English 
El Open Más Pop celebrates Latino culture through comedy
Photo: Ana Ferreira Lizama
“El Open Más Pop,” a Spanish-language stand-up comedy show held twice a month at Arome Art Cafe in Orlando, is creating an accessible space for Latino comedians and audiences to connect through humor and their native language.
The open mic concept began last year when comedian Charlie Bonilla, one of the founders of El Open Más Pop, noticed a lack of spaces in Orlando where comedians could experiment and connect with audiences. “I went to perform in Miami, and there was a producer there named Randolph. We were talking about how Orlando was missing a space where comedians could really grow,” Bonilla said. “A space where we were allowed to make mistakes, where we were given the freedom to explore new material.”
Bonilla, who has been performing comedy for three years, initially designed the project alongside a Venezuelan comedian. However, changes in immigration policies forced her to return to Venezuela before the event came to life.
While continuing to develop the show, Bonilla met Daniela Ordoñez, a Colombian comedian who immigrated to the United States about eight years ago and was new to the comedy world. The two shared a desire to create a space that could bring joy to the community regardless of economic status or cultural background.
With that goal in mind, Ordoñez joined Bonilla in bringing El Open Más Pop to life at Arome Art Cafe. The coffee shop, located less than 15 minutes from Universal Studios, offers free parking and does not charge an admission fee or require tickets for entry to the show.
“Our vision was for El Open Más Pop to be a space that uplifts Hispanic culture,” Ordoñez said. “Especially in the times we are living through right now, we feel like that’s kind of a rebellious act, a cool one. We’re not ashamed of our culture, and we’re not going to hide it either.”
Ordoñez noted that the Latino community is not only a major economic force in the United States, but also an important cultural force gaining representation in larger spaces across the country.
For Rafael García, the host of “El Open Más Pop,” one of the most important aspects of the open mic is the diversity. “I feel like even though we are all Latino, diversity is really celebrated because people from so many different countries show up.
Everyone brings their own words, their own context, their own expressions,” Garcia said. “I think it’s a beautiful way to celebrate those differences within our community that in the end, have made us all so distinct from one another.”
The audience often comes from across Latin America. From Argentinians to Venezuelans and Dominicans to Colombians, the mix of accents and expressions creates a sense of familiarity and belonging among those attending “El Open Más Pop.”
Bonilla also emphasizes that the show welcomes both experienced comedians and first-time performers and that those interested in performing can speak with one of the hosts before the show or contact the organizers through “El Open Más Pop’s” Instagram page.
“Anybody who wants to give comedy a shot is completely invited,” Bonilla said. “To me, it’s an even greater honor when someone decides to step up and do comedy for the first time and trusts us enough to do it here.”
The next “El Open Más Pop” show is scheduled for May 19 at Arome Art Cafe, 2869 Wilshire Dr., Ste. 103, Orlando.
Mike Synan
News | Sports | Politics
- After two decades in news and politics, Mike Synan is returning to his roots to write Sports as “The Sportsaholic”. Mike hosted a talk show for 6 years on WDBO after Magic home games called “Magic Til Midnight”, and spent years working as an in-game correspondent for both ESPN and Fox Sports Radio. His column “Synan Says” has appeared on both www.wdbo.com and www.floridadaily.com. He has a BS in Political Science from Clemson University. You can reach him at msynan@sportsmail.com
