Paterson Music Project

Paterson Music Project Blog: Voices of the Silk City by Danielle Lefebvre | November 2018

The Art in the Park Showcase is a free, public event featuring performances by local artists from the Silk City in the heart of Paterson’s Great Falls National Park. On October 14, PMP performed alongside other student and adult groups presented through different mediums of art such as dance, monologue, poetry, murals, and music. This was the second year that PMP has participated in the event.

New this year, was a collaboration with New York City-based salsa band, People of Earth (POE). POE is a dynamic world music ensemble creating an explosive blend of music from Cuba, Puerto Rico, Brazil and beyond.  PMP performed the famous tune, “Oye Como Va,” alongside People of Earth.

PMP staff member Danielle Lefebvre sat down with POE’s director, Gabriel Globus-Hoenich about the event. Here’s what he had to say:

How was the experience performing with the PMP kids?

Personally it was extra special playing with my best friends, who I teach alongside, and to play for students and their families. It was great to interact with students and their families and seeing their reaction to the fusion music. We usually play for a general audience, so performing for families was special since we are trying to incorporate and develop a family audience in our program. Half the band are teachers and some students.

What was the significance of the music you chose?

We wanted to choose a mix of songs in English and Spanish because the families are mixed, so we performed, “Oye Como Va.” We wanted music about inclusion, sharing, and friendship. We played original songs as well as a Stevie Wonder cover that touches on socio-economic issues.

What was the significance of the Great Falls Festival to you?

“It was our first Great Falls Festival; it was beautiful, great production staff, super cool venue, and a beautiful place!”

Paterson Music Project Blog: Voices of the Silk City by Danielle Lefebvre | October 2018

Cold air and rain-soaked streets set the scene for the Gran Fondo bike race in Morristown, NJ the morning of September 9. Seven riders in support of the Paterson Music Project took on the two-wheeled challenge, riding a distance ranging from 18 to 107 miles. Each rider prepared in their own way, but all walked away with a great sense of accomplishment. Not only did everyone finish the race despite incessant rain and cold temperatures, the team raised over $7,000!

Pam Palumbo, Director of Development for WIPA, recalls that, “the discomfort of being wet and chilled didn’t diminish our team’s enthusiasm” as she successfully completed her 42-mile trek. PMP Program Director, Elizabeth Moulthrop, spent her summer weekends leading up to the event preparing for the physical challenge. According to Liz, the Gran Fondo is known for its elevation gain, so she prepared accordingly doing practice rides in the Adirondacks and western New Jersey. This year there were a few new faces to Team PMP, including PMP Teaching Artist, Bernie Visto. He says, “The start was a memorable one, being it was my first ride with the PMP team.” Almost 3,000 bikers participate annually and gather at a mass start at 7 a.m.

The Gran Fondo challenged our team to rise to the occasion physically, as well as promote a cause we all believe in—the Paterson Music Project. Thanks to the team’s efforts in training, fundraising, and finishing the rainy ride, PMP was able to raise $7,000, surpassing last year’s total amount by three times. Congratulations and thank you to our PMP riders for their dedication and commitment to our cause!