Woman’s A place

International Women’s Day (IWD) is on March 8 and was founded in 1911. IWD brings attention to women’s rights, gender equality and discrimination with the theme Each for Equal. The campaign encourages challenging stereotypes and biases and fighting for gender equality.

It also celebrates the hard work, dedication and accomplishments of women around the world. In honor of IWD, the women around campus are celebrated.

The women working at and attending Pierce contribute to the diverse population on campus. Professors and students work in and out of class to improve the college experience.

Whether it’s directing a play, teaching sign language helping out at the library, or spending down time with friends, women are an integral part of the campus.

BY CECILIA PARADA

An attentive audience in the Performing Arts

Building was met with an energetic Latin guitar and a hollow, box-shaped percussion instrument called a Cajon on Feb. 27.

Omar Torrez brought his original compositions about his Latin American culture and political viewpoints to life for the third installment of ASO Afternoon Concerts.

The Seattle native occasionally covers songs, but he prefers to create and get inspiration from the genres American rock and roll, blues, Afro-Cuban, Latin American and Spanish music.

“I’m going to try to tear down and break barriers right before your eyes,” Torrez said. “It might be very exciting for you.” His first song “Marina” is a self proclaimed Afro-Cuban Irish drinking song. The up-tempo original ranged from loud moments to whispers.

He also invited Tom Wakefield to play the Cajon despite them not having played together in 10 years. Torrez then included the audience during the song.

“Pierce College, I know it’s very early, but now is not the time to sleep,” Torrez said. “I need your help. We have to work together.”

Up next was a performance of “Burn it Down,” a postmodern chacha-cha, he explained.

“Sometimes it’s not enough to change the systems, instead you have to destroy them,” Torrez said.

Filled with imagery of dissatisfaction, “Burn it Down,” was followed by “It’s Over.”

Unlike the other songs, “It’s

Over” had a quiet and slower tempo, focusing on the emotional themes of endings and uncertainty.

Torrez followed with a cover of a song he heard during his childhood called “La Llorona.” It’s a traditional Mexican song, not to be mistaken for the horror folktale of the same name. It’s sung in a Bolero, or slowtempo fashion.

Before his next song “Reach Down,” Torrez mentioned he drew inspiration for it from the current political climate.

“[In] the last two or three years, there has been a lot of divisiveness and dialogue, socially and politically, certainly in this country,” Torrez said. “I had an idea to write songs that are not about divisiveness or pointing fingers, but the things we share and how we can help each other. I think it’s important to hold onto that. You can be cynical on one