03-16-08
Legendary jazz singer attracts many to Mount Vernon's
Cimarron
Cultural Café
The word in Mount Vernon is rapidly spreading about the
Cimarron Cultural Café,
located at 156 South 4th Avenue. On Friday night, March
15, nearly 75 patrons packed the new 4th Avenue club to
attend a featured performance by legendary jazz singer,
Beverly Draper.
Opened in May of 2007 by Maria and Juan Cedano, Mount
Vernonites are rapidly starting to realize that they no
longer have to trek to Manhattan to enjoy the best in
jazz and other entertainment.
The mission of Cimarron Cultural Café is to
promote multi-culturalism through education, cultural
events and art exhibitions. It is a place for community
residents to come together, learn from each other and
enjoy each other’s company while improving
relationships.
The March 15 event was impressive, since it attracted
an overflowing crowd. Surprisingly, the large crowd was
comprised of many whites, blacks and young folks. Those
who walked into the club were in awe, since it was an
impressive gathering of many nationalities and age
groups, all having fun as one big family.
Many in attendance appeared early and ordered dinner -
since the Latin food at the Cimarron Cultural Café
is indescribably delicious.
When introduced by the MC, James Fair, Beverly Draper
drew a standing ovation. Many of the younger patrons in
attendance had heard great things about her, but had
never seen her perform.
Draper, a Mount Vernon resident, is a music teacher
during the day, and a jazz singer at night. Her singing
career spans several decades, having started singing
when she was six-years old with her father's band in
Harlem. "I come from a family of musicians and I
previously sang in clubs all across the tri-state area
for thirty-five years," said Draper.
Considered a consistently creative jazz singer, Draper
performed a selection of soulful jazz numbers with the
club's house band. Many in the audience described her
ballad performance as simply sensational and relaxing.
During the intermission, many ordered food, while
others danced between tables to the great sounds of the
DJ.
Combining elements of "live" showcase and workshop,
the Cimarron Cultural Café
affords aspiring musicians and artists a wonderful
setting where they showcase their work, whether they are
painters, poets, musicians, comedians or actors.
At the end of the evening, the guests left feeling a
great sense of satisfaction, knowing that they did not
have to travel far for great Latin food and great jazz
entertainment. Best of all, the cover charge was a mere
$10.00.
Patrick
Paladian on the keyboard and William Love on bass
Don Carter on drums
Patrons dancing between tables during intermission
