SPRING IN NEW YORK MUSIC, LITERATURE, CRAFTS (c) By Polly Guerin

There’s an air of South American rhythms filtering through the cultural landscape of New York City bringing with music, literature and crafts to fulfill any social calendar with a Spanish flavor. Here’s the scoop!!!
MUSIC AND LITERATURE

Venezuela comes to the Americas society on March 25th at 7 pm in a special presentation, which complements “Contemporary Venezuelan Voices,” when pianist Mariantonia Placios performs and discusses a selection of dances from the late 19th century to the early 20th century by Venezuelan composers including Pedro Larrazabal. The pianist will discuss the individual pieces as well as the phenomenon of musical publication in Venezuelan periodicals. Free with reservation. Members attend the meet the artist reception. Americas Society, 680 Park Ave. at 68th St. Non members must register in advance Culture@americas-society.org.
CARMEN MIRANDA

One more reason to be proud of the Brazilian Bombshell. In the spirit of the rich tradition of honoring people who have influenced American culture and history, the United States Postal Service has issued new Forever stamps to celebrate five legendary showbiz Latin artists who have impacted North American music. Among them is the most well-known entertainer the Portuguese-Brazilian star Carmen Miranda. Specifically out of the group Carmen Miranda was the one who directly contributed more to bringing joy and entertainment to the American population in the very difficult time of World War II. The stamps are the art of the distinguished painter Rafael Lopez.
TRIANGLE SHIRTWAIST FACTORY FIRE

Commemorating the Centennial of the Triangle Shirtwaist fire that claimed the lives of 146 factory workers, mostly immigrant Italian and Jewish women, the Fashion Institute of Technology is holding a day-long conference “Contemporary Labor Struggles,” on Saturday, March 26 from 9 am to 4 pm. Free and Open to the public. The tragic event led to the most sweeping set of workplace labor reforms in America and historians and labor activists will participate in talks and panel discussions on contemporary labor struggles in the U.S. and around the world. At FIT, Seventh Ave. at 27th St. Exhibits by artists and FIT students also will be on display.
THE GRAPHIC IMPULSE

German Expressionism: The Graphic Impulse focuses on the explosive production of graphic art, prints, drawings, posters, illustrated books and periodicals associated with expressionism, the broad modernist movement that developed in Germany and Austria during the early decades of the 20th century. The movement encompasses a host of individuals and groups with varying stylistic approaches who shared a commitment to intense, personal expression and the desire to achieve a heightened awareness of what it is to be human. Artists in the exhibition include Max Berkmann, Otto Dix, George Grosz, Erich Heckle, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner to name a few. At MOMA, March 27-July 11, 11 West 53 St. www.moma.org.
Ta Ta darlings!!! I can’t wait to celebrate Carmen Miranda and stamp my letters. Fan mail is always welcome: pollytalk@verizon.net. Go to www.pollytalk.com and in the left hand column click on the Polly Blog of your interest. There are 4 listed.