The Carnegie Hall concert is the first of the events that will be held in the city until February 24 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of his death. 

«We don’t know what we’re going to see,» said Gabriela Canseco, widow of Paco de Lucía, at the reception prior to the tribute concert to the musician at Carnegie Hall on Tuesday, February 20. The event was the first of several to be held in New York until the following Saturday as part of the Paco de Lucía Legacy festival, commemorating the tenth anniversary of the guitarist’s death. The task of coordinating 22 performances involving over 30 artists and transporting 100 people to New York for the event was challenging, but the majority of the cast approached it with enthusiasm and joy. Notable performers included Carmen Linares, Silvia Pérez Cruz, and José Mercé, while Diego el Cigala’s lackluster performance was met with applause nonetheless. The overall performance was elevated by the musicians, including veteran guitarists Rafael Riqueni and Pepe Habichuela, and harmonica player Antonio Serrano, who delivered one of the night’s standout moments alongside pianist Chano Domínguez. The tribute, titled Paco de Lucía Legacy, ultimately made sense thanks to the performers who lived up to the guitarist’s legacy. The professionalism and talent showcased mirrored de Lucía’s own approach to music, with respect for the music, audience, and fellow performers. The tribute also highlighted de Lucía’s ability to blend flamenco with other musical styles, a feat replicated by Niño Josele with Rubén Blades and Josemi Carmona with Madou Diabaté. The event concluded with the artists bringing Pepe de Lucía, the honoree’s brother and singer, on stage. Despite not being on the program, he was pleased to be remembered and ended the chaotic finale by singing a little of Buana Buana King Kong, the bulerías with which his brother often closed many concerts.