The Croatians of New York & Los Angeles 

The Aliis Inserviendo Consumor Foundation is launching a fundraising concert series “For | From Croatia With Love” which promotes Croatian culture, art and heritage in the United States . All proceeds will be used to aid the rebuilding of a Community center for adults with autistic disorder in Croatia . Currently 8,000 people have been diagnosed with autism in Croatia and the number of actual cases is estimated to be much higher.

The first concert of the series will be a Jazz Gala held at the Allen Room at the Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City , located on 60^th Street and Broadway on Saturday May 23, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. followed by a cocktail reception.

The gala will feature an exclusive performance of “One Day In Dubrovnik” written by the late John Lewis of Modern Jazz Quartet fame and will performed by Davor Kajfes and the Bosko Petrovic Trio. There are guest appearances by world renowned American jazz musicians Lenny White, Buster Williams, George Calligan and the Biava string quartet. The night will continue with performances by internationally recognized Croatian musicians: Matija Dedic, Elvis Stanic, Kruno Spisic and Thana Pavelic.

The Aliis Inserviendo Consumor Foundation supports healthcare, education and social service programs around the world, particularly in those countries with limited institutional and financial resources. The foundation is from Latin and means “consumed in the service of others”. For additional information, visit http://www.afoundation.org.

If you would like more information, please contact Gordana Cacinovic at 914-707-9100 or e-mail info@afoundation.org

Artist websites and You Tube video links:

Davor Kajfes , Bosko Petrovic (Video), Kruno Spisic (video), Elvis Stanic (Video), Matija Dedic (Video), Thana Pavelic (Video)

April 15, 2009

A note from NY POLET:

Dear New York Polet Fans, Friends, Groupies...i sve ostalo....

Last year's Dalmacija Kup was a GREAT success much thanks to everyone who helped organize the event and to those who came to support us. This year's Dalmacija Kup will be hosted by Dalmacija Streetsville in Oakville, Canada on June 12-14th and New York Polet would like to invite you all to come join us in Canada ! We understand that some of you will not be able to attend, but that doesn't mean you can't party with us beforehand!!! With that said...New York Polet would like to invite you and your friends to our ......

"NON-STOP Party"
at the Croatian Cultural Center
502 West 40th Street 
Friday, May 15, 2009 

Doors open at 9:00 P.M.

Music will be provided by the up and coming Croatian Band
NON-Stop who will be playing a mixture of Croatian and American Rock-n-Roll....
and DJ MJ.

Entrance = $10

We would love to see everyone that came to support us last year for Dalmacija Kup and we extend this invitation to anyone who missed out and did not attend....Please forward this invitation to all your family and friends. We look forward to seeing you there!!

For more information visit www.nypolet.com

Or contact Kristina Nanjara @ crosib21@aol.com

April 4, 2009
The sounds of the waves crashing.  The view of an endless sky. The hint of salt water just about anywhere you go. The image of baka and the aroma of baking burek.  The sound of mopeds rushing by.  The church clocktower ringing three times. The soft sweat from humidity of rushing home when you know you should have been home when the bells rang twice. Sound familiar?

These are just a few of the memories I have growing up during the summers in Croatia. I am sure most of you share the same.  I always had a sense of freedom at a very early age there.  A freedom I did not have in the U.S.  A freedom that you can only find in a small town near the Adriatic.  A freedom where fear did not exist.  A freedom of taking on the world.  A freedom where all you needed was your friends and imagination.  A freedom that was threatened when I was only eleven years old. A freedom nearly shattered.  An innocence taken away from many.

Though, at such a young age, I did not understand much of what was going on. I would watch the news and look away and wonder why all these people were dying.  I never once thought it would hit close to home.  But, it did, for my family and for many others.  It was not until I went back in 1996 and realized what the war really left behind while I struggled to find the innocence again. 

Director Jack Baric hits close to home with his new documentary film Searching for a Storm. 

A 90 minute documentary film about the war in the former Yugoslavia and the case of Croatian general Ante Gotovina at a war crimes tribunal at The Hague, which is administered by the United Nations.  The film takes a critical look at the UN for its failed policies during the war and the fear that many people have that they are trying to create a political narrative at their court that justifies these wartime policies.

The CNYLA is proud to present the New York City premiere film screening of Searching for a Storm on Saturday, May 16, 2009 at the New York University Cantor Film Center. 

Click here for the movie trailer.

This film is truly for the masses.  Take a break from all that reality tv and take the time to experience the true reality of the war in Croatia and the meaning of heroj.

Date:
Saturday, May 16, 2009

Time:
5:30 PM, 8:00 PM

Location:
Cantor Film Center
New York University
36 East Eighth Street
New York, NY 10003

Price:
$12.00

For more information and ticket requests, send an e-mail to: stormnytickets@cnyla.com
Seating is limited.

For more information about the film,
please visit: www.searchingforastorm.com

Hope to see you all on May 16!
-Diane Kolanovic

March 25, 2009
We're excited to ALMOST announce an exciting event coming to the NYC area THIS May.  Log in on April 4, 2009 for an official release and announcement !!

March 15, 2009

After much deliberation, your CNYLA Board finally has picked a weekend in October for our next convention! The brochure is almost ready! We are working closely with Ivan Gudelj and his team at PAPER ROUTE Inc. to bring you a great spread & easy reservations.

Save the date...well, month! Convention 2009 promises a lot more this year! Stay tuned!

June 11, 2008

The Eurocup is back!

For some, soccer is just a sport.  To others, soccer is life.  This rang true this past Sunday, June 8, 2008 at Scorpio's Cafe Bar in Astoria, New York.  The heat wave on the east coast did not stop hundreds to pack the cafe to watch the live action between Croatia and Austria.  Croatia took the win with a goal by Luka Modrić during the first half.  The next Croatia game is scheduled for Thursday, June 12, 2008 against Germany. 

Please check our calendar for more information on where to watch the game with fellow Croatians.

For more photos of the game, please visit our PHOTOS section, or visit the Syndicate Productions website as well.

For more information on Team Croatia during the Eurocup 2008, click here.

June 11, 2008

For all of you tambura lovers, it's that time of year again: Tamburland Festival June 27-29, 2008.  Two of our lovely CNYLA members will be taking the road trip to Steelton, PA to enjoy the kolo and tambura groups for the weekend. 

To join them, please visit www.tamburaland.com for more information. 

May 30, 2008

After much anticipation, excitement and plenty hours without sleep, the CNYLA is back on the East Coast.  San Pedro, California, home to over 40,000 people of Croatian descent, hosted their annual Independence Day Celebration & Small Goals Tournament over this past Memorial Day Weekend.  Hundreds gathered from New York, Chicago, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, Phoenix, Toronto, and many more, for three days of Croatian heritage celebration.

The weekend kicked off with the Welcome Party held Friday night at the Croatian-American Hall in San Pedro.  An all ages event included the numerous invited kolo groups, chaperons, guests and locals to enjoy some drinks and have a bit of fun dancing to popular Croatian music.

After some very rare rainy weather on Saturday morning, the Second Annual Small Goals Tournament was a great success.  The Adriatic Soccer Club of San Pedro in conjunction with the Croatian Cultural Center organized the games. Teams from all over the country participated in two divisions. Division One included teams "Croatia” (Los Angeles), “Croat” (San Pedro), “Karlovacko” (New York ), “NK Dalmacija” (San Pedro), “Adriatic” (San Pedro), and “Croatia” (San Jose).  Division Two included teams “Croats” (Orange County), “Dalmatinac” (Rolling Hills), “Hajduk” (Rolling Hills), “Kumovi” (Los Angeles), “Mladi Cobani” (San Pedro), “Zadar”(San Pedro), “Jack iKola” (Los Angeles), “Domovina” (San Pedro), “Ludi Ljudi” (Los Angeles), and “Zrinski” (San Jose). 

Saturday evening's festivities included a Party Bus hosted by the Croatian Cultural Center from San Pedro to Orange County where everyone met in Newport Beach to celebrate the champions of the Small Goals Tournament. Mario Marovic, owner of the Landmark Steakhouse & Lounge, hosted over 200 young Croatians to special VIP entrances and drink specials all night.  The music played while the drinks were poured.  The Croatians took over once again.

Sunday started with a mass at Mary Star of the Sea Church in San Pedro with all the kolo groups as special guests.  A procession followed with all the kolo groups in their traditional costumes from the church to the Croatian-American Hall. 

Jack Baric, master of ceremonies, introduced Frank Politeo for the singing of the National Anthems.  Recognition was given to the following dignitaries: Mayor of Los Angeles, Mr. Antonio Villaraigosa; Councilwoman of Los Angeles' 15th District, Honorable Janice Hahn; Superior Court of Los Angeles, Honorable Judge Marlene Kristovich; President of the Croatian Cultural Center of Great LA, Ms. Alxious Bailey; President of American Dalmatian Club, Mr. Gojko Spralja; President of the Croatian National Association, Dr. Mirko Giaconni; and The Council General of Croatia, Mr. Ante Barbir. 

Following the opening ceremonies, the invited kolo groups performed some wonderful dances for all to enjoy.  The performances started with Hrvatska Ruza (Astoria, NY) which performed "stari splitski plesovi" followed by "Slavonija" by Kardinal Stepinac (New York, NY).  Hrvatska Loza (Chicago) closed the first half with "Zagorje." 

The second half  opened with "Istarski Plesovi" by Hrvatska Ruza.  As their second dance, Kardinal Stepinac followed with "Bunjevacko kolo " and K&T Croatia (San Pedro) performed "Madarski Hrvati." Hrvatska Ruza ended the ceremonies with their own interepreation of "Geni Kameni."  This special performance was a great creative combination of traditional dance steps with a modern kolo flare.  Congratulations to all kolo groups for doing an amazing job!!!

The CNYLA represented with their own table and proudly hung their banner for all to see.  Your board members handed out informational brochures and spoke to many people about our goals and future plans.  It was a great experience.  A special thanks to the Croatian-American Hall and The Croatian Cultural Center for supporting us!

The rest of the afternoon was filled with eating, music and dancing.  Bosko Ciklic with Tihomir & Suzie and "Grupa Zrinski" performed until dusk.  The live music combined with the hundreds of Croats in attendance, it felt like a genuine FESTA!  The celebration continued after the Street Party at The Croatian Cultural Center with a DJ and more dancing.

More photos of the weekend events can be found under our PHOTOS page.  Thank you to all who submitted to our slideshows including, Jenny Švorinić, Linda Špadina, Ivana Špadina, Damir Bailo, Brankica Orlić, Mariana Škara, Stefanie Goglia, Stanko Jordan, Damir Bailo, Tanja Zubović, Marie Gojanović, Bepo Zuzić, and Mate Zuzić.  

Also a special thanks to Kristijana Spajić and Ante Mlinarević for being the CNYLA's tour guides through Hollywood and Orange County.  Thank you for hosting us!

Last, but certainly not least, a special thanks to Alxious Bailey whom without her drive and dedication, the CNYLA would not have had as much fun as they did this weekend!

A little sunburn, a little dehydration, but a WHOLE lotta love.  Do druge godine San Pedro!

-Diane Kolanovic

P.S.

One more thing: Nice shoes!

(To all of you who know the meaning behind this--thank you for being such a great group of friends and making this Memorial Day one of the best years yet!) 

May 13, 2008

The annual Croatian Hall Street Party and Independence Day Weekend festivities will take place over three days starting May 23, 2008 in San Pedro, CA.  The weekend is expected to trump all other years in number of attendees and events.  Kolo groups Kardinal Stepinac (New York, NY), Hrvatska Ruza (Astoria, NY), and Hrvatska Loza (Chicago) are expected to perform. 

All of the CNYLA board members will be in attendance for the weekend.  We will be volunteering in conjunction with the Croatian Cultural Center of Greater Los Angeles.  We would like to wish the president, our very own Alxious Bailey, and the rest of the executive board members, Danny Dabo, Kristina Jelenić, Kristijana Spajić, and Arlin Blažević, the very best for the weekend. 

Schedule of Events:

Friday, 23 May 2008
Welcome Party @ Croatian Hall 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Saturday, 24 May 2008
Soccer Tournament (Field of Dreams, San Pedro) 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tournament Party 7:00 PM - 2:00 AM (21+ only)

Sunday, 25 May 2008
Statehood Day "Street Party" @ Croatian Hall, San Pedro 12:00 PM (noon) - 10:00 PM
"Pobjeda" After Party @ Croatian Cultural Center 10:00 PM - 1:00 AM

For more information, please visit www.socalcroats.com, www.croatianculture.org, or check out the flyer below.

 -Diane Kolanovic 

May 5, 2008

The  NY Polet soccer team hosted their very first Dalmacija Kup on May 3, 2008.  NY Polet hosted H.N.K. Dalmacija Streetsville of Oakville, Canada to a Saturday tournament followed by a  dinner reception at the Croatian Center (Hrvatski Centar) in Manhattan.  Over 600 people attended the soccer game and banquet. 

Our very own Linda Spadina and Jenny Svorinic attended and reported back  to having a great time.  They were glad to be back at the Croatian Center enjoying a local gathering.  Both members felt like they were on the boat again.  Must have been quite a party!  The CNYLA would like to congratulate NY Polet on their successful event!

For more details of the weekend, an article can be found in the current Mother's Day issue of the Croatian Chronicle by Claudio Kolega. Please visit www.nypolet.com for more information and pictures of the event.

-Diane Kolanovic

May 2, 2008

The ball is rolling  for the Second Annual Young Croatians, Culture, and Networking Conference for 2009.  With such a great turn out this year, we are already planning for 2009!

After taking a survey during Convention 2008, all members and attendees voted the next conference should be on a cruise...again!  We are hard at work to find the best deals and best location.  Mark your calendars for something in February again.  Other than our California locals with sun all year round, a nice tropical break in the winter is always nice!

We plan on having a lot more events during the conference in 2009.  Some ideas are: kolo performances, guest speakers, a tambura jam session, and more fun-in-the-sun events.

Please feel free to e-mail any one of us if you have any new and exciting ideas.  All feedback is greatly appreciated!

We will post information as soon as we know.  Until then, enjoy the pics from 2008!

-Diane Kolanovic

April 30, 2008

Welcome to the new CNYLA.  Please take a look around the re-vamped website.

A special thanks to our friend Ivan Gudelj of Toronto who designed our new logo. 

Enjoy!

-Diane Kolanovic

April 30, 2008

On behalf  the Kolanovic and the Bussanich families, I would like to thank all our friends and members of the Croatian community (near and far) who extended their condolences in the passing of my brother, John Anthony Kolanovic.  We have been so deeply touched by all of your words, thoughts, and outpourring of hearts that I wanted to thank all of you personally. 

John kept a CNYLA pin from the last convention in his car. He was very proud of this organization.

In Memory of John Anthony Kolanovic
January 13, 1966 - April 16, 2008
Rest in peace big bro...I miss you so much.