JOHN PIET
ARO is a writer, a musician and a cultural organizer from Brooklyn, NY. Via the public relations persona New Masses Media Relations, he has created a range of publicity campaigns for creative artists on the Left and in the underground.
ARO is a writer, a musician and a cultural organizer from Brooklyn, NY. Via the public relations persona New Masses Media Relations, he has created a range of publicity campaigns for creative artists on the Left and in the underground.
In 2013 he self-published his collection of contemporary proletarian literature entitled NIGHT PEOPLE and Other Tales of Working New York.
In 2007 Pietaro authored a chapter in Harvey Pekar and Paul Buhle’s Students for a Democratic Society: A Graphic History (Hill & Wang) and is currently working on both a history of Left-wing arts in the US and a novel. By day he is employed in the labor movement.
Pietaro’s writings include articles, fiction and reviews published in a variety of magazines/journals/blogs including:
- Z magazine
- The Nation
- NYC Jazz Record
- Political Affairs
- People’s World
- AllAboutJazz
- Struggle
- 5th Estate
As a musician Pietaro performs frequently in the NYC free jazz/new music circle as a vibraphonist-percussionist. He has recorded for Unseen Rain Records as well as Slam Records and IFAR (both UK). He organizes the annual Dissident Arts Festival in New York City each summer.
Education: currently pursuing a BA degree in Communications and Media. He currently holds an MA in Music Performance and Education and a BS in Music Therapy.
NWU is the sole provider of IFJ Press Passes to freelance journalists in the U.S.