Tag Archives: United Palace

Jazz WaHi: La Orquesta Esa Washington Heights Jazz Festival Kickoff

FESTIVAL KICKOFF PARTY!

LA ORQUESTA ESA, the Afro-Latin Mambo ensemble electrifying New York City with its explosive sound and magnetic stage presence. Under the direction of vocalist and trombonist GINITA, the orchestra brings together a handpicked collective of exceptional New York musicians whose artistry, precision, and individuality make every performance unforgettable. Their dynamic interplay bridges Mambo’s golden-era swagger with the improvisational fire of Jazz, drawing in dancers, listeners, and music lovers from every corner of the city.

Inspired by her Honduran-Ecuadorian roots—two countries rich with musical lineage and history—and supported by Lincoln Center, GINITA launched LA ORQUESTA ESA in 2024 and quickly became a stable sound of the NYC latin-jazz scene.

Since its inception, the group has become known for its striking interpretations and inventive arrangements of classic tropical styles including Salsa, Bolero, Cha Cha Cha, Tango, and Cumbia. With deep respect for the legends and a fearless commitment to innovation, LA ORQUESTA ESA offers a sound that is both timeless and boldly new—an orchestra honoring tradition while reshaping the future of Latin music with original compositions at the pen of GINITA.

Doors 6:00 PM | Show 6:30 PM | Grand Foyer  PLEASE RSVP

United Palace: Home Alone 2 – Lost in New York (1992)

HOME ALONE 2: LOST IN NEW YORK (1992) ~ THE COURAGE TO GROW UP

Kevin is separated from his family again when he accidentally boards a flight to New York City during a Christmas trip to Miami. However he crosses paths with the same burglars, who now plan to rob a toy store on Christmas Eve. Starring Macaulay Culkin, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern, Catherine O’Hara, and Tim Curry. Directed by Chris Columbus. Written by John Hughes. The movie runtime is 2 hours, Rated PG, and will be screened on DCP.

Doors Open: 5:00pm | Showtime: 6:00pm

Arrive early for pre-show caroling and theatre-wide holiday hijinks inspired by Kevin’s infamous booby traps!

United Palace: “9 to 5” film

9 TO 5 ~ THE COURAGE TO TAKE A STAND (1980)

Three secretaries turn the tables on their obnoxious boss. Starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton. Directed by Colin Higgins. Written by Colin Higgins and Patricia Resnick. The movie runtime is 1 hour and 49 minutes, Rated PG, and will be screened on DCP, courtesy of Criterion Pictures.

Doors Open: 2:00pm | Showtime: 3:00pm

Arrive early for a special pre-show tribute concert honoring the late, great Miss Dolly Parton.

9 to 5 continues the Movies at the Palace Season of Courage, a lineup celebrating bold heroes, big dreams, and unforgettable stories on our grand screen.

United Palace: Crackalackin’ Concert

The Crackalackin’ Concert of Classical Music
Bringing It Back Home, Uptown

One of the United Palace of Cultural Arts’ (UPCA) programming goals is to find innovative ways to make classical music accessible to new and old audiences, particularly by combining the genre with other art forms. “The Crackalackin’ Concert of Classical Music” serves as a dynamic platform designed to break down barriers and make the beauty of classical music accessible to everyone, including underrepresented communities, ensuring it resonates with a diverse and inclusive audience. (NOTE: “Crackalackin’” is old-time (as far back as the 1990s!) urban slang for what’s new, relevant, and happening. We think it is a great description of how people should feel about classical music.)

This year’s theme is Bringing It Back Home, Uptown and features performances and mash-ups by:

-Crackalackin’ Symphony Orchestra (Musicians of all ages are welcome to sign up here)
-DJ Boo
-Leadlights Ensemble
-Washington Heights Community Choir (WHCC)
-Washington Heights Community Conservatory of Fine Arts (WHCCFA) and Association of Dominican Classical Artists (ADCA)

“So many people are turned off by classical music because they see it as a corny, elitist art form,” said Fitelson, who 12 years ago co-created The Hip Hop Nutcracker, now an annual touring show produced by New Jersey Performing Arts Center. “We believe classical music is timeless and seek new, crackalackin’ ways to help audiences discover it.”

Act I kicks off with a performance by the Crackalackin’ Symphony Orchestra, freshly created for the event by community musicians of all skills, performing new arrangements of Celia Cruz songs and William Grant Still’s “Poem for Orchestra.”

The event features the world-premiere of a collage of videos taken of the community by Northern Manhattan residents while students from several local community programs, overseen by ADCA, perform “Bacchanale Dance” from Camille Saint-Saëns’ grand opera “Samson and Delilah.”

Leadlights performs “The Seasons of Inwood,” created by violinst Evelyn Petcher based upon the wide range of stories, musical ideas, and reflections on Inwood.

The Washington Heights Community Choir sings tunes with local ties, inviting the audience to join in a sing-along.

As always, throughout the day DJ Boo will perform his turntable magic, mixing the classical genre with the beats and sounds of today.

Act II features the debut of 4 songs of a work-in-progress celebrating the United Palace’s 100th anniversary in 2030. The show, “Wonder Theatre Revival,” is a musical history of the United Palace and its audiences, written by Mike Fitelson and brought to life by 6 singers and a dozen local musicians.

Doors: 4:30pm, Show: 5:00pm