Artist Bio

Juan Cartagena

Recognized under the New Jersey State Council on Arts Folk Apprenticeship Program as a Master Drummer, Mr. Cartagena has been performing, teaching, researching and writing about Puerto Rico’s drum music for over 30 years. He is the volunteer Executive Director of SQFC and the director of its dance and drum ensemble, Segunda Quimbamba. Mr. Cartagena is also an instructor, teaching drumming to students of all ages, arranging music for student performances, performing with students in public venues.

Nanette Hernández

Recognized under the New Jersey State Council on Arts Folk Apprenticeship Program as a Master Dancer, Ms. Hernandez has been performing dance within Puerto Rico’s drumming traditions music for over 30 years. She has also been teaching these art forms for over 15 years.

She is the Director of Development & Education Initiatives for SQFC and works to secure and administer grants for teaching dance within public schools in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Ms. Hernandez is the President of the Board of SQFC and an Instructor where she teaches dance to students of all ages and performs with students in public venues. She is the principal dancer in the ensemble Segunda Quimbamba.