Terraza 7: A Cultural Haven at Risk
By Angelica Ruiz
In the heart of Queens, where the bustling streets of Elmhurst and Jackson Heights converge, lies a sanctuary unlike any other — Terraza 7. For the past 23 years, this beloved venue has acted as more than just a club or event space. Terraza 7 is the stage where many immigrant artists and musicians come to share their stories and build community. It is the home for many immigrant stories, artistic expression, experimentation, and a celebration of the cultural tapestry that creates New York City’s vibrant atmosphere.
Terraza 7 has been a safe space for many people to share their feelings and stories through cultural and artistic expression. However, today, it faces the threat of closure due to an unsustainable rent increase. As a cultural cornerstone that has championed diversity, creativity, and resilience, its loss would be an extremely devastating blow to the very soul of Queens.
Freddy Castiblanco, the founder and curator of Terraza 7, never envisioned creating just another performance venue. To him, Terraza 7 was always meant to be a sanctuary where people could explore art through the richness and contributions of others and fight for many fundamental rights of the Latine community and beyond. Since its inception, Terraza 7 has celebrated diversity. It’s a space where immigrant voices echo loudly, where their stories are sung, danced, and celebrated.
A Legacy of Cultural Resistance
Walking into Terraza 7 feels like stepping into a crossroads of the Americas. On any given night, you might hear the soulful strains of a Middle Eastern oud or the rhythmic beats of an Afro-Caribbean drum. Over 6,000 concerts have graced its stage, each performance a testament to the power of cultural exchange. These performances don’t just entertain; they honor the memory of immigrants, promote intercultural dialogue, and push the boundaries of artistic expression.
Thanks to Terraza 7's platform, many people have seen and gotten to know great musicians and artists throughout the years. One of the many greats Terraza 7 provided a home for is Jarana Beat, a world music ensemble blending Mexican and Latin American folk traditions with global rhythms. Composed of immigrant musicians from Mexico alongside performers from around the globe, Jarana Beat creates a mesmerizing tapestry of sound. Their performances incorporate traditional dance rhythms and footwork, such as Son Jarocho, Son Guerrerence, Son Huasteco, Cumbia, and Rumba, inviting listeners on a journey through Afro-Amerindian culture. With their use of traditional verse structures like the pastern, sextuplet, and décima, they craft music that bridges generations and geographies.
Jarana Beat has graced Terraza 7’s stage, weaving stories of migration, resilience, and cultural pride into New York City’s art scene. This is just one example of how Terraza 7 introduces us to artists who carry the legacy of their homelands while contributing to the vibrant cultural landscape of Queens. Through these performances, Terraza 7 fosters a deeper understanding of the rich, interconnected heritage that defines the Americas.
But Terraza 7’s mission extends beyond the music. It has always been about resistance. Freddy passionately advocates for the venue’s fight for values that shape an equitable life—fair wages, quality healthcare, and education that fosters critical thinking and artistic appreciation. These are not just ideas; they are the heartbeat of Terraza 7.
Even during the pandemic, when venues across New York shuttered, Terraza 7 refused to let its lights dim. Making sure to keep in line with pandemic guidelines and safety regulations, Terraza 7 held concerts in their outdoor dining spaces, turning the streets of Jackson Heights into a vibrant stage.
A Threat to the Soul of Queens
Despite its resilience and contribution to New York City culture, Terraza 7 now faces its greatest challenge. The venue's rent has soared from $4,000 to $12,000 a month, a staggering increase threatening to silence this cultural sanctuary. Terraza 7 must now fight for survival.
The threat is not just to Terraza 7 but to the immigrant communities it uplifts and the artists it supports. Terraza 7 is a home for those whose stories often go unheard, a platform for music that defies the standardization of commercial sound, and a beacon of hope for those who believe in the transformative power of art.
Preserving Queens’ Soul
Terraza 7 is more than a venue—it’s a cultural sanctuary where traditional maestros and contemporary musicians unite, diasporic sounds traverse continents, and immigrant stories are shared and celebrated. Its loss would strip Queens and New York City of a vital piece of their cultural fabric. Through its nonprofit initiative, Acoustic Memories, Terraza 7 has amplified the voices of artists deeply connected to immigrant communities. It reminds us that art is not just entertainment but a means of survival, honoring the past while building a hopeful future.
Now, more than ever, Terraza 7 needs its community. Advocate for its recognition as a cultural landmark, donate through Action Lab NY, attend events, and share its story to amplify its voice. Together, we can ensure that Terraza 7 continues to be a beacon of resilience, creativity, and cultural unity for future generations. Let’s keep Terraza 7 alive!
Donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/saveterraza7
