Events

Grammy Winner Arturo O’Farrill Presents “North American Premiere” of “The Cuban Khaleeji Project” with Afro Latin Jazz Alliance & Little Island!

Published

1 year ago

August 12, 2022

Grammy® Award-winning pianist/composer Arturo O’Farrill and nonprofit the Afro Latin Jazz Alliance (ALJA) along with presenting partner Little Island host the North American premiere of the acclaimed The Cuban Khaleeji Project from Friday, August 19 – Sunday, August 21, 2022 at “The Amph” at Little Island at Pier 55 in Hudson River Park. The Cuban Khaleeji Project was originally commissioned and presented by NYU-Abu Dhabi Arts Center (2019) and its stateside premiere will be hosted at NYC’s new public park: Little Island.

The Cuban Khaleeji Project is a rare experience for New Yorkers to witness the intersections of Afro Cuban jazz and the music of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). O’Farrill leads listeners on an exploration of the Arab, Moorish, and North African roots of Afro Latin and Afro Cuban music and the seafaring music of the Arabian Gulf. The Cuban Khaleeji Project is inspired by the work of author Ned Sublette, who traces the connection between Arabic and Afro Cuban music as it travels via the Strait of Gibraltar and Andalucia, Spain. For The Cuban Khaleeji Project, the 18-piece Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra and invited special guests Ghazi Al-Mulaifi & Boom.Diwan, Ali Obaid, Yazz Ahmed, and Malika Zarra will recreate the usage of microtonal variations and improvisation in Middle Eastern song and similar practices in the blues and Afro folkloric chants, while exploring the relationship of khaleeji and Cuban music.

“Cuba meets Khaleeji perfectly captures the idea that music is a migratory force,” says Arturo O’Farrill. “The music we call jazz or Afro Cuban jazz is informed by the far east, the middle east, south Asia and filtered through Mother Africa. When the enslaved peoples were brought to these shores against their will, they brought the language of the planet. They brought the truth that culture, especially music, is more powerful than geography, governance, nationalism, and even more powerful than hatred and oppression.”

“The Cuban Khaleeji Project was one of the finest concerts we’ve presented at The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi, attended by the UAE’s Minister of Culture, HE Noura al Kaabi, and numerous dignitaries,” says Bill Bragin (Executive Artistic Director, The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi). “Music of the Gulf is little heard in the United States, and the opportunity to bring this project with its originating artists to ALJO’s hometown in New York at the waterfront Little Island venue creates an exceptional opportunity to extend this cultural exchange and provide Americans with a series of culturally unique performances of the highest caliber.”

Acclaimed guest artists include ethnomusicologist and musician Ghazi Al-Mulaifi who directs Boom.Diwan, a group of seven skillful percussionists drawing from the rich repertoire of pearl diving songs and other traditional Kuwaiti styles. Emirati oudist and founder of the band Takht Al Emarat, Ali Obaid presents a musical dialogue rich in Emirati heritage and character. Having reached international success, his music showcases an authentic history of his home town of Fujairah, UAE.

British-Bahraini trumpet player and composer Yazz Ahmed blurs the lines between jazz, electronic sound design and the music of her mixed heritage, in what has been described as “psychedelic Arabic jazz.” Moroccan vocalist Malika Zarra is a multicultural shapeshifter with a velvety, sinuous mezzo-soprano voice who demonstrates the rare ability to communicate both powerful and subtle ideas/feelings in Berber, Moroccan Arabic, French, and English.

ALJA curates an array of special programming including The Cuban Khaleeji Project as part of their residency for Little Island’s “Island Music Week.” The Sunday, August 21 performance features new collaborations between O’Farrill and the guest artists in smaller group formats with new music debuting at Little Island. This evening’s performance presents a new evolution of The Cuban Khaleeji Project, and represents the continuing partnerships between these musicians to keep moving this music into the future.

Kuwaiti-American applied-ethnomusicologist and professor of music, Ghazi Faisal Al-Mulaifi, earned his Doctorate of Philosophy from NYU (2015) and founded Boom Diwan, a collaborative jazz ensemble inspired by the cosmopolitan Kuwaiti seafaring music of Indian Ocean trade, with influences spanning from Zanzibar to Calicut.

The Boom, the most important ship in Kuwait, was used for pearl diving and for merchant trade. This serves as a metaphor for the musical exploration that Boom.Diwan engages in. The Diwan (music) is a place where traditional Kuwaiti seafaring music ensembles preserve and pass on traditional Kuwaiti music. This is also a metaphor for the exchange between Boom.Diwan with other musicians; regardless of genre, style, or culture.

Ghazi, together with traditional Kuwaiti musicians dialogue Kuwaiti bahri (sea) music with global jazz traditions for the purpose of creating a new Kuwaiti music that revives a musical tradition of dialogue and exchange.

Hailing from the Emirate of Fujairah, Ali Obaid is the leader of Takht Al Emarat, the Fujairah Band of Arabic Music, the Fujairah Orchestra, and director of the Fujairah Academy of Fine Art. His work has been on the forefront of developing urban Arab music in the UAE and one of bringing together Egyptian, Iraqi, and Gulf music to develop a unique Pan-Arab musical cosmopolitanism.

Obaid is the ambassador of the musical heritage of Fujairah, one of the most important teaching institutions in the country that brings authentic and accurate representation and enriches the understanding of musical instruments such as the Oud.

British-Bahraini trumpet player Yazz Ahmed has led her ensembles in performances across the UK & Europe, and further afield in Algeria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, USA & Canada. She has also enchanted audiences at major festivals such as WOMAD, Love Supreme, NYC Winter Jazz Fest & Pori Jazz.

Ahmed’s career includes high profile collaborations with the likes of Radiohead, Lee Scratch Perry, Transglobal Underground, Arturo O’Farrill, and Natacha Atlas, including a world tour with These New Puritans. Yazz was nominated for Downbeat Magazine’s “Trumpet Artist of The Year” and featured in the “Rising Star Trumpet” category in the 2020 Downbeat critics’ poll. And at the close of 2020, she won the “Jazz FM Award” for UK Jazz Act of the Year, “Jazz FM Album of The Year,” and the highly prestigious Ivor Novello Award for Innovation.

Award-winning mezzo-soprano vocalist Malika Zarra is a multi-cultural shape-shifter who leaps effortlessly between seemingly unconnected languages and traditions, uniting them while utilizing each to enrich audiences. Zarra has a rare ability to communicate powerful and subtle feelings in Berber, Moroccan Arabic, French and English. Upon moving to New York City from initially Morocco and then Paris, Zarra’s repertoire incorporates her native Berber, Gnawa (a percussive form of religious trance music), Chaabi (Arabic working-class blues), French pop, and jazz rhythms.

Zarra has become an in-demand headliner at concert halls and festivals across the globe, and has recorded and/or performed with Makoto Ozone, John Zorn, Arturo O’Farrill, Aruan Ortiz, Tommy Campbell (Dizzy Gillespie), Will Calhoun (Living Color), Lonnie Plaxico (Cassandra Wilson), and countless others.

For more information, please visit: afrolatinjazz.org or littleisland.org

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Suzanna Bowling

Suzanna, co-owns and publishes the newspaper Times Square Chronicles or T2C. At one point a working actress, she has performed in numerous productions in film, TV, cabaret, opera and theatre. She has performed at The New Orleans Jazz festival, The United Nations and Carnegie Hall. She has a screenplay and a TV show in the works, which she developed with her mentor and friend the late Arthur Herzog. She is a proud member of the Drama Desk and the Outer Critics Circle and was a nominator. Email: suzanna@t2conline.com

Events

‘The Art of Code Switching’ Brilliantly Showcases Don Hershman World of Art

Published

15 mins ago

September 25, 2023

Writer

Artist Don Hershman turned his passion once again into purpose with his newest exhibition of 20 paintings entitled “The Art of Code Switching,” which debuted at the Salomon Arts Gallery in Manhattan’s Tribeca district.

Notable Attendees included: Don Hershman, Jorge Alzate, Rodrigo Salomon, Gigi Salomon, Ford Crull, Elton Ilirjani, Julia Ilirjani, Carmen D’Alessio, Tina Radziwill, Ava Breeze, Leesa Rowland, Pedro Oberto, Nabys Vielman, Marc Bouwer, Heidi Schaeffer, Neil Koenigsberg.

Originally trained as a board-certified podiatric surgeon in the early 80’s, Hershman reflects on his own life as a gay man of an earlier generation where code switching was clearly linked to his survival. “When I began my formal residency training in the early 80’s I had to relocate to the south, forcing me back into the closet. Creating these new paintings took me on a journey back to a time where there was no political correctness or recourse, easily fired or shunned if it were revealed that I was gay. After residency, I relocated to San Francisco and worked as a podiatric surgeon in an atmosphere engulfed by the AIDS epidemic, where young men often were not only hiding their sexual orientation, but their HIV status as well. They were constantly code-switching without even knowing it.”

Now with The Art of Code Switching his passion to speak on the subject matter is beautifully projected in this new collection. With bravado he takes the viewer on a journey to open their minds to comprehend patience and understanding amongst all mankind.

The show will run until Sunday, October 15 and will proudly donate 10% from the proceeds of art sales to The Trevor Project to support the nonprofits suicide prevention efforts among the LGBTQ+ community.

Photo credits: BFA / Hannah Turner Harts / Nick Guttierez

Celebrity

The Glorious Corner

Published

13 hours ago

September 25, 2023

G. H. HARDING

G.H. Harding

SUNDAY DEADLINE — As we go to press, the AMPTP has submitted it’s last, best offer to the WGAto resolve this strike; now heading into 145+ days. Strikes are meant to be settled, but the damage may have already been too much. Governor Gavin Newsom estimates a 5 billion dollar take-down for Hollywood and the state in general. As we mentioned last time, thousands of below-the-line workers have already been let go or furloughed during the strike and even if it is resolved by later-today, it will take a full 10-12 weeks for everything to be up and running again. By my count, that’s mid-December. Stay tuned … it can only get better.

Rick Wakeman

WAKEMAN’S OPUS —(via Prog) Rick Wakeman has announced that he has released a massive 32-disc box set entitled The Prog Years 1973-1977, which features his studio albums from 1973’s The Six Wives Of Henry VIII through to 1976’s No Earthly Connection, plus his film soundtracks for 1975’s Lisztomania and 1977’s White Rock. You can watch a video trailer for the box set here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nER9BgLka1w

Each album is represented by four discs, either CD or DVD, featuring the original album plus rare live material, demos, alternative mixes and live film footage all from the era. These include live performances of Six Wives… and Journey To The Centre Of The Earth from Melbourne, a DVD of The Myths And Legends Of King Arthur And The Knights Of The Round Table performed on ice at Wembley, the full films of both. Lisztomania and White Rock, and more.

The Prog Years 1973-1977 also features a 60-page hardback scrapbook, 10 x postcards, 8 x full-size replica promotional photos and 4 x A3 posters, plus reproduction press kits for the relevant albums. The first 500 copies of this extremely limited box set will also come with a numbered certificate signed by Rick himself.

He may wear the cape and be a bit old school, but Rick Wakeman is the real deal. He rocked Yes and his solo albums were simply terrific. When Yes did The Apollo several years back, when Wakeman left the stage and went up and down the aisles with his keyboard strapped on, there was sheer joy. He’s amazing. Bravo!

SHORT TAKES — Robert DeNiro shilling for Uber? That’s what a divorce does to you. Actually, it should be great commercial, although it was filmed in London as opposed to NYC, which is odd. Taxi Driver writer Paul Schrader was quoted in Deadline as saying: “Ouch,” he wrote. “Why Bob would do this is beyond my reckoning. But I haven’t seen it. If I’m lucky I never will” I’m sure he asked Driver-director Marty Scorsese …

Micky Dolenz, ACE Theatre

Micky Dolenz’s SRO show Friday night in LA (at the ACE Theatre)

ACE Theatre

was sensational and he debuted the live version of his new single, R.E.M.’s “Shiny Happy People.” Seen at the show were Randy Lewis; Roy Trakin; Tyrone Biljan; Ken Sharp and Nederlander’s Lisa White …

Savannah Guthrie

On Friday’s Today Show, Savannah Guthrie interviewed someone who told you how to pack during a move, quickly. They said to put all personal items in a lock box with a label saying to be moved by owner only. Savannah quipped that all the personal items in your nightstand belong there begging the question, what does she have in hers? … A report on NY1 about the ongoing migrant crisis in NYC called The Roosevelt Hotel – where the migrants have been housed – the new Ellis Island … Say what you will about NYC’s Hell’s Kitchen, but it’s been a key area in NYC for decades.

Film Center Cafe

For me, when the Film Center Cafe disappeared, it was a tragedy. And, remember the fabulous restaurant Memphis? Here’s a great look into images from there: https://w42st.com/post/hells-kitchen-photographers-karla-james-murray-book-vanishing-mom-and-pop-stores/?utm_medium=email … George Clooney selling his Lake Como retreat he’s had for 21 years? Could go for 100 million … SIGHTING: PR-pasha David Salidor at Shalom Japan in Williamsburg Sunday night … Usher headlining Super Bowl 2024? Wonder where that choice came from as he hasn’t had a hit in 20 years …

Jen Psaki

Watched Jean Psaki on MSNBC Sunday. She didn’t bowl me over, but was good. She had stories on Rupert Murdoch and FOX and an interview with Hillary Clinton, who bashed Trump and Putin again … and HAPPY BDAY Mark Bego and Cory Robbins!

NAMES IN THE NEWS — Sara Gore; Andrew Sandoval; Pat Prince; Mark Bego; Jim Clash; Cynthia Rowley; Barry Zelman; Christopher Gilman; Barry Manilow; Joel Diamond; Nancy Ruth; Teresa Knox; Gary Gershoff; Tom & Lisa Cuddy; Tony King; Donnie Kehr; Kimberly Cornell; Lush Ice; Barry Fisch; Eppy; and BELLA!

Events

Recognizing Yom Kippur

Published

13 hours ago

September 25, 2023

Suzanna Bowling

Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement and is the holiest day in Judaism and Samaritanism. This holiday is centered on repentance and fasting, as it is the day we are closest to God, and to the essence of our souls. Yom Kippur states, “For on this day He will forgive you, to purify you, that you be cleansed from all your sins before God.”

The holiday started several minutes before sunset on Sunday, September 24, until after nightfall on Monday, September 25th. For nearly 26 hours people of the faith will abstain from food and drink, they will not wash or apply lotions or creams, they not wear leather footwear, and will abstain from marital relations. Instead, spending the day in synagogue, praying for forgiveness.

Yom Kippur may be the most solemn day of the year, but its undercurrent is of joy. Joy of being immersed in the spirituality and the confidence that God will accept, forgive and give us life, health and happiness.

Maybe we should all take a day to atone and set our minds to things of a spiritual nature.

Events

Metropolitan Opera’s Opening Night Live In Times Square

Published

14 hours ago

September 25, 2023

Suzanna Bowling

For the 17th year, the Metropolitan Opera’s Opening Night will be transmitted live to numerous large screens on Tuesday, September 26th at 6:00pm in Times Square on Duffy Square (between 46th and 47th Streets). This year it will feature Jake Heggie’s Dead Man Walking starring Joyce DiDonato and Ryan McKinny in a new production by Ivo van Hove conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin.

A 17-year tradition continues as the Met once again partners with the Times Square Alliance to present a free, live transmission of the season-opening opera to the iconic screens of Times Square. This year’s simulcast of Dead Man Walking is Tuesday, September 26; house opens at 5:30 p.m.; pre-show begins at 6:00 p.m.; and the opera begins at 6:30 p.m. Attendance is free, and no tickets are required. There will be 2,000 seats available on a first-come, first-served basis at Duffy Square (between 46^th and 47^th Streets) and the Broadway plazas between 43^rd and 44^th streets and 46^th and 47^th Streets with additional standing room available.

The participating screens in Times Square include ABC SuperSign; American Eagle Times Square; Branded Cities’ NASDAQ Tower; and EXPRESS Times Square. The live transmission to Times Square is made possible with the cooperation of the City of New York and the Times Square Alliance, with leadership support provided by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Based on Sister Helen Prejean’s memoir about her fight for the soul of a condemned murderer, Dead Man Walking matches the high drama of its subject with Heggie’s beautiful and poignant music.

Events

Jabłonki Celebration with State of Poland Foundation, Tree Time Foundation and the Consulate General of the Republic

Published

14 hours ago

September 25, 2023

ElizaBeth Taylor

The State of Poland Foundation, Tree Time Foundation and the Consulate General of the Republic of Poland held a ceremony and reception at The Carlyle Hotel to commemorate the nation’s unity with the United States, represented through a Jabłonki project of planting over 300 flowering apple trees throughout New York City. During the vibrant ceremony, which was held under the auspices of Andrzej Duda, President of the Republic of Poland, 17 of these trees were named, honoring the many Polish and American figures who have historically impacted the nations’ relationship.

Włodzimierz Dola, President of the State of Poland Foundation, kicked-off the event, welcoming over 100 guests with an introduction to the organization and the tree-planting project in New York. Beata Daszynska-Muzyczka, President of the Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK) stepped in to introduce Jabłonki, the art of celebrating apples. She shared how the tree planting project symbolizes the mutual heritage and friendship between Poland and the United States and a background on the BGK’s role in CSR activities.

Among those honored with trees planted in their name include Revolutionary War hero Tadeusz Kościuszko; celebrated veteran turned filmmaker Merian C. Cooper; Polish nobleman, soldier and military commander Kazimierz Pułaski; American documentarian Julien Bryan; soldier and Silver Star recipient Michael H. Ollis; and the famous Polish transatlantic liner nicknamed Lucky Ship. Notable guests included actors Patrick Wilson, Scott Foley and Marika Domińczyk.

The ceremony was followed by a celebratory party, where attendees were served apple-infused Polish beverages and snacks while surrounded by the soft music of Polish Jazz Trio, The Rotker-Lynn.

The event embodied a traditional Jabłonki celebration, an annual festival dedicated to honoring the magnificent apple trees that stretch across Poland’s landscape. Often referred to as the Orchard of Europe, Poland’s orchards account for approximately 30% of the total orchard area in the entire European Union, despite the country itself comprising only 7% of it. The expanse of Polish orchards saw a remarkable 11% growth, its fastest rate, between 2012 and 2017. In Poland, the Jabłonki festivities extend from May through late autumn, beginning when the apple trees begin to blossom and concluding with the harvest season.

Adrian Kubicki, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in New York, greeted the guests by sharing a few words about the honored figures important to Polish-American history and why Jabłonki is essential to

recognizing these individuals and bringing our two nations closer together. Daniel Pipes, President of the Middle East Forum and son of Richard Pipes, also paid homage to his parents by sharing a story of when his father served as a member of the National Security Council and led Eastern European and Soviet Affairs under Ronald Reagan.

Danuta Nierada, Creative & Strategic Director at the State of Poland Foundation, concluded the event presenting the plaques to the honorees, prior to their display on the trees.

“We’re honored to be able to fulfill this project in one of the most diverse cities in the world,” said Dola. “This touch of Poland throughout the city represents our gratitude for the friendship between our two nations and expresses an utmost thank you to our ongoing historical ties.”