STYLE 1 MEDIA >>> MORRISON HOTEL GALLERY 10TH ANNIVERSARY GALA

Morrison Hotel Gallery 10th Anniversary Gala Rocks the Cutting Room

The Cutting Room, 44 East 32nd Street, NY, NY | 10.13.2011 | by Merry Esparza

Style 1 Media On October 13th, the Morrison Hotel Gallery celebrated its 10th anniversary as the preeminent gallery for music-related fine art photography, bringing notable exhibitions and photographs to music fans and collectors. Founders Henry Diltz, Peter Blachley, and Rich Horowitz, threw a rockin' party and benefit concert at the new Cutting Room in Manhattan. Famous music and celebrity photographers in attendance included Julian Lennon, Neal Preston, Mick Rock, Ken Regan, Danny Clinch, Timothy White, and Bob Gruen. Other notable guests included actors Dominic Chianese and Danny Aiello; musicians John Sebastian and Jonathan Edwards; and former John Lennon girlfriend, May Pang. (left: Henry Diltz, Rich Horowitz, Julian Lennon, and Peter Blachley)

After an hour or so of sipping cocktails, greeting old friends, and mingling, guests sat at tables around the stage to enjoy a suite of exhilarating music performances. The melodious Modern Folk Quartet kicked off the show, featuring Henry Diltz, Jerry Yester, Cyrus Faryar, and Chip Douglas. Two surprise performances followed—a mellow solo set by singer/songwriter Jonathan Edwards; and a rousing medley by actor Danny Aiello and the Jersey Boys. Tangiers Blues Band closed the show, featuring renowned music photographer/musician, Danny Clinch, with band mates King, Chris Scianni, Dave Sellar, Pete Levin, Jon Graboff, and Dave Borla.

American Photo magazine sponsored the 10th anniversary celebration. A percentage of proceeds from ticket sales benefited Rational Animal, a New York City-based non-profit organization creating media and special events to increase awareness about at-risk animals; and The White Feather Foundation, Julian Lennon's organization which embraces global environmental and humanitarian issues.

Prime owner Steve Walter, a former musician, and co-owner, actor Chris Noth recently reopened the Cutting Room at its new location at East 32nd Street and Park Avenue South. The highly successful venue, originally located on West 24th Street, is known for showcasing top talent and hosting big name acts like Kid Rock, Sting, Sheryl Crow, and Joan Rivers.

The Morrison Hotel Gallery was founded in 2001 by former record company executive and producer, Peter Blachley; former independent record store owner, Rich Horowitz; and music photographer, Henry Diltz. It is named after Henry Diltz's famous Doors album cover photograph. The gallery represents and exhibits world-renowned photographers in its locations at 124 Prince Street, Soho, and at the former CBGB's Gallery on the Bowery. The Morrison Hotel Gallery Loft, situated in an historic Soho building, hosts exclusive openings, exhibits and private parties.

For more information, please visit the Morrison Hotel Gallery.