New York Philharmonic at Van Cortlandt Park

July 16th evening, Alan Gilbert Music Director Designate of the New York Philharmonic, led the Orchestra in its performance of Mozart's Symphony No. 41, Jupiter and Mahler's Symphony No. 1. The concert ended with an encore chosen by the audience and fireworks. I hope you enjoy the photographs.

Flamenco Mesmerizes at Pregones

Earlier this month on May 9th: The Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana Company performed at the Pregones Theater, as a part of their Flamenco in the Boros tour. The Artists performed to a full house. The performance was vigorous, gripping, powerful and sensual. I hope you enjoy the photographs. It was a pleasure making them in the intimate atmosphere of Pregones. Please click on the images to see larger images and captions.

Dancers: Antonio Hidalgo, Estefania Ramirez, Rebeca Tomás , Leslie Roybal
Musicians: Joaquin Gallegos– guitarist, Raphael Brunn–guitarist, Alfonso Cid–singer
Artistic Director: Carlota Santana

Street Guitar

Lost in my thoughts, climbing down the Mosholu Parkway subway station's steps, I thought I heard live music, a guitar! As I walked north on Jerome Ave past the park benches, Young Musician Boyan Hristov was sitting playing his guitar. A game of phone tag and an email exchange later we got together. Boyan did his thing and I did mine. That evening we got a lot of curious looks. I hope you enjoy the photographs and Boyan's music.

Art at its Source.

The Bronx Council on the Arts is having the 3rd Annual Mott Haven Open Artist Studio Tour on Saturday, May 2nd 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The Bronx Culture Trolley (free) shall be making its designated stops through out the day, giving access to all the studios taking part in the open studio tour. There will be an after party 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Longwood Art Gallery.

I visited a few studios and made photographs of the Artists and their work. It was a pleasure meeting and sharing ideas with the artists. I hope you enjoy the photographs and experience the event tomorrow. Click on the image to see larger images.

Photographs 1 to 4 are of Matt Nolen and his art. 2417 3rd Ave Ste 402. Third trolley stop.

Photographs 5 to 8 are of Elizabeth H. Levine and her art.2417 3rd Ave Ste 402. Third trolley stop.

Photographs 9 to 12 are of Bruckner Gallery and the Art of Aaron Olshan and Ira Merritt. Bruckner Gallery, 1 Bruckner Blvd, Third trolley stop.

Photographs 13 to 16 are of The Bronx Museum of the Arts international Artists-in-Residence and their art. Dulce Gómez, (assemblage) Caracas, Venezuela. André Komatsu, (installation) São Paulo, Brazil. Billie Zangewa, (silk tapestry) Johannesburg, South Africa. Bronx Museum of the Arts - 1040 Grand Concourse,South Wing Basement, Classrooms 1 and 2, First trolley stop.

Photographs 17 to 21 are of DM Weil and her art.Sobro Gallery, 721 East 136 St, Fourth trolley stop.

SALSA Heaven!

Saturday April 25: Packed to capacity, people dancing in the aisles. Lehman Center for the performing arts was salsa heaven. Famous Salsa musicians Tony Vega, Lalo Rodriguez, Hector Tricoche, Luis “Perico” Ortiz, Orestes Vilato and Renzo Padilla, performed with Jimmy Delgado's Salsa Con Dulzura Orchestra. During the evening, Salsa's living legend Ismael Quintana was honored by The City Council of the City of New York, "For his extraordinary musical contributions and for fostering harmony through out the world." Later, when he sang the whole auditorium was on their feet with shouts of "Ismael we love you." Right through the evening, The audience were emotional, animated, cheering and running up to the stage. Both for the artists and the audience, this one night shall live on as a sweet treasured memory. It was a pleasure making these photographs while being jostled by a passionate audience. I do hope you enjoy them too. Click on the images to view names.

Ibrahim Gonzalez and his quintet in El Barrio

Last Thursday April 16th, Norwood resident Ibrahim Gonzalez and his quintet preformed at FB Lounge in the heart of ‘El Barrio. Poet Sandra Maria Esteves read her poetry to the soft beat of Latin Jazz twice during the evening. The audience and musicians were so immersed, that it was Friday when we left with satisfied smiles and music in our hearts. It was an experience making photographs of the musicians, while standing amongst them. At one point my lens fogged over from trumpet blasts. I enjoyed making these photographs, I hope you enjoy them too.

Jay Rodríguez - Sax & Flute
Edy Martínez - Piano
Ray Martínez - Bass
Alex García - Drums
Freddy González - Trombone
Ibrahim González - Congas

Sunday at the Bronx Zoo