Economy has you down? Can’t afford to go away this summer? Cheer up! Plan a vacation right at home in New York City. Go library hopping and enjoy a plethora of high quality cultural performances at the New York Public Library - for FREE! Last Saturday, I visited the Bronx Library Center (where a free performance is offered every Saturday at 2:30 pm), and was treated to the finest quality of Latin Jazz performed by an ensemble led by one of the masters of Latin Jazz – Edy Martinez. Edy Martinez is one of the developers of Latin jazz and an honoree of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. He has won much acclaim for his cds Midnight Jazz Affair and Privilegio. Edy Martinez and ensemble in concert at the Bronx Library Center ? This is just one of the many high quality free performances you can enjoy at the New York Public Library. Each month vast array of programs are offered. Here are a few highlights of what’s coming up: Jose Obando – a Salsa Expert and Museologist and his ensemble will be performing at the following libraries: Aguilar Library – Saturday, May 9 at 2 pm Van Cortlandt Library - Saturday, May 16 at 2 pm 125th Street Library – Saturday, May 30 at 3 pm Inwood Library – June 13 at 2:00 pm Castle Hill Library - June 27 at 2:00 pm Jose Obando’s performances are more than just music performances. He educates the audience by explaining the history and cultural context of the actual selections performed. Subsequently, individuals who have no formal knowledge of this music appreciate it all the more. If you’re a theater fan – then you don’t want to miss Brief Shorts - A Tribute to Ionesco's Centennial by the Xoregos Performing Company, a talented group of actors. ? Xoregos Performing Company with Erin Jennings and Keith Carter.  Costumes by Carla Gant. Brief Shorts, a quintet of unusual danced plays by five contemporary playwrights including its tribute to Eugène Ionesco. Celebrating the centenary of Ionesco’s birth, they will perform his 1953 playlet, Maid to Marry. The program also includes works by Adam Kraar and Adé Adémola, both living in Brooklyn, Rick Foster, who lives in Northern California and Curtis Zahn, a published Southern California playwright and poet. Brief Shorts will be performed at the following libraries: Yorkville Branch Library - Monday, June 29 at 6:30 pm Muhlenberg Branch Library - Tuesday, July 7 at 6 pm Morningside Heights Branch Library - Thursday, July 9 at 6 pm 96th Street Branch Library - Saturday, July 11 at 2 pm Hamilton Grange Branch Library - Monday, July 13 at 5 pm Webster Branch Library - Thursday, July 16 at 6 pm Kips Bay Branch Library - Saturday, July 18 at 2:30 pm To see more performances, please visit our calendar at http://www.nypl.org/calendar Or just stay tuned to hear more about upcoming events … (Sneak preview: Circus in the library, shhh!)