WEEHAWKEN, NJ -- United Children's Music Project (UCMP) is thrilled to announce Brenda Feliciano and Paquito D'Rivera as its distinguished honorees for "A Night on the Hudson," on Wednesday, November 29 at 7 p.m. at Weehawken’s Chart House (1700 Harbor Boulevard).

"This year, we are so proud to honor multiple GRAMMY Award winners Brenda Feliciano and Paquito D'Rivera, two extraordinary artists whose commitment to music has made a profound impact around the world," said Melina Garcia, Founder and Executive Director of UCMP.

"Brenda Feliciano, a prominent figure in the music industry and two-time Grammy award winner, is a great inspiration to our young musicians," said UCMP founder Garcia. 

Born in Puerto Rico, Ms. Feliciano is a gifted singer/actress who has performed in theater and classical and jazz music. Along with husband Paquito D’Rivera, Feliciano received GRAMMY Awards for Best Latin Jazz Album ("Song for Maura" and "Panamericana Suite"). Feliciano performed and was associate/executive producer on many of D'Rivera recordings. She is the Vice President of Greenbug Productions and has managed D'Rivera’s career for decades. Feliciano is also on the Board of Trustees of WBGO Radio.

"World-renowned saxophonist/clarinetist and composer Paquito D'Rivera is not only a distinguished artist uniquely mixing Latin jazz and classical music," said Garcia, "but also an advocate for the transformative power of music in young lives."

The Cuban-born bandleader and resident of North Bergen, NJ is a 15-time GRAMMY winner and founding member of the legendary GRAMMY-winning Cuban ensemble, Irakere. Seeking asylum from Cuba while on tour with Irakere in Spain, D'Rivera came to the U.S., Dizzy Gillespie invited him to perform with his United Nations Orchestra—and the rest is history. Throughout his career, D'Rivera has recorded and performed with a who’s who of jazz, Latin, and classical greats, including Gloria Estéfan, Yo-Yo Ma, Lalo Schifrin, Herbie Mann, Tito Puente, McCoy Tyner, Nancy Wilson, and many others. D'Rivera is the recipient of countless awards including the 2005 National Medal of the Arts, a Jazz Masters Award from the National Endowment for the Arts, and a 2022 Latin Grammy Trustees Award.

"Recognizing Brenda Feliciano and Paquito D'Rivera is a perfect match for UCMP," said Garcia. "They are both New Jersey treasures and their presence will serve as a source of inspiration for the children and families we serve."

Since 2012, UCMP has provided Hudson County children and youth with access to low-cost orchestral and choral music education, free instruments, and invaluable performance opportunities in the NJ/NY metropolitan area.

"A Night on the Hudson" will celebrate UCMP's 11-year journey and its profound impact on the lives of countless urban Hudson County kids. During an evening featuring live music, a breathtaking view of Manhattan's sparkling skyline, delectable hors d'oeuvres, and drinks, attendees will also enjoy performances by UCMP's Chamber Orchestra and surprise musical guests. UCMP thanks Ponce Bank for being a generous Bronze Sponsor of this annual fundraiser.

To buy tickets and for event details, please visit www.ucmusicproject.org.

About United Children's Music Project (UCMP)

United Children’s Music Project (UCMP) is a nonprofit organization that has been instrumental in transforming the lives of underserved children and youth in Hudson County through the power of music.  For more information about UCMP, please visit www.ucmusicproject.org.

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