Category Archives: Events

Remember Michael Jackson on his birthday, visit West 122nd Street or The Apollo Theater in Harlem

Posted on August 29, 2011 | Leave a comment

West 122nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenue


Today is the King of Pop’s birthday-Michael Jackson. He would have been 53 years old. He passed away two years ago. If you want to remember Michael Jackson and his connection to Harlem, there are two ways to pay tribute to him.

First suggestion is to stop by the Apollo Theater. They have their own Walk of Fame, which features Michael Jackson.

Another suggestion is to take a stroll down West 122nd street between 8th Avenue and 7th Ave, also known as Frederick Douglass Blvd and Adam Clayton Powell Jr., Blvd. There you can see the actual place where the ‘Bad- The Full Version’ video was filmed. There is a sign hanging on a fence on that street, which states, “Michael Jackson spent a few days on our block.”

If you haven’t seen the full version of Bad, which was filmed in Harlem, take a look here. It shows an entire different chapter of Harlem’s history.

And let’s take a moment to remember the person who brought us magical music for several decades, Michael Jackson!

Leave a comment

Posted in 125th Street, Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., art and culture, Community, education, entertainment, Events, film, Frederick Douglass Blvd., Harlem, history, music, New York, New York City, NYC, The Apollo Theater

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Changing Face of Harlem Director looking for photos of Harlem artist from the 1930s or 1940s

Posted on August 29, 2011 | Leave a comment


The Changing Face of Harlem documentary, which is capturing Harlem’s rebirth of the last decade needs our help. The director of Changing Face of Harlem is looking to use photos-and maybe film footage-of an artist/performer who performed in Harlem during the 1930s or 1940s. If you know of someone who has photos of a Harlem artist from that time period, please go to the Changing Face of Harlem Facebook page or contact the director at shawn@changingfaceofharlem.com. Another option is to email harlemgalinc@gmail.com with your suggestions and HarlemGal Inc. will make sure it get’s passed on to the director.

The second option is to find the family of a Harlem artist/musician/dancer/singer etc. Maybe this amazing person who performed in Harlem back in the day continued their personal legacy through family? If you know of someone who had a mother or father that performed in Harlem the 30s or 40s, the director is looking to use those photos and film footage for her documentary. Again, if you know of someone, use the contact information above.

And last, if you’re wondering why the Changing Face of Harlem director is looking for these photos and film footage, she is working on strengthening the history section of Harlem in her film.

Hope we can help! Have a wonderful day Harlem!

Leave a comment

Posted in 125th Street, Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd., art and culture, Bars, business, Community, education, entertainment, Events, film, Frederick Douglass Blvd., Frederick Douglass Circle, Harlem, history, jazz, Lenox Avenue, politics, restaurants

Tagged , , , , ,

Gospel for Teens Harlem feature on 60 Minutes to re-air August 28

Posted on August 25, 2011 | 3 comments

I received notice that the video feature of Gospel for Teens that aired on 60 Minutes awhile back will be airing again this coming Sunday, August 28 starting at 7 p.m.

If you missed seeing the two-part segment where Leslie Stahl interviews Vy Higginsen and some of her students in Gospel for Teens, there is another opportunity. Don’t miss it. It was very good, emotional and inspiring to see.

Gospel for Teens on 60 Minutes
August 28 at 7 p.m. ET/PT

To read prior blog coverage on Gospel for Teens, click here.

3 Comments

Posted in 125th Street, art and culture, Community, education, entertainment, Events, Free!, Harlem, history, Lenox Avenue, music, New York, New York City, NYC

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

Save the Date: Frederick Douglass Circle in Harlem official ceremony

Posted on August 24, 2011 | Leave a comment


September 20 is the day. Mark your calendar! That’s when Frederick Douglass Circle, located at the intersection of 110th Street, FDB and Central Park West & North in Harlem, will officially be dedicated by The City of New York. According to the Manhattan Parks Commission, the time is set for 11 AM. Mayor Bloomberg plans on being present as well as congressional representation, and the City is trying to get a celebrity (or two) to join in on the festivities. As soon as more information becomes available, HarlemGal Inc. will pass along. Stay tuned!

To read previous coverage on Frederick Douglass Circle, click here.

Leave a comment

Posted in art and culture, Community, Events, Frederick Douglass Blvd., Frederick Douglass Circle, Harlem, history, New York, New York City, NYC

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Live@1220 Fifth continues in Spanish Harlem with DJ Devon Craig Johnson

Posted on August 24, 2011 | Leave a comment


The Museum of the City of New York’s  music series continues tonight on its outdoor terrace overlooking Fifth Avenue and Central Park. DJ Devon Craig Johnson is tonight’s musical guest at LIVE@1220 Fifth. “Jazz guitarist, rock drummer, and DJ Devon Craig Johnson will treat audiences to jazz, classical, hip hop, and modern pop. This artist brings an eclectic mix of contemporary styles to his performances.”

The event starts at 6:00 and ends at 9:00 pm. Admission includes after-hours access to the Museum as well as one complimentary cocktail or refreshment.

Live@1220 Fifth ends August 31. Check it out while you can!

Leave a comment

Posted in art and culture, Community, drinks, entertainment, Events, food, Harlem, jazz, music, New York, New York City, NYC

Tagged , , , , , , , ,

The Annual Charlie Parker Jazz Festival is happening this weekend in Harlem

Posted on August 23, 2011 | 3 comments


For all you jazz aficionados, this event is for you! The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival is happening this coming weekend in Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park. The annual jazz music festival assembles some of the finest musicians in the world, who reflect on Charlie Parker’s “musical individuality and genius, to promote appreciation for this highly influential and world-renowned artist.” The two-day event of free concerts takes place in neighborhoods where Charlie Parker actually lived and worked-and one of those places is Harlem!

On Saturday, the line up will include Toots Thielmans, James Carter, Tia Fuller, and Cecile McLorin Salvant. The music starts at 3:00 p.m. in Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park! See additional details here!

3 Comments

Posted in art and culture, Community, entertainment, Events, Free!, Harlem, history, jazz, music, New York, New York City, NYC

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Harlem’s Tonnie’s Minis to hold First Annual Customer Appreciation Day

Posted on August 23, 2011 | Leave a comment


Tonnie’s Minis, Harlem’s delicious cup cake shop at 264 Lenox Avenue, is dedicating a day to say “Thanks” to their customers.  They are holding their First Annual Customer Appreciation Day and it’s happening this coming Saturday, August 27. The event starts at noon and goes to 9:00 p.m. Check out details on their facebook page.

Should be a fun event. I saw where someone said they can’t wait to try the cupcake shots. Yummy! If that’s the kind of shots they will be having at this event, I am so there. See you at Tonnie’s Minis in Harlem this Saturday!

Leave a comment

Posted in baking, business, Community, Events, food, Free!, Harlem, Lenox Avenue, New York, New York City, NYC

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Vote for Gospel for Teens Harlem as the Best Choir in America

Posted on August 20, 2011 | 1 comment


Yesterday, I told you about how Gospel for Teens based in Harlem is headed to the big screen. Today, its about winning the best choir in America competition. The Vy Higginsen program is competing in How Sweet the Sound:The Search for the Best Church Choir in America.

Gospel for Teens is representing Walker Memorial Baptist Church in the competition. It started August 17 and one can vote as many times as they want each day all the way up to August 31.

How can you vote for Gospel for Teens Harlem? Follow these steps:

1. Click on this link which will take you to How Sweet the Sound choir competition
2. Sign up
3. Then click on the Washington, DC Market (The competition is divided up into regions. This is where Gospel for Teens is located)
4. Then click the 4th square for Walker Memorial Baptist Church and watch Vy Higginsen explain who is Gospel for Teens
5. And finally click the button to “VOTE” under the video. That’s it!

I voted today. Join me and vote for Gospel for Teens Harlem as the best choir in America!

1 Comment

Posted in 125th Street, art and culture, Community, education, entertainment, Events, Free!, Harlem, history, Lenox Avenue, music, New York, New York City, NYC

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Winery in Harlem turns 4

Posted on August 17, 2011 | Leave a comment


The Winery in Harlem, located at 116th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd., is celebrating its 4th Anniversary this week by offering four consecutive nights of free wine tasting events and a special sales for this limited time.

Kicking off the celebration today, August 17th, The Winery will drastically reduce prices of selected wines. So if you’re not sure what to buy to take advantage of the sale, head on over to one of the wine tastings! See you there!


Artisanal Italian Wines
Wednesday August 17th, 6-8 pm.
Wines that reveal the true art of Italy, made with love and passion.

Best Value Wines
Thursday August 18th, 6-8 pm.
Sample our discoveries that prove delicious wines need not to be pricy at all.

Sakes and Honey Wine
Friday August 19th, 6-8 pm.
Inspiring Sakes from Japan, and semi-sweet honey wine made with the traditional Ethiopian recipe.

Fresh and Fruity Dry Wines
Saturday August 20th, 5-8 pm.
Easy, fun, refreshing wines that amplify the joy of the summer season.

Leave a comment

Posted in Bars, entertainment, Events, Frederick Douglass Blvd., Harlem, shopping

Tagged , , , ,

Harlem happy hours happening everywhere: Chocolat, Lido Harlem & Milk Burger

Posted on August 10, 2011 | 1 comment

It is hump day and you’re not sure where to go for happy hour in Harlem. Here are a few choices for your consideration and recommended in order!

Those of you who know me on Facebook are a witness to my many execursions to Lido Harlem. I am always there and have more reasons to be there now given their happy hour specials. I recently learned from Susannah that from 5:30 – 7:30 every day, seven days a week, Lido Harlem is offering 1/2 price beer & wine, $5 well drinks and $5 Lido specialty cocktails. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights Lido is now offering a late night happy hour starting at 10 p.m. to close. I believe they are offering a late night menu as well! If Lido’s happy hour is anything like their food, it will be consistently good.

Chocolat has the best schedule for happy hour in my view. It starts at 5 p.m. and lasts until 8 p.m. If you can’t make a happy hour that ends at 7:30 rush on over to Chocolat on Frederick Douglass Blvd and 120th. They offer a selection of flavored martinis for $5 and small plates ranging from $5 to $8. I have had all the small plates and they were all quite good.

And last, the much talked about burger joint in East Harlem has a happy hour. If you want to be one of the first to check out Milk Burger’s happy hour, head on over soon and early or on your day off. They start at 3 p.m. Yuck. Clearly, they want people to drink early. I hope they change that time. It’s hard enough to make it to happy hour at 5 p.m. I recommend this place (see details below) because it is on the rise and experience it now while it is still relatively a new place in East Harlem.

Have a great time at happy hour. See you around in Harlem!

1 Comment

Posted in Bars, business, Community, entertainment, Events, food, Frederick Douglass Blvd., Harlem, New York, New York City, NYC, restaurants, spending

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , ,