7 Stories Up Presents a Tribute to the Cuban Songbook Celebrating Celia Cruz

In celebration of Celia Cruz's 100th birthday this month, we'll explore the richness of Cuban music, from the Golden Age through contemporary sounds, with performances by award-winning singer and bandleader Gerardo Contino and his ensemble.

This event will take place in person at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library on the 7th Floor.

To join the event in person | Doors will open 30 minutes before the program begins. For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A standby line will form 30 minutes before the program.

Publicity portrait of Cuban singer Celia Cruz, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Narcy Studios, (ID: 58015369)

Celia Cruz, known as the “Queen of Salsa,” had a long, award-winning career, performing to audiences around the world. Born in Cuba, by the time she was 25 she was the lead female singer for Cuba’s popular orchestra, La Sonora Matancera. After the Cuban Revolution, she immigrated to the U.S., and performed around the world.

Her collaborations with artists like Tito Puente and Johnny Pacheco solidified her place in the public eye, inspiring countless artists. She proudly embraced her Afro-Cuban identity, paving the way for artists after her to do the same. She was acclaimed both for her musical talent and powerful voice and for her fashion, wearing colorful, bold dresses and wigs that become iconic symbols, as did her catchphrase, “Azúcar!”

ABOUT THE PERFORMER

Gerardo Contino, born and raised in Havana, Cuba, is an award-winning singer, bandleader, and cultural ambassador of Cuban music. Known for his dynamic stage presence and deep connection to Afro-Cuban traditions, Gerardo has performed at world-class venues including Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and the Cuban Embassy Concert Series. Beyond the stage, he is the founder of Camino al Arte Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting cultural exchange and supporting music education for underserved communities. Based in New York City, Gerardo continues to share the richness of Cuban music with audiences worldwide, blending the Golden Age classics with contemporary Cuban jazz sounds.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTES

In-Person

• Assistive listening devices and/or hearing loops are available at the venue.


• You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.


• This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

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Please submit all press inquiries to Connor Goodwin at least 48 hours before the event: email connorgoodwin@nypl.org.
 

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All programs are subject to change or cancellation. All programs are subject to recording and photography.

The 7 Stories Up Series at SNFL is made possible by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).