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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 235-03
August 20, 2003

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG HONORS LEGENDARY QUEEN OF SALSA CELIA CRUZ BY DEDICATING HIGH SCHOOL OF MUSIC AND INAUGURAL YEAR OF LATIN NEW YORK FESTIVAL IN HER MEMORY

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today announced the opening of a new high school in the Bronx named the DeWitt Clinton High School/Lehman College Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music in memory of the Salsa Queen. Mayor Bloomberg also announced the first annual Latin New York Festival, scheduled to take place from August 21st to September 6th, 2003.  Among those joining the Mayor were Deputy Mayor for Legal Affairs Carol Robles-Roman, Deputy Mayor for Policy Dennis Walcott, Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion, DeWitt Clinton High School/Lehman College Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music Principal William Rodriguez, Lehman College Dean of Humanities Dr. Marlene Gottleib, NYC & Company President & CEO Cristyne L. Nicholas and Salsa musician Willie Colon. 

The new high school emerged from the Bronx New Century High School Initiative.  It will have a rigorous academic program coupled with high quality music instruction and performance.  As a school within a school, it is located at DeWitt Clinton High School where students will study core academic courses; designed in collaboration with Lehman College (CUNY), music instruction will take place at the music building of the college.
 
“Giving New York’s students the tools they need to achieve their full potential is a top priority of this administration and music education is a key part of that because it helps develop things such as discipline, creativity and a willingness to take instruction,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “This new high school will continue to inspire creative young minds to pursue their own artistic dreams - the way Celia’s creativity and charm inspired our City.”

Over 700 Bronx eighth grade students applied to the high school, with nearly 500 auditioning for  concert band, string and chorus.  The school accepted 90 incoming freshmen and will continue to accept 90 students every year until it reaches the full complement of 9th-12th grades.

“There is no shortage of talent in this City, especially the Bronx, and now this high school of music will afford talented and gifted students the opportunity to learn and grow,” said Principal Rodriguez. “I would like to thank Mayor Bloomberg for his leadership, Lehman College and DeWitt Clinton High School for their collaboration as well as Chancellor Klein and Superintendent Irma Zardoya for allowing the vision of this school to become a reality.”

Mayor Bloomberg also announced the inaugural year of the Latin New York Festival and dedicated the festival to the late Salsa Queen, Celia Cruz.  The Latin New York Festival that includes events such as: 

  • Tropical Latin Music Series at the South Street Seaport (August 27th & September 3rd);
  • Salsa in the Park, a 43-year old Bronx tradition at Orchard Beach (August 24th & 31st);
  • An evening of dancing at the famed Copacabana, featuring DJ Jeff (August 23rd);
  • New York City Salsa Congress, a four-day event including dance workshops and performances with critically acclaimed instructors and dancers from around the world (August 28th-31st);
  • The Hudson River Festival’s Latin Series, including a free performance by the Spanish Harlem Orchestra (September 2nd) and a poetry reading featuring Louis Reyes Rivera (August 26th);
  • Collection of Latino art at El Museo del Barrio;
  • The 28th Annual New York Salsa Festival on September 6th at Madison Square Garden, with performances by Gilberto Santa Rosa & his Orchestra, Johnny Pacheco and many more.

“The Latin New York Festival is a wonderful way to honor and celebrate the memory of the Queen of Salsa,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Her creativity and talent is reflected in all the events included in the festival for New Yorkers who march to the beat of salsa, merengue, mambo, tango, or any other beat that comes from the incredibly rich and diverse Latin community.”

“New York’s vibrant Latino culture plays an increasingly important role in the city’s $25 billion tourism industry,” said NYC & Company President & CEO Nicholas.  “Whether you are going to a concert, checking out a museum exhibit, joining friends for a dance lesson, or dining at one of New York City’s many Latin restaurants, the Latin New York Festival has something for everyone.”
    
Latin New York Festival is produced by NYC & Company, the city’s official tourism marketing organization, and the City of New York with support from Mega 97.9 FM.  For a complete schedule of events for the Latin New York Festival, visit the NYC & Company website at: www.nycvisit.com,  visit New York City’s Official Visitor Information Center at 810 7th Avenue (at 53rd Street) or call 311.







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