Elisa Galindez's return to 54 Below this summer highlighted the depth and power of this superb performer.
Elisa Galindez's show titled Everything I Know is dedicated to her grandma. After her passing in 2021, Galindez felt lost. Her grandma was her source of encouragement and inspiration and her death left her breathless. Everything I know is a tribute to the woman who showed her how to dream.
Galindez enters the stage, capturing summer's essence with an elegant floral dress. Her energy is immediately felt- a dynamo has just entered. Her set included an eclectic mix of musical theatre and even a tribute to her Latinx roots with salsa. Her salsa performance was stellar. She also has the moves to go with that powerful voice. Another of my favorites was her rendition of "Everything's Coming Up Roses." The vast range of her voice is exhibited in this performance. She is eloquent, bold and soulful. She is immensely talented and has an equally talented band to match. Her band consists of the musical director Drew Wutke on Piano, Curtis Holt Grefe on Reeds, Gypsy on Guitar, Dave D'aranjo on Bass and Arei Sekiguchi on Drums. Galindez was also joined by special guests Angel Lozada, Shadia Fairuz, Grace McCarney, Alexis Richelle and Marilyn Vigil-Harris. Her show was entertaining, engaging and uplifting.
As her healing journey and return to her power continues, this performance was an excellent step in the right direction. Elisa Galindez is a true treat to watch. Make sure to catch her wherever she's performing and definitely when she's back at 54 Below!
"Elisa Galindez: Everything I Know"
Performed by Elisa Galindez
Direction by Jillian Carucci
Music direction by Drew Wutke
August 21, 2023
54 Below
254 W 54th St. Cellar, NYC 10019
Yani Perez, M.F.A, is a poet, playwright, translator, and educator. Her plays have been presented in various theaters in the United States such as La Mama and Yale University as well as internationally in Bogotá, Colombia. She works at IATI Theater, one of the oldest Latinx theaters in NYC. She is currently working on translations of Latinx artists in hopes of introducing them to English-speaking audiences. Editor-in-Chief, All About Solo, Contact: yaniperez@allaboutsolo.com