Cultures collide at Cumbre Tajín folk festival
The Cumbre Tajín festival celebrates indigenous identity, combining scores of cultural activities with a distinctly popular musical lineup. Traditional folk dances share a stage with the likes of Fatboy Slim – but does this formula work?
This story was broadcast on Monocle 24 radio.
Loft Chronicles
Minimalist composer Phill Niblock has been living in his Chinatown loft since the late 1960s – and curating concerts there for almost as long.
For Mexican Prisoners, Music Brings Inner Freedom
In the streets around Santa Martha Acatitla prison in Mexico City, mangy dogs forage for scraps. Pickup trucks trundle around with guards in ski masks toting AK-47s. But on September 25, convicts found a welcome escape – metaphorically, of course...
Archery on the rise in NYC
The U.S. men’s Olypmic team won silver at London 2012, and “The Hunger Games” film broke box office records. The main character was a highly skilled archer – so could she be a new Robin Hood for today’s generation? This story was broadcast on Monocle 24 radio.
Saving Mexican culture with cocktails
By using traditional ingredients to create original beverages, a group of “etnomixologists” hope to preserve indigenous Mexican culture in today’s globalized world. This story was broadcast on Monocle 24 radio.
Pussy Riot: From ragtag artists to global icons of dissent
Three members of the Russian all-girl punk band Pussy Riot were sentenced to two years in prison for “hooliganism” after playing in an Orthodox church. Reuters photojournalist Thomas Peter, who first met the artists in 2008, recalls his time with the group. This video was produced for Reuters TV.
SPAMiversary: 7 BILLION cans sold in 75 years
The canned ham is the butt of jokes but it's also an American icon, serving troops in war, joining the Smithsonian and hamming it up on Broadway. Here's a rundown of Spam by the numbers. This video was produced for Reuters TV.
NYC to expand outdoor gym provision
“Playgrounds for adults” have been around since the 1930s, but only recently began appearing in New York parks. Now, the city plans to roll out 24 new facilities over the next 18 months – after a successful space was opened near Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. This story was broadcast on CNN.
Cash-strapped towns cancel July 4 fireworks
As towns and cities across the United States are plagued by harsh weather and a harsher economy, many have been forced to abandon traditional Independence Day celebrations. But in New Rochelle, NY, a lifeline appeared from the unlikeliest of sources. This story was broadcast on CNN.
The Half King: A refuge for New York journalists
Reporters from far and wide flock to the world’s media capital in search of stories and opportunities. Twelve years ago, three journalists decided to create a place for this community to hang out, share secrets and enjoy good food and drink – all under one roof. This story was broadcast on Monocle 24 Radio.
In El Barrio, a New Bookstore Is Counting on Its Community
Undaunted by the withering publishing industry, a woman with a passion for literature has opened a Latino bookstore in East Harlem. This story was published in The New York Times.
Occupy protesters target Frieze art fair
On May 4-7, thousands of visitors flocked to Randall’s Island in New York for the city’s first ever Frieze art fair. Galleries reported promising profits during a sellout weekend, but on Sunday afternoon, a small group of activists and artists gathered outside to make a noisy stand about commercialization of the creative world.