{"id":3658,"date":"2025-04-17T18:16:36","date_gmt":"2025-04-17T22:16:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bronx-trend.com\/?p=3658"},"modified":"2025-09-22T11:07:21","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T15:07:21","slug":"lehman-center-for-the-performing-arts-in-the-bronx","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bronx-trend.com\/en\/eternal-3658-lehman-center-for-the-performing-arts-in-the-bronx","title":{"rendered":"Lehman Center for the Performing Arts in the Bronx"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Latin American culture is popular around the world, and in the Bronx, it&#8217;s not unusual to hear Spanish spoken and salsa music playing. One of the best places to experience this is the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts. After the deep crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a struggle for the center to get back on its feet, but thanks to the tireless work and dedication of its director, the Lehman Center has reopened its doors to fans of Latin American culture. Find out more at <a href=\"http:\/\/bronx-trend.com\/\">bronx-trend.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0eaa2abe357\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0eaa2abe357\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/bronx-trend.com\/en\/eternal-3658-lehman-center-for-the-performing-arts-in-the-bronx\/#Lehman_Centers_Origins\" >Lehman Center&#8217;s Origins<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/bronx-trend.com\/en\/eternal-3658-lehman-center-for-the-performing-arts-in-the-bronx\/#Major_Renovation\" >Major Renovation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/bronx-trend.com\/en\/eternal-3658-lehman-center-for-the-performing-arts-in-the-bronx\/#Revival_After_the_Pandemic\" >Revival After the Pandemic<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/bronx-trend.com\/en\/eternal-3658-lehman-center-for-the-performing-arts-in-the-bronx\/#Under_the_Leadership_of_Eva_Bornstein\" >Under the Leadership of Eva Bornstein<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Lehman_Centers_Origins\"><\/span>Lehman Center&#8217;s Origins<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the Bronx is known as the global center of hip-hop, salsa holds an equally important place here. The genre is deeply rooted in the borough&#8217;s culture. After World War II, many <a href=\"https:\/\/bronxanka.com\/en\/eternal\/bronx-superstar-jennifer-lopez\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Puerto Ricans<\/a> arrived in New York, bringing their music and traditions with them. And while the neighborhood has changed over time, the Hispanic community still plays a vital role in shaping the Bronx&#8217;s musical and cultural identity. The Latino population in the Bronx is huge; it&#8217;s the only borough in New York where this group makes up the majority, at over 53%. So it&#8217;s no surprise that the cultural sector has many communities and organizations dedicated to supporting Latin artists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bronx-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2025\/04\/ad_4nxcmn9p3njahh6cbtfkxj2azbdat8rmh8vn_tm3h1c2jzzfvboeitogjs2ds6fn20cxre66-awhzlaylxna4lutqdl_xi24l3t-upu6uvtqpxdth4ufbmai_ew-2mgcjv3n9alelpqkey8knp7znqcvuwywrc_6xq5pk3.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Lehman Center for the Performing Arts opened in 1980. It was designed by Jan Hird Pokorny and the architectural firm David F.M. Todd &amp; Associates. The center operates as an independent nonprofit organization, welcoming over 200,000 visitors each year during its concert season from September to June. It also hosts school graduations and numerous community events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Salsa legend Willie Col\u00f3n, a Bronx native, said in an interview that the center is a real point of pride for the borough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cI love to perform here; the energy makes this place feel like home to me,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Another star salsa artist, Jos\u00e9 Alberto &#8220;El Canario,&#8221; also called the Lehman Center one of his favorite places to perform:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cThe Bronx is the heart of salsa. And even though I&#8217;m Dominican, the local audience makes me feel like one of their own.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the decades, the Lehman Center stage has hosted famous artists like Jos\u00e9 Feliciano, B.B. King, Eddie Palmieri, and Joan Rivers. When it opened, it was the only major cultural center in the Bronx, with a seating capacity of 2,275. Even 45 years later, it remains the largest concert venue and a key hub for Latin American art in the borough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Major_Renovation\"><\/span>Major Renovation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In November 2017, the Lehman Center began a major reconstruction that lasted just under two years. The renovation added over 5,500 square feet of new space. Key upgrades included a stunning new main entrance and a spacious glass lobby. Other improvements were new seating, a renovated box office, ADA-compliant ramps, a new elevator to the balcony, updated restrooms, event spaces, flooring, and administrative offices. The Lehman Center became even more welcoming and comfortable. Soft seating, carpeted aisles, accessibility for people with disabilities, and other new features were a pleasant surprise for visitors to the renovated center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bronx-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2025\/04\/ad_4nxdfr5pe4wu3pq7w3dhn2hhoqjp87-5rv-ccoljx1f-a-s78f_rsi3s6j96f9jcahifwn7u26qp9a6gmkorejio4si_4r_jhz_hpa-kfjg42ggyxqtddybvhhzpvysphgvc8a8vmakey8knp7znqcvuwywrc_6xq5pk3.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The official ceremony for the completion of the renovation featured esteemed guests, including City University of New York (CUNY) Chancellor F\u00e9lix V. Matos Rodr\u00edguez, Vice Chancellor for Infrastructure Judith Bergtraum, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. (a Lehman College alumnus), and city council and assembly members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cYou no longer need to go to Manhattan to enjoy the arts\u2014it&#8217;s all right here in the Bronx,\u201d said Rodr\u00edguez.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>According to him, the revitalized center embodies CUNY\u2019s cultural mission to be a source of creativity and inspiration not only for students but for local residents, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bronx-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2025\/04\/ad_4nxcxhk_jokjaqozddokhakwmxhunfqvpceqd2fibqxsowevqljdbv06ll0pijn1zsejtox6v0q8q5ed30og3klqongl60ze0gamfpnxufump9pztkgksmmvytctifcr_otd6kxrekey8knp7znqcvuwywrc_6xq5pk3.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Revival_After_the_Pandemic\"><\/span>Revival After the Pandemic<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>But the joy of the new and improved Lehman Center was short-lived. The infamous pandemic impacted this cultural hub, too. Like all entertainment venues, the Lehman Center was forced to close its doors for an extended period. The break lasted for a long 19 months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, in the fall of 2021, the Lehman Center reopened. The return was celebrated with a lively concert featuring Andy Monta\u00f1ez, known as the &#8220;Godfather of Salsa,&#8221; along with The Mambo Legends Orchestra and Patti Padilla. Despite strict rules\u2014vaccination, masks, and other safety measures\u2014the magic of art prevailed. The artists and audience were thrilled, and the long hiatus only strengthened the emotional bond between fans of authentic Latin music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reopening was an uphill battle. The Lehman Center had closed shortly after its $15.4 million renovation was completed. It lost 90% of its income. Federal support was a lifeline\u2014a $1 million grant from a relief program for shuttered arts venues. While the process was complex and involved constant paperwork and endless Zoom meetings, the Lehman Center&#8217;s leadership successfully secured the funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lehman College President Daniel Lemons emphasized that the center&#8217;s reopening in its 40th anniversary year held special significance. It confirmed that despite all its hardships and obstacles, the Lehman Center remains a leading cultural institution in the Bronx, proudly representing the art and energy of the Latin community in a time of great change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Under_the_Leadership_of_Eva_Bornstein\"><\/span>Under the Leadership of Eva Bornstein<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>But it&#8217;s unlikely the Lehman Center would have been able to rise again after the pandemic without its incredible director, Eva Bornstein, who fought for its survival with all her strength and resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bronx-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2025\/04\/ad_4nxd0ozlnplsr6wtrprbvf7mcfmohx3zalvjg7_yqoqypwv147hjtlsfislkxxykfsfrpq8mgap0erpsuda0ckmp9zvedppexmssqssclntxqwqeimxkptgqjsh8zjsn7s4c83k-ckey8knp7znqcvuwywrc_6xq5pk3.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Before she took the helm at the Lehman Center, she had no experience with Latin music; her professional background was primarily in classical arts: opera, symphonies, and ballet. Eva Bornstein already had a successful career, having worked at leading arts institutions in the US and Canada, including the Woodstock Opera House in Illinois, the Fairfield Orchestra in Connecticut, and the Mozart Festival in Canada, which she founded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eva&#8217;s guide to mastering salsa and understanding Latin music culture was Janet Sanchez, a longtime Lehman Center employee who had worked there since 1996. Sanchez introduced Bornstein to the history of the genre, its key performers, and popular songs. Sanchez was born in the Bronx but grew up in Puerto Rico. She would bring in CDs, and together with Bornstein, they would discuss the music and decide what to bring to Lehman. Thanks to the collaboration of two fantastic women\u2014a sincere fan of Latin music and a talented arts manager\u2014the Lehman Center was completely transformed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bronx-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2025\/04\/ad_4nxdxxu7yq_i_ilnrab0tsihnlxxtvqrvcjazwdlbpbfb-pxpkgxcgna3eqdl5o84ihvqtukjapth-rlgdfuqupevmkqwxwkwfbugs_jhmo_3h0awq5zhuaxo-xv1vgrf0q1eqsxhkey8knp7znqcvuwywrc_6xq5pk3.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Eva Bornstein was determined to create something truly special and needed in the Bronx. Before she became director, few people knew about the Lehman Center, and events were rare. The new director recalls how she realized that the Bronx had gone from being a predominantly <a href=\"https:\/\/bronx-trend.com\/en\/eternal-2402-jewish-theaters-and-their-promotion-in-the-bronx-by-boris-aronson\">Jewish<\/a> neighborhood to a hub of Latin American culture:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cI drove around the neighborhood, listened to what was playing in people\u2019s cars, and realized\u2014people were listening to salsa, merengue. That became the impetus to rethink the center\u2019s program. Everyone told me I was crazy and that people in the Bronx wouldn&#8217;t be able to afford tickets to such concerts, but I took a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>One powerful example of the new direction was the &#8220;Palladium in the New Millennium&#8221; concert\u2014a tribute to the legendary Palladium Ballroom where the &#8220;Big Three&#8221; of salsa, Machito, Tito Puente, and Tito Rodr\u00edguez, once performed. Their sons, who continue the tradition under the name The Big 3 Palladium Orchestra, took to the stage. Tickets ranged from $25 to $100, which was far more affordable than Manhattan venues. The hall was completely full.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Lehman Center also became a place where Bronx residents could experience great classical art. For example, it hosted a performance of &#8220;The Nutcracker&#8221; by the Westchester Ballet. For many, this is their only chance to see &#8220;The Nutcracker&#8221; because tickets for shows at the ABT are far too expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.bronx-trend.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/49\/2025\/04\/ad_4nxfjcclafzv43a7yj8cz9oeqwq6ks1atkjq3ikwhdq7m5kkfdvvqj8j2fdmotz-povcjftzpzwblo6genyp37ho-stt06-rjktvfgbczagagsli6gdx2k2_2dnb-8qtjxiccdtkey8knp7znqcvuwywrc_6xq5pk3.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Ms. Bornstein also plans to add a caf\u00e9 and a separate community space in the lobby, since most events at the Lehman Center happen on weekends. A caf\u00e9 would make the space more open and lively throughout the week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eva Bornstein jokes that she dreams of the Lehman Center having a budget comparable to the Lincoln Center\u2014which would allow her to invite global stars and expand the program. Everyone knows that this goal is unlikely to be reached, but who knows&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Latin American culture is popular around the world, and in the Bronx, it&#8217;s not unusual to hear Spanish spoken and salsa music playing. One of the best places to experience this is the Lehman Center for the Performing Arts. After the deep crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a struggle for the center to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":404,"featured_media":2579,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[156],"tags":[1611,1618,1616,1621,1622,1614,1415,1612,1617,1412,1619,1615,1613,1584,1620],"motype":[160],"moformat":[24],"moimportance":[32,35],"class_list":{"0":"post-3658","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-teatrs","8":"tag-bronx-culture","9":"tag-bronx-history","10":"tag-community-hub","11":"tag-cultural-revival","12":"tag-dance-and-theater","13":"tag-eva-bornstein","14":"tag-latin-music","15":"tag-lehman-center-for-the-arts","16":"tag-lehman-college","17":"tag-new-york-city","18":"tag-nonprofit-arts","19":"tag-nyc-concerts","20":"tag-performing-arts","21":"tag-salsa-music","22":"tag-theater-renovation","23":"motype-eternal","24":"moformat-longrid-korotka","25":"moimportance-golovna-novyna","26":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bronx-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3658","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bronx-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bronx-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bronx-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/404"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bronx-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3658"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/bronx-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3658\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3659,"href":"https:\/\/bronx-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3658\/revisions\/3659"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bronx-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2579"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bronx-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3658"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bronx-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3658"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bronx-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3658"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bronx-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=3658"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bronx-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=3658"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bronx-trend.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=3658"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}