Gallery Twenty-One Presents
AFRO-CUBAN TO LATIN JAZZ: The Art of Musical Legends.

A visionary tribute to musicians and music by
Erich Lugo Padilla 

Opening Reception Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 • 4 to 9pm 

Locally renown New Jersey artist Erich Lugo Padilla presents his collection of fifteen years of work capturing the ‘musicality,’ playfulness and performance of Afro-Cuban to Latin Jazz musicians. Padilla illustrates the emotional overture and tone of musicians: “Chocolate” Armenteros playing his silver trumpet; Graciela swaying to a moody Bolero; Paquito D’Rivera jamming to a hearty Bossa Nova (in triplicate). Padilla’s works convey the essence, sultriness and eloquence of singers like the legendary Beny More, Las Hermanas Marquez and Machito, including the fantastic ‘newcomer’ Herman Olivera. 

Showcasing the artistry of the musicians and their music through his eclectic and playful artwork, Padilla displays the musicality of the legendary Chico O’Farrill passing the torch to his son, the dazzling pianist and maestro Arturo O’Farrill; the incendiary playing of “Thunder Drums” (Patato Valdes, Tata Guines and Giovanni Hidalgo); the folkloric dancing beat of David Oquendo and Raices Habaneras; the legendary Cachao thumping his bass; Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie “Bird” Parker, Chano Pozo, Mario Bauza and others shaking the Apollo theatre & re-defining jazz; Manny Oquendo & Andy Gonzalez taking a “Libre” moment in time; while Mongo and Candido are having a dueling cacophony.  Also displayed will be the timpani of the magical Tito Puente, “La Bemba Colorada” Celia alongside “el judio maravilloso,” Larry Harlow, and his All-Stars including Yomo Toro and Bobby Sanabria; and with the elfin magic of the great Cuban classic pianist Marco Rizo to the mad genius of Eddie Palmieri along with many other legendary and amazing musicians and dancers like the “fleet footed, en clave” Cuban Pete and Milly Donay at the Palladium. 

Most of the art is autographed by the greats that Padilla is honoring, making them a one of a kind piece. Each piece will also be accompanied by a written piece by fellow musicians giving their unique recollections of treasured colleagues. This premiere is an extraordinary synergy of music and artistry. The prologue for the premiere was written by Pulitzer Prize Author Oscar Hijuelos, “The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love.” 

A native of Saddle Brook, New Jersey Erich Padilla, of Puerto Rican descent, has always had an artistic bent in his life. Padilla started out as sketch artist as a child, but with an athletic ability, became a professional soccer player by his early twenties and played in Arizona as a goalie for two years before suffering knee injury. Padilla is graphic in style, bold, interpretive, humanistic, and colorful in substance; yet subtle, definitive, soulful, impressionistic, cubist and neo-realist. His drive is rooted in his Hispanic heritage yet colored by his American upbringing. 

For additional biographical information and images of the artist visit:
http://www.gallerytwenty-one.com/Artist/erichpadilla.html

Gallery Twenty-One
611 McCarter Highway
Newark, NJ 07102
Tel: (973) 424-1700

Contact: Andy Fernandez
Gallery Director
Tel: 973-563-4366
E-Mail: andres@gallerytwenty-one.com

Gallery Twenty-One is a contemporary art space and cultural center located in the heart of the Newark Arts District. Their primary focus is providing a venue for the presentation and dissemination of Latin American art and culture. The gallery hosts a variety of monthly programs and exhibits including, art and photography shows, book presentations, film screenings and live performances. Gallery events and artists have been featured on Telemundo, the Daily News, El Especialito, HITN, Cuba Encuentro and various other local and national media. 

For more info on Gallery Twenty-One please go to:
www.gallerytwenty-one.com

For directions to Gallery Twenty-One please go to:
www.gallerytwenty-one.com./directions.html