congaplace.com

Well kind of an odd question but in the movie "our Latin thing" there is a scene where the Larry Harlowe orchestra plays in front of a Church with Ismael Miranda singing. My question is does anyone here have knowledge of this Church? the location? Maybe the name of the Church? And Does it still exist there? The reason I ask is because i am originally from NY and when i go back to visit i would like to check out some these places to see what they are like today.

I don't know where the church is, but as far as the conguero is the late Frankie Rodriguez, who later sang and played percussion with Zaperoko.

Suenalo,

Dario

That church if my memory serves me right is on East 13th st, across from Tompkins square park, we used to jam in that park and I remember the church across the street from it...don't know if it's still open ..havent been there since the 70's...most of the places shown in Our Latin thing are long gone now...I also just heard that the famous "MANNY'S MUSIC STORE" ON 48TH STREET off broadway, has finally gone out of business...Manny's was known for its congas in the windows of the store and all the famous musicians that would shop or hang there...it's not the New York City i know anymore, it's long gone too...when i was growing up the guys on the corner were Italian, Jewish,Black, Puerto Rican,and Irish...today on that same corner is an African, a Korean, a Japanese, a Pakistani, and a Russian...and they cant talk to one another like we did, times have truly changed...."JC" Johnny Conga...

wow so that was in east village. You guys are encyclopedias! all your latin music questions answered!

JC you are the shit! thanks i found it here it is.

You are bringing back memories for me. I'm from the Bronx, Tremont Ave. but in the 60's I lived on East 13th between "A" & "B" and used to play in the park too. I remember when a big high strong chain link fence was put up around the basketball courts so, if necessary, we could all be rounded up and caged in. I also bought my first LP bongos at Mannys. What great days!

Well I'm glad this discussion is bringing back fond memories for some. I have a mental list of places i want to see when i visit NY again. It's been too long since ive been back.

If you want to know this kind of info – JC 's your man!

Yep that is the church alright...Psych 1 we may have even jammed together back in the day...did u know a Freddy Lugo?...or Latin Joe Colon?....from the loisida?..."JC" Johnny Conga...

JC, I really don't recall those names. But, then again, They do say that if you really remember the 60's, you probably weren't there! My memories of those days is dream-like. I was a punk kid then. I do remember blood on the hands and skins and taping my fingers to show off. I left that all behind me years ago for a day-job. But now, I've got time and am getting back into it again. This board, with all the great members helps a lot!

I certainly know Freddy Lugo from Miami Beach via Loisaida. Freddy jam buddies were Louie Bauzo, Johnny Almendra, Little Johnny Rivero and Tyrone "El Negro".

Cuidate JC,

Dario