On April 18, 2023, the Consulate General of Bulgaria in New York hosted the traditional annual Benefit Concert for the initiative Bulgarian Concert Evenings in New York. The concert was organized with the financial support of the American Foundation for Bulgaria, Robert and Nellie Gipson and Liane McAllister.

The audience was entertained by the Latin jazz performances of Bill Vasilev and Friends - Danae Blanco, vocals, Bill Vasilev, piano, Brett Benteler, bass, Takafumi Nikaido, percussion. Popular Latin songs were performed, which made many of the guests dance and sing along with the musicians. Guests enjoyed Latin cocktails and dishes.

In his welcome remarks the Consul General Mr. Angel Angelov referred to the International Day for the Preservation of Cultural Monuments, April 18, and introduced the guests to the Bulgarian cultural phenomena recognized by UNESCO. He pointed out a few contemporary phenomena which are source of national pride, among them the nomination of Georgi Gospodinov and Angela Rodel for the prestigious international Booker Prize for literature, as well as the world swimming title of the Bulgarian Georgi Peev for people with transplants in Australia. Noting that the initiative Bulgarian concert evenings in New York has not yet been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, he pointed out that it is in the leading position in the Consulate General’s list for Bulgarian cultural initiatives in the Northeast.