LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Brooklyn Academy of Music upon the
occasion of hosting its Noche Cubana Gala

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend those musical institutions that have brought entertainment and
cultural enrichment to the citizens of the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Brooklyn Academy of Music upon the occasion of hosting its Noche
Cubana Gala, to be celebrated on Tuesday, May 17, 2011; and
WHEREAS, The festivities will feature intimate performances by guest
artists Grammy Award winner Arturo O'Farrill and Ballet Folklorico
Cutumba, two modern legends of the Cuban music scene; and
WHEREAS, BAM's mission is to be the preeminent, progressive performing
and cinema arts center of the 21st century, engaging both global and
local communities; the institution strives to create a distinctive envi-
ronment for an inspirational and transformative aesthetic experience;
and
WHEREAS, Known as America's oldest continuously operating performing
arts center, the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) is a major performing
arts venue in Brooklyn, known as a center for progressive and avant
garde performance; founded in 1861, the first BAM facility was conceived
as the home of the Philharmonic Society of Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, BAM is a not-for-profit organization which presents or
produces up to 220 stage performances each year, many of international
origin; and
WHEREAS, BAM has a four-screen cinema, open 365 days a year, present-
ing new releases and BAMcinematek repertory films; in 2008, it had a
record breaking attendance of 550,000; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, BAM's distinguished record merits
the recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Brooklyn Academy of Music upon the occasion of hosting its
Noche Cubana Gala; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Brooklyn Academy of Music Trustees Therese Esperdy, Alberto
Sanchez, and Banco Santander S.A.