La Respuesta, Santurce

In Fernandez Juncos Avenue lies a bar called La Respuesta. I couldn’t find out much information about the owners and the business’ upcoming, sadly they wouldn’t answer my calls, but throughout the events this bar hosts weekly it’s evident that it celebrates Puerto Rican culture. This is not only a great hangout spot, but it’s also a place where people gather to enjoy and support local art and performances. They host events such as: Battle Lines (rap contest), Trépate Aquí (stand up comedy), Rompe Cintura (“Bailar es tu derecho” was the theme of this dancing event, Featuring DJ Sarielle Killer, Lucha Libre and D’Marquesina along with other local artists) and Noches de Cabaret Puppet Slam (cabezudo theater).

 These events provide a space for unknown Puerto Rican artists to test their talents and see how an audience reacts to their work. People get recognition for their work and are even invited to attend to other events depending on the result. I went a couple of weeks ago to a stand-up performance they had. One of my boyfriend’s coworkers does stand-up comedy as a hobby with a group of people. They go to different places monthly to exhibit their work. It is great, and I’m not just saying it because I know him. This night specifically comedians from all over the Island, amateurs as well as professionals, gathered in La Respuesta and gave an outstanding performance. I was laughing the whole time. My favorite was at the end when a group of college students performed a music number. They dedicate their work to rewriting popular songs into funny stories. They sound amazing and have great vocals. Apart from the comedic part of their performance, they are very talented musicians and singers. Their main instrument is el cuatro which is known as a Puerto Rican classical guitar from the orquesta jíbara. It’s very hard to learn how to play el cuatro because it has ten strings in five courses, tuned in fourths from low to high, B and E in octaves and A, D, and G in unisons. In case you don’t know much about instruments or music, I meant to say it’s a hard instrument to learn how to play due to the strong and pronounced, yet acute, sound of each string and the specific note each one of them plays. It’s one of my favorite instruments and for me it’s very impressive and rare to see someone play it as well as they did. The sound of this instrument for me is the sound of my Puerto Rican roots. This specific event had Chente as the surprise host and guest, and it was a surprise because it was after his “last show” in Puerto Rico which sold out. Chente is a very talented and known comedian, loved by Puerto Ricans and soon to perform internationally. It was the first time I saw him perform. I wanted to go to his last show but couldn’t. It was great!

In conclusion, if you have gone to La Respuesta it’s a must. It’s a place filled with mostly locals due to its location, but If you happen to come as a tourist swing by and learn how to dance salsa, go to a stand-up event, or just to have a good time. Check out their website (www.larespuestasanturce.com/) or Facebook page (La Respuesta Santurce) and see their calendar to know if any of their events interests you. Don’t miss out!