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


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!

What’s open in Harlem, post Hurricane Irene?


If you are wondering what is open today in terms of dining, post Hurricane Irene, we have received word that Slyvia’s Restaurant is open for lunch, Lido Italian Restaurant and Bar is open for dinner and Les Ambassades on Frederick Douglass Bvld is open as well. Also, Harlem Tavern is opening at 3 p.m. today. Chez Lucienne is open now.

Slyvia’s is located at 328 Lenox Avenue aka Malcolm X Blvd., New York, NY 10027.

Lido Harlem is located at 2168 8th Avenue aka Frederick Douglass Blvd, New York, NY 10026.

Les Ambassades is located at 2200 FDB.

Harlem Tavern is located on the northwest corner of 116th Street and FDB.

Chez Lucienne is located at 308 Lenox Ave.

Regarding yoga, Bikram Yoga East Harlem, located at 4 East 116th Street is open for 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. classed today. Also, Book Culture bookstore sent email saying they’re open today. It’s located at 536 West 112th Street and 2915 Broadway.

As more information becomes available, HarlemGal Inc. will pass the information along. And of course, if you know of places that are open today, August 28, please share the information here for other locals to learn about.

Have a great day in Harlem.

UPDATE: The owners of Kidberry and Land Yoga say they will be open tomorrow, August 29!

What’s up with Harlem Vintage a reader asks?

Yesterday, a reader asked if we knew that the old newsstand on West 112th was ‘For Rent?’ Today, a reader is asking HarlemGal Inc., what’s up with Harlem Vintage? The reader explained that they were in Harlem Vintage recently and could not help but notice the “shelves just keep getting more and more bare.” Does anyone know what is up? Is Harlem Vintage letting their stock sell out to close? Or are they clearing out the store to make more room for Nectar Wine Bar ? I hope it’s the latter.

If anyone knows what’s up, give us the lowdown!

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It’s the Harlem re-shuffle says UK-based The Independent

Our beloved Harlem is featured bright and big again in the media, but this time in the UK’s travel section of The Independent. According to the article the reporter/ photographer visited Harlem recently and took direction from Thelma Golden, the Director of Studio Museum Harlem, on what to see in Harlem.

Per Golden’s instructions, Chris Coplans stayed at The Aloft Harlem and he raves about it in the article. He also went to the Apollo Theater, El Museo del Barrio, Studio Museum Harlem, and more. Golden encouraged the reporter to visit the Duke Ellington sculpture and to try Senegalese food at Les Ambassades.

What’s interesting about this article is the reporter covered a lot of Harlem ground-from East to West. He also gives Lenox Avenue big props by saying, “If 125th St is the traditional Harlem, then Lenox Avenue between 125th and 126th is very much the emerging “New Harlem”, with an arty vibe and “Village” sidewalk culture.”

To read the full article, click here. To see additional photos on Harlem from the reporter, go here.

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

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.

Harlem vintage newspaper stand ‘For Rent’ at 112th and Frederick Douglass Blvd

A reader asked last night and sent photos, “did you notice the old abandoned newspaper shed on 112th St and Frederick Douglass Blvd-on east side-has a ‘For Rent’ sign on it? HarlemGal did not notice, but thanks for the heads up. I wonder if the Bodega next door is the one leasing the space? Remember this is the bodega Austin2Harlem blogged about not too long ago?

I think a new newspaper stand there would be ideal and magazines too- but not for anyone to live in. Does anyone know how much the space is renting for and by whom? Tell us!

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Save the Date: Frederick Douglass Circle in Harlem official ceremony


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.

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


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!

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


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!

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


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!