Tag Archives: UpTownNYC

J. Hood Wright Park: Jazz Foundation of America Presents Annette A. Aguilar & StringBeans

Come join us to witness Annette A. Aguilar & StringBeans live at the J Hood Wright Park! An uptown favorite, the celebrated percussionist, educator, and bandleader Annette A. Aguilar grew up in the Bay Area before moving to NYC, where she has earned two masters degrees and played with a wide array of important artists,.  She founded her Latin Jazz and Brazilian group StringBeans in 1992. Named in part after its unique instrumentation–including violin and other strings–this group has performed at the Kennedy Center and Jazz at Lincoln Center; across the United States; and, as Latin Jazz Ambassadors for the U.S. State Department, in many parts of Africa.

United Palace: It’s a Wonderful Life with Mary Owen

Celebrate the holiday season with Frank Capra’s beloved 1946 classic, starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, and Lionel Barrymore. Before the movie, enjoy festive pre-show caroling by students from Statement Arts and a special introduction by Mary Owen, daughter of Donna Reed. Directed The movie runs 2 hours, 10 minutes.

This screening is part of our Wonder Organ for a Wonderful Life campaign—an ongoing effort to make our Robert Morton “Wonder” Organ sing for the holidays! If we reach our goal by November 15, 2025, our Wonder Organ—the voice and soul of the United Palace—will accompany our pre-show caroling with Statement Arts.

United Palace: Behind the Baton, Insights from a Maestro Riccardo Frizza in conversation with Fred Plotkin

Musicians Foundation presents a conversation between Riccardo Frizza, Musical and Artistic Director of the Donizetti Opera Festival, and Fred Plotkin, one of America’s foremost experts on opera who has distinguished himself in many fields as a writer, speaker, consultant and teacher.  The one-hour conversation will be followed by a 30-minute audience Q&A.

Riccardo Frizza, Musical and Artistic Director of the Donizetti Opera Festival and Honorary Conductor of the Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra and Choir, is widely regarded as one of today’s leading conductors. Highlights for 2025 include productions and concerts at Teatro Comunale Bologna, Royal Ballet and Opera, Teatro San Carlo, ABAO Bilbao, and The Metropolitan Opera. In 2024, he was appointed Cavaliere al merito della Repubblica Italiana by the Italian President, Mattarella.

Fred Plotkin discovered the concept of “The Renaissance Man” as a small child and has devoted himself to pursuing that ideal as the central role of his life. Plotkin has worked in opera since 1972, doing everything but singing. His book, “Opera 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Opera” is the best-selling standard text in America on the art form. He has also written six renowned books on Italian cuisine.

Buunni Inwood: Fairy Tale Art Cart Podcast — Draw Along Stories For Kids.

Enter a world of story and art making in this live performance . You and your kids are invited to rev up your imaginations as you listen to a folktale that feature music and drawing breaks- so that you get to become the illustrators of the stories you’re listening to!

Featuring storyteller Rachael Harrington and guitarist John Polimeni!

This lively and creativity-inducing performance is the perfect way to connect with your kids through screen-free art making time! Drawing materials will be provided. Pay-What-You-Can at the door, but please reserve your seat here as space is limited and the show draws a crowd! Perfect for kids ages 5-105.

Buunni Inwood: Fairy Tale Art Cart Podcast — Draw Along Stories For Kids.

Enter a world of story and art making in this live performance . You and your kids are invited to rev up your imaginations as you listen to a folktale that feature music and drawing breaks- so that you get to become the illustrators of the stories you’re listening to!

Featuring storyteller Rachael Harrington and Latin Grammy nominee Flor Bromley.

This lively and creativity-inducing performance is the perfect way to connect with your kids through screen-free art making time! Drawing materials will be provided. Pay-What-You-Can at the door, but please reserve your seat here as space is limited and the show draws a crowd! Perfect for kids ages 5-105.