Pays Tribute to Music Legends Lionel Hampton and the Late Tito Puente

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today welcomed members of the Harlem community to a jazz and music reception at Gracie Mansion to celebrate the 26th annual "Harlem Week". The Mayor was joined by Deputy Mayor Rudy Washington, Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Richard T. Roberts, Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce President Lloyd Williams, and leaders of the Harlem community. This year's reception included tributes to legendary musicians Lionel Hampton and the late Tito Puente, a Harlem native.

"Harlem Week celebrates a thriving community with a rich past and a bright future," Mayor Giuliani said. "Each year millions of New Yorkers and people from around the world visit Harlem to enjoy its great cultural and religious institutions, entertainment centers, restaurants and businesses. Like the exuberant beat of Tito Puente's music, Harlem continues to pulse energetically with cultural and economic vitality."

"Harlem Week", which has grown into a month-long celebration of Harlem's history and culture, runs from August 2 - 24, 2000. The theme of this year's festival, "Discover Harlem", honors the contributions of family, friends and community groups to the development of the neighborhood.

Events during Harlem Week include a series of concerts and exhibitions in a variety of locations. This year's celebration features an "Open House Salute to Greater Harlem's Museums", "Family Unity Day Festival", and the annual block party "Uptown Saturday Night". As part of the festival, the 10th Annual Auto Show will exhibit some of the most exotic and exciting cars of yesterday and today.

During the reception, Mayor Giuliani presented a proclamation to Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce President Lloyd Williams saluting Harlem and the talented musicians who have composed and performed there. The Mayor joined Lloyd Williams to present awards in honor of Vibraphonist Lionel Hampton and the late Latin Jazz King Tito Puente. Also receiving recognition were NYC Health & Hospitals Corporation President Luis Marcos, jazz flutist Bobbi Humphrey, Latin jazz radio personality Joe Gaines, Japan's Tigre Business Organization President Takumi Ueda, and Showman's Café General Manager Mona Lopez.

The annual Harlem Week Festival was started over 26 years ago by the Uptown Chamber of Commerce, now the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, and a group of civic-minded community residents in order to help revitalize the Harlem community and honor its glorious history.

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