Wednesday | October 22 | 12:30 pm
Pedro Cortes comes from a family of Spanish Gypsy guitarists and began his studies with his father and the esteemed Flamenco guitarist Sabicas. Having toured professionally since the age of 17, he has gained international recognition as a soloist and composer. The New Yorker credits him with being a major force at keeping Classical Flamenco alive in New York City.
Cortes has worked with a Who’s Who of artists over his career. He was commissioned by the Cohen Brothers to compose music for the film Paris Je T'aime. He also recently starred in a documentary alongside Diego Amador and La Susi. The film, Flamenco Pasion en Peligro won first place in the Madrid International Film Festival.
For this concert Cortes and his quartet will play music from his just released CD, Influencias. The CD, consisting of original music blending tradition and modern expression, is deeply personal for Cortes. The album reflects the legacy of three generations of flamenco guitarists in his family, as well as the profound impact of legendary maestros like Sabicas and Mario Escudero, who carried the spirit of Spain into the heart of New York City. As a Spanish Gypsy raised in NYC, his music carries the tension and beauty of two worlds—the heritage of flamenco and the energy of the city. While honoring tradition, Influencias also embraces a modern vision shaped and influenced by the groundbreaking artistry of Paco de Lucía and the improvisational brilliance of jazz masters such as Al Di Meola, John McLaughlin, and Pat Martino, among others
Featuring
Pedro Cortes – flamenco guitar
Ali Bello – violin
Dan Perez – alto saxophone & flute
Jose Moreno – percussion, vocals, guitar
Thursday | November 20 | 12:30 pm
Demolition String Band
Led by Elena Skye and Boo Reiners, the Demolition String Band fuses Country, Roots, Rock’n’Roll, and Mountain Soul. These NYC mainstays have shared bills with The Avett Brothers, Patti Smith, Ricky Skaggs, Joan Osborne, and more, and they’ve appeared on the Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour and The Conan O’Brien Show.
Music lovers will hear a mix of the group’s original songs as well as traditional material with an emphasis on the songs of music icon Woody Guthrie. His anthem, This Land Is Your Land, is known far and wide throughout the world and has been performed or recorded by everyone from Bing Crosby to Lady GaGa.
Their Woody Guthrie collaboration, Go Coney Island, Roll On the Sand, appears on the Grammy-nominated My Name Is New York: Ramblin’ Round Woody Guthrie’s Town.
This nostalgic, not-to -be missed concert will move young and old as the band performs “old-school” around a single microphone, juggling banjo, mandolin and guitars while weaving rustic, taut harmony vocals with tall tales and truth, joy and heartbreak, despair and redemption.
Featuring
Elena Skye - vocals, guitar, mandolin
Boo Reiners - vocals, banjo, guitar
Matt Quinones - upright bass, vocals
Ken Shoji - fiddle
Thursday | December 11 | 12:30 pm
Backtrack Vocals is a New York City-based vocal group celebrated for their dynamic performances that blend heart, humor, and harmony. They’ve toured extensively across the United States and have performed internationally in Canada, Vietnam, and Kazakhstan. Their versatile repertoire—spanning current pop, Motown, Broadway, classical, original music, and more—offers something for everyone.
Since launching on YouTube in 2013, Backtrack has amassed over 115,000 subscribers and 13 million views. They’ve appeared on NBC, FOX, PBS, HBO’s PAUSE with Sam Jay, and STEVE! with Steve Harvey, and have performed at prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, the Beacon Theatre, and the Rainbow Room, to name a few. Earlier this year, they made their Lincoln Center debut as special guests in the 10th Anniversary Total Vocal Concert, hosted by a cappella pioneer Deke Sharon. The group was also featured on NBC performing at the Apollo Theater in a Joan Rivers tribute, opening the show singing alongside Tiffany Haddish.
Education and community engagement are central to Backtrack’s mission. They’ve led interactive programs at over 250 schools worldwide, from elementary assemblies to college workshops. Covering topics like beatboxing, group vocal improv, pop vocal technique, and a cappella arranging, their sessions help students discover their unique voices.
In September 2024, Backtrack released their debut album of original music, Part of the Fun, now available on all streaming platforms. The album earned runner-up for Best Pop EP at the 2024 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards.
Whether on stage, on screen, or in the classroom, Backtrack Vocals continues to use the power of voice to connect, inspire, and entertain audiences around the world.
Featuring
Melissa Jordano
Mike Hinkle
Chrissy Aloisio
Max Addae
Michael Crisol
