Joel Melendez

Joel Melendez, Co-founder of the touring duo Matica Arts, has traveled the Americas performing and learning. He is a gifted performer known for his unicycling, clowning, juggling, improvisational and acrobatic skills. Joel is a "physical artist" who loves exploring the vast capabilities of the human body. He is co-founder of Matica Arts and Thrive Movement studio. He is on the Hartford Performs artist roster with his innovative Capoeira program. He also is the Capoeira director at Plus 1 Defense in West Hartford and a teaching artist for Oddfellow's Playhouse in Middletown
Joel is also a musician, Capoerista. Joel sees the arts as a vehicle to inspire, connect and transport the audience to a mystical world free of inhibitions where all is possible.

Matica's performance was raucous and good natured, alternately exciting their audience and calming them with music. The children were delighted by the vast array of exotic instruments and, without knowing it, got a terrific geography lesson. We would happily welcome Matica back to Hartford Public Library again and we encourage other libraries to have them.

Auden di-Corcia-D'Adamato, Children's Librarian, Hartford Public Library