Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park - Israel Pabon and Estudio II Orchestra July 31, 2007

The Franklin Park Coalition (FPC) partners with the National Center of Afro-American Artists (NCAAA) and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department's ParkARTS Program to present a performing arts series named for the founder and director of the Elma Lewis School of Fine Arts. Lewis, a beloved Boston icon, established Playhouse in the Park in 1966, and presented artists like Duke Ellington, Olatunji, Billy Taylor, the Boston Ballet and Odetta. In its original inception, it ran through 1978.

Israel Pabon, master drummer and band leader for 30 years, has helped to pave the way for Boston’s Latin jazz movement. Pabon was a student of Babatunde Olatunji at the Elma Lewis School of Fine Arts, at the age of fifteen. This performance is designed to highlight the tradition of Latin jazz and will culminate with a vocal and cello homage to Olatunji – whose musical life spawned so many superb musicians.

Official Website: http://www.franklinparkcoalition.org