The New York Public Library Celebrates the 6th Annual Immigrant Heritage Week, April 17- 23

The New York Public Library honors the experiences and contributions of immigrants in New York City during the 6th Annual Immigrant Heritage Week running April 17 through April 23. The Library will host a series of free programs in its branches throughout Manhattan, Bronx, and Staten Island. Please visit The New York Public Library's website at:http://dev.www.nypl.org/events/immigranthistory2.html for complete list of programs for adults, young adults and children.

Established by Mayor Michael Bloomberg in 2004 and coordinated by the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Immigrant Heritage Week is a rich collection of free or low-cost programs that build cross-cultural understanding between diverse New Yorkers.

The scheduled programs include:

Music from China
Saturday, April 18, 2:00 p.m., Kingsbridge Branch, 280 West 231st Street, Bronx
Sunday, April 19, 2:00 p.m., St. George Library Center, 5 Central Avenue, Staten Island
Music from China is an extraordinary musical ensemble that invokes both the delicacy and power of traditional and contemporary Chinese music. Discover the sights and sounds of fiddles, lutes, plucked zithers, bamboo flutes, reeded mouth organs, and hammered dulcimers.

Music and Dance from Albania
Saturday, April 18, 2:30 p.m., Mosholu Branch, 285 East 205th Street, Bronx
A colorful and festive program of Albanian instrumental music, folk dance and song.Presented by SHKA Bashkimi Kombetar (Cultural Arts Association National Unity.)

Music & Dance from Bangladesh
Saturday, April 18, 2:00 p.m., Parkchester Branch, 1985 Westchester Avenue, Bronx
Please join us for a delightful performance of music and dance from Bangladesh performed by members of the Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts.

Leon Ferrari and Mira Schendel
Saturday, April 18, 3:00 p.m., Bloomingdale Branch, 150 West 100th Street, Manhattan
MoMA @ the Library presents Ferrari and Schendel are considered among the most significant artists working in Latin America during the second half of the 20th Century. Their works, which include drawings, sculpture and painting were produced in Argentina and Brazil and are contemporary to birth of Conceptualism. An extraordinary retrospective of a distinctively different art.

Love & Marriage: From the Shtetl to Second Avenue
Saturday, April 18, 2:30 p.m., Kips Bay Branch, 446 Third Avenue, Manhattan
A unique theatrical presentation based on Sholom Aleichem’s“Mendel, the Matchmaker” performed by solo dramatic artist, Judith Goldsmith. Ms. Goldsmith will also perform the story of a bitter-sweet romance set in the glory years of the Yiddish theater.

Saints and Sinners: Irish Heroes and Villains
Saturday, April 18, 2:30 p.m., Ottendorfer Branch, 135 Second Avenue, Manhattan
Tuesday, April 21, 6:30 p.m., Great Kills Branch, 56 Giffords Lane, Staten Island
A colorful exploration by author and columnist, Tom Deignan, of 400 years of Irish- American figures and exactly what it was that made them good or bad. Both the famous and the infamous will be linked to broader currents in Irish- American history, making them symbols of the triumphs and struggles of the Irish – American experience.

Jose Obando Ensemble
Saturday, April 18, 2:00 p.m., Seward Park Branch, 192 East Broadway, Manhattan
A live ensembleperforms the Cuban and Dominican influences of salsa such as jazz, son, bolero, bomba, plena, and merengue. A description of the development of the music as well as the different African and Amerindian instruments is included. There is also a merengue lesson, dancing is mandatory!

Unforgettable Russian Melodies
Saturday, April 18, 2:00 p.m., Tompkins Square Branch, 331 East 10th Street, Manhattan
A concert by bass, Mikhail Kalinovsky, and pianist, Victoriya Spivak, ofmusic by Tchaikovsky, Bulachov, Rachmaninov, and others as well as Russian folk songs and Gypsy melodies.

Vongku Pak & Korean Drums
Saturday, April 18, 1:00 p.m., Yorkville Branch, 222 East 79th Street, Manhattan
Vongku Pak’s style combines Poongmul, Samulnori, elements of traditional dance and Western drama into innovative compositions that enchance and modernize Korea’s native arts while preserving their fundamental forms.

Feraba:African Tap Dance Duet (Andy Algire and Irene Koloseus)
Saturday, April 18, 2:00 p.m., St. George Library Center, 5 Central Avenue, Staten Island
Featuring tap and African dance to African drumming and percussion, including African instruments: doun doun and balafon. The balafon is an African version of the xylophone or marimba.

Italian-American Visions: A Film Celebration
Saturday, April 18, 2:30 p.m., Todt Hill Westerleigh Branch, 2550 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island
Award-winning TV producer, writer, director Tony De Nonno presents two of his classic PBS documentaries, Heaven Touches Brooklyn in July and Part of Your Loving in celebration of the Italian-American experience.

An Afternoon of Irish Music and Dance
Saturday, April 18, 2:30 p.m., West New Brighton Branch, 976 Castleton Avenue, Staten Island
A celebration of Irish heritage presented by musicians and dancers from the Acosta school of Irish Music & Dance. An afternoon of foot-tapping Irish music and the fabulous dancing of some very talented youngsters.

Italian-American Visions: A Film Celebration
Monday, April 20, 6:30 p.m., Morris Park Branch, 985 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx
Award-winning TV producer, writer, director Tony De Nonno presents two of his classic PBS documentaries, Heaven Touches Brooklyn in July and Part of Your Loving in celebration of the Italian-American experience.

Latin Jazz Concert by Papo Pepin Quintet
Monday, April 20, 4:00 p.m., West Farms Branch, 2085 Honeywell Avenue, Bronx
Legendary master percussionist Papo Pepin and his ensemble will present a concert featuring popular Hispanic music such as salsa and mambo.

My Life at First Try by Mark Budman
Monday, April 20, 6:00 p.m., Jefferson Market Branch, 425 Avenue of the Americas, Manhattan
Patrons can meet Mark Budman, author of My Life at First Try. Well reviewed by many sources, “this blazingly fast and funny semi-autobiographical novel follows a Russian man’s comically earnest pursuit of the American dream” (Publisher’s Weekly).

Feeding Dreams: An Edible History of Seven Immigrant Families in One NY Tenenment
Monday, April 20, 6:30 p.m., Mulberry Street Branch, 10 Jersey Street, Manhattan
Thursday, April 23, 6:30 p.m., Muhlenberg Branch, 209 West 23rd Street, Manhattan
Thursday, April 23, 6:30 p.m., Riverdale Branch, 5540 Mosholu Avenue, Bronx
An author talk by Jane Ziegelman about her soon-to-be-published book which tells the story of immigrant food traditions on New York’s Lower East Side.From the multitude of fascinating and now vanished food trade people to the ever-inventive immigrant home cook, it chronicles a vital chapter in the history of our city through the exploration of our culinary roots.

American Immigrant Composers
Tuesday, April 21, 6:00 p.m., Parkchester Branch, 1985 Westchester Avenue, Bronx
In collaboration with the American Composers Orchestra, we will present dialogue/concert with immigrant composers, featuring composers Alla Borzova (Russia), Fang Man (China), and Ezequiel Vinao (Argentina). The goal is to connect the audience with the immigrant experiences of the composers and with immigrants in the audience via discussion of their common experiences; and to connect to the music that will be performed via discussion of the music and the aspects of it that are influenced by the composers' culture of origin and/or new culture here in New York.

Maracatu NY
Wednesday, April 22, 2:00 p.m., Seward Park Branch, 192 East Broadway, Manhattan
In collaboration with the Workmen’s Circle, we celebrate the confluence of immigrant cultures that find themselves in close proximity in New York. Bringing together the dynamic sounds of Brazilian drumming with the rich cultural expression of Yiddish song and klezmer clarinet. This musical performance is the result of several years of cross-culturalcollaboration between Maracatu NY and New York’s Yiddish music community. Maracatu NY is New York’s first and only Maracatu ensemble, dedicated to the performance and knowledge of traditional Maracatu de Baque Virado and other musical styles from the Northeast of Brazil. In this performance they will join with acclaimed Yiddish song interpreter and singer, Adrienne Cooper who will perform, to reinterpreted rhythms, Yiddish songs of immigration, labor justice, children’s game songs, and love songs. The performance will also feature Michael Winograd, clarinetist and composer, who is at the center of the young vanguard of new klezmer performance.This concert is intended to appeal to a general audience of all ages and is especially targeted to the historical roots of the immigrant populations on the Lower East Side, which include Hispanic and Jewish populations. The musical performance will be followed by a 1-hour Maracatu-led Hands-on drumming session for grade school children

Spanish Authors in America Series
Wednesday, April 22, 2:30 p.m., Jefferson Market Library, 425 Avenue of the Americas, Manhattan
Acclaimed and prize winning Spanish authors’ Clara Sanchez and Juan Bonilla will discuss their literary works as well as delight us with readings.Clara Sanchez’s latest novel Presentimientos is the story of a woman trapped between a dream and reality who is looking for a way out. Juan Bonilla’s Los Príncipes Nubios (The Nubian Prince) tells the story ofMoises Froissard, whose job is “to save lives” by recruiting beautiful women, men and children as prostitutes for a secretative, exclusive club that caters to the rich and famous.Presentation will be conducted in Spanish.

Unforgettable Russian Melodies
Wednesday, April 22, 6:30 p.m., Richmondtown Library, 200 Clarke Avenue, Staten Island
Thursday, April 23, 6:30 p.m., Allerton Branch, 2740 Barnes Avenue, Bronx
A concert by bass, Mikhail Kalinovsky, and pianist, Victoriya Spivak, ofmusic by Tchaikovsky, Bulachov, Rachmaninov, and others as well as Russian folk songs and Gypsy melodies.

YOUNG ADULT PROGRAMS

What's your story?
Monday, April 20, 4:00 p.m., Bronx Library Center, 310 East Kingsbridge Road, Bronx
Tuesday, April 21, 4:00 p.m., Grand Concourse Branch, 155 East 173rd Street, Bronx
Whether your family sailed over on the Mayflower, stopped on Ellis Island, or arrived at JFK, get the scoop on history.Check out old records, examine ancient photographs, and see the past.Old ledgers and digital technology combine for you to create your own piece of history. For ages 12 to 18.

Create your own African Mask
Monday, April 20, 4:00 p.m., 125th Street, 224 East 125th Street, Manhattan
Create your own tribal style mask with Suan Hale.Explore colors, styles and textures, and display your treasure with pride.All materials provided.For ages 12 to 18.

Fierce and Fabulous Fashion
Monday, April 20, 4:00 p.m., Muhlenberg Branch, 209 West 23rd Street, Manhattan
Tuesday, April 21, 4:00 p.m., Baychester Branch, 2049 Asch Loop North, Bronx
West African tradition meets New York styles in this fun fashion workshop.Join Vickie Freemont as you create your own t-shirt, bag, or bracelet! All materials will be provided.For ages 12 to 18.

Mexican Dance
Wednesday, April 22, 4:00 p.m., Washington Heights Branch, 1000 St. Nicholas Avenue, Manhattan
Join the Annabella Gonzalez Dance Studio as they demonstrate a variety of contemporary dance moves with Latin flair.Let the music and rhythm inspire you to move along with the performers. For ages 12-18.

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

Ti-Oh-Oh
Friday, April 17, 3:30 p.m., Chatham Square Branch, 33 East Broadway, Manhattan
Tuesday, April 21, 3:30 p.m., Jefferson Market Branch, 425 Avenue of the Americas, Manhattan
Thursday, April 23, 3:30 p.m., Seward Park Branch, 192 East Broadway, Manhattan
Chinese Theatre Works showcases the artistry of Twaiwanese hand puppetry in three stories accompanied by traditional Chinese music. For ages 4 and older

Latin Music Voyage: A Journey South Through the Spanish Speaking World
Friday, April 17, 2:00 p.m., Inwood Branch, 4790 Broadway, Manhattan
The magic of Latin Music Voyage is a geographical exploration of traditional music through song, dance and puppetry. Dancing flamenco and singing traditional Spanish songs. Recommended for ages 4 and older.

The Silkie
Friday, April 17, 2:00 p.m., South Beach Branch, 21-25 Robin Road, Staten Island
Based on a Celtic folktale, The Silkie uses puppetry and songs to tell the mythic story of a wondrous creature from the sea, who is bestowed with the mystic power of walking the earth as human.With magic, adventure, and a generous dose of humanity, this whimsical play illuminates the dreams of a fairy tale creature who wants nothing more than to be human, even if it’s just for a little while. Presented by Urban Stages. For ages 5 and older.

African Folktales
Saturday, April 18, 2:00 p.m., Edenwald Branch, 1255 East 233rd Street, Bronx
Tuesday, April 21, 3:30 p.m., Allerton Branch, 2740 Barnes Avenue, Bronx
Thursday, April 23, 3:30 p.m., Clason’s Point Branch, 1215 Morrison Avenue, Bronx
Master storyteller/dancer Caren Calder brings African folktales to life with movement and song all to the beat of a live percussionist. Children will be whisked away into tales of amazing animals, magic and wonder. For ages 4 to 10.

Latin Music Voyage: A Journey South Through the Spanish Speaking World
Wednesday, April 22, 4:00 p.m., Grand Concourse Branch, 155 East 173rd Street, Bronx
The magic of Latin Music Voyage is a geographical exploration of traditional music through song, dance and puppetry. Dancing flamenco and singing traditional Spanish songs. Recommended for ages 4 and older.

About The New York Public Library
The New York Public Library was created in 1895 with the consolidation of the private libraries of John Jacob Astor and James Lenox with the Samuel Jones Tilden Trust. The Library provides free and open access to its physical and electronic collections and information, as well as to its services. It comprises four research centers - the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building; The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts; the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture; and the Science, Industry and Business Library - and 87 Branch Libraries in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Research and circulating collections combined total more than 50 million items. In addition, each year the Library presents thousands of exhibitions and public programs, which include classes in technology, literacy, and English as a second language. The New York Public Library serves over 16 million patrons who come through its doors annually and another 25 million users internationally, who access collections and services through its website, www.nypl.org.

###

Contact:Jonathan Pace| 212.592.7700 | Jonathan_Pace@nypl.org
jp: 4.17.09:nypl