The Team

Cio, (short for Mauricio), stands as the driving force and visionary behind Cio’s Playhouse. Mauricio Laínez has made Baltimore City his home since 2023, following two decades of residing in Washington, DC. Driven by a spirit of adventure, he sought new horizons. Deeply rooted in his heritage and upbringing, Mauricio has always sought to share his cultural richness and his passion for music and dance.

Since his arrival in Baltimore City, Mauricio has actively engaged in volunteer work and community initiatives, collaborating with others to enhance the vibrancy of his neighborhood and create a better environment for all.

Immersing himself in the city's gay venues and diverse events, Mauricio swiftly recognized a significant gap—the absence of a dedicated space for the Queer Latinx community to revel in Latin music within a safe, inclusive setting. Motivated by this realization, he conceived Cio's Playhouse, envisioning it as a haven where individuals could embrace their Latinx identity and revel in the captivating rhythms of their culture. With Cio's Playhouse, Mauricio aims to enrich Baltimore City by showcasing the multifaceted essence of the Latinx community and introducing others to its extraordinary diversity and allure.