Harry Edgar Palacio, known by his creative alias Oregon Kool-aid, represents a rare breed of modern creatives — a polymath whose passion and talent extend across music, literature, visual art, spirituality, and education. As a Dominican-Colombian American and BIPOC artist, Harry’s journey is a compelling story of resilience, brilliance, and authenticity in a world often too quick to categorize.
In the indie/alternative music scene, Harry has become a cult favorite. His breakout single “Coral Relief” soared to the top of the charts in Luxembourg, marking his international recognition. His collaborations with punk pioneers like Ari Up of The Slits and former members of The Raincoats — artists famously admired by Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain — only further cemented his reputation. With 10 boundary-pushing albums released under both Oregon Kool-aid and his own name, Harry has performed across celebrated venues like NYC’s Paramount Theatre, Brooklyn clubs, and festivals in the Dominican Republic.
But Harry’s talents are far from confined to music. As an author, he has been recognized in prestigious literary circles, earning finalist and semi-finalist nods from competitions like the Fjords Review, Quartz Literary Prize, and Willow Run Book Award. His books — Ambrosia, Sutras of Tiny Jazz, and the upcoming Lazarus at His Desk: Vertigo-talk with The Foyer — explore existential themes through a poetic and avant-garde lens. Over 75 respected literary publications have featured his prose and poetry, proving Harry’s voice resonates across disciplines.
Harry is equally respected in the world of visual art. His work has graced magazine covers and earned exhibitions at major institutions like the School of Visual Arts and Robeson Gallery. His pieces are featured in unique publications such as The Bitchin’ Kitsch, Courtship of Winds, and Suburban Witchcraft, showcasing his ability to blend aesthetic with emotion.
Outside of the arts, Harry’s intellectual achievements are remarkable. He has read over 5,000 books, making him one of the most well-read individuals in the country (#26 in the U.S., #49 globally as of 2022). He holds a Master’s in Education from Manhattanville University, with further studies completed at Stanford, Parsons, and The New School. He was even accepted to Harvard and offered two PhD opportunities — a testament to his academic rigor.
Harry is also a spiritual leader and wellness expert. A certified Yoga and Ayurveda teacher trained in Nepal and India, he brings over 145,000 minutes of meditation experience to his holistic practice. As a Reiki Grandmaster and astrologer from a second-generation Osho lineage, Harry blends ancient traditions with modern insight.
Despite living with schizoaffective disorder, Harry Edgar Palacio continues to thrive and inspire. His life is proof that creativity knows no boundaries, and that true artistry lies in fearless self-expression across all mediums.
