A: Is for Art de Barrio!

With the Celebration of "In the Heights" winning Tony awards this column is in celebration of a spanish coming of age. I have known about "In the Heights" for at least 7 years. My friend Doreen Montalvo has been involved with it since it's conception and it was with delight to see her at this years Tony Awards for this talented singer and actress is finally making her Broadway debut. "In the Heights" is a glorious fresh expression of uncalculated exuberance and life. It is passionate and joyous.

Heralded by The New York Times as “an institution in its ascendancy”, El Museo del Barrio was founded in 1969 by artist Raphael Montañez Ortiz and has evolved into New York’s leading Latino cultural institution.El Museo retains its strong community roots as a place of cultural pride and self-discovery. It continues to offer a forum for the unique creative languages of the varied communities of the caribbean and Latin American. Though closed for renovations until September 2009, they are still open for concerts, theatre and community outreach. On Thursday, June 19, Women on the Verge perform beginning at 7:00 pm. Lucía Pulido is a Colombian singer with one of the richest voices on the international music scene. Mining the musical traditions with a distinct, experimental sound.
Lucia is now developing an experimental project based on Latin American traditional songs with Argentinean guitarist Fernando Tarrés; and a new project titled “América Contemporánea – um Outro Centro” with Brazilian pianist Benjamim Taubkin. Holding on to the rawness of the original melodies she giving them a sophisticated new context, which should make this event a treat. This concert is free and is held in 599-seat Heckscher Theater located at 104th and 5th Ave.

On Saturday, June 21, from 12:00 – 4:00 pm Miracles On 104th Street Festival will be held. Celebrating its 5th year, New Yorkers are invited to explore the intersection of culture along Fifth Avenue and 104th Street. Presented annually by The Museum of the City of New York & El Museo del Barrio, you will enjoy an afternoon with lively music and art. El Museo will feature a hands-on activities for children and families throughout the day on the rooftop, as well as live Latin & World music by Cuban artist Alina Brouwer & The Black Friars (1-3 pm). So save that date.

New York is a melting pot and art is what makes that a wonderful F.A.C.T.