Al Hirschfeld Foundation Unveils City Winery Partnership, Event, and Collectables

The Al Hirschfeld Foundation has announced a new partnership with NYC’s City Winery, with a special live event and exhibition on September 18 titled “Hirschfeld’s Music.”

David Leopold, Creative Director of The Al Hirschfeld Foundation, will launch the celebratory event with a live multimedia presentation. Leopold will take attendees on a virtual tour through decades of musical history as seen by Hirschfeld. The presentation will touch on Hirschfeld’s friendships with Duke Ellington, Aerosmith, and Benny Goodman. 

For the first time, nine decades of Hirschfeld’s work will be on display at the event featuring rarely-seen images, as well as old favorites. Artwork on display in the exhibition will be available for purchase here. Proceeds supports the Hirschfeld Arts Curriculum program.

We are delighted to be working with City Winery to share Al Hirschfeld’s love of music. Hirschfeld was a serious hot jazz fan in his youth, and he never lost his passion for music throughout his whole life. One of his first jobs was as a song plugger on the night boat to Albany. He drew so many album covers over the years that some used record shops simply have Hirschfeld cover sections. You don’t get many people who can say that they help Django Reinhardt get his first recording date and also find themselves in the studio with Aerosmith. Hirschfeld’s strong connection to music has never been explored…until now.

David Leopold, Creative Director of the Al Hirschfeld Foundation

Following the live event, City Winery Gallery will open a new, free exhibit of Hirschfeld’s vast collection of music art. The pieces depict some of the most iconic musicians of the 20th century, including Louis Armstrong, Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, The Grateful Dead, The Beatles, and more.

In addition, “Hirschfeld’s Music” will extend the celebration will the debut of 12 collectable wine bottles, labeled with Hirschfeld portraits of legendary musicians. The collectables will be available exclusively at City Winery beginning in September. Featured artists include Mick Jagger, The Grateful Dead, Aerosmith, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, and more.

To purchase tickets for the presentation on September 18 at 7:30pm, visit citywinery.com/newyork.