Jun 2, 2011 @ 7:00
By HarlemGal
If you have never visited some of the wonderful museums in Spanish Harlem, such as El Museo del Barrio, Museum of the City of New York (MCNY) and its newest member-the Museum of African Art, well now is your opportunity…and for FREE! On June 14, El Museo del Barrio, MCNY, and the Museum of African Art will participate in the annual Museum Mile Festival.
One day a year, nine of New York City’s museums, all ones that call Fifth Avenue home, collectively open their doors from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. for free to New Yorkers and visitors for a mile-long block party and visual art celebration. This traffic-free, celebration fills the street and sidewalks of Fifth Avenue from 82nd to 105th street, the mile designated as Museum Mile.
The Museum for African Art is the newest member to Museum Mile and is slated to open in September 2011. However, they will have a table out front. So be sure to stop by at Fifth Avenue and 105th Street.
May 27, 2011 @ 7:00
By HarlemGal
There are several international film festivals that take place throughout New York City. However, how many actually take place uptown in Harlem? Not that many that I am aware of. Now Harlemites do not have to look or go far to see films from all over the world. We have an opportunity to see intelligent films for one week right in our own barrio-thanks to the East Harlem International Film Festival (EHIFF)!
The East Harlem International Film Festival will feature more than 40 films from June 1-5 in Spanish Harlem. The films that have been selected for this year’s festival come from as far away as China, India, Russia, Brazil and more! In addition, EHIFF will pay tribute to the late great Tito Puente, feature educational panels on the business of casting films, film distribution, and the process of filmmaking.
Based on their program, it appears they are offering an insightful agenda as well as recognizing the community. This is the first year for the East Harlem International Film Festival. So let’s get out there and support them! Click here to purchase tickets!
By HarlemGal
A few years ago a good friend of mine, who is a documentary filmmaker in New York City, wanted me to meet fellow filmmaker Shawn Batey. My good friend knew I was interested in all things positive about Harlem so she said to me “come see a film rough cut about Harlem. There is this filmmaker I want you to meet, who is literally documenting the changes of Harlem. I think you should come.” And so I did. I’m excited to tell you about this documentary about Harlem!
Trailer- Changing Face of Harlem
The rough cut I saw was titled the Changing Face of Harlem. It’s been in the works for more than ten years. The Changing Face of Harlem is a film told from the voices of longtime residents, business owners, politicians, developers, and clergy about the dreams and struggles of a neighborhood. This film explains Harlem’s intricate history and how Harlem is undergoing a huge rebirth and revival just like many other urban communities of color. Changing Face of Harlem takes a critical look at how Harlem has undergone its present transformation.
When a filmmaker sets out to create a documentary especially about Harlem, it takes a lot of hard work-to say the least. That hard work leads to hundreds of hours of footage that needs to be edited. Shawn, the women behind the Changing Face of Harlem, is ready to go into the editing booth to complete her documentary on Harlem. You and I can help her get into the editing booth soon to complete her film. How? By going to Kickstarter.com. Go to Kickstarter to make a donation at various levels. It can be $15 or $1500. Shawn’s goal is to raise $5k this summer so that she can hire an editor.
I made a donation to help Shawn get into the editing booth. I hope you will join me in helping to kickstart and complete the documentary titled the Changing Face of Harlem.
May 21, 2011 @ 8:00 By HarlemGal
Did you receive the invitation from Mount Morris Park Community Improvement Association regarding their 22nd Annual House Tour? I did and I am so psyched for the event! Now I am passing along for your consideration! It is Sunday, June 12th!
This is the time when one can see some of the most beautiful brownstones in New York City (for me the entire universe) that line and make up Central Harlem, also known as the Mt. Morris Park area. Remember how this area was recently praised by New York Magazine?
Here is the low down for those interested in attending:
11 AM to 4 PM: Follow the Self-Guided Tour of Homes
1 PM and 3 PM: Join the Architectural Walking Tour
12 Noon and 2 PM:Go Inside Historic Harlem
1:30 PM: Join the Marcus Garvey Park Walking Tour
Mark your calendars and hope to see you there June 12!
By HarlemGal
Scanning through this week’s news clips, we could not help but notice the DNAInfo profile on Harlem watercolorist Lynn Lieberman. A big congrats to Lynn on her recent press coverage! And kudos to us for being the first blog to introduce the talented watercolorist to our readers back in February 2010. We are flattered to be viewed as a credible source of information for art and culture!
May 15, 2011 @ 11:06
By HarlemGal
Broadway comes to Harlem today! An array of Broadway’s Rising Stars singing music form the great oldies, to current smash hits will be at Harlem Meer this afternoon starting at 2 p.m. Broadway at Harlem Meer will benefit The Union Settlement Association, Manhattan HIV Network for children with HIV and AIDS.
Take the 2/3 subway train to 110th Street at Central Park North or jump on the 6 to 110th Street and walk west to Central Park!
By HarlemGal
I was flipping through newspapers from this week and came across a huge congratulatory advertisement in The New York Times regarding our very own Harlemite, Marcus Samuelsson. Apparently on May 12, Samuelsson was awarded the Frederick Douglass Award by The New York Urban League at their annual Spring dinner. “The Frederick Douglass Award acknowledges and honors leaders in the private and public sector whose contributions to society serve to eliminate racial barriers and promote opportunities for the disadvantage.”
One word comes to mind: Wow! We at HCL say double congrats and what an honor!
May 9, 2011 @ 8:01
By HarlemGal
Remember how we told you about a Harlem watercolorist awhile back named Lynn Lieberman? I believe we were the first blog site to introduce you to this Harlem artist and resident. Well, she is getting around, metaphorically speaking. Her work has been showcased at various Harlem venues. Next up is Cafe One, located at 1619 Amsterdam Avenue at the corner of West 140th Street. Cafe One is currently displaying a collection of Lieberman’s print collection from May 1 through June 20, 2011. Cafe One is also celebrating this collection with an artist’s reception Thursday, May 12 from 5-8: PM. So if you haven’t seen Harlem in watercolor, now is your opportunity at Cafe One!
May 5, 2011 @ 7:51 By HarlemGal
It’s Cinco de Mayo! Happy Cinco de Mayo Harlemites! Where will you be celebrating the Mexican holiday for 2011?
I still hear East 116th Street in Spanish Harlem will have a party atmosphere even though their annual Cinco de Mayo Festival passed. Check out the review by The Village Voice.
Remember this part of the City is Harlem’s booming Mexican population. So if you want to be authentic with your celebration of May 5th, no need to go far. Head on over to Spanish Harlem to celebrate. You might just see this Latina celebrating there!
May 2, 2011 @ 7:40 By HarlemGal
I always say “one can’t swing a bat lately without hitting the word “Harlem.” The Financial Times, the UK-based business paper, has now featured Harlem in their April 30 House and Home edition. Not too long the FT featured Red Rooster as well. This article quickly goes over Harlem’s rich history, mentions how crime is basically much better throughout New York City especially Harlem in the last ten years,and Harlem’s upswing in major change began back in 2004/2005. The article goes on to interview two homebuyers, one who bought a brownstone for under $1 million and the other who purchased a penthouse apartment on Frederick Douglass Blvd. Both homeowners talked about how much space one could receive in a home in Harlem and within budget. However, one homeowner stressed why they came to Harlem: “I like the sense of diversity I’ve found here.”
One day a year, nine of New York City’s museums, all ones that call Fifth Avenue home, collectively open their doors from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. for free to New Yorkers and visitors for a mile-long block party and visual art celebration. This traffic-free, celebration fills the street and sidewalks of Fifth Avenue from 82nd to 105th street, the mile designated as Museum Mile.
HarlemGal Inc. 