HANDS TO THE SKY – Film and after-party at MIST Harlem Cinema Saturday May 25
After screenings in Miami, New York, Baltimore and Boston, the outdoor house music dance documentary HANDS TO THE SKY is ready for its Harlem debut this Saturday, May 25th at MIST Harlem Cinema. If you’re familiar with DJ Stormin’ Norman’s thumpin’ Sundae Sermon dance parties in Morningside Park during the summer, you’ll understand the idea behind this film – to capture the vibe, and the feeling experienced when you bring together party people with beautiful House music outdoors. “Hands to the Sky” executive producer Domingo Canate describes the film as “the uplifting and spirited experience of the outdoor House Music movement.” Check out the preview video below.
Production company My House Rocs dedicated the last two years following the outdoor House music dance scene at parks and beaches, from Coney Island to Fort Greene Park to Harlem, and various public spaces in New York and New Jersey. The uplifting House music soundtrack for “Hands to the Sky” was scored and compiled by writer/arranger Erik Talbert, and the film features interviews with dancers, event promoters, DJs and performers who share their personal experience in the scene. I had the pleasure of co-writing the theme song for Hands To The Sky with Erik, as well as producing the Freedomsound “Harlem Late Night Dub” remix of the song for the film.
Harlem Shake Restaurant is now officially open!
The long awaited Harlem Shake restaurant is finally open to the public today, offering a tasty menu that includes griddled burgers, New York-style hot dogs, and hand-spun shakes. Located on the corner of Lenox Avenue and 124th street, Harlem Shake gets its inspiration from Harlem’s rich culture and energy, as well as the iconic “original” Harlem Shake dance. The idea for the restaurant was in fact developed before the recent Harlem Shake viral video craze, but all of that free publicity and awareness doesn’t hurt.
Jazz Foundation presents 12th annual “A Great Night in Harlem” 2013 gala concert
On May 17th, 2013 the Jazz Foundation will once again present its annual “A Great Night in Harlem” gala concert to benefit the Jazz Musicians Emergency Fund at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. This is an important event that raises money to assist jazz and blues musicians who find themselves needing assistance in their senior years. This year, the 12th annual “A Great Night in Harlem” event seeks to to raise $2 million with a stellar lineup of jazz, blues, R&B and rock legends set to perform, and the legendary producer/musician Quincy Jones will also make a special appearance to pay homage to his mentor, trumpeter Clark Terry, and to introduce a memorial musical tribute to Claude Nobs, founder of the Montreux Jazz Festival.
Destination Harlem TV Launches First Episode
Destination Harlem TV has launched its first episode online, hosted by Lydia Patel whose charming personality guides us through a variety of topics in this welcome new source that will cover the people and places that make Harlem what it is today. Lavell Porter drops some serious Harlem history in this video as well, and we look forward to hearing more from him. Keep a look out for future episodes showcasing Harlem dining, nightlife, interviews, and community issues on Destination Harlem TV.
“Destination Harlem TV appeals to Harlem locals, New Yorker’s visiting for a meal or show, tourists on vacation (holiday) and those who are just interested and intrigued by Harlem life.”
6th Annual Street Games at Thomas Jefferson Park in Harlem this Saturday
Okay people, the beautiful Spring weather has arrived just in time for the 6th Annual Street Games at Thomas Jefferson Park in East Harlem this Saturday! Get the kids away from the computer and video games and off the couch in front of the TV and show them how we used to to it back in the day. Fresh air and Street Games is a great combination, and adults can get in on the action as well. The video below will bring back memories for native New Yorkers out there.
Come to the 2nd Annual FOOD & DRINK BOULEVARD night on FDB in Harlem
It’s time for the 2nd annual Harlem FOOD & DRINK BOULEVARD evening of events on Frederick Douglass Boulevard, this year set to take place on Thursday, May 2nd at participating restaurants along FDB from 111th to 123rd streets, from 6pm-10pm. Cost is $5 in advance and $10 at the door.
Harlem Resonance to screen Documentary film “James Baldwin: The Price Of the Ticket”
Here’s a reminder that the excellent documentary film “James Baldwin: The Price Of the Ticket” (Director: Karen Thorsen) will be screened tonight, Saturday April 14th at 7:30pm during the Harlem Resonance Spring Festival at Symphony Space theater located on 95th Street and Broadway. Watch a sneak peek of the documentary below and see vintage footage of Harlem as writer James Baldwin describes growing up there.
Harlem Resonance Spring Festival at Symphony Space
The Harlem Resonance Spring Festival is in full swing at Symphony Space on 95th Street and Broadway featuring music, literature, film, and stage/dance performances in April to May 11, 2013. Check out the full schedule, or browse specific events of the festival which celebrates Harlem culture, past and present.
