NYPL Holds Free Programs In August, Including Lincoln Center Meet The Artist Series

The New York Public Library (NYPL) presents free programs for the month of August.

The Resurgence of Spanish Dance - Lincoln Center Meet the Artist Series

Saturday, August 15, 2:30 p.m., Bronx Library Center, 310 East Kingsbridge Road, Bronx

Evolving from the interactions of many cultures, flamenco is an art form that originated in Andalusia, a province in southern Spain. Inhabiting the area for centuries, the unique interplay among Moors, Jews, Andalusians, and Gypsies has shaped this culturally rich folkloric genre of song, music and dance. Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana has continued to extol the traditions of flamenco while taking on an ambassadorial role of bridging today's cultures throughout the world. Under the direction of Carlota Santana, the company's dancers, singer, and musicians will trace the development of flamenco and reveal visions of life full of pride, passion, honor, love and sorrow. With Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, founded in 1983 as Spanish Dance Arts Company, Carlota Santana and Roberto Lorca had a mission to bring flamenco to mainstream audiences. Mr. Lorca passed away in 1987, an untimely casualty of the AIDS epidemic, but Ms. Santana has carried on his work. Since then, Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana has grown into one of the leading flamenco companies in the United States, with a mission to promote flamenco as a living art form and a vital part of Hispanic heritage.

The company creates quality new dance works for major theatrical venues, presents arts education programs that connect people of different cultures, and nurtures the next generation of Spanish dance artists. Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana has been featured in Lincoln Center's Meet the Artist School Series for the past three seasons. This program is presented as part of Lincoln Center's 50th Anniversary Celebration. Major support for Meet the Artist is provided by Betty and John Levin and International Flavors & Fragrances. Endowment support is provided by Disney. Special support for the Meet the Artist Library Series, part of Lincoln Center's 50th Anniversary Celebration, is provided by International Flavors & Fragrances, the Charles H. Revson Foundation, and Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Feraba: African Rhythm Dance Duo

Thursday, August 20, 4:30 p.m., Edenwald Branch, 1255 East 233rd Street, Bronx

Andy Algire and Yalani Bangourra blend West African movements and music with the percussive sounds and tomes of African dance. Join this innovative duo on their journey of rhythm and dance and enjoy the ancient melodies of the balafons.

Broadway & Nightclub Songs of New York

Friday, August 21, 3:00 p.m., Kips Bay Branch, 446 Third Avenue, Manhattan
Saturday, August 29, 2:30 p.m., Morris Park Branch, 985 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx

Singer/Musician Tom Smith presents a fast-paced, entertaining retrospective of the composers and theatrical icons who shaped American Music in the 20th century. Mr. Smith is a master vocalist, pianist, composer and bandleader. He has performed for 30 years in top venues, nationally and abroad for club date, jingles, cruise ships, industrials, at resorts and all major NYC hotels including Tavern On The Green, the Rainbow Room and Harrah's in Atlantic City.