Information

First let me say thank you. Being chosen to represent New Rochelle at the La Rochelle jazz festival is a huge honor for me. My roots in New Rochelle are deep and deeply cherished. We are a seven-generation New Rochelle family. My great-great grandparents, William Henry and Sarah Carter, escaped from slavery in Virginia in the 1850’s and fled to New Rochelle where they were sheltered in Trinity Episcopal Church and chose the “freedom name” of Carter to protect them from recapture. My maternal great grandparent, Eva Tucker, was part of the great migration of the early 1900’s coming north to New Rochelle from South Carolina to find a better life. My grandmother, Carrie Tucker, was in the first graduating class from New Rochelle High School (where my son Brian II is now a student) while her husband, my grandfather Sivan Mullings, emigrated to New Rochelle from the West Indies at the age of nineteen. My mother Barbara was the valedictorian of St. Gabriel’s High School, and taught in the New Rochelle school system for 34 years. More to the point, it was in New Rochelle with its sheltering parks, neighborhoods and great schools that I first found my musical passion. It is where I first became aware that music, and drumming in particular, are of major importance to me. It was inspiration from this rich arts community and its proximity to another large arts community, New York City, that has brought me here today. I have always known of the New Rochelle/La Rochelle connection from my historian mother and from my family’s remembrances of celebrations past. To be part of this honored tradition is an undreamed-of privilege. You can be absolutely sure of my best efforts, talents and energy throughout these events. I extend to you all my most heartfelt thanks.

Westchester Rocks Music Camp & School
424 Webster Ave.
New Rochelle NY 10801
(914) 633 7294 office
(914) 837 7036 mobile

LA ROCHELLE SISTER CITY INITIATIVE Events ProgramJuly 9-15 and August 19

Featuring visiting dignitaries from La Rochelle New Rochelle City Hall, 515 North Avenue Film and discussion, “The French Detective 7:00 p.m.

July 10 The Brian Carter Quartet at Da Vinci’s Restaurant 7p.m.-11-p.m. Da Vinci’s 22 Division St. 235-2464

July 11 Rededication of Huguenot Monument 7:00 p.m. Hudson Park, New Rochelle

Concert at Hudson Park Bandshell 7:30 p.m.Featuring La Rochelle Musicians & The Brian Carter Quartet and samples of French Cuisine prepared by Monroe College Culinary students

July 12 Historical Tour of Trinity Church and Cemetery 4:30-6:00 p.m. Trinity-St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 311 Huguenot St.

Jazz on the Green 6:30 -8:30 p.m.Featuring La Rochelle musicians, The Brian Carter Quartet, two bands, and samples of French Cuisine prepared by Monroe College Culinary students New Rochelle Library Green

Local specialties in the friendly atmosphere of a French-themed market; La Rochelle musicians will perform music 10 a.m.-noonDivision Street at LeRoy Place

July 15 Bastille Day Street Fair in Manhattan 12-6:00 p.m. Sights, sounds and flavors of French culture; live music, dancing 60^th Street from 5^th to Lexington, New York City www.bastilledayusa.com

Weeklong events July 9-15 at the New Rochelle Public Library 632-7878“Get a Clue at Your Library” Scavenger Hunt featuring New Rochelle’s French Heritage French Authors Book Display Library resources pertaining to France and French authors

August 19 Revolutionary War Re-enactment at Thomas Paine Cottage 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.Featuring American and French soldier re-enactors, and horses Thomas Paine Cottage, corner of North and Paine Avenues

La Rochelle Mayor’s Cup Race at Huguenot Yacht Club 5 p.m. trophy presentation Harbor Lane, New Rochelle

Historical Tour of Trinity Church & Cemetery 1:30-4:00 p.m. Trinity-St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 311 Huguenot St. For updated information visit www.newrochelleny.com or call 654-2087~Co-sponsored by the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, Signature Bank, New Rochelle Business Improvement District, and Monroe College~

The La Rochelle Sister City Initiative seeks to deepen the 300-year bond of friendship between New Rochelle, NY and La Rochelle, France. This year, the City of New Rochelle will host two musicians from La Rochelle in July and will send a musician to La Rochelle, France in August. All are welcome to join in the festivities as we celebrate our French heritage.