Dazzling Lineup Of Hispanic Heritage Events At New Rochelle Library

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Hispanic Heritage Month gives us all a chance to explore new cultural offerings and celebrate the ways that culture has inspired a city.

The New Rochelle Public Library has announced a lineup of events scheduled during September and October for celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, featuring music and literary programs for both children and adults.

On Friday, September 20, at 7 p.m., the Friday Night Concert Series will kick off with a performance by the Nelson Riveros Quartet. The library says that attendees will be able to enjoy a mix of musical styles from different parts of Latin America — from the sway of Cuban boleros, the pulsating beat of Colombian cumbias, the passion of mambo, to the energy of Afro-Cuban jazz, and the romance of Brazilian bossa nova — all in one evening. In addition, there will be original compositions by Riveros. Registration is requested and can be done here.

On Tuesday, September 24, at noon, the NRPL Brown Bag Book Club will discuss Olga Dies Dreaming by Latina author Xochitl Gonzalez. Organizers say the book is set against the backdrop of NYC in the months surrounding the most devastating hurricane in Puerto Rico's history, and examines political corruption, familial strife and the very notion of the American dream — all while asking what it really means to weather a storm.

On Saturday, October 5, at 2 p.m., the library will kick off its Saturday Afternoon Concert Series with a Mexican jazz concert with Jhoely Garay and friends. Garay is a New York-based guitarist, composer, arranger and educator from Mexico City. Her music expresses her passion for straight-ahead swing, contemporary jazz, and music and rhythms from Latin America, according to the library. Registration is requested and can be done here.

On Wednesday, October 9, at 11 a.m., the library will present a virtual presentation about three Spanish artists — the twin giants of 16th and 17th Spanish painting, El Greco and Diego Velázquez, and the most important Spanish artist of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Francisco de Goya. Presented by Robin Hoffman and Jodi Stiffelman of ArtScapades. Registration is required and can be done here.

On Tuesday, October 15, at 7 p.m., the library will present a virtual program: Frida Kahlo: Dreams, Demons, and Devotion. Kahlo’s paintings illustrate the anguish and passion of a fascinating, complicated personal and artistic life. Organizers say the works of the Mexican and feminist icon will be looked at through the lens of her ethnicity, disabilities, and political activism, especially emphasizing her engagement with the natural world. Presented by Art Educator Janet Mandel. Registration is required and can be done here.

On Thursday, October 17, 10 a.m. - noon, attendees of the monthly Art Workshop for Adults will explore Picasso’s Cubist portrait techniques through a hands-on-workshop, learning how to transform ordinary images into unique works of art.

All programs are free and will take place at the New Rochelle Public Library, located at 1 Library Plaza.

Find out more about the New Rochelle Public Library (NRPL) on their website