How US Military Brought Latin to Jazz

San Juan Hill NYC

​By Claudie Benjamin Latin Music and its infusion into early Jazz arrived in New York City by design rather than by chance. Several well-documented migrations of Puerto Ricans to the Upper West Side’s San Juan Hill, and other blocks mainly occurred...

Salute to Firefighters

Amsterdam Avenue, Amsterdam Avenue, San Juan Hill NYC

​By Claudie Benjamin Even an eternal optimist has likely been shaken by the volatilities of the city, nation, and turmoil characterizing world affairs as 2025 begins. Pick your poison, and all the variables of slashing and other violence are lurking behind the...

“San Juan Heal” Stands Out at Lincoln Center

David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center, Public Art, San Juan Hill NYC, Temporary Art

by Sarah McCully It’s hard to miss the bright colors dotting David Geffen Hall’s typically neutral facade. Since early October of last year, the newly renovated concert hall’s northern windows have played host to a temporary art installation called...

Historic Memory

San Juan Hill NYC

By Claudie Benjamin No question cars can be dangerous machines. Most NYC drivers drive cautiously following the rules outlined in the driver’s test manual.  Not so for riders of CitiBike, personal bikers, delivery bikers, motor scooters and tots on...

Strength of Memories

San Juan Hill NYC

By Claudie Benjamin Surrounded by hardship in childhood and adolescence, Richard Ward still thinks of his youth’s happy moments. Now at 78, his memory for detail is exceptional. His perspective on life is judgmental. It seems that seeing and feeling...

63rd Street Kids

San Juan Hill NYC, West 67th Street

By Claudie Benjamin Everybody knows the Charleston rhythm. Most have some idea about the look of the dance. [1] The Charleston has been filmed in at least a half dozen films and captured in hundreds of photos including an iconic image of Josephine Baker performing the...