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<channel><title><![CDATA[LA MANSARDA &#127819; - EMERGENCY]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.lamansarda.org/emergency]]></link><description><![CDATA[EMERGENCY]]></description><pubDate>Sat, 21 Feb 2026 01:27:44 +0000</pubDate><generator>Weebly</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Slices of Sound, Slices of Lemon Cake]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.lamansarda.org/emergency/slices-of-sound-slices-of-lemon-cake]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.lamansarda.org/emergency/slices-of-sound-slices-of-lemon-cake#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sat, 08 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lamansarda.org/emergency/slices-of-sound-slices-of-lemon-cake</guid><description><![CDATA[       On November 2, La Mansarda gathered friends, musicians, and neighbors once again at Espai Limera in Valencia. Beyond the concert itself, the intention was clear: to offer a moment of pause and connection in the middle of a difficult 2025, a year marked by tension and cruelty in many parts of the world. In times like these, creating spaces for music, community, and mutual support feels not just important, but necessary.The evening opened with a performance by Luc&iacute;a Carri&oacute;n, w [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.lamansarda.org/uploads/1/3/6/0/136082160/mansardavalencia-20_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph"><span>On November 2, La Mansarda gathered friends, musicians, and neighbors once again at Espai Limera in Valencia. Beyond the concert itself, the intention was clear: to offer a moment of pause and connection in the middle of a difficult 2025, a year marked by tension and cruelty in many parts of the world. In times like these, creating spaces for music, community, and mutual support feels not just important, but necessary.</span><br /><br /><span></span><span>The evening opened with a performance by Luc&iacute;a Carri&oacute;n, who set the tone with a sincere and grounded set. Her voice and guitar created an immediate bond with the room, drawing quiet attention and fostering an atmosphere of openness. Without overexplaining or decorating her presentation, she let the songs speak, and the audience responded with focused, appreciative listening.</span><br /><span></span></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph">Rhodo followed, presenting a new live format that incorporated loops and electronic bases while maintaining the warmth and human presence of live performance. The mix added depth and texture to his sound without losing the emotional core that characterizes his work. He shared brief insights into his creative process, and the room engaged with curiosity, welcoming this new direction in his music.<br /><span></span>Throughout the evening, the atmosphere reflected the spirit La Mansarda aims to nurture: attentive listening, small exchanges between songs, and the sense of a temporary community formed around independent art. As a nonprofit organization, La Mansarda continues to believe that these gatherings matter &mdash; that independent culture, shared in intimate spaces, can offer relief and connection in a time when both are deeply needed.<br /><span></span>When the concert ended, many people stayed to talk with the musicians and enjoyed lemon cake La Mansarda cooked for everyone, extending the night a little longer. It was a simple event, but a meaningful one &mdash; another reminder that through music and the relationships it encourages, we continue to find ways to support one another.<br /><span></span></div>  <div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div> <hr class="styled-hr" style="width:100%;"></hr> <div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:center;"><strong>About the author</strong></div>  <div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.lamansarda.org/uploads/1/3/6/0/136082160/whatsapp-image-2025-12-12-at-15-45-10_orig.jpeg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div class="paragraph"><span style="color:rgb(34, 34, 34)">Noelia Alonso, musician, and cultural manager born in Buenos Aires and based in Valencia, organizes music events and promotes projects, connecting artists from diferent disciplines to build a wide network in constant expansi&oacute;n.</span></div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[A voice from Gaza]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.lamansarda.org/emergency/a-voice-from-gaza]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.lamansarda.org/emergency/a-voice-from-gaza#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Wed, 04 Jun 2025 09:11:25 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lamansarda.org/emergency/a-voice-from-gaza</guid><description><![CDATA[       Before we talk about the future, we need to remember where we stand.As part of La Mansarda&rsquo;s ongoing support for Emergency NGO and its humanitarian mission, we share here the powerful testimony of Mohammed Al-Zedba, a doctor who lived and worked through the most recent war in Gaza.His words are not just a report &mdash; they are a cry for justice, dignity, and action.They remind us why art, community, and solidarity matter.Please read, reflect, and continue to stand with those whose [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.lamansarda.org/uploads/1/3/6/0/136082160/whatsapp-image-2025-06-04-at-10-35-24_orig.jpeg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">Before we talk about the future, we need to remember where we stand.<br />As part of La Mansarda&rsquo;s ongoing support for Emergency NGO and its humanitarian mission, we share here the powerful testimony of Mohammed Al-Zedba, a doctor who lived and worked through the most recent war in Gaza.<br />His words are not just a report &mdash; they are a cry for justice, dignity, and action.<br />They remind us why art, community, and solidarity matter.<br />Please read, reflect, and continue to stand with those whose voices are too often silenced.<br /><br />&#8203;"<em>During the war, I worked in several hospitals across Gaza. I witnessed pain that words cannot truly describe &mdash; pain that I carry with me every day. My family and I were displaced five times, from the north to the south. And even now, my family and my fianc&eacute;e&rsquo;s family are still trapped in Gaza &mdash; starving, afraid, and living without shelter.<br />I speak to you today not only as a doctor, but as a witness &mdash; a witness to suffering, to injustice, and to crimes that the world must no longer ignore.</em></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph"><em style="color:rgb(44, 41, 7)">The Palestinian struggle is not new. For more than 75 years, we have been oppressed, displaced, and dehumanized. We have been killed, imprisoned, and silenced &mdash; simply for existing on our own land, for resisting the occupation of that land.<br />The occupation controls everything in our lives. They have taken our homes, our freedom, and our future. They do not even allow us to dream of a better life.<br />This didn&rsquo;t start on October 7th, 2023. We remember long before that &mdash; before the Nakba in 1948, before the Naksa in 1967, and before the Balfour Declaration, when the British gave away Palestinian land. That decision destroyed countless lives &mdash; including ours.<br />Since 1948, our people have been repeatedly attacked: Gaza has faced war in 2008, 2009, 2012, 2014, 2019, 2021, and now again in 2023&ndash;2024. And in every war, one pattern never changes: Israel starts the violence, and civilians pay the price.<br />As a doctor, I saw things that will haunt me forever.<br />I treated children with third- and fourth-degree burns. I saw bodies torn to pieces. I saw people dying of starvation because no food was allowed in, and others dying because life-saving medicine was blocked.<br />I remember when I was working at the European Hospital in Rafah &mdash; families took shelter inside, thinking a hospital would be safe. Tents were set up in every hallway, every department. But even hospitals were targeted. The IDF claimed they were attacking Hamas, but again and again, the truth came out: they were lying.<br />&bull;More than 18,000 children have been killed.<br />&bull;More than 28,000 women and girls.<br />&bull;Over 39,000 children are now orphans in Gaza.<br />These are not numbers. They are human beings. They had dreams, futures, families.<br />If you ask a child in Gaza today what their dream is, many will say: &ldquo;To eat chicken&hellip; or meat&hellip; or to live in peace.&rdquo; Can you imagine that?<br />What is the fault of an orphaned child? What is the fault of the sick and hungry?<br />Homes have been destroyed. Schools, hospitals, mosques, and churches have been bombed. Families have nowhere to go. There is no safe place left.<br />I saw children burned in front of me. I saw patients killed inside hospitals, including in operating rooms. Doctors were arrested while performing surgery. Some were kidnapped and later tortured.<br />And perhaps the most painful thing I experienced as a doctor&hellip; Was seeing colleagues receive their own family members as martyrs. Imagine treating patients with your hands shaking &mdash; because your mother, father, brother, or sister was just brought in lifeless. This is trauma we will never forget.<br />What&rsquo;s happening in Gaza is not just a conflict &mdash; it is systematic brutality, and it must stop.<br />But I want to leave you with something stronger than pain. Hope. And truth.<br />You are not alone. You are not wrong. You are on the right side of history.<br />The Palestinian cause is not only a Palestinian issue &mdash; it is a universal struggle for justice, for freedom, and for human dignity. It belongs to every honorable and free person in the world.<br />And so I ask you: Do not give us your pity. Give us your voice. Give us your action. Give us your solidarity.<br />&bull;Keep standing up for justice.<br />&bull;Keep supporting the rights of Palestinians.<br />&bull;Keep speaking about Gaza and the suffering of its people.<br />&bull;Boycott companies and institutions that support Israeli war crimes.<br />&bull;Support Palestinian prisoners, especially those being tortured and silenced.<br /><br />We are not asking for anything more than what every human being deserves: Safety, freedom, and dignity.</em></div>  <div class="paragraph"><strong>His words are not only a testimony, but a call to conscience.</strong><br />May his voice remind us that behind every number is a life, and that solidarity begins with listening.</div>  <div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div> <hr class="styled-hr" style="width:100%;"></hr> <div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:center;"><strong>About the author:</strong></div>  <div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.lamansarda.org/uploads/1/3/6/0/136082160/c1306f64-4476-4ef3-b8de-1e9ea0c6a104_orig.jpeg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div class="paragraph">Dr. Mohammed Al-Zedba (Gaza, Palestine) is a Palestinian medical graduate from Al-Azhar University, Gaza (Class of 2025). A survivor of the war in Gaza, he has worked across several hospitals during the conflict, treating patients in extreme conditions while being repeatedly displaced with his family.<br />He has completed multiple clinical attachments at the Royal Free Hospital in London in General Surgery, Cardiology, Internal and Emergency Medicine, and Anesthesia. He also contributed to a medical evacuation mission in collaboration with WHO, the EU, and HSE Ireland.<br />Alongside his medical work, Dr. A. is a founding member of <strong>Children Not Numbers NGO</strong>, a former board member of <strong>Save Gaza Children</strong>, and a dedicated volunteer in several community health and awareness campaigns.<br />Beyond healthcare, he is skilled in communication, public speaking, and media production, and is passionate about using both his voice and creative tools to advocate for human rights, especially in times of conflict.</div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[“Connection” at Kaf Café – April 19th, Valencia]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.lamansarda.org/emergency/connection-at-kaf-cafe-april-19th-valencia]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.lamansarda.org/emergency/connection-at-kaf-cafe-april-19th-valencia#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Mon, 21 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lamansarda.org/emergency/connection-at-kaf-cafe-april-19th-valencia</guid><description><![CDATA[       On April 19th, La Mansarda returned to the cosy stage of Kaf Caf&eacute; in the heart of Benimaclet, Valencia. Though this wasn&rsquo;t our first event in the city (we had our debut in April 2024), it felt just as special&mdash;maybe even more so. Our theme for the night was &ldquo;Connection&rdquo;, and from the very first performance, it was clear that something meaningful was unfolding.      &nbsp;We opened with the thoughtful work of Vanesa Santuccione, a visual artist and poet whose  [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.lamansarda.org/uploads/1/3/6/0/136082160/dscf0113_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">On April 19th, La Mansarda returned to the cosy stage of Kaf Caf&eacute; in the heart of Benimaclet, Valencia. Though this wasn&rsquo;t our first event in the city (we had our debut in April 2024), it felt just as special&mdash;maybe even more so. Our theme for the night was &ldquo;Connection&rdquo;, and from the very first performance, it was clear that something meaningful was unfolding.</div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph"><span style="color:rgb(44, 41, 7)">&nbsp;We opened with the thoughtful work of Vanesa Santuccione, a visual artist and poet whose words set the tone for the evening. She was followed by KidsInWoods, a singer-songwriter whose music lifted the spirits of everyone in the room. James, another talented singer-songwriter, continued the journey with his heartfelt lyrics and presence. We closed with the acoustic magic of Pol Frank and Kertu, whose blend of piano and saxophone wrapped the evening in warmth. <br /><br />We had an intimate evening: a familiar, relaxed environment where people could genuinely connect. No rush, no pressure. Just art, conversation, and presence. <br /><br />As always, we paused for a short moment of reflection on the humanitarian cause we support&mdash;Emergency NGO, which provides free medical care in war zones and to communities affected by poverty and inequality. The message was simple and sincere, quietly grounding the event in purpose.<br /> <br />Of course, no La Mansarda night would be complete without our signature tiramisu. This time, it was lovingly made by Aitana&mdash;our Spanish host and organizer&mdash;stepping in for our Italian CEO Ligia. And yes, despite the twist in nationality, it was a hit! A sweet way to close the night and say thank you to everyone who joined. <br /><br />The beautiful photographs you&rsquo;ll see here were taken by Davide Castelo, whose ability to capture the spirit of the night deserves special mention. His work speaks for itself&mdash;moments of connection, expression, and quiet joy frozen in time. Thanks to all the artists, the guests, and the wonderful Kaf Caf&eacute; team. <br /><br />&#8203;We&rsquo;ll be back soon. Until then, &mdash; La Mansarda Team</span></div>  <div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div> <hr class="styled-hr" style="width:100%;"></hr> <div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:center;"><strong>About the author:</strong></div>  <div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.lamansarda.org/uploads/1/3/6/0/136082160/whatsapp-image-2025-06-05-at-10-02-20_orig.jpeg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div class="wsite-spacer" style="height:96px;"></div>  <div class="paragraph">Aitana G. Sanju&aacute;n is La Mansarda&rsquo;s Spanish event coordinator, currently working as a self-employed English teacher in Valencia.<br /><br />With a background in performance and a growing interest in cultural management, she brings a creative and community-driven spirit to every event she helps bring to life.<br />&#8203;She will begin her studies in Cultural Management this September.</div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[​La Mansarda sbarca a Napoli!]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.lamansarda.org/emergency/la-mansarda-sbarca-a-napoli]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.lamansarda.org/emergency/la-mansarda-sbarca-a-napoli#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Sun, 06 Apr 2025 19:54:31 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lamansarda.org/emergency/la-mansarda-sbarca-a-napoli</guid><description><![CDATA[       Dopo anni girovagando per il mondo, Ligia torna in una delle sue "case" assieme al suo progetto.L'emozione &egrave; tanta, ma lo &egrave; anche la paura di portare la Mansarda in un luogo nuovo, con persone sempre diverse.Questa volta la serata si terr&agrave; al Palazzo Venezia, un palazzo storico di Napoli sul tratto centrale di Spaccanapoli. L'ingresso con il cortile e le mille stanze che si snodano al suo interno ti trasportano in una dimensione pi&ugrave; intima, nonostante sia a poc [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.lamansarda.org/uploads/1/3/6/0/136082160/img-5114_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">Dopo anni girovagando per il mondo, Ligia torna in una delle sue "case" assieme al suo progetto.<br />L'emozione &egrave; tanta, ma lo &egrave; anche la paura di portare la Mansarda in un luogo nuovo, con persone sempre diverse.<br />Questa volta la serata si terr&agrave; al Palazzo Venezia, un palazzo storico di Napoli sul tratto centrale di Spaccanapoli. L'ingresso con il cortile e le mille stanze che si snodano al suo interno ti trasportano in una dimensione pi&ugrave; intima, nonostante sia a pochi metri dalle vie trafficate del centro.<br />Salendo le scale si arriva ad un giardino nascosto da cui si sentono le prime note degli artisti che fanno le prove.<br />A poco a poco la sala si riempie e si parte! La serata &egrave; organizzata in collaborazione con Emergency e una delle loro operatrici ci fa un'introduzione per raccontarci dove sar&agrave; destinato il ricavato della serata.</div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph">La prima artista &egrave; Viola Fronterr&eacute;, che dopo un'introduzione esilarante sulle varie tappe della sua vita ci trasporta senza accorgercene all'interno della sua poesia. Con alcuni suoi pezzi, tutti unici e diversi tra loro ma perfettamente incatenati, ci mostra il suo concetto di identit&agrave;. Il pezzo in cui prende in prestito la voce del nonno e canta in siciliano ci ha fatto dimenticare di essere dove eravamo. Ciaurusu...<br /><br />Poi tocca a Max e Jolo, la cui arte &egrave; indissolubilmente legata alla loro dualit&agrave;. Nella loro performance "Foglie" Max balla interpretando i suoni di Jolo, ma Jolo risponde di conseguenza, adattando la sua musica ai movimenti di Max.<br />La loro forma di comunicazione riesce a trasmettere perfettamente cosa sia per loro l' "identit&agrave;" e quando alla fine Max lascia cadere le foglie dalle mani, siamo tutti col fiato sospeso.<br /><br />Mancano solo i Maradonas!<br />Hanno una smania di suonare cos&igrave; forte che partono prima ancora di essere presentati da Ligia.<br />Bastano poche canzoni del loro "rocchenroll" napoletano per farci alzare dalle sedie e ballare sulle loro note contagiose. La loro passione &egrave; tanta e quasi bisogna trascinarli via dal palco prima che il locale ci cacci via.<br />Irresistibili!<br /><br />Torniamo a casa con il sorriso e il cuore pieno. <br />Io personalmente sono onorata e fiera di avere un'amica come Ligia, che in aggiunta a tutto quello che fa nella vita, riesce a mettere in piedi una situazione cos&igrave; speciale per la pura passione dell'arte, dell'umanitarismo e della condivisione.<br />&#8203;<br />Yup la Mansarda! &#128155;</div>  <div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div> <hr class="styled-hr" style="width:100%;"></hr> <div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:center;"><strong><font size="3">About the author:</font></strong></div>  <div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.lamansarda.org/uploads/1/3/6/0/136082160/whatsapp-image-2025-04-07-at-08-59-05_orig.jpeg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div class="wsite-spacer" style="height:102px;"></div>  <div class="paragraph">&#8203;Angelica Pirro &egrave; un'operatrice sociale, musicista e ballerina. Attualmente vive a Bologna utilizzando l'arte come mediatrice nei contesti interculturali dove lavora e che frequenta.<br />Dal 2022 porta avanti un podcast, A Day in a Female Life, che raccoglie testimonianze di donne vittime di molestie e di violenza maschile.<br />&#8203;<br />La sua pagina Instagram &egrave; @geekyx</div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Unforgettable Mansarda Night]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.lamansarda.org/emergency/unforgettable-mansarda-night]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.lamansarda.org/emergency/unforgettable-mansarda-night#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lamansarda.org/emergency/unforgettable-mansarda-night</guid><description><![CDATA[ 					 						 						 						 						 							#wsite-video-container-941188329923404508{ 								background: url(//www.weebly.com/uploads/b/136082160-765470696667954149/0222_505.jpg); 							}  							#video-iframe-941188329923404508{ 								background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/play-icon.png?1741309929); 							}  							#wsite-video-container-941188329923404508, #video-iframe-941188329923404508{ 								background-repeat: no-repeat; 								background-position:center; 							} [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wsite-video"><div title="Video: 0222_505.mp4" class="wsite-video-wrapper wsite-video-height-480 wsite-video-align-center"> 					<div id="wsite-video-container-941188329923404508" class="wsite-video-container" style="margin: 10px 0 10px 0;"> 						<iframe allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" id="video-iframe-941188329923404508" 							src="about:blank"> 						</iframe> 						 						<style> 							#wsite-video-container-941188329923404508{ 								background: url(//www.weebly.com/uploads/b/136082160-765470696667954149/0222_505.jpg); 							}  							#video-iframe-941188329923404508{ 								background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/play-icon.png?1741309929); 							}  							#wsite-video-container-941188329923404508, #video-iframe-941188329923404508{ 								background-repeat: no-repeat; 								background-position:center; 							}  							@media only screen and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), 								only screen and (        min-device-pixel-ratio: 2), 								only screen and (                min-resolution: 192dpi), 								only screen and (                min-resolution: 2dppx) { 									#video-iframe-941188329923404508{ 										background: url(//cdn2.editmysite.com/images/util/videojs/@2x/play-icon.png?1741309929); 										background-repeat: no-repeat; 										background-position:center; 										background-size: 70px 70px; 									} 							} 						</style> 					</div> 				</div></div>  <div class="paragraph">The last Mansarda night was a pleasure to be a part of. It was my first and I&rsquo;m sure it won&rsquo;t be my last. From the start, people the room buzzed with anticipation. Guest were trickling in, picking out people then didn&rsquo;t know would be there and calling hellos and waves across the room. Bottles of wine and tiramisu passing around and the excited chatter of catching up on news.<br /></div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph"><span style="color:rgb(44, 41, 7)">Soon it became clear that we had more than sold out and extra chairs were being passed across to make an extra row or two to accommodate the overcapacity walk-ins. Until we were officially declared sold out and a few disappointed stragglers were told there was no more space.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:rgb(44, 41, 7)">The night started with Malini Agrahar, an Indian lady, who performed stories through dance. Her whole body came alive with angles and signs and face expressions regaling us with strange stories that we had to partially invent in our imaginations. Her poise and focus and presence had us all glued to her for the first half hour.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:rgb(44, 41, 7)">Next, was &lsquo;The Tenters&rsquo; a five-piece jazz band. With their tight, smooth swing jazz, they transported us straight to a smoky New York club. The silhouette of the violinist arched dramatically over the band, a striking visual against the low stage lights.</span><br /><span style="color:rgb(44, 41, 7)">Then myself, Evin and Paul were up. I was very nervous to say the least. It was just lovely though. The audience were warm, responsive &ndash; making us feel right at home. The half hour flew by!</span><br /><br /><span style="color:rgb(44, 41, 7)">The combination of music, community, and generosity (all the proceeds went to a Emergency NGO and to support the Arts) made this a night to remember. Since, I&rsquo;ve felt encouraged to keep playing and sharing.<br />&#8203; <br />Thanks so much to Ligia for organising and supporting ! Here&rsquo;s to many more nights like this!</span></div>  <div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div> <hr class="styled-hr" style="width:100%;"></hr> <div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:center;"><strong>About the author:</strong></div>  <div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.lamansarda.org/uploads/1/3/6/0/136082160/whatsapp-image-2025-01-16-at-15-15-04_orig.jpeg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div class="paragraph">Elaine O Dea has been singing since she was 10 years old. <br />8 years of classical voice training, some time as part of a jazz band and other groupings of blues and folk music. <br />She has been running the Upstairs Sessions for the past 6 years which gathers musicians and singers and performers together.&nbsp;</div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Art of Building Bridges: A Night of Connection at La Mansarda]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.lamansarda.org/emergency/the-art-of-building-bridges-a-night-of-connection-at-la-mansarda]]></link><comments><![CDATA[http://www.lamansarda.org/emergency/the-art-of-building-bridges-a-night-of-connection-at-la-mansarda#comments]]></comments><pubDate>Fri, 20 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category><guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.lamansarda.org/emergency/the-art-of-building-bridges-a-night-of-connection-at-la-mansarda</guid><description><![CDATA[       I wade past the crowds of the Cobblestone Bar into the back space. It&rsquo;s a quaint, moody space and was bustling with people who had likely heard about the uniqueness offered by La Mansarda events through it&rsquo;s previous attendees. A diverse catalogue of performers in spoken word, poetry, artistry, music and dance, many of whom are a variety of nationalities with their own engaging stories of how their art has allowed them to connect with their sense of self, life story or place o [...] ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-medium " style="padding-top:5px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0px;margin-right:10px;text-align:left"> <a> <img src="http://www.lamansarda.org/uploads/1/3/6/0/136082160/pic-50-1_orig.jpg" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>  <div class="paragraph">I wade past the crowds of the Cobblestone Bar into the back space. It&rsquo;s a quaint, moody space and was bustling with people who had likely heard about the uniqueness offered by La Mansarda events through it&rsquo;s previous attendees. A diverse catalogue of performers in spoken word, poetry, artistry, music and dance, many of whom are a variety of nationalities with their own engaging stories of how their art has allowed them to connect with their sense of self, life story or place of origin.&nbsp;</div>  <div>  <!--BLOG_SUMMARY_END--></div>  <div class="paragraph"><span style="color:rgb(44, 41, 7)">Each artist directly addresses the attendees with vulnerability, highlighting how each piece they perform was threaded into the theme of the event. The theme of this such event was &lsquo;The Art of Building Bridges&rsquo;. It speaks to the overall intention of La Mansarda, to bridge the arts and people&rsquo;s humanity, with particular thoughts given to those in areas of conflict and suffering. We are starkly reminded of our privilege and how much can be done to contribute to and hold these communities in mind.</span><br /><br /><span style="color:rgb(44, 41, 7)">Mirroring the individuality each artist brings, the crowd, too are an eclectic mix of folk who appreciate, and are open to, going on the journey that this event undoubtedly is going to bring us on. The friendliness and enthusiasm of the crowd felt from initial introductions, smiles and the plethora of pints of Guinness on tables.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="color:rgb(44, 41, 7)">The event begins with the passionate French folk singer David Delph who strums his guitar in unison with the crowd as they sip on cold pints of Guinness.&nbsp;Following this, the spoken word artist Ned Dunn, who captures the crowd with his raw descriptions of growing up in Dublin&rsquo;s fair city and the beautify and sorrow that comes with it.&nbsp;Next the Spanish harp player Pilar Paradela mesmerises the crowd with the gravity of the instrument and it&rsquo;s delicate sound. Suddenly there is a shift in energy. The duo of Tango La Cumparsita cause the crowd to turn in their chairs watching their perfectly synced bodies glide up and down the room. There is a sense that as the momentum builds, and glasses grow empty, that we too will eventually be up attempting to tango, however less elegantly! Finally, the Barrio Cubano band with pace and gusto lift everyone from their seats. Inhibitions gone, laughing and dancing, the crowd is connected to one another. They express a joy and freedom that only art can evoke.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /><span style="color:rgb(44, 41, 7)">There is indeed an art to building bridges between people from all walks of life and connecting them with the distinct experiences of those who need humanitarian aid. Yet, this fine art is gracefully achieved by the wonderfully curated La Mansarda events and the amiable and unprejudiced crowd it attracts.</span></div>  <div><div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div> <hr class="styled-hr" style="width:100%;"></hr> <div style="height: 20px; overflow: hidden; width: 100%;"></div></div>  <div class="paragraph" style="text-align:center;"><strong>About the ahuthor</strong></div>  <div><div class="wsite-multicol"><div class="wsite-multicol-table-wrap" style="margin:0 -15px;"> 	<table class="wsite-multicol-table"> 		<tbody class="wsite-multicol-tbody"> 			<tr class="wsite-multicol-tr"> 				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div><div class="wsite-image wsite-image-border-none " style="padding-top:10px;padding-bottom:10px;margin-left:0;margin-right:0;text-align:center"> <a> <img src="http://www.lamansarda.org/uploads/1/3/6/0/136082160/published/whatsapp-image-2024-12-26-at-18-38-22.jpeg?1735586478" alt="Picture" style="width:auto;max-width:100%" /> </a> <div style="display:block;font-size:90%"></div> </div></div>   					 				</td>				<td class="wsite-multicol-col" style="width:50%; padding:0 15px;"> 					 						  <div class="paragraph">&#8203;Katie is a psychologist living in Dublin with a keen love for live music. She can often be found at various festivals around Ireland and abroad during the summer months, and in a cosy pub with a fire and good Guinness listening to trad music during the winter.</div>   					 				</td>			</tr> 		</tbody> 	</table> </div></div></div>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>