WELCOME
Alumni & Friends of Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts
We stand in solidarity with the fight against racism and inequity.
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While LaGuardia is closed due to Covid, you may contact us at info@alumniandfriends.org. All paper correspondence and contributions may be mailed to our P.O. Box:
Alumni & Friends of LaGuardia
P.O. Box 230015
Ansonia Station
New York, NY 10023
We hope to see you soon!
ALUMNI NEWS
Saturday January 23rd, 2021
Lenore Raphael (M&A '60) tells us that Steinway of Hamburg, Germany, has done a series of Lunch Time Home concerts and Lenore was a featured Steinway artist. Tune in to hear Lenore’s radio show “Lenore Raphael’s JazzSpot” on www.purejazzradio.com Sundays 8am & 8pm ET; Saturday 3pm ET; Monday 3am, 9am & 6pm ET, Friday 11pm ET. More about Lenore at www.lenoreraphael.com/ ... See MoreSee Less
I'm proud to be an alumna of La Guardi High school of Music & Art NYC...formerly the High School of Music & Art. Great school!!!!
Saturday January 23rd, 2021
Tune in to see Sam Vartholomeos (LaG '13) who stars as Ed Burns' son in the new series "Bridge and Tunnel" on Epix, beginning Jan. 24, 2021!
When talking about his Queens accent, Sam Vartholomeos shares that one of his LaGuardia drama teachers said, "plenty of actors work with an accent. One day, hopefully, you’ll get to play Ed Burns’s son." Dreams can come true!!
Set in a 1980s version of Burns' hometown of Valley Stream, Long Island the filmmaker’s new series captures the post-college period when “you’re not quite an adult but no longer a kid,” Burns said.
www.nytimes.com/2021/01/22/arts/television/edward-burns-bridge-and-tunnel.html ... See MoreSee Less

Edward Burns Returns to Long Island with ‘Bridge and Tunnel’
www.nytimes.com
Set in a 1980s version of his hometown, the filmmaker’s new Epix series captures the post-college period when “you’re not quite an adult but no longer a kid,” he said.Can't wait@SuperEx#sited!4U. Shaunna
Friday January 22nd, 2021
Happy #FiorelloFriday!
Enjoy this beautiful performance by the 2020 Senior Chorus, performed (virtually) at the LaGuardia 2020 Graduation Ceremony. Jana Ballard, Conductor. www.youtube.com/watch?v=97uL2HCMHds&t=1s
SUBSCRIBE to our Alumni & Friends YouTube channel to see more amazing student and alumni performances: www.youtube.com/channel/UCK7Bnh5JkMsHLuTcwJeIWIg ... See MoreSee Less

LagGrad2020 05 Senior Choir Performance
www.youtube.com
Performance shown at the Commencement Ceremony. The piece was recorded remotely due to the COVID 19 remote learning.Amazing and so nice to see some of the 2020 grads faces again❤️
Beautiful!!
Lovely.......M&A68
Thursday January 21st, 2021
Tonight (Thursday 1/21) at 8pm! FREE virtual event! Catch Julian Maile (PA '83) playing with the amazing The Losers Lounge on YouTube, paying tribute to one hit wonders!
"Since 1993, the Loser's Lounge has performed nearly 300 shows honoring 50 different artists, from ABBA to the Zombies, sometimes with the honorees present: Lee Hazlewood, Paul Williams and Denny Doherty (of the Mamas and Papas) all enthusiastically attended their own tribute nights."
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OODeCXqce-c&feature=youtu.be ... See MoreSee Less

Loser's Lounge: Battle of the One Hit Wonders #2 - Joe's Pub Live!
www.youtube.com
While Joe's Pub is temporarily closed to public access, join us for Joe's Pub Live! – a free series of performances from artists' HQ and our iconic stage in ...I don’t know if the passing of Steve Carver ( M&A ‘62 ) has been noted by our alumni. Steve was a buddy and baseball teammate. His goal was to be a cartoonist. That didn’t happen. Instead he became a very successful Hollywood Director and remained an artist as a celebrated photographer. I hadn’t seen him since graduation. But, he was my FB friend for years. A great guy, but victim of COVID-19.
Thursday January 21st, 2021
Nora Lum (LaG '06), aka Awkwafina, is on the February cover of Harpers Bazaar! She took time out of her busy schedule to talk about how she got her nickname (from her high school friend Kim) and to make slime. Maybe we can get her favorite slime recipe? Check out Awkwafina in FAME 4.0 - a benefit for LaGuardia on February 11th 2021. SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube page so you don't miss it! www.youtube.com/channel/UCK7Bnh5JkMsHLuTcwJeIWIg
www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/features/a35215866/awkwafina-nora-lum-february-2021-cover-story/ ... See MoreSee Less

You Know Awkwafina, But Have You Met Nora Lum?
www.harpersbazaar.com
This year, the actor will star in a Marvel movie, a Disney movie, and her own Netflix show. Over a virtual slime-making session, Lum opens up to E. Alex Jung about family, depression, and the highs an...Thursday January 21st, 2021
Read a great piece and listen to a podcast with Sarah Paulson (LaG '93)!
Sarah began acting onstage in New York City before graduating high school, making her screen debut on “Law and Order” and climbing Hollywood’s ranks all the way to an Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award. She’s delivered compelling work in “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,” “Game Change,” “12 Years a Slave,” “Carol,” “Blue Jay,” “American Crime Story: The People v. O. J. Simpson,” “Glass,” “Mrs. America,” and Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk’s “American Horror Story” anthology, in which she’s played upwards of 10 characters. Sarah now executive produces the Netflix drama “Ratched,” starring as Nurse Mildred Ratched, and recently led Hulu’s Aneesh Chaganty thriller “Run.”
www.backstage.com/magazine/article/sarah-paulson-ratched-acting-career-advice-podcast-interview-7... ... See MoreSee Less

Sarah Paulson Boils Down Her Secret to Giving a Great Performance
www.backstage.com
Paulson’s trick for acting in horror projects like “Ratched”? “Go full tilt boogie.”She was brilliant in her SDF: A Thurber Carnival. I remember one scene where she played a dog and was so hilariously compelling
Tuesday January 19th, 2021
SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel to see and hear the works of current LaGuardia students, and TUNE IN at 7pm on February 11, 2021 for FAME 4.0 celebrating 40 years of the iconic film "Fame" and the legacy that lives on at LaGuardia
www.youtube.com/channel/UCK7Bnh5JkMsHLuTcwJeIWIg ... See MoreSee Less
Friday January 15th, 2021
Shout out to Pauline Chalamet (LaG '10) who is the lead in Mindy Kaling's upcoming HBO Max comedic series “The Sex Lives of College Girls.”
Pauline made her feature debut in a supporting role in the Pete Davidson-led “The King of Staten Island." She has also written, directed, and starred in several short films, including a few projects in French.
wwd.com/eye/people/eyes-on-actress-pauline-chalamet-1234689855/ ... See MoreSee Less
Friday January 15th, 2021
#FiorelloFriday
Please enjoy this Beach Boys song performed by Caty Farley(LaG '21) - acapella - www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKmH23JwGIk&t This video was created for Ms. Jana Ballard's Vocal class.
And please SUBSCRIBE to our new Alumni & Friends YouTube channel to see more student and alumni videos! www.youtube.com/channel/UCK7Bnh5JkMsHLuTcwJeIWIg ... See MoreSee Less

Caty Farley (LaG '21) - “Lavender" (Acapella) by The Beach Boys
www.youtube.com
Enjoy this video by LaGuardia student Caty Farley (LaG '21) singing "Lavender" by The Beach Boys. (Jana Ballard's voice class)Thanks for the shoutout! Haha
Beautiful ❤️
Wednesday January 13th, 2021
Save February 11, 2021 at 7pm EST for FAME 4.0, a virtual fundraiser featuring "Fame" alumni and current LaGuardia students, to support arts education. SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel for sneak peeks and to catch the show. We're gonna live forever!
Text to donate! Text FAME40 to 41444 to support arts education or donate here: bit.ly/LAGFAME40 ... See MoreSee Less

FAME 4.0: Megan Mullally on "Fame"
youtube.com
Text to donate! Text FAME40 to 41444 to support arts education or donate here: igfn.us/form/Dp0-2gThe LaGuardia Parents Association and Alumni & Frien...FAME LIVE FROM LONDON'S WEST END IS STREAMING NOW ON BROADWAYHD. DON'T MISS IT! "IT'S A MASTER CLASS IN MUSICAL THEATRE FROM START TO FINISH!"
Wednesday January 13th, 2021
Save the date! On January 29, 2021, check out the virtual opening of the LaGuardia Semi-Annual Art Show, featuring the amazing talent of our Fine Arts students! www.lagartstudiopa.org/ ... See MoreSee Less
Wednesday January 13th, 2021
Check out this new product created by Keely Mitchell (M&A '76) - MittSak - mittsak.com/ - "The Wearable Wireless Mic Transmitter Holder" - for singers, speakers, performers. Watch a short video here - youtu.be/YhItb1wpjyc
Do you have a business you want to share with our alumni community? Email info@alumniandfriends.org and let us know! ... See MoreSee Less
Tuesday January 12th, 2021
Wednesday, January 13, 7pm - join a conversation with best-selling author, illustrator and artist Maira Kalman (M&A '67) and former Talking Heads frontman and multimedia artist David Byrne to discuss their new collaboration, a book inspired by Byrne's award-winning musical "American Utopia" (Bloomsbury, October 2020). The two will sit down for a virtual conversation with WNYC's Alison Stewart about creating the book and their decades-long careers as New York artists.
This is a virtual event which will take place via Zoom. Registrants will receive a link to watch in advance.
www.mcny.org/americanutopia ... See MoreSee Less

American Utopia: David Byrne and Maira Kalman in Conversation
www.mcny.org
David Byrne talks with artist Maira Kalman about their book collaboration, American Utopia and their experiences as New Yorkers. Moderated by WNYC's Alison Stewart.Tuesday January 12th, 2021
Check out the latest tease for the LaGuardia High School Benefit. LaGuardia Parent's Association and Alumni & Friends invite you to FAME 4.0 to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the movie "FAME" on February 11, 2021 at 7pm! Join us here for the virtual fundraiser featuring "Fame" alumni and current LaGuardia students to support arts education. We're gonna live forever! Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to our channel! Donate here: bit.ly/LAGFAME40
#laguardiahs #fame40 #feb112021 #LaG4Life
youtu.be/xC5WI19Y4SQ ... See MoreSee Less

FAME 4.0 to benefit LaGuardia - February 11, 2021
youtu.be
Text to donate! Text FAME40 to 41444 to support arts education or donate here: igfn.us/form/Dp0-2gThe LaGuardia Parent's Association and Alumni & Frie...Friday January 8th, 2021
On Tuesday, January 11 at 7pm, watch a live video stream as Alison Stewart, host of WNYC’s "All of It," continues her virtual book club series with Jonathan Lethem (M&A '82). 75 Dollar Bill also performs a special set for the event. Register at the link below.
"All of It" joins in the New York Public Library’s Love Letter to New York series by reading the quintessential New York classic "Motherless Brooklyn," winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for fiction. "Motherless Brooklyn" follows Lionel Essrog, a detective with Tourette’s syndrome, across the city as he hunts for his mentor’s killer.
They’ll also discuss Lethem’s newest novel "The Arrest," a genre-bending story of a world where technology no longer works.
www.thegreenespace.org/event/get-lit-with-all-of-it-jonathan-lethem/ ... See MoreSee Less

Get Lit with All Of It: Jonathan Lethem | The Greene Space
www.thegreenespace.org
Watch a live video stream as Alison Stewart, host of WNYC’s All of It, continues her virtual book club series with Jonathan Lethem. 75 Dollar Bill also performs a special set for the event. This hol...Friday January 8th, 2021
Some of our amazing alumni who were in FAME got together for a virtual reunion. Catch more of them on February 11, 2021 during the benefit for LaGuardia. SUBSCRIBE here: www.LaGFame40.com #thefameschool #mapalag #LaG4Life ... See MoreSee Less
Friday January 8th, 2021
Happy #FiorelloFriday
Please enjoy this beautiful song performed by Erynn Gutierrez (LaG '21) - "Cherry" by Harry Styles - www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kDvKO_CilQ This video was created for Ms. Jana Ballard's Vocal class.
And remember to SUBSCRIBE to our new Alumni & Friends YouTube channel to see more student and alumni videos! www.youtube.com/channel/UCK7Bnh5JkMsHLuTcwJeIWIg ... See MoreSee Less

Erynn Gutierrez (LaG '21) - "Cherry" (Acapella) by Harry Styles
www.youtube.com
Enjoy this video by Erynn Gutierrez (LaG '21) singing "Cherry" (Acapella) by Harry Styles. (Jana Ballard vocal teacher)Love it!!❤️
Thursday January 7th, 2021
This year's Benefit to raise money for LaGuardia High School is a Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the movie "FAME" on February 11th! Catch Isaac Mizrahi (Performing Arts '79) in FAME 4.0! Subscribe to our YouTube channel: www.LaGFame40.com #fame40 #thefameschool #Feb112021 #LaG4life #isaacmizrahi ... See MoreSee Less
Wednesday January 6th, 2021
Join us on 2/11/21 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of “FAME!” Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch the show www.lagfame40.com
#fame40 #thefameschool #Feb112021 #LaG4life ... See MoreSee Less
I saw the film when it was first released. It captured the spirit of M&A and PA very well. The story was much too soap-operatic, but then if it hadn't been, who would want to see it? All the crisis and tragedy of what was supposed to be an ordinary high school student's life didn't always ring true. Then, since the film was a musical and required large-scale musical numbers, none of those numbers looked authentic for any school other than the High School of Las Vegas Floor Shows.
Tuesday January 5th, 2021
Read about Isaac Mizrahi's (PA '79) latest musical performances! And catch Isaac in our upcoming "Fame" 40th-anniversary tribute on 2/11/21!
americansongwriter.com/at-cafe-carlyle-isaac-mizrahi-concert-interview/ ... See MoreSee Less

Isacc Mizrahi Says He Will Never Stop His Musical Performances
americansongwriter.com
Isaac Mizrahi is a world-famous fashion designer—but he’s also an accomplished performer, as he proves in a series of virtual concerts, ISAAC@CAFECARLYLE,Thursday December 31st, 2020
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Save the date: February 11, 2021!
We are so excited to announce FAME 4.0 - a tribute to the 40th anniversary of the movie FAME and a benefit for LaGuardia High School! Please watch this minute and a half teaser! The virtual fundraiser will be on February 11, 2021, and will feature current LaGuardia students as well as alumni from Performing Arts and Music & Art who appeared in the film and tv series! Support LaGuardia and tune in to watch the FULL show on 2/11/21 on our YouTube channel!
And don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to our new YouTube channel!
youtu.be/-sp5UgfmnfY ... See MoreSee Less
So excited for February!
Yayyyy I’ve been waiting for this!
Fabulous!
Yayyy Omg on my birthday and a LAG dance major alumni 👩🏼🎓 🩰🎂
Stephanie 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
On my birthday...lol
Love this!!! I so cannot believe it’s been 40 years I can remember seeing that movie in theater and then went to that school!! 2020 would have been 35 year HS reunion!!
Wednesday December 30th, 2020
THANK YOU to all who have contributed to Alumni & Friends of LaGuardia in 2020! Now, more than ever, we need you!
Please read our end of year newsletter to see what's happening at LaGuardia! conta.cc/3mRu5QL
Every dollar makes a difference in keeping the arts education at LaGuardia exceptional, and allows LaGuardia students to make the world a more beautiful place! If you are in a position to contribute this year, please remember Alumni & Friends in your charitable giving. Your tax-deductible gift ensures excellence in arts education for today's LaGuardia students. alumniandfriends.org/give/ ... See MoreSee Less
Thursday December 24th, 2020
Dear wonderful alumni! We're happy to share these joyful holiday songs from LaGuardia's Show Choir, led by Jeanne Cascio: www.youtube.com/channel/UCK7Bnh5JkMsHLuTcwJeIWIg/
Please share your videos and links with us so we can highlight our inspiring alumni community on our new Alumni & Friends YouTube channel, on facebook, Instagram, and our website www.alumniandfriends.org - share your projects here: forms.gle/oBhz2GLinBa47qqX6. ... See MoreSee Less

Alumni & Friends of LaGuardia High School - YouTube
www.youtube.com
Alumni & Friends of LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts is pleased to present videos by alumni and current LaGuardia students. Please ...Wednesday December 23rd, 2020
Read and watch a powerful dance piece featuring LaGuardia freshman Naomi Southwell, who appears in choreographer Tiffany Rae's production "Unearth Birmingham," a response to the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church by members of the Ku Klux Klan. Four young girls were killed and many others injured. www.nytimes.com/2020/12/22/arts/dance/tiffany-rae-birmingham-church-bombing.html
"Ms. Rae’s film, shot at Gymnopedie, the basement of Bushwick United Methodist Church in Brooklyn, brings the girls’ perspectives to life through an inventive, vibrant tapestry of dance — brimming with hip-hop, modern, jazz and moments of improvisation — and music, starting with Cheryl Lynn’s “Got to Be Real” and ending with Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”
You can watch the video on Instagram at: www.instagram.com/tv/CIoKv9SFrk-/?hl=en ... See MoreSee Less

A Choreographer and Her Girls Retell a Tragedy Through Dance
www.nytimes.com
Tiffany Rae explores the Birmingham church bombing of 1963, in which four Black girls were killed, in a new dance video.Wednesday December 23rd, 2020
Check out the new album by trombonist Clifton Anderson (M&A '74). Clifton has recorded with McCoy Tyner, Dizzy Gillespie, Slide Hampton, Lester Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Keith Richards, Paul Simon, The Mighty Sparrow, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Muhal Richard Abrams, Wallace Roney, and Abdullah Ibrahim.
www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Clifton-Anderson-Releases-Been-Down-This-Road-Before-20201222 ... See MoreSee Less

Clifton Anderson Releases 'Been Down This Road Before'
www.broadwayworld.com
Been Down This Road Before is the title track from Clifton Anderson’s new album, which shares the same name. Pls tell your uncle, Sonny (Rollins) I say hello. I headed classes in Eckankar back in the 70’s and he would ask the most insightful questions. 😊 (I went to PA + read abt you in the alumni news)
Lovvvvvving your CD. Thanks for making such beautifull music. God bless you.
Thursday December 17th, 2020
#thankfulthursday and #throwbackthursday
We are so thankful for our incredible teachers and students and this throwback Thursday clip from LaGuardia's 2019 Senior Graduation Dance Concert will make your day! Enjoy LaGuardia dance students and the LaGuardia Senior Jazz band performing Fosse's "Sing, Sing, Sing!"
This came from BroadwayBox.com: "Bbox team trolls YouTube for the hot clip—sometimes it's a brand-new moment and sometimes it's a throwback to an oldie but goodie."
www.broadwaybox.com/daily-scoop/hot-clip-of-the-day-laguardia-high-dances-fosses-sing-sing-sing/
youtu.be/i6x3T30uSnA ... See MoreSee Less
Friday December 11th, 2020
Catch Timothee Chalamet (LaG '13) hosting SNL Saturday, December 12, 2020, with Bruce Springsteen as the musical guest! It doesn't get much better than being part of SNL!
And "SNL Weekend Update's" Michael Che (LaG '01) is on every week!
Timothee joins a select group of our alumni who have hosted: Awkwafina, Jennifer Anison, Adrien Brody, and musical guests: Kelis, Nicki Minaj. Please let us know in the comments below what other alumni have graced SNL!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikqaz8u8mbA ... See MoreSee Less

Timothée Chalamet and Cecily Strong Call Each Other by Their Names - SNL
www.youtube.com
Timothée Chalamet hosts Saturday Night Live on December 12, 2020 with musical guest Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.Saturday Night Live. Stream now ...Well......I showed up as an extra in Gilda Radner's SNL sketch on "Things We Did Last Summer," back in '78.
How cool!
Bela Fleck, M&A 1976
Friday December 11th, 2020
Harvey Gabor (M&A ’52) passed away on November 5, 2020, at age 86. He was an advertising executive who created and filmed one of the most iconic commercials in history - the 1971 Coca-Cola television advertisement “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke,” which went on to be inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame. You may also recognize this ad from the series finale of "Mad Men."
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VM2eLhvsSM&feature=emb_logo
Read more about Harvey Gabor's life: www.theoaklandpress.com/news/local/harvey-gabor-renowned-advertising-creator-dies-at-86/article_7...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VM2eLhvsSM&feature=emb_logo ... See MoreSee Less

Coca-Cola, 1971 - 'Hilltop' | "I'd like to buy the world a Coke"
www.youtube.com
Project Re: Brief by Google🙏🏻
Possibly the greatest TV spot ever. RIP
RIP Harvey! Roberta Newman I agree. That Coca-Cola ad is still talked about today in advertising and film. Harvey Gabor you've done us well..😢
I’m so proud to have gone to a school that had so many talented alumni and amazing future talent to come!
Thursday December 10th, 2020
Read a great interview from Rolling Stone magazine with Sterling Campell (M&A '82), drummer with Cyndi Lauper, David Bowie, Duran Duran, Soul Asylum, and so many more!
"Rolling Stone interview series Unknown Legends features long-form conversations between senior writer Andy Greene and veteran musicians who have toured and recorded alongside icons for years, if not decades. All are renowned in the business, but some are less well known to the general public. Here, these artists tell their complete stories, giving an up-close look at life on music’s A list. This edition features drummer Sterling Campbell."
www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/sterling-campbell-drummer-interview-david-bowie-duran-d... ... See MoreSee Less

Drummer Sterling Campbell on His Years With David Bowie, Duran Duran, and Soul Asylum
www.rollingstone.com
He was Bowie’s go-to dummer for the last 20 years of his career, but Campbell also toured with Cyndi Lauper and played on Soul Asylum’s “Runaway Train”Hi Sterling!
Thursday December 10th, 2020
We are so thankful for our incredible LaGuardia teachers and staff! Come see their beautiful artwork Friday, December 11 in the annual LaGuardia Faculty and Staff Art Show - virtually! This is an event not to be missed! Tune in at: www.lagartstudiopa.org/
(Poster by Megan Casey, LaG '21) ... See MoreSee Less
Wednesday December 9th, 2020
Check out "Healthcare Rocks," a great event on Thursday, December 10, 7:15-8:15pm, featuring the premiere of a new song and video from LaGuardia's New Music Ensemble! The event is brought to you by New York City Health Business Leaders (Peter Frishauf, M&A '66 is a founding director).
This event celebrates 2020's heroes with a stellar lineup of musical performances, candid conversations with frontline workers, and insights from industry leaders. It’s all to benefit three NYC-based charities addressing the major issues New Yorkers face - food insecurity, mental health access, and children's health: The Child Center of NY, Food Bank For New York City, and Vibrant Emotional Health.
www.eventbrite.com/e/healthcare-rocks-virtual-benefit-concert-registration-128165082211 ... See MoreSee Less

Healthcare Rocks! Virtual Benefit Concert
www.eventbrite.com
We're paying tribute to the heroes of 2020 and supporting those in need.Wednesday December 9th, 2020
Read a great piece about Alvin AIley dancer Linda Caceres Sims (LaG '94): www.nytimes.com/2020/12/08/arts/dance/sims-ailey-dancers-retiring.html
and watch her virtual performance Wednesday, December 9, a new film of the romantic central duet in “The Winter in Lisbon,” a celebratory work to Dizzy Gillespie by Billy Wilson; and a discussion led by the choreographer Ronald K. Brown.
www.alvinailey.org/performances/repertory/winter-lisbon ... See MoreSee Less

The Winter in Lisbon | Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
www.alvinailey.org
Dizzy Gillespie's brilliant music sets the tone for this sizzling ballet celebrating four decades of his work. Choreographed in 1992 by Billy Wilson, The Winter in Lisbon pays tribute to Mr. Gillespie...Tuesday December 8th, 2020
Read a wonderful piece about Betty Lo Francisco (LaG '87, Art) and the many ways she has helped the LatinX community.
When speaking about LaGuardia Betty says, “There I got a great education. It was sort of the first time, too, that I got to see so much diversity of people, of students. There were both really rich kids and really poor kids, because they were there for the arts."
"Betty is an entrepreneur, business executive, attorney, and community leader. She is known as a powerful convener and changemaker, unapologetic about creating visibility for Latinx and POC leaders. The Boston Business Journal named Betty as one of the 2020 Power 50 – Extraordinary Year Extraordinary People, and in 2018, Boston Magazine named her as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Boston."
news.northeastern.edu/2020/12/07/betty-francisco-is-working-to-help-the-latinx-community-climb-to... ... See MoreSee Less

Betty Francisco is working to help the Latinx community climb to the top like she did
news.northeastern.edu
Betty Francisco, a graduate of the Northeastern School of Law and D’Amore-McKim School of Business, is an entrepreneur, business executive, attorney, and community leader who sits on five boards. Sh...Monday December 7th, 2020
Congratulations to the 12 YoungArts winners from LaGuardia for 2021 (see list of names below)!
These winners were supported by YOUR generous contributions -- enabling them to take summer study courses to further enhance their area of study and participate in masterclasses and other programs made possible by Alumni & Friends of LaGuardia!
YoungArts winners gain access to one of the most comprehensive programs for emerging artists in the United States, offering financial, professional and artistic development opportunities over the course of their careers.
Go LaGuardia!! www.youngarts.org/winners
Finalists:
Classical Music - Violin: Leah Amory
Dance - Jazz: Wyatt Florin
Dance - Modern/Contemporary: Kelsey Lewis
Dance - Modern/Contemporary: Leon Powell
Dance - Modern/Contemporary: Charles Rosario
Theater: Kate Louissaint (Dance Department '20)
Voice - Singer-Songwriter: Noga Cabo
Honorable Mention:
Design Arts: Laura Sternbach
Film: Cayla Kushner
Theater: Tachynel Merveille
Voice - Singer-Songwriter: Elijah Frechtman
Voice - Jazz: Anaïs Reno
www.youngarts.org/winners ... See MoreSee Less
Monday December 7th, 2020
Congratulations to Ilana Grollman (LaG '21, percussion), who just received the Bronze Award for Best Young Filmmaker at the Independent Shorts Awards for her moving film, "Living with Dementia." Music for the film by Danielle Wu (LaG '21).
Both Ilana and Danielle are also Alumni & Friends Award Recipients for Music.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei7Wfv5e8ag&feature=emb_logo ... See MoreSee Less
Monday December 7th, 2020
Congratulations to dancer Bryan Arias (LaG '04) whose work "The Ninth Wave" just premiered in Russia with the Bolshoi Ballet! Enjoy this interview with Bryan.
www.pointemagazine.com/bryan-arias-bolshoi-ballet-2647781398.html?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1 ... See MoreSee Less

The Bolshoi Is Back Onstage: We Went Inside Bryan Arias' Latest Work
www.pointemagazine.com
This summer, when parts of the world were slowly emerging from the COVID-19 lockdown, all live performing arts events having been canceled or postponed, choreographer Bryan Arias found himself in Mosc...Saturday December 5th, 2020
We say goodbye to David Lander (Performing Arts '65), best known for his role as Squiggy in "Laverne & Shirley." variety.com/2020/tv/news/david-lander-dead-dies-squiggy-laverne-shirley-1234847158/ ... See MoreSee Less

David Lander, Squiggy in ‘Laverne & Shirley,’ Dies at 73
variety.com
Actor David Lander, best known as Squiggy on the ABC sitcom “Laverne & Shirley,” died Friday evening at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, his family confirmed to Variety. …1965 PA yearbook photo of David Lander (David "Landau" in high school)
Thursday December 3rd, 2020
Congratulations Awkwafina (LaG '06)!
Awkwafina will be honored at New York Women in Film and Television’s 41st MUSE Awards virtual ceremony on Dec. 17, from 1 to 3 p.m. ET, an annual event that celebrates women of vision and achievement in television and film.
Awkwafina is receiving the "Made in NY" award from the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME). Established in 2006, the “Made in NY” awards recognize the achievements of people and organizations that have made significant contributions to New York City’s entertainment and digital media industries over the course of their careers.
www.amny.com/entertainment/awkwafina-wins-made-in-ny-award-excellence-acting-music-rap/ ... See MoreSee Less
So happy for her
Hell yeah!! I love her!!
So happy for her ♥️
Norman, I never knew she was one of ours. #LaG4life 🥰
Great actress!
Congratulations - YEY, We are New Yawkers - Stay Proud
👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Thursday December 3rd, 2020
Check out the incredible "PRINZE: THE ONE-MAN SHOW" written and performed by Jose Sonera (LaG '96). “PRINZE: THE ONE-MAN SHOW” tells the story of Freddie Prinze (Performing Arts), the 1970s comedian and star of the tv show "Chico and the Man," who quickly rose to fame and whose life ended all too soon. Prinze dropped out of Performing Arts to pursue comedy and acting and died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at age 22. "PRINZE" has been airing on WNET's "All Arts" channel and can also be seen FREE on their website: allarts.org/programs/house-seats/house-seats-prinze-the-one-man-show-aysrbq/
"PRINZE" played a limited 22-performance engagement in 2018 at The Sheen Center for Thought & Culture in the Black Box Theater.
PRINZE is written and performed by Jose Sonera, an actor/writer who, like Prinze, grew up in New York City. Interlacing Prinze's iconic comedy sets of the 70's with gripping original monologues, Sonera offers a dynamically portrayal of Prinze - the half Hungarian, half Puerto Rican who starred on the groundbreaking television comedy "Chico and The Man" and paved the way for Latino entertainers. In PRINZE, Sonera takes us on an unforgettable journey that illuminates the life of the late comedian and boldly addresses the race, culture, and socio-political topics that are still at the forefront of today's social justice conversations.
allarts.org/programs/house-seats/house-seats-prinze-the-one-man-show-aysrbq/ ... See MoreSee Less

S1 E2: Prinze The One Man Show | House Seats
allarts.org
Sonera wrote and performs in this one-man performance titled “Prinze” that tells the story of the 1970s comedian who quickly rose to fame and whose life ended all too soon.Friday November 27th, 2020
Debbie Allen, who starred in the "Fame" tv series and film, has a new documentary out today on Netflix, “Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker."
The film is "about the vibrant and charming reimagining of the holiday classic that the Debbie Allen Dance Academy presents each season. But it is just as much about Ms. Allen herself."
www.nytimes.com/2020/11/24/arts/dance/debbie-allen-dance-dreams-hot-chocolate-nutcracker.html ... See MoreSee Less

Debbie Allen’s Technique? It’s All About Tough Love
www.nytimes.com
The documentary “Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker” shines a spotlight on Ms. Allen and her academy as it prepares for the holiday classic.Friday November 27th, 2020
Sisters Cherissia and Cherisse Williams (LaG ‘09) wrote a Christmas musical with their father that will premiere November 28 on Broadway On Demand. It features two LaGuardia alumnae: Denielle Gray LaG ‘07) and D’Nasya Jordan (LaG '09). Catch the World Premiere of "A Christmas Deed" on Saturday Nov. 28th, 2020 starting at 7:30pm EST. Available for 24 hours only, on Broadway On Demand. For tickets log on to www.broadwayondemand.com/series/0PuyaEsiMXeg-a-christmas-deed A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Covenant House. We hope you will tune in! ... See MoreSee Less
FAME LIVE FROM LONDON'S WEST END "IS A MASTER CLASS IN MUSICAL THEATRE FROM START TO FINISH!" STREAMING NOW ON BROADWAYHD
Friday November 20th, 2020
Check out the new single by Lisa Gentile (LaG '90)- "Just When I Thought it Would Rain."
www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pop-country-artist-lisa-gentile-pays-tribute-to-her-late-father-... ... See MoreSee Less
Thank you so much for sharing!
Tuesday November 17th, 2020
Thank you to Anthony G. Evans (M&A '79), who enriched our lives with the song "Never Alone" from the FAME soundtrack, sung by the inimitable M&A Gospel Choir! Yesterday, Anthony generously gave his time to teach today's LaGuardia Gospel Choir students the song over Zoom! What a beautiful legacy! Stay tuned for more details on hearing "Never Alone" with voices from the 1970s to 2020! ... See MoreSee Less
Awesome!
Monday November 16th, 2020
Exciting! The Vermont Symphony Orchestra will premiere a piece by current LaG student Arianelle Arroyo for its second online program, “Music for Days Like This.” This event is prerecorded and will be streamed Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. (chat at 7 p.m.).
www.rutlandherald.com/features/vermont_arts/music-for-days-like-this-vso-streams-on-through-the-p... ... See MoreSee Less

‘Music for Days Like This’: VSO streams on through the pandemic
www.rutlandherald.com
After a successful live-streamed Jukebox, the Vermont Symphony Orchestra will present its second online program, “Music for Days Like This,” prerecorded and streamed Nov. 21. Jukebox is largely fo...The VSO is a GREAT orchestra, and the oldest state orchestra in the country. Love that I'm living in Vermont and can enjoy them (normally) in person, year round.
Saturday November 14th, 2020
Enjoy this wonderful new book by Claire Serant (M&A '80), "Images of America St. Albans" (Arcadia Publishing), released in January 2020. This is Serant's first book and chronicles the rise of African American and Caribbean American middle-class families in the southeast Queens neighborhood. M&A alumni Omar Hakim (M&A '77) and Billy Cobham (M&A '60) are featured in the book. Serant is an adjunct professor at Brooklyn College and Medgar Evers College. Available at: www.amazon.com/Albans-Images-America-Claire-Serant/dp/1467104000. ... See MoreSee Less
The link is this post was incorrect and has been updated! www.amazon.com/Albans-Images-America-Claire-Serant/dp/1467104000
Wednesday November 11th, 2020
Enjoy this piece about artist Betty LaDuke (M&A '50).
"Betty LaDuke is one of Oregon’s most internationally recognized artists. She has been traveling the world for more than 60 years, sketching and painting, telling the stories of people linked to land and community. Her colorful, evocative paintings are rooted in survival rhythms, rites of passage and the expression of joy and sorrow.”
www.opb.org/article/2020/11/10/betty-laduke-reflects-on-eight-decades-of-activist-art/ ... See MoreSee Less

Betty LaDuke reflects on 8 decades of activist art
www.opb.org
Ashland’s Betty LaDuke is one of Oregon’s most internationally recognized artists. She's been traveling the world for over 60 year, sketching and painting, telling the stories of people linked to ...Friday November 6th, 2020
MacArthur Genius Grant recipient Jonathan Lethem (M&A '82) is releasing his new novel "The Arrest" on November 10, 2020!
"From the award-winning author of The Feral Detective and Motherless Brooklyn comes an utterly original post-collapse yarn about two siblings, the man that came between them, and a nuclear-powered super car.
The Arrest isn’t post-apocalypse. It isn’t a dystopia. It isn’t a utopia. It’s just what happens when much of what we take for granted—cars, guns, computers, and airplanes, for starters—quits working. . . . "
www.amazon.com/Arrest-Novel-Jonathan-Lethem/dp/0062938789 ... See MoreSee Less
Monday November 2nd, 2020
An interesting piece about influencer Cosette Rinab (LaG '17), who has 2.3 million followers on TikTok, and her efforts to successfully save TikTok from Trump’s executive order banning the app.
www.forbes.com/sites/abrambrown/2020/10/31/how-tiktok-won-a-surprise-legal-victory-to-stay-alive-... ... See MoreSee Less
❤️ Cosette Rinab
Thanks for sharing! 👏🏼
Monday November 2nd, 2020
From one alumnus to another! Read this piece written by folk icon Peter Yarrow (M&A '55) about graphic design icon Milton Glaser (M&A '47):
washingtonspectator.org/milton-glaser-yarrow/ ... See MoreSee Less

The Heart and Art of Milton Glaser
washingtonspectator.org
Milton Glaser—the peerless graphic designer, painter, and visionary for humanity—was a dear and generous friend and ally to me and to Peter, Paul & Mary. His passing, in my life, is that of the lo...Saturday October 31st, 2020
HAPPY HALLOWEEN! We know that Halloween 2020 is VERY different from years past, but I know we all remember the AMAZING costumes from high school! Please share your current or high school Halloween photos in the comments or on instagram @lagalumniandfriends. ... See MoreSee Less
I can't put a photo in the comment for some reason.
Saturday October 31st, 2020
Read a great piece about LaG '19 Art alumnus Shane Araujo, student at Bowdoin College: bowdoinorient.com/2020/10/30/shane-araujo-23-uses-time-away-from-campus-to-reconnect-with-visual-... ... See MoreSee Less

Shane Araujo ’23 uses time away from campus to reconnect with visual art – The Bowdoin Orient
bowdoinorient.com
Over the last eight months of preventative isolation and social distancing, Shane Araujo ’23 has done more than simply pick up a hobby—he has reignited his passion for making art and taken to…Yay Rita Mendes
Friday October 30th, 2020
Read this wonderful piece about artist Katy Schneider (M&A '82, Guggenheim Grant recipient and Smith College Professor) and her hundreds of 3x4 inch paintings created during Covid.
Follow Katy on instagram: @katyschneiderpainter
www.gazettenet.com/Living-Broken-Plate-36889326 ... See MoreSee Less

Visions in tandem: Artists Katy Schneider and Jim Armenti team up to get through abysmal time
www.gazettenet.com
Like so many of us, artist Katy Schneider worried about how to face quarantine and its uncertainty. Rather than bake sourdough, she reached for a bunch of discarded 3-by-4-inch aluminum slides from Sm...Wednesday October 28th, 2020
CASTING CALL! Via Zoom, $500 for a 1/2 day on November 2! All details below.
Nef Jones (M&A/LaG '85) is a casting agent and is
SEEKING FOOD FANS TO SHARE OPINION in BURGER KING VIDEO.
Nef Jones Real People Casting is seeking people ages 25-50's nationwide who enjoy eating at Burger King and would be happy to share their opinion about food for an internal video.
We are not looking for actors - we are looking for people who enjoy Burger King to talk about their real food preferences. Open to individuals, couples, friends, etc.
Looking for people who identify with one or more of these categories in their general food preferences:
- Budget Friendly: People who usually choose value menu items
- Health Aware: People who like a good deal, but generally choose the healthier available menu items
- Taste Focused: People who put taste first - they're focused on good service, good quality, and simple classic flavors.
- Food Adventurer: People who like unique, new foods, and care more about taste than being healthy or budget conscious when trying something new.
- Health Focused: People who generally focus on high quality, fresh ingredients. Health comes first in general in their life.
PAY: Selected participants will be paid $500 for a 1/2 day interview. You will be recorded via ZOOM, from your home.
DATE: Monday Nov. 2nd
Please email nef@nefjonescasting.com:
1. Your name/s, occupation, contact number
2. What category/ies best describes you from above?
3. What restaurants do you eat at from this list (select all that you've eaten at): Burger King, Panera, KFC, Sweetgreen, Subway?
4. 2-3 photos of yourself
5. Please confirm you're NOT an actor and have ZOOM
6. A quick video (selfie mode is fine) answering the following questions (please record in a place that gives of a sense of your space, no blank walls please):
1. Tell us your name, occupation and location
2. What category/ies best describes you, please mention all categories that are a fit (descriptions above), and WHY (please talk about this for 30-90 secs)?
Categories: Budget Friendly, Health Aware, Taste Focused, Food Adventurer, Health Fanatic
3. If you went to Burger King, what would be your order? Is there anything you wish was on the menu?
www.nefjonesrealpeoplecasting.com/ ... See MoreSee Less

NefJones - New York City - Television Commercials - Casting - casting
www.nefjonesrealpeoplecasting.com
Casting Director for television commercials and television shows of Nef JonesPlease email me at: nef@nefjonescasting.com if you are interested in submitting
Pass... 😉
Wednesday October 28th, 2020
Enjoy this beautiful original song and video for "Fireflies" by Alice Texas (LaG '87): www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTK6lSxwn-I ... See MoreSee Less
Happy Birthday Alice and WOW, beautiful SONG!!!
Thursday October 22nd, 2020
#thankfulthursday
Dawnn Lewis (M&A '78) said today: "Some of the best years of my life were spent at M&A! It’s a matchless foundation for the creative growth of our next & future generations."
Learn more about her recent philanthropic work here: www.anewdayfoundation.net/
"Dawnn Lewis hit national TV as Jaleesa in “A Different World.” Not only did she land a leading role, but Lewis also co-wrote the sitcom’s theme song. Her next starring part was in “Hanging With Mr. Cooper,” where she also sang the theme song with Holly Robinson-Peete and En Vogue."
Most recently, Lewis starred as Tina Turner's mom in the Broadway hit "Tina – The Tina Turner Musical." She dedicates much time to motivational speaking and working with underserved youth through her 'A New Day Foundation.'
Fun fact: Dawnn Lewis was one of the LaGuardia 1989 graduation speakers!
Twitter & Insta: @dawnn_lewis ... See MoreSee Less

A New Day Foundation | A New Day Foundation Offers Hope & Empowerment
www.anewdayfoundation.net
Class of 2020 A Message to Class of 2020 Class of 2020 A Message to Class of 2020 Your Support Fuels the Empowerment and Education of Our Youth & Underserved Communities DONATE TODAY Your Support Fuel...Thursday October 22nd, 2020
Enjoy this new video by GET OPEN, featuring Sebastian Bardin-Greenberg (aka Siba Giba, LaG '89) and Kiambu Dickerson (LaG '91): www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ey4agjcEt-k&feature=youtu.be ... See MoreSee Less

GET OPEN - "WHERE I'M FROM" (Official Video)
www.youtube.com
#WHEREIMFROM #NYC #YOUTH #BOOMBAP 3rd Video from the forthcoming album "Front & Center", Director/Réalisateur: Pascal Tessaud/Cypher Films Actors : Adrien Ha...Tuesday October 20th, 2020
Tonight, October 20 at 7pm! Check out THE FUTURE OF CABARET virtual performance featuring LaGuardia students and alumni: Anais Reno (LaG '21, Drama), Jennifer Poroye (LaG '20, Vocal) and Thomas Hogan (LaG '19, Dance), along with LaGuardia accompanist John Prestianni.
The theme of the October 20 concert will be “the future of cabaret.” Foundation board members Adela and Larry Elow have created an endowment fund to encourage teenagers to learn and perform the Great American Songbook, composed between 1900 and 1970. Participants in the fund’s program are pupils at New York City public performing arts high schools and participate in an annual competition.
www.forbes.com/sites/janelevere/2020/10/19/mabel-mercer-foundations-annual-cabaret-convention-beg... ... See MoreSee Less
Tuesday October 20th, 2020
Read a great interview with Lynn Nottage (M&A '82), two-time Pulitzer Prize recipient, and MacArthur Fellowship awardee.
broadwaydirect.com/lynn-nottage-on-finding-inspiration-and-the-future-of-theater/ ... See MoreSee Less

Lynn Nottage on Finding Inspiration and the Future of Theater | Broadway Direct
broadwaydirect.com
Lynn Nottage is optimistic about theater and what it will look like post-pandemic. The two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright interviewed with me two days before the Broadway League announced that...Saturday October 17th, 2020
Enjoy this great oral history about the groundbreaking 2000 independent film "Requiem for a Dream," which starred Marlon Wayans (LaG '90). www.vulture.com/article/an-oral-history-of-requiem-for-a-dream.html
"I slept in the same clothes, literally, for ten days,” Marlon Wayans says of his Requiem preparation. “I barely washed. I would talk like the character. My boys would come over to the house — Omar Epps was concerned, like, Are you okay?” ... See MoreSee Less
Saturday October 17th, 2020
Another awards show with another alumnus! Congratulations to Danny Burstein (PA '82) for his Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for "Moulin Rouge." (Did we miss anyone? Please let us know in the comments if any other alumni were nominated.)
www.playbill.com/article/2020-tony-award-nominations-jagged-little-pill-moulin-rouge-slave-play-l... ... See MoreSee Less
Bravo. Take a bow!
Friday October 16th, 2020
Netflix's new show "Grand Army" is filled with LaGuardia alumni! Watch Amalia Yoo (LaG '20), David Iacono (LaG '20), August Blanco Rosenstein (LaG '19) and Mirabella Raschke-Robinson (LaG '18) star in this exciting new show!
Did we miss anyone?
nypost.com/2020/10/14/meet-the-cast-of-netflixs-gritty-new-nyc-high-school-drama-grand-army/ ... See MoreSee Less

Meet the cast of Netflix’s gritty new NYC high school drama ‘Grand Army’
nypost.com
“Grand Army” — the new Netflix series, which premieres Friday — is the name of a fictional high school near, you guessed it, Grand Army Plaza in Prospect Heights.👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽🤸
Congratulations to all!
Uh yeah Mirabella Rose right
Me!!! I Play Sylvie Costa Episode 9!
Kaÿ Marïe
Shelagh Patterson
Thursday October 15th, 2020
Tune in right now on Behind the Recordz with Rob Love in conversation Dana Dane (M&A '83) - 8pm EST. Watch here www.instagram.com/iamroblove or IG @iamroblove or @DanaDanemedia ... See MoreSee Less
Wednesday October 14th, 2020
Shoutout to 17-year-old LaGuardia drummer Bato Aydelotte who volunteers at the Bowery Mission. He founded the group "The Bowery Jazz Messengers" in 2019 and they played outside the Mission on World Homeless Day (October 10) providing music for people waiting on line for meals
newyork.cbslocal.com/2020/10/10/bowery-mission-jazz/ ... See MoreSee Less

Young Musicians Perform Outside Bowery Mission To Lift Spirits Of Those In Need
newyork.cbslocal.com
Seventeen-year-old Bato Aydelotte, who plays the drums, founded the group in 2019.Taking care of business! Yeah guys!
Unless you’re studying the history of the working class and oppressed that is not taught in school. The resistance and resilience of people who fought slavery and jim crow, fought for unions, for votes for women and many other struggles. We have history we can be proud of!
Kabir Adhiya-Kumarinspiring
Friday October 9th, 2020
We sadly announce the passing of Maynard Solomon (M&A '46), "a musicologist and record producer best known for influential, lucidly written biographies of Beethoven and Mozart as well as a hotly debated scholarly article on Schubert’s sexuality."
www.nytimes.com/2020/10/08/arts/music/maynard-solomon-dead.html ... See MoreSee Less

Maynard Solomon, Provocative Biographer of Composers, Dies at 90
www.nytimes.com
Mr. Solomon probed the psyches of Mozart and Beethoven in critically acclaimed works; he was also co-founder of Vanguard, an adventurous record label.Thursday October 8th, 2020
See the amazing work of Guggenheim Dance Fellow Shamel Pitts (LaG '03) through Jacob's Pillow Dance Residency: www.broadwayworld.com/boston/article/Jacobs-Pillow-Expands-Virtual-Programs-and-Welcomes-Artists-...
"Shamel Pitts is a performance artist, choreographer, conceptual artist, dancer, spoken word artist, and teacher. During his residency, Pitts will develop the second piece in his RED series, Touch of RED. An intensely personal duet performed by Pitts with Tushrik Fredericks, Touch of RED addresses the power of vulnerability and offers its dancers, two Black men, space to soften. As Pitts and Fredericks meet in a performance space akin to a gladiator's arena, heat between them builds, not from aggression but rather from a healing, electrifying effeminacy.
TRIBE is a New York City-based arts collective dedicated to creating, developing, and sharing multidisciplinary art projects and inspired by the afro-futuristic movement. Artistic Director Shamel Pitts is a Guggenheim Fellow (2020), NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellow (2019), and Princess Grace Award winner (2018). Born in Brooklyn, Pitts studied dance at LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, The Ailey School, and The Juilliard School before beginning his dance career in Mikhail Baryshnikov's Hell's Kitchen Dance and Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal. He went on to dance with the Batsheva Dance Company for seven years, under the artistic direction of Ohad Naharin. Pitts was the choreographer for the play Help by poet and playwright Claudia Rankine, directed by Taibi Magar at The Shed in New York. TRIBE is a 92Y Harkness Dance Center Artist In Residence for the 2020-2021 season."
More about Shamel: www.shamelpitts.com/bio/ ... See MoreSee Less
Thursday October 8th, 2020
Check out the new single "Liquid Courage" featuring Broadway veteran Ramona Keller (M&A '85 - Smokey Joe's Café, BKLYN The Musical, Caroline, Or Change. The song is from the upcoming musical theatre concept album "Love & Southern D!scomfort."
"Love & Southern D!scomfort," a musical set in present-day Louisiana, weaves a captivating tale about the Dejoies, an old-money family torn apart by greed, addiction, undiagnosed mental illness, and a long-buried family secret. The story's protagonist, Wilhelmina Dejoie (Keller), sings "Liquid Courage" when she finally "hits bottom" after a lifetime of self-medicating.
www.broadwayworld.com/off-broadway/article/New-Single-Liquid-Courage-From-LOVE-SOUTHERN-DSCOMFORT... ... See MoreSee Less

New Single 'Liquid Courage' From LOVE & SOUTHERN D!SCOMFORT Featuring Ramona Keller to be Released
www.broadwayworld.com
Today Patton Daye Slater Productions announced the forthcoming release of the haunting new single 'Liquid Courage,' a song from the upcoming musical theatre concept album Love & Southern D!scomfort. '...Friday October 2nd, 2020
On October 4, 8-9:30pm and 10/5 at 3pm, catch PA/LaG alumna Orfeh (Broadway's "Legally Blond" and "Pretty Woman") with Andy Karl and Seth Rudetsky on the "Seth Concert Series." Tickets available for $25.
events.broadwayworld.com/event/orfeh-andy-karl-w-seth-rudetsky-10-4-8-pm-et/ ... See MoreSee Less
Thursday October 1st, 2020
Today is the opening of Derek Buckner: Paintings Buckner's (LaG '88) exhibit at the George Billis Gallery in NYC (exhibit through October 24): 525 West 26th Street. Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-5pm, www.georgebillis.com/
See more of Derek's artwork and read his artist statement at: www.derekbuckner.com/ ... See MoreSee Less
Nice (PA '58)
Beautiful
Thanks for the shout out!
Wednesday September 30th, 2020
Tonight, September 30, at 7:30pm catch a FREE virtual livestream concert with current LaGuardia student Anais Reno with Grammy Award-winning music director and pianist Billy Stritch. More about Anais at: www.anaisreno.com/
"This summer, thousands tuned in to hear teenage Reno in her 92Y June concert livestream, "The Quarantine Blues." On Wednesday, September 30 at 7:30 pm ET , Anaïs returns to 92Y's virtual stage with a free livestream concert, this time with Grammy Award-winning music director and pianist Billy Stritch, with whom she has dazzled audiences at Birdland. Join us as this remarkable young singer takes on jewels from the American Songbook-"Comes Love," "Autumn Leaves," "Body and Soul," and more-ahead of the release of her debut album."
www.broadwayworld.com/cabaret/article/Anas-Reno-Performs-With-Billy-Stritch-For-Livestream-Concer... ... See MoreSee Less

Anaïs Reno Performs With Billy Stritch For Livestream Concert at 92Y Online
www.broadwayworld.com
Anaïs Reno Performs With Billy Stritch For Livestream Concert at 92Y OnlineFriday September 25th, 2020
Check out this feature on Roxy Morris Birchfield (LaG '02, Drama), owner of Married By Rev. Roxy, a NYC-based officiating and premarital counseling service.
www.forbes.com/sites/brittanychambers/2020/09/22/celebrity-wedding-officiant-speaks-on-the-busine... ... See MoreSee Less

Celebrity Wedding Officiant Speaks On The Business Of Marriages & Making Them Long Lasting
www.forbes.com
With wedding ceremonies on hit shows on Netflix and more, Rev. Roxanne Birchfield is no stranger to officiating weddings. Learn more about her journey conducting more than 200 weddings, serving as a C...Wow! I had no idea she was an alum!
Friday September 25th, 2020
FREE streaming of "Fame: the Musical" this weekend!
Friday, September 25 starting at 2pm, you will be able to watch the 30th anniversary tour of "Fame: the Musical," starring Keith Jack and Jorgie Porter with Mica Paris, from the Peacock Theatre in London's West End.
This FREE stream is available for 48 hours Only! Don't miss out!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYEEZ04lbDg ... See MoreSee Less

FAME: The Musical - FULL STAGE SHOW | The Shows Must Go On
www.youtube.com
The definitive 30th anniversary tour of Fame: the Musical, starring Keith Jack and Jorgie Porter with Mica Paris, from the Peacock Theatre in London's West E...Tuesday September 22nd, 2020
Check out Audrey Flack's (M&A '47) artwork on view at MoMA The Museum of Modern Art - "Leonardo's Lady" (1974).
And learn about "Queen of Hearts," a documentary about the life and art of Audrey Flack.
"Octogenarian artist Audrey Flack has always been a trailblazer. In this intimate portrait of her life and work, she returns to her canvas for the first time in decades, revealing her longtime struggles as an artist and mother to find her rightful place in the art world." www.audreyflackfilm.com/ ... See MoreSee Less
Monday September 21st, 2020
It appears that every awards show includes at least one LaG, M&A or PA alumnus nominee/winner! Congratulations to Jasmine Cephas Jones (LaG '07, Vocal) for winning her first Emmy Award, for her role in the Quibi series #FreeRayshawn.
And congratulations to Jennifer Aniston (PA/LaG '87) for being nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for "The Morning Show" among so many wonderful actresses.
If there were any other alumni nominated please share in the comments (behind the scenes work, etc.). And always share with us if you know of a fellow alumnus who should be given a shout out. Send to info@alumniandfriends.org
www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winner ... See MoreSee Less
Jasmine Cephas Jones LaG ‘07 Winner for Best Actress in a short form comedy or drama series for #FreeRayshawn
Monday September 21st, 2020
If you're looking for tutoring for your K-12 student, please check out Gertie Zwick Schacter's (LaG '20, Drama) "Filling the Gap" - a NYC organization founded by and comprised of recent graduates from LaGuardia High School.
"We recently experienced the difficult transition from in-person to remote learning. Not only have these conditions set back the education of K-12 students but they have also created a childcare crisis in which parents must take on the role of teachers for their children in addition to their jobs. Simultaneously students previously hoping to attend college in the fall now find themselves at home looking for ways to fill their time meaningfully and financially support themselves. We saw the possibility for these groups of individuals suffering from parallel crises to support one another.
Filling the Gap provides job opportunities for previously college-bound students by pairing them with K-12 students in need of academic and artistic support. We work to pair students with tutors that grew up and learned in their same community, and who represent the best match for them both personally and academically. We offer tutoring in all academic subjects, including AP classes, languages, and various electives. We also offer SAT/ACT and SHSAT tutoring, as well as tutors who can provide college application support. Beyond academics, we are committed to making high-level tutoring in visual arts, dance, theater, and music available for students needing guidance with rehearsals, auditions, portfolios, or looking to continue their craft remotely."
fillingthegapnyc.com/ ... See MoreSee Less
Saturday September 19th, 2020
Read about the life of Music & Art alumnus Steve Carter, Steve Carter, "an award-winning playwright who explored the African-American and Caribbean-American experiences with incisiveness, humor and a willingness to wrestle with difficult themes, including hatred, revenge and forgiveness. Mr. Carter was one of many playwrights to emerge from the renowned Negro Ensemble Company in New York City in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s."
www.nytimes.com/2020/09/17/theater/steve-carter-dead.html ... See MoreSee Less

Steve Carter, Playwright in a Black Theater World, Dies at 90
www.nytimes.com
He emerged from the Black Arts movement and the famed Negro Ensemble Company, writing dramas and satires about the Black and Caribbean-American experiences.Friday September 18th, 2020
Watch a Q&A with the cast of the 2020 remake of "Dune" starring Timothée Chalamet (LaG '13, Drama).
Stephen Colbert hosts cast members Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Zendaya, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Jason Momoa and Javier Bardem, and director Denis Villeneuve.
The stars and filmmaker talk about making the long-awaited sci-fi epic and what it means. The panel includes footage and imagery not included in the first trailer.
"Dune" is expected to hit theaters December 2020.
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Dune (2020) - Cast Q&A with Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin
youtu.be
Stephen Colbert hosts cast members Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Zendaya, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Jason Momoa and Javier Bar...