The Manhattan Times

M. Tony Peralta participated in a panel discussion around “Complejo,” his own solo exhibition at the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance’s gallery which explores issues of identity, race, and self-esteem.

Story and photos by Sherry Mazzocchi

Calling it complicated was an understatement.

It was clear that M. Tony Peralta’s controversial exhibit, “Complejo,” at Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance resonated with viewers.

“The Act of Love,” the new comedic short film starring Michael Diaz and Rachel Strauss-Muñiz, which features the story of a warring pair of actors (who are also a couple) facing some very serious – and funny – truths as their own young son, also an actor, is offered an opportunity of a lifetime.

Local Washington Heights  producer/writer/actor Michael Diaz, with director Rob Drake, wanted to tell the story of dysfunctional actors married to each other from his own dating experiences. Diaz explains, “The insecurity and competition can sometimes wreck the relationship.”

Co-star Rachel Strauss-Muñiz enjoyed playing an exaggerated character. “I think I am the complete opposite [of Summer].  She is deceiving, devilish. Playing these up in the film was a lot of fun!”

Tickets are now on sale at HBO NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL LATINO FILM FESTIVAL website.  Log on to the new website for more information: nylatinofilm.com.  You may also view “The Act of Love” trailer http://vimeo.com/27178813.

The film  will be premiering tonight at AMC Empire 25 Theatres, 234 West 42nd Street, New York City at 7pm.

The Manhattan Times is pleased to offer an exclusive 2 free tickets to tonight’s debut screening to our readers.

Simply email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by 5 pm today with your name, email and phone number. Winners will be chosen at random and notified immediately. Tickets will be available at the theater tonight, under winner’s name.

While walking along St. Nicholas Avenue in the heart of Washington Heights, Jonathan Ullman, who  moved to New York City from Los Angeles 14 years ago, began tinkering with an idea.

When local artist Tony Peralta packed up the last art piece at his studio and made the trip to the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance (NoMAA) gallery to set up his work, for a split second, he started feeling nervous.

The Third Annual Jazz Concert, held in honor of the late Council Member Stanley Michels this weekend, will feature the sounds of Marjorie Elliot and her Jazz Ensemble in Fort Tryon Park. PHOTO CREDIT: thepinehurst.org

The NYC Parks and Recreation, the Fort Tryon Park Trust and the Michels Family invite all community residents to join them this Sunday, July 31^st from 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm to the Third Annual Jazz Concert.

The concert, which is being held in honor of the late Council Member Stanley Michels, will feature local legend Marjorie Elliot and her Jazz Ensemble.

The rain date is Sunday, August 7^th.

Attendees are asked to enter the park at Margaret Corbin Circle where Fort Washington Avenue and Cabrini Boulevard converge.

For more information, please contact the Fort Tryon Park Trust at www.forttryonparktrust.org or at 212.795.1388 x 300.

Photo Credit:  Rayon Richards

Uptown, as we know it, has both served as home, stomping ground, and backdrop for a fair number of local legends who’ve come through and shown our blocks some love.

Local artist Tony Peralta has spent the last three months working in a silkscreen studio making the pieces of his upcoming “Complejo” exhibition which will open the first week of August. 

It’s 9 am, and Tony Peralta gets on the 1 train near his Post Avenue Studio to take a ride downtown to the School of Visual Arts (SVA) where he takes continuing education classes and prints his work.

Local artist Tony Peralta, is gearing up for his upcoming exhibition “Complejo” a deeply personal collection that looks to explore the issues of skin color, hair texture, self-esteem and what it means to be Latino and Black.

Growing up, perhaps you thought your nose was too big.

Maybe it was your ears that bothered you, or the texture of your hair. You were too tall. Too short.

Daniel Gwirtzman

Story by Elyssa Ramirez

Photos by Amanda Hiciano

Elaine Marie Benes would feel right at home.

Starting July 18th, students of the 2011 Washington Heights Summer Dance Festival will join local dance repertory the Daniel Gwirtzman Dance Company every day, for six days, from 9 am to 6 pm, to participate in daily technique, repertory, composition, and master classes.

Fred Arcoleo performs during the open mic at the closing reception for the Uptown Arts Stroll on Mon., June 27. PHOTO: Ruben Henriquez

by Erica Varlese
They came to perform at the open mic armed with silky smooth voices and staccato chants, the wit of street-level rap and folksy poetic musings, six-string guitars and even a trombone.
They also came to tie a big festive bow around this year’s edition of the Uptown Arts Stroll, Northern Manhattan’s ninth annual arts festival.