When Salsa and Jazz Had a Baby:

Picture provided by: J.A. Ramirez

 

The Nine-time Grammy Award winner, Eddie Palmieri had his audience on our feet and moving as rhythmically as his fingers hitting the keys. Eddie and his 11-piece Salsa Orchestra closed the DC Jazz Festival this past Sunday, June 12.



Picture provided by: J.A. Ramirez

Eddie, a born and raised New Yorker from the South Bronx whose parents migrated from Ponce, Puerto Rico to the States back in 1926; was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the DC Jazz Festival.

Eddie was inspired and followed in the steps of his older brother the late Carlos Manuel Palmieri aka Charlie Palmieri aka “The Giant of the Keyboards.” By the age of 5 (Eddie) and 14 (Charlie); the brotherly duo were winning an array of prizes playing Jazz.  By the time Eddie turned 14 they started their own band. In the1950’s they fused Latin Salsa (from their parents homeland ) and the smooth vibes of Jazz. They're achievements at such a tender age earned them the right to play with various artists including Tito Rodriguez. Throughout his career he has played on the same stages as Patti LaBelle, Bob Marley, and More.

Picture provided by: J.L. Jordan

Sunday’s event was just as magical as his past events. He lit up the stage and got the crowd to our feet! Eddie kicked off his set with a dedication to Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who made an appearance. My heart fluttered with pride as I witnessed this dashing and educated Latina humbly stand and receive a standing ovation from all who were at the National Mall. Eddie showed his gratitude of Justice Sotomayor’s presence by serenading the admirable Latina with “Muñeca” a salsa/jazz fusion that made those who were sitting jump up, igniting the event.



Picture provided by: J.A. Ramirez

 The passion, love, and admiration circled the ambiance of the event. People of all generations, colors, creeds, nationalities were not only present, but were partaking in the festivities. We were dancing in our seats, on the grassy lawn, on the side of the stage, and behind security. We were singing and cheering and embracing our inner Latin ‘Sazon’!

Congratulations, goes out to all the folks who prepared the DC Jazz Festival 2011! The event was a huge success and brought back to light that Music is the language of love that fires the passion in our souls and blossoms the admiration for the artists, the listeners, and our respective communities. At the end of the event, when Eddie and his 11-piece Orchestra took their final bow, an onlooker summed up the thirst for this type of event in the DMV area by stating the obvious, “Awwe, their done?!? I was hoping they’d keep going”. Mr. Eddie Palmieri, I congratulate you on all your achievements and thank you for your ongoing dedication to not only your music and fans but also for your generosity in mentoring countless young musicians throughout your career!

And to all the young aspiring musicians and artists of the DMV; please don’t forget why you started with music in the first place. Of course it’s an outlet for your emotions. Just don’t let out the true purpose of your art and have it tarnished by the want to emulate what is not conducive to the progression of your full potential. #justathought

As always CHANGE THE STREETS DON'T LET THE STREETS CHANGE YOU......DO SOMETHING! 

Signed,

A.P .  MCghee

A.P MCghee
"The Sherlock Holmes of your Streets"
In The Streets
React Radio DC, WPWC 1480 AM