Contact: Sunny Mindel/Matthew Higgins 212 788-2958
The Gracie Mansion reception also spotlighted the ongoing celebration of the second annual Harlem Jazz & Musical Festival, which runs through September. The reception featured live music by Joe Cuba & the Latin Jazz Band and Lonnie Youngblood & the Blood Brothers. The Harlem Jazz & Music Festival is paying special tribute to jazz legends Frank Sinatra and Duke Ellington, who first became famous performing in New York City - Duke Ellington at Harlem's famed Cotton Club, and Frank Sinatra at the Paramount Theater.
Joining the Mayor at the Gracie Mansion reception were Deputy Mayor Rudy Washington; Department of Transportation Commissioner Wilbur Chapman; Lloyd Williams, President of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce; Paul Ellington, Duke Ellington's grandson and leader of the Duke Ellington Orchestra; and hundreds of Harlem's business, community and cultural leaders.
"Harlem is among the most historic and culturally rich neighborhoods in our City - a fact that is recognized around the world and one of the reasons why Harlem is among the most popular destination points for international tourists," the Mayor said. "The growing interest in experiencing Harlem's treasures firsthand echoes the theme of this year's Harlem Week, 'Discover Harlem'. Now is indeed a wonderful time to discover Harlem."
The Mayor continued, "Harlem is currently in the midst of a wide-ranging renaissance that translates to increased economic investment, safer streets and improved quality of life for all residents. It is a renaissance that is reshaping Harlem as one of the proudest neighborhoods in our city and one of the best places to live, work and raise a family.