute.
Sharing is our tradition. We encourage you to join in.
You may also contribute drinks too!


$10 On-Line :: $20 at the Door
Limited Capacity: tickets can be purchased
on-line NO FEE or paypal needed, see up to the left.


2505 Third Avenue (136 & 137th Street) - 3rd floor
4 or 5 to 138th - Grand Concourse
6 to 3rd Avenue - 138th Street

Monday, August 19, 2013

WEPA NYC presents "Honoring Our Ancestors"


 WEPA NYC presents “Honoring Our Ancestors”, 
a free outdoor celebration that asks participants to look back
to our roots and honor those who’ve gone before us.  
Hosted by: Joann Jimenez

In these days of social media, it’s easy to lose touch with who
we really are and our human connection. We are descendants of
people who made sacrifices so that we could live a better life.
Let’s keep their memory alive and share our heritage,
especially with the children.

We are honored to share this day with the House Coalition.
Luis Vargas will be hosting an appreciation picnic for those
who participated at this year's NYC Dance Parade.

At the end, we are all ONE.

In tribute to our ancestors, we are encouraging wellness of
body, mind and soul. We are looking for Yoga, Tai-Chi,
Meditation, Nutrition, Dance, Zhumba, Stretching,
Health Drinks, etc... Please contact Joann Jimenez 
if you would like to participate.

Music by:
Michael Casiano and Special Guests

Drum Circle begins at sunset... bring instruments, a blanket,
elders, children, anything you'd like to share and an
offering for "The Tree of Life". Pets are welcomed.



Please visit link to make a donation towards:
Porto-Potties, Sound-Generator-Truck Rental, Water, Ice,
Food, Flowers-Candles-Decorations, Arts + Crafts, Drummers, etc...


Sunday, March 17, 2013

¡WEPA! with Antonio Ocasio, DJ Angelo (Greece) / After Work Session with Charo Velecio + Des Uno


Joann Jimenez presents...

¡WEPA!
The Original Home of
Afro-House & Latin Soul

Resident DJ / Producer:
Antonio Ocasio (Tribal Winds)

special guest from Greece
DJ Angelo (Global Fantasy)

Afterwork Session with Guests:
Charo Velecio (Ache' Pa Ti)
Des Uno (Universal Languages)

Live Art by: Michael Casiano (The Taino Way)

Congas, Food, Roof Deck + lots of Culture

Happy Hour until 9pm

FREE (7-8pm) / $5 (8-10pm)
$10 after 10pm with invite printout or RSVP: muzikbutrfly@gmail.com
$15 after 10pm without invite printout or RSVP

Bar 13 (3rd Floor)
121 University Place (between 13 and 14 Street)
Union Square - NYC

www.wepanyc.com
www.youtube.com/
www.soundcloud.com/wepanyc

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

¡WEPA! After Work Session begins February 22nd




February 22nd, 2013
6pm - 3am
 

Joann Jimenez presents...

¡WEPA!
The Original Home of
Afro-House & Latin Soul

Resident DJ / Producer:
Antonio Ocasio (Tribal Winds)

After Work Session with Guests:
Jihad Muhammad (Bang the Drum)
Les Carbonell (SomaRecordings / 5ifty5ive)



Congas, Food, Roof Deck and Lots of Culture

 
FREE (6-7pm) / $5 (7-10pm)
$10 after 10pm with invite printout or RSVP: muzikbutrfly@gmail.com
$15 after 10pm without invite printout or RSVP 


Bar 13 (3rd Floor)
121 University Place (between 13 and 14 Street)
Union Square - NYC




Monday, October 15, 2012

¡WEPA! HalloWHITE :: Celebrating Souls :: Skulls, White Clothes, Flowers + Spirit of Tradition



This year, we have decided to celebrate Halloween with a "White Party"
on Friday, October 26th, 2012.

On our recent visit to Mexico, we were very inspired by the similarities in our cultural traditions. We share a mutual strong reverence for those who have passed before us.

They have "Dia de Los Muertos" - day of the dead - in which they use skulls and build altars to symbolize their respect for the deceased.

The true origin of Halloween is a ceremony honoring our ancestors and the day of the dead.

We encourage you to paint your face as a skull, bring flowers and 

come ready to celebrate the spirit of tradition.

rsvp for reduced admission: muzikbutrfly@gmail.com
 




Tuesday, September 4, 2012

You Don't Want To Miss This!

Friday, September 28th :: 11pm - 4am

Our 3rd Year Anniversary
and Antonio's Birthday Celebration

We will have PIRAGUAS made with Palo Energy Tea
infused with all natural Mamajuana herbs... 
Original, Mango or Coconut flavors. ¡WEEEEEPAAAA!



RSVP FOR REDUCED ADMISSION:

Sunday, July 29, 2012

¡WEPA! joins UHURU AFRIKA @ MI CASA HOLIDA

We're excited to announce that WEPA NYC has been selected as part of the official MI CASA HOLIDAY events lineup in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico.
So, October 4-7, we're all going on Holiday together!
Start preparing now and contact Joann Jimenez with any questions regarding special rates: muzikbutrfly@gmail.com

P.S. We're excited to join forces with Boston's Uhuru Afrika!
Lineup - Adam Gibbons . Antonio Ocasio . Max Pela . Sidy Maiga & More...
www.micasaholiday.com

Seaport Soul Series ft. ¡WEPA! on the Pier


BKNY with special guest: ANTONIO OCASIO (¡WEPA!)


¡WEPA! visits South Street Seaport!


¡WEPA! meets SOULGASM on the Beach!


¡WEPA! + AfroTaino = AfroCaribe! The Official After Party of The BlackStar Film Festival

When the Spanish, Dutch, & British slave ships dropped anchor in the Caribbean, they weren't expecting to be responsible for building a new civilization of brown folks, as their focus was on commerce, sugar & spices, and manifest destiny. They didn't expect the Taino Indians to take the African slaves in, nor for them to establish a form of communication through percussion. They didn't expect the traditions to be handed down, nor the fusing of the bloodlines. They didn't plan to create a diaspora. As history will show, an African diaspora has been created. This legacy of African-based lifestyles & cultures passed down to us, a fresh batch of free souls born thousands of miles away from their ancestral birthland. We inherited their passion for celebration, and we are good at it! Think on this as we introduce to you a very special occasion for all of Afro-Philadelphia. What happens when you combine AfroTaino Productions' talents with the festive grooviness of the infamous ¡WEPA!-NYC dance gatherings? You get AFRO-CARIBE - a dance party for the ancestors. ¡Wepa! 'incorporates the wide range of their culture’s musical wealth, blending Afro-Cuban, Latino Tribal, Orisha chants and straight up percussive rhythms mixed in with old salsa classics and other lovely sounds that live inside them… " Whether it's AfroBeat, House Music, or Latin Soul, DJ Antonio Ocasio (¡WEPA!-NYC, Tribal Winds) & DJ Rahsaan (AfroTaino Productions) will uplift your spirits and have you rejoicing the Diaspora all night on the dancefloor.


Monday, July 16, 2012

Seaport Soul Series ft. ¡WEPA! with Antonio Ocasio & guest SRES




-great music  -outdoor dancing   -good food


-drink specials (remember those frozen drinks??!! YUM!)


THIS IS A FREE EVENT & ALL AGES ARE WELCOMED


Visit www.seaportsoulseries.com for updates + full calendar


TELL A FRIEND....BRING A FRIEND




Skipper’s Outdoor Pierside Cafe

Pier 16, South Street Seaport

2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, Z to Fulton/Broadway Nassau

M15 (South Ferry) to Fulton St.

Walk east on Fulton to Water Street


Friday, June 1, 2012

Party on the ¡WEPA! Banana Boat at Midnight!


 Joann Jimenez presents...
¡WEPA! Banana Boat Ride

with music by: Antonio Ocasio (Tribal Winds)


See the world’s most famous skyline light up the night. The bustle and noise of the city turns to silence as we slip out onto the Hudson, cut the engines and turn up the volume!  It's the perfect place to bring a date, the best way to celebrate a special occasion or meet great people.  Come get a dose of our Afro-House and Latin Soul on the water with some of the best people in town.  It will be an experience to remember forever!

Buy $25 Tickets On-Line: http://www.ticketfly.com/event/128457

We will also have tickets at all of our ¡WEPA! events

Boarding at 11:30pm SHARP!
Clipper City Tall Ship will be docked on the East Face of Pier 17
South Street Seaport
Sail: Midnight-2:30a
21+


Wednesday, May 23, 2012

a ¡WEPA! special celebration: “Honoring Our Ancestors”... Free Outdoor Event

We look back to our roots, and honor those who've gone before us.  
Sometimes we forget how interconnected our roots have become...
my heritage, your heritage.... my family, your family...
often, our paths seem to cross and intermingle again and again...
Join us as we honor our connectedness and all of our ancestors, 
for at the end, we are all ONE.


Saturday, June 23rd, 2012
Free Outdoor Event
1pm - until it ends

Joann Jimenez presents...

a ¡WEPA! special celebration:   
“Honoring Our Ancestors”

Resident DJ / Producer: Antonio Ocasio (Tribal Winds)

bring blankets, food, instruments, memorabilia, flowers, candles +
anything you want to share

Special Guest: SRES (Are You Afro?™)

Special Set: Ace Housenation

Live Art: Michael Casiano

Drum Circle begins at sunset...  bring drums, children and elders

If you would like to make any donations or sponsor,