Beethoven in Bed-Stuy Brooklyn?

While the thought of classical music may seem foreign in a part of Brooklyn more commonly associated with gangster rap and hip-hop, the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Plaza hosted a special performance by the Brooklyn Philharmonic featuring a remix of Beethoven’s 3rd Symphony “Eroica” by local DJ Eddie Marz.  In addition to Beethoven, BKLYN PHIL also played a tribute to the late Lena Horne with vocalist Leslie Uggams, and accompanied artist Yasiin Bey (aka Mos Def) in a unique and energizing performance. Of note, both Lena Horne and Yasiin Bey are natives of Bedford-Stuyvesant, a reflection of the numerous talents to emerge from the neighborhood.

Led by conductor Alan Pierson, the Brooklyn Philharmonic played compositions arranged by Andrew Norman (Beethoven 3rd Symphony and remix by DJ Eddie Marz) and Derek Bermel (“Life in Marvelous Times” collaboration with Yasiin Bey). The orchestra adapted well to the outdoor venue, and fortunately the forecast calling for rain was incorrect and the audience at Restoration Plaza enjoyed a beautiful summer night of music under dry skies.

The collaboration between the Brooklyn Philharmonic and Bed-Stuy Restoration was a great way to bring orchestral music to a new audience, and a neighborhood of children who may have few other chances to view a live performance by a symphony.  It was encouraging to see how many families showed up for the concert and I personally overheard several children asking their parents about the different instruments being played by the musicians.  If for nothing other than to generate interest in music and the arts among the children of Bed-Stuy, then the concert was definitely a success.  According to DJ Eddie Marz, the performance incorporated the culture of Brooklyn while introducing kids to a culture that normally doesn’t exist in their world.

Flowers Bloom Over Adversity

Elena Mazza is a strong and beautiful Latina of Argentinian descent living and working in New Jersey with her daughter Arianna. Her entrepreneurial business, AriLib Flowers, a successful start-up which produces custom designed artificial floral arrangements for corporate events, weddings and parties, is named in part for her daughter and in part an acronym meaning 'life is beautiful'.  Her designs have been featured at fashion shows, magazine launch parties and at charitable fundraising events such as the 'Got Pink?' breast cancer event.

Life wasn't always beautiful or easy for Mazza.  When her daughter was 4 years old, she moved her family to Argentina with her then husband - Arianna's father.  Her husband became abusive and after several years, Mazza found the strength to leave him, determined to return to the U.S. with Arianna.  Her husband, furious that she left, filed kidnapping charges against her in international court.  A warrant for her arrest was issued and her long battle to clear her name of wrongdoing and keep her daughter with her in the United States began.  Despite the fact that Arianna was born in New Jersey and is a U.S. citizen, international law recognizes the place that the child has been habitually been living and required her return to Argentina.  There are a few exceptions that can be made such as if the country is at war, in famine or if the child is subject to physical or psychological abuse.  Mazza went into debt and borrowed from friends and family to pay for lawyers to defend her and provide the burden of proof that Arianna would be harmed if returned to Argentina.  After a few long years, the case was decided in her favor and Arianna was allowed to remain in the U.S.

The idea of making flowers came to Mazza during her job as a teacher for special needs students.  What started as an art project, became an outlet for Mazza to express herself and bring in additional income.  Her small business is growing and thriving now, much like Arianna.  Now 12 years old, she has an interest in modeling and sometimes accompanies her mom to fashion shows where AriLib Flowers will be on display.

Interview with Adrienne Bailon

A Chic Start to New York Fashion Week

A big shout out and thank you to Herve Racaud and everyone from Planete Chic! The fashion show was great, from the venue to the sponsors and the designers.  Thanks for inviting VIVE Katerin and providing behind the scenes access to the designers, models and supporting staff.