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Nicky Paraiso is a Filipino-American writer, performer, musician and curator. He has appeared in works by Meredith Monk, Jeff Weiss, and Yoshiko Chuma, among others, and is a Programming Director at La MaMa ETC.

Early Life
Paraiso was born in the Philippines in 195[?]. His father, Nicasio, moved to Queens, NY.

Career
Paraiso appeared in Jeff Weiss's "And that's How the Rent Gets Paid" in 1979. From 1981-1990, Paraiso was a member of Meredith Monk/The House and Vocal Ensemble. He continued to work with Weiss and Carlos Ricardo Martinez, appearing their Obie-winning serial production "Hot Keys." Starting in 1988, Paraiso appeared in works by Yoshiko Chuma and the School of Hard Knocks. He received a Bessie Award in 1987 and was nominated for the prestigious Cal Arts/Alpert Award in 1998.

Paraiso is known as a relentless supporter of new artists. Writer David Cale called him "the most knowledgeable presenter of young and emerging gay artists that I know of." Writer Sarah Schulman agreed. "He’s very open to young people, very warm. He’s not slick. It’s an old school appreciation of people.”

performed with Yoshiko Chuma & The School of Hard Knocks. sits on the Bessie's committee.

In the Spring of 2004 (April 23-May 9), Paraiso mounted his autobiographical show "House/Boy."