On February 3, 2007 I celebrated my birthday
with an incredible party attended by well over 200 family and friends
that included some of the greatest musicians in the world. This
was the 9th consecutive year that I had a live band and it was the
second time I was honored to have the great Giovanni Hidalgo play
for my party. Percussionist, Erik Piza surprised me by inviting
baseball legend, Bernie Williams. Bernie was captivated by the likes
of Giovanni Hidalgo and Little Johnny Rivero who are renown percussionists
from his native Puerto Rico. He was so gracious in posing for hundreds
of photos by his adoring fams. My wife Vivianne spent over a week
shopping, making arrangements and cooking for this party. We got
roti imported from Brooklyn and a Dominican cake brought in from
the Bronx. Special thanks to Juan and Joanne Torres for picking
it up. It was the first time that there was no food left over!
I was further honored to have my friend,
Les Stein fly in from Sydney, Australia;
D. and Giana Kerrison and son fly in from
California; Anita Quinto and Rebecca come
down from Boston and those who came from
the outer reaches of Long Island and Brooklyn.
Special thanks to David Beverly for all
the technical preparation and post production
work with the video and sound editing and
the amazing job that Manny Mieles did in
mixing the sound.
I am truly blessed with the kindness shown
to me in making this evening the most memorable
in history. I hope I am able to do it again
next year.
To see exclusive photos from this event, please
click here.
To see exclusive videos from this event,
please click:
Part 1: Giovanni Hidalgo and Little Johnny Rivero
Part 2: Giovanni
Hidalgo and Little Johnny Rivero
Part 3: Giovanni
Hidalgo and Little Johnny Rivero
Part 4: Giovanni
Hidalgo solos on Timbales with all star band
Part 5: Giovanni
Hidalgo, Little Johnny Rivero and Pedro "Pedrito" Martinez
Part 6: Giovanni
Hidalgo, Little Johnny Rivero and Pedro "Pedrito" Martinez
Part 7: Giovanni
Hidalgo, Little Johnny Rivero, Pedro "Pedrito" Martinez
Part 8: Giovanni
Hidalgo and Little Johnny Rivero
Part 9: Coming
Soon
More videos to come. Stay posted to Congahead.com
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