Hundreds of neighbors enjoyed two Saturdays of live music, culture and community during the second edition of “Latin Jazz in the Heights”, a free series promoted by Cloth and Jazz Power Initiative.
For two unforgettable days that joined the rhythm of Latin Jazz, History and Community, the Plaza de las Américas in Washington Heights became the epicenter of Latin Jazz in New York. On Saturday, June 21 and 28, the second edition of Latin Jazz in the Height brought together neighbors, tourists and jazz lovers to enjoy free concerts in an outdoor space loaded with identity and community warmth.
Organized by the Community League of the Heights (Cloth) and Jazz Power Initiative (JPI), the event was part of the Uptown Arts Stroll, an artistic celebration promoted by the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance (Nomaa) that every June highlights the talent of northern Manhattan.
On Saturday, June 21, the midday sun found the Plaza de las Américas vibrating with the powerful rhythms of Luisito Quintero & 3rd Element All Stars. Recognized for his mastery in percussion, Quintero honored his Caribbean roots by merging jazz with African and Afrovenezolan sounds. The public applauded each, each improvisation and each download of energy on stage. For two hours, 175 street became a spontaneous dance floor, to the highest level of Latin jazz.
A week later, on June 28, it was the turn of Lulada Club, a powerful female salsa orchestra founded in New York, which conquered with a refreshing, modern and deeply Latin proposal. Their harmonized voices, their energy on stage and the impeccable execution of each instrument created a vibrant musical experience that connected with women, young people and entire families.
The presentations, which took place between 1:00 and 3:00 pm, not only offered a special moment to the music rhythn but also a special community incentive: those who stayed until the end of the show participated in a raffle for a gift card to use in local shops in the neighborhood. An effective and symbolic way of reinvesting in the community.
The executive director of Cloth, Yvonne Stennett, celebrated this second edition with enthusiasm, “This festival is an opportunity to give joy and a beautiful musical respite in a public space open to all. It is part of our commitment to bring quality cultural programming to the heart of Washington Heights.”
From Jazz Power Initiative, its artistic director Eli Yamin highlighted the ancestral value of Latin jazz as a way of telling stories that cross borders, “the rhythms we hear here come from Africa, cross the Caribbean and arrive in New York with the strength of our roots. This series was a celebration of that shared and living story.”
The days also had the support of Newyork-Presbyterian, who saw in this initiative a way of promoting comprehensive well-being through music and coexistence. “Our goal is to strengthen social connections in accessible and healthy spaces,” said Davina Prabhu, vice president of the Hospital’s outpatient care network.
On the other hand, from Nomaa, the executive director Niria E. Leyva-Gutiérrez remarked the impact of art on public space “The Plaza de las Américas is already a cultural icon of the area. Seeing it full of people enjoying jazz, it is to see our community in fullness.”
Finally, from the legendary United Palace, active collaborator of the event, his CEO Mike Fitelson welcomed future joint activities “this program demonstrates that culture blooms when it is thought of with the community. We hope to continue building spaces like this.”
In addition to the shows, the event served as a showcase for the work of Cloth, organization with more than 70 years of history providing comprehensive social services in Washington Heights, from affordable housing to employment programs and support for small businesses. Recently, it was awarded a subsidy of $ 1 million by Mackenzie Scott’s Yield Giving Open Call.
The work of Jazz Power Initiative also shone, founded in 2003 with the aim of transforming lives through education and jazz arts. His intergenerational and diverse work in schools and communities in New York continues to add impact and admiration. By: Nahuel Leto
This concluded an edition that left much more than music: he left connections, smiles, memories and a call to continue betting on culture as a engine of change. Latin Jazz in the Heights is no longer just an event: it is part of the soul of Washington Heights, for more information visit the website https://www.cloth159.org/latinjazz2025
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