Harlem Community News

Jennifer Ashley Tepper: Women Writing Musicals
2025-03-31 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | New York Public Library, 40 Lincoln Center Plaza (entrance at 111 Amsterdam between 64th and 65th) New York, NY 10023
In honor of Women’s History Month, author and theater historian Jennifer Ashley Tepper will celebrate her newly released book with a presentation and performance from Badia Farha (Hell’s Kitchen) and Alyse Alan Louis (TEETH), with Ruiran Xun (The Jonathan Larson Project) on the keys. Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy that the History Books Left Out is the first-ever book about female musical theater writers. In this program, Tepper will give an inside look at some of the more than 300 inspiring women featured, including several writers whose work appears in The New York Public Library collections.
Expect behind-the-scenes photos and stories about prolific and celebrated Broadway writers like Betty Comden and Jeanine Tesori, women who have written musicals but gained fame elsewhere like Dolly Parton and Sara Bareilles, and dramatists you may not have heard of—but definitely should have—from Micki Grant, whose mega-hit musical about the Black experience made her the first woman to write book, music, and lyrics for a Broadway show to María Grever, the first Mexican female composer to achieve international success—who made her Broadway debut at age 56.
Tepper will also present special guest performers, Badia Farha (Hell’s Kitchen) and Alyse Alan Louis (TEETH), with Ruiran Xun (The Jonathan Larson Project) on the keys, sharing some fascinating songs written by women for musicals that will bring the book to life and make you look at theater in a whole new way.

SEATING POLICY | Programs are free and open to all, but registration is requested. Check-in line forms 45 minutes before the advertised start time. Registered guests are given priority check-in 15 to 30 minutes before start time. Five minutes before the advertised start time, all seats are released, regardless of registration, to our patrons in the stand-by line. If you arrive after the program starts, you will be seated at the discretion of our front-of-house staff.
STANDBY LINE | If registration is sold out or has ended, do not fret! We welcome you to come to the Library regardless of registration status and wait in our standby line, which forms 45 minutes before the advertised start time. Five minutes before the program starts, all remaining seats are released. While this is not guaranteed, we will do our best to get you into any of our programs.
ASSISTIVE LISTENING AND ASL | ASL interpretation and real-time (CART) captioning available upon request. Please submit your request at least two weeks in advance by emailing accessibility@nypl.org.
BRUNO WALTER POLICY | Please note that any unoccupied seat will be released five minutes before the show begins and holding seats for anyone beyond that is prohibited. There is no food or drink allowed inside the venue.
AUDIO/VIDEO RECORDING | Programs may be photographed and recorded by and at the discretion of the Library for the Performing Arts and will post signs indicating as such. If you would prefer your image not be captured, please let us know and we can seat you accordingly. Attending any program indicates your consent to being filmed/photographed and your consent to the use of your recorded image for any and all purposes of the New York Public Library.
PRESS | Please send all press inquiries to Alex Teplitzky at alexteplitzky@nypl.org. Please note that all recording, including professional video recordings, are prohibited without expressed consent from the Library.

Assistive Listening and ASL
Assistive listening devices available

We Love You, Black Woman: A Celebration of Strength, Resilience, and Love
2025-03-29 08:00 - 2025-05-25 17:00 | The Billie Holiday Theater, 1368 Fulton Street Brooklyn, NY 11216
An exhibition honoring the unparalleled strength, wisdom, beauty, and contributions of Black women throughout history.

We Love You, Black Woman, an inspiring exhibition honoring the unmatched strength, wisdom, beauty, and contributions of Black women throughout history.
The exhibit runs through May 25, 2025.
Curated with care, this exhibition reflects on the journey of Black women—from the courage of the first enslaved women who chose freedom, to trailblazing figures like Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and Shirley Chisholm. It also highlights the brilliance of contemporary Black women, including the 92% who shaped history by casting their votes in the 2024 elections.
“You embody royalty and strength, always standing at the forefront defending life and liberty. We see you, we acknowledge you, We Love You, Black Woman.” — Hollis King, Creative Director
Be part of this profound celebration of history, resilience, and love.

American Songbook: Singer Outsiders
2025-03-29 08:00 - 2025-04-14 17:00 | Lincoln Center, 1941 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
Curated in collaboration with Tamar-kali and Kathleen Hanna
This season’s American Songbook reclaims and elevates our Singer Outsiders, women and nonbinary musicians who have shaped the modern landscape of music and performance and continue to drive conversations on gender, identity, and empowerment.
Women and non-binary artists who have contributed to the ongoing history of the American Songbook have often created at the outskirts of the possible, innovating ahead of their time and defying expectations. From the underground punk scene to soul-filled jazz clubs, and the Broadway stage, these fearless heroes use music to voice their truth—and inspire their communities to do the same. Taking a cue from Sister Outsider, Audre Lorde’s influential essay collection on feminist theories and identity, this season’s American Songbook reclaims and elevates our Singer Outsiders, musicians who have shaped the modern landscape of music and performance and continue to drive conversations on gender, identity, and empowerment. Curated in collaboration with iconic genre-defining composers and singers Tamar-kali and Kathleen Hanna, Lincoln Center proudly presents a bold and eclectic lineup of powerhouse voices from across the punk, pop, jazz, classical, R&B, and theater worlds. The queens of noise are here to stay!

MARCH IS MUSIC 2025
2025-03-29 08:00 - 2025-03-30 17:00 | Pregones Theater, 575 Walton Avenue, Bronx, NY, United States
World-class Latin, Jazz, Fusion, and Classical Artists
Our popular March Is Music concert series is back featuring 10 live concerts by world-class Latin, jazz, fusion, and classical artists. All events are presented live at Pregones Theater in The Bronx, a.k.a. The Borough of Music (“El condado de la música”). Evening concert tickets are $35, or get our concert package—four tickets for any Saturday concert for just $100; matinee concerts for Bronx Piano Sundays subseries are Free Admission. Our venue is intimate, with limited seating capacity—get your tickets early!
10 IN-PERSON CONCERTS at our BRONX venue!
Headliners:
SAT 3/1, 7PM – YÁMBAWA feat. ANTHONY CARRILLO & AMY QUINT MILLAN (Latin Fusion)
SUN 3/2, 3PM – Bronx Piano Sundays: GABRIELLE CHOU & MORIAH TRENK PIANO DUO(Classical)
SAT 3/8, 7PM – SOL CARBONE: LATIDOS DE LATINOAMERICA (Latin Pop)
SUN 3/9, 3PM – Bronx Piano Sundays: SIYU GUO (Classical)
SAT 3/15, 7PM – FIESTA EN EL BATEY WITH PAPO VÁZQUEZ MIGHTY PIRATES TROUBADOURS (Latin Jazz)
SUN 3/16, 3PM – Bronx Piano Sundays: JUHEE LIM (Classical)
SAT 3/22, 7PM – MIND-BUILDERS JAZZ NIGHT AT PREGONES/PRTT (Jazz)
SUN 3/23, 3PM – Bronx Piano Sundays: BRIELLE PEREZ (Classical)
SAT 3/29, 7PM – ZACCAI CURTIS QUINTET: CUBOP LIVES! (Jazz)
SUN 3/30, 3PM – Bronx Piano Sundays: ESME BOLUCEK (Classical)
(DIGITAL CONCERT PROGRAMS available on day of events.)

The Moth Returns to Harlem - Highlights of True Stories
2025-02-28 18:30 - 21:30 | The Moth, 138 Convent Avenue (West 135th Street and Convent Avenue) New York, NY 10031
Join us for an evening of stories, shared live as five storytellers take the stage and share a true, personal story from their life: joy and heart, in equal measures. Stories of glory and defeat, taunting fate, laughing in the face of danger, and the moments that forever changed the course.
Doors open at 6:30 PM
Stories begin at 7:30 PM
Please note that there are no ticket refunds for this event.
About The Moth
The Moth is true stories, told live and without notes. The Moth celebrates the ability of stories to honor both the diversity and commonality of human experience, and to satisfy a vital human need for connection. It seeks to present recognized storytellers among established and emerging writers, performers and artists and to encourage storytelling among communities whose stories often go unheard.
Join us for an evening of stories, shared live as five storytellers take the stage and share a true, personal story from their life: joy and heart, in equal measures. Stories of glory and defeat, taunting fate, laughing in the face of danger, and the moments that forever changed the course.

The House That Jack Built: The Many Friends of Hal Jackson
2025-02-19 18:00 - 20:00 | BergenPAC, 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ, 07631, United States
Hal Jackson was a radio pioneer who broke racial barriers on the airwaves. This exhibition features photographs of Hal with a variety of his peers through the years taken by different artists, many of whom were unknown, along with photos taken by Debi B Jackson.
The exhibition was installed by Kenia Akridge.

Who is Hal Jackson?
Hal Jackson was a pioneering radio and television personality who experienced many “firsts” that assisted in opening doors for other aspiring Black broadcasters, musicians and performers. His incredible achievements include:

First Black radio announcer in network radio
First Black host of a jazz show on the ABC network
First Black play-by-play sports announcer on radio in the country
First Black person to host an interracial network television show on NBC-TV
Owned the first Black team to win the World Championship of Professional Basketball in 1943
Executive Producer and Host of his Talented Teens International competition, which highlighted the intelligence, creativity and talents of young minority women and provided scholarships
First Black person inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 1990
First Black person inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1995

Perhaps his career and lifestyle can be summarized by the theme he chose for his radio programs – “It is nice to be important, but it is more important to be nice.”

Debi B Jackson – Exhibit Curator

For over 30 years New York City native Deborah Bolling Jackson was known as Debi B in the radio world where her voice was heard every Sunday on 107.5 WBLS co-hosting the WBLS Sunday Classics. She was also the first person to annually host a one-woman photography show at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building in New York City. All proceeds from sales of Debi’s photography is donated to the Youth Development Foundation, Inc. (YDF) of which she is the CEO and President. For 47 years the YDF has awarded over $2 million in scholarships to young women from around the world through the Hal Jackson’s Talented Teens International scholarship program.

Sandy Bennett Art Gallery
Located on the mezzanine level of bergenPAC, the Sandy Bennett Art Gallery is open to ticket holders on show evenings, during daily Box Office hours, and by appointment. Email hcohen@bergenpac.org for more information.
Gallery receptions are open to the public.

THE TONGUE & THE LASH AND A RETURN TO CIVIC DISCOURSE
2025-02-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Town Hall, 123 West 43rd Street (Between 6th Ave and Broadway) New York, NY 10036
The Town Hall celebrates James Baldwin and the 60th anniversary of the Baldwin/Buckley Cambridge debate with the New York premiere of the chamber opera, THE TONGUE & THE LASH by Damien Sneed, composer/conductor and Karen Chilton, librettist. Making her Town Hall and New York directorial debut, the opera will be directed by world-renowned mezzo-soprano, Denyce Graves-Montgomery.
A Return to Civic Discourse revisiting the “American Dream”: 60 Years Later will include insights from moderator, distinguished novelist/poet and MacArthur Fellow, Edwidge Danticat along with Nicholas Buccola, PhD award-winning author of The Fire Is Upon Us: James Baldwin, William F. Buckley Jr., and the Debate Over Race in America; Dr. Brenda M. Greene, author and literary activist, founder and executive director of the Center for Black Literature at Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York; Matt Brim, PhD, Professor of Queer Studies at the College of Staten Island, author of James Baldwin and the Queer Imagination (2014); and Dr. Frank Leon Roberts, Founding Executive Director of The Baldwin/Hansberry Project, English and Black Studies Professor at Amherst College at The Town Hall, 123 West 43rdStreet, New York, NY on February 18, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.
“As the city and the world continues to celebrate James Baldwin’s centennial, The Town Hall is honored to present a program devoted to one of the most enduring debates in American and World history,” says Melay Araya, Artistic Director of The Town Hall. “In keeping with the institution’s history of debate and our century-long commitment to African American classical music, we are proud to partner with Damien Sneed, Karen Chilton and opera legend Denyce Graves, along with our distinguished moderator Edwidge Danticat and four panelists.”
On February 18, 1965 as the Civil Rights movement gripped the U.S., another epochal event centered on race relations was being waged at the University of Cambridge between cultural giants, author/activist James Baldwin and leading conservative, William F. Buckley, Jr. Televised live on the BBC Network (and later on American TV), the two public intellectuals debated the motion: “Is the American dream at the expense of the American Negro?”
The contrast between the two men was stark in terms of their backgrounds, life experience, and political ideology. Baldwin, a Black expatriate writer, born and raised in Harlem; Buckley, a Yale man from a wealthy family and a staunch conservative. Though the packed crowd was riveted by both debaters’ perspectives, Baldwin was the ultimate victor in a 544 to 164 vote. THE TONGUE & THE LASH picks up at the debate’s end, imagining their intimate exchange after the cameras were off and the crowd had gone.
“The libretto of THE TONGUE & THE LASH was inspired not only by the sheer brilliance and unrelenting spirit of a literary hero, James Baldwin, but also by the ferocity of the debate itself,” says Karen Chilton. “The intellectual sparring between these two men was nothing short of grand theater; the subject matter—racial disparity vis a vis the ever-elusive ‘American dream’—is indeed fertile ground in which to construct a dramatic work. While I deliberately chose not to disturb the integrity of the actual debate but to create something entirely original, the conceit then becomes a post-debate conversation infused with all the pugilistic fervor on display that historic night in 1965. Baldwin’s prescient message and Buckley’s resistance to it, compels us, even now, to reckon with where we are, and how we got here.”
THE TONGUE & THE LASH, commissioned by Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, had its world premiere in 2021 to critical acclaim. In this production, the role of “Baldwin” will be performed by baritone, Joseph Parrish with the role of “Buckley” performed by Andrew Morstein, and Christian Pursell as the “Adjudicator;” the chorus will be comprised of Olanna Goudeau, soprano, Patrice P. Eaton, mezzo-soprano, and Justin E. Bell, tenor, accompanied by Damien Sneed’s Orchestra of Tomorrow.
“I was first introduced to James Baldwin in the 8th grade when I read his book, Go Tell It On The Mountain, for my book report. I am honored to celebrate his legacy, life, and prophetic acumen by composing this opera along with my long-time collaborative partner, Karen Chilton, librettist. I am excited to see my friend, one of the most luminary figures in opera, the director Denyce Graves-Montgomery, bring this production to life with the incredible support of Melay Araya, Artistic Director of Town Hall.”
This first-time collaboration with the creative team of Sneed and Chilton, Denyce Graves-Montgomery shares her enthusiasm, “Directing the New York premiere of The Tongue & The Lash is an extraordinary opportunity to bring one of the most iconic intellectual exchanges of the twentieth century to the stage. This opera, inspired by the debate between James Baldwin and William F. Buckley Jr., delves into the timeless and urgent questions of race, privilege, and morality in America. Baldwin’s searing truths and Buckley’s pointed rhetoric are reimagined through the powerful medium of music, creating a space for reflection and dialogue that resonates deeply with today’s audience and a return to our Civic Discourse. It’s an honor to guide this creative exploration of a historical moment that continues to shape our collective conscience.”

New York Hall of Science
2025-02-18 08:00 - 2025-03-22 17:00 | New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St, Queens, NY 11368, United States
Visit NYSCI

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit to NYSCI. We highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance, to ensure the most seamless entry possible.
We look forward to seeing you soon!

HOURS & TICKETS

General Hours

Wednesday – Sunday | 10am – 5pm* – Last Entry at 4pm; Some exhibits and experience close earlier in the day.Community Hours **Book Tickets for This Starting at 10am the Same Day** | Fridays: 2 – 5pmMakerspace Hours | Fri: 2-5pm; Sat & Sun, 11am – 4pmSensory Sensitive Hour | Saturdays 10am-11am, dimmed sounds and light

NEW ENTRANCE TO NYSCI PARKING LOT: Starting today, cars can enter from 46th avenue & 111th street. If you’re coming from the Grand Central Parkway, just follow the signs to the new entrance!

New York Aquarium
2025-02-18 08:00 - 2025-03-22 17:00 | New York Aquarium, 602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224
Discover marine life from around the world at the New York Aquarium. Visit exhibits featuring sea lions, sharks, and other fascinating creatures.
Your conservation journey starts here! Experience curated events at the New York Aquarium led by our WCS Educators. See animals up close, explore exhibits, and get hands-on in our classrooms. Become an ocean advocate at the aquarium and learn about animals that live in the water right off the boardwalk. Find programs for kids, adults, and families with options for all education levels. Dive into your next adventure today!

Brooklyn Botanic Garden
2025-02-17 08:00 - 2025-03-22 17:00 | Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 1000 Washington Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11225
Wander through beautifully curated gardens, conservatories, and season exhibits. Discover a variety of plants, flowers, and peaceful landscapes in this urban oasis.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden is an urban botanic garden that connects people to the world of plants, fostering delight and curiosity while inspiring an appreciation and sense of stewardship of the environment.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden was founded in 1910. Learn more about the Garden’s history and see photos from its archives.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden occupies part of the unceded homeland of the Lenape people. We acknowledge today’s Lenape communities. Informed by their knowledge, we seek to educate ourselves and the public in ways that challenge the dominant colonial worldview of science, botany, and horticulture.

MERENGUE CON AMOR #3
2025-02-15 20:00 - 22:00
with RAMÓN ORLANDO, CARLOS DAVID, ARAMIS CAMILO, PETER CRUZ, TONY BRAVO, and SIN FRONTERAS

The fan favorite “Merengue Con Amor” is BACK for its THIRD annual concert to celebrate the romantic Valentines day season. Buy a ticket for your loved ones and enjoy this night of romantic merengue classics from all of your favorite stars.
Patrons who purchase VIP tickets (first 9 rows of Orchestra Center) are invited to attend a special reception at 6:30pm on the day of the show. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres catered by Havana Cafe.

Valentine's Day Chocolate & Candle Making Soirée
2025-02-14 18:30 - 21:30 | 2nd Chance Candles, 2nd Chance Candles 30-42 14th street Astoria, NY 11102
Celebrate Love and Creativity in an Unforgettable Evening!
This Valentine’s Day, immerse yourself in a night of indulgence and artistry at 2nd Chance Candles in Astoria. Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, a friend, or treating yourself, our Chocolate & Candle-Making Soirée offers a unique and sophisticated way to honor the holiday.
What to Expect:
• Artisanal Workshops: Join Moran, an award-winning chocolatier, and Lisa Devine, founder of 2nd Chance Candles, for hands-on sessions where you’ll learn the secrets of crafting chocolates and hand-poured, scented soy wax candles, all this with fun music at the background!
• Sensory Delight: Engage your senses with the rich aromas of melted chocolate and fragrant candles, creating sweet sensations that linger long after the evening ends.
• Elegant Ambiance: Enjoy a sweet curated atmosphere with music, delectable hors d’oeuvres, and a welcoming environment that fosters creativity and connection.
• Take-Home Creations: Leave with your handcrafted chocolates and a personalized candle, perfect mementos of a night well spent.
Event Details:
• Date: Friday, February 14th, 2025
• Time:
◦ 6:30 PM – 7:00PM: Arrival and mingling
◦ 7:00 PM-9:00PM Workshops commence
• Location: 2nd Chance Candles, 30-42 14th Street, Astoria, NY 11102
*Attire: Festive attire is encouraged! Whether it’s a unique headpiece, a glittery shirt, or any fun and sparkly ensemble, dress to impress and express your festive spirit.
• Price: $99 per person (includes all materials, refreshments, and your handcrafted items)
Why Attend?
This event is more than a workshop; it’s an experience that combines the joy of creation with the pleasure of celebration. Connect with others in a warm, inviting setting, and make this Valentine’s Day truly special.
Reserve Your Spot:
Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate and personalized experience. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to celebrate love and creativity.
Get Your Tickets Now!
Join us for a night where love, art, and festivity intertwine. We look forward to celebrating with you

Labor of Love Art Exhibit
2025-02-13 10:00 - 2025-02-28 20:00 | Queens Public Library, Bay Terrace 18-36 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, NY 11360 (718) 423-7004
Black History Month: “A Labor Of Love” Art Exhibit
QPL is proud to present our Black History Month art exhibit, “A Labor of Love.” Original works of art will celebrate our 2025 Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor,” and focus on the profound ways that work of all kinds — free and unfree, skilled, and unskilled, vocational or voluntary — intersects with the collective experiences of Black people throughout the Diaspora. “A Labor of Love” will be on display in a variety of mediums — including watercolor, charcoal, acrylic, photography, mixed medium, small ceramics, pottery, and sculpture — from February 1-28 in the main lobby of Central Library. Join us on Thursday, February 27 for a special Artist Talk with some of the artists featured in “A Labor of Love.” Learn More: https://www.queenslibrary.org/calendar/black-history-month-a-labor-of-love-artist-talk/010377-0125 For more information about “A Labor of Love,” please email: lonay.b.mosley@queenslibrary.org

LANGUAGE
English

How To Attend?
In-Person

LOCATION
Central Library
89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11432
(718) 990-0700
Get directions to event.

AUDIENCE
Adults, Kids(0-5), Kids(6-11), Seniors, Teens

Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning Presents: Key of Life
2025-02-13 08:00 - 2025-02-28 17:00 | Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, 161-04 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432
Join us for the first exhibition of 2025

Don’t miss this closing reception! The Key of Life exhibition features work from 10 artists, handpicked by curators Wendy Arimah Berot and Courtney Ffrench.
Curator Statement: There is a certain rhythm that many of us feel; a groove that makes life worthwhile. What elements in the world add value and purpose to help you move through the challenges? This exhibit will demonstrate the various artistic expressions of “Keys” in one’s life. What is your Key of Life?
Artists Names: Alex Lopez, Danielle Charette, Desirae Foston, Faith Bryant, Jocelyn Marie Goode, Justin Jamaal Moultrie, Marissa Lowe, Masha Neverova, Matthias Sebastiun Garry, Teresito Paez
Cover Art Creds: And the Beat Goes On, by Desirae Foston

FREE ART-MAKING FOR ALL AGES LED BY TEEN COUNCIL!
2025-02-12 17:00 - 18:30 | The Bronx Museum, 1040 Grand Concourse The Bronx, NY 10456 718-681-6000
Wednesday, February 12
5:00 – 6:30 PM
All Ages Welcome
FREE!
Drop-In, No RSVP Needed
You’re invited to The Bronx Museum for an evening of free and fun art-making activities for all ages led by members of our Teen Council!
This event also marks the conclusion of the fall semester of the Museum’s Teen Council program as well as celebrates the launch of their collaborative “zine”—a self-published booklet—titled A Dictionary of The Bronx Museum.
You do not need to RSVP for this event, just drop by the Museum and enjoy!

Black History Month Movie: Till
2025-02-11 14:00 - 17:00 | Queens Public Library, Bay Terrace 18-36 Bell Boulevard, Bayside, NY 11360 (718) 423-7004
Please join the community of Bay Terrace Library, for the screening of “Till” (2022, PG-13) in the Meeting Room. In 1955, after Emmett Till is murdered in a brutal lynching, his mother vows to expose the racism behind the attack while working to have those involved brought to justice.

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company 2025 Lunar New Year Celebration
2025-02-11 11:00 - 2025-02-16 12:00 | Hostos Community College, 450 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY, 10451, United States
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company at Hostos Center! Experience a vibrant fusion of ancient Chinese traditions and contemporary movement. In 2025, we welcome the Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom, transformation, and resilience. A family-friendly event for all.

West African Dance Workshops
2025-02-11 08:00 - 2025-02-12 17:00 | Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Avenue, Queens, NY, 11432, United States
Learn West African Dance in this workshop!

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant and energetic world of West African dance! Our West African Dance Workshops will be led by acclaimed dance companies Kofago Dance Ensemble and FANIKE! African Dance Troupe.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, these workshops are open to all levels.
Each attendee will receive half-off the upcoming dance concert featuring Kofago Dance Ensemble and FANIKE! African Dance Troupe. (You will receive a discount code via email).
Schedule
February 11th – Class led by FANIKE! African Dance Troupe. SOLD OUT
February 12th – Class led by Kofago Dance Ensemble.
About Kofago Dance Ensemble – Kofago Dance Ensemble exists at the nexus of African dance traditions and the Black experience in America. Their work as a dance company is focused on healing and ritual through the performing arts.
About FANIKE! African Dance Troupe – FANIKE! African Dance Troupe is an African dance company that embraces and respects the dance, rhythm, historic and growing culture tied to African movement.

FUTURA 2000: BREAKING OUT
2025-02-10 10:00 - 2025-03-30 17:00 | The Bronx Museum, 1040 Grand Concourse The Bronx, NY 10456 718-681-6000
FUTURA 2000: BREAKING OUT is a retrospective of this singular artist’s evolution from early graffiti art styles to his current practice of contemporary abstraction. The exhibition is the most comprehensive examination of FUTURA 2000’s five-decade career ever presented in his hometown of New York City. On view from Sunday, September 8 through March 30, 2025, BREAKING OUT showcases his sculptures, drawings, prints, studies, collaborations, and archival paraphernalia dating from the 1970s to the present, as well as new site-specific temporary installations.

FUTURA’S ARTISTIC (R)EVOLUTION

FUTURA 2000’s practice today continues to bear his fascination with the aesthetics of science fiction and the space age. These interests led to his early adoption of sophisticated computer technology and video gaming.
Utilizing spray paint with virtuosic precision, he creates abstract cosmic compositions on canvas. Refined lines are contrasted by mists of vibrant colors and gestural brush marks while large areas are left empty—allowing forms to float freely across the surface, suggesting the expansiveness of outer space. His recurring motifs include the atom shape, symbolizing perpetual motion; a crane or linear mark, indicating a moment of rupture; and the enigmatic Pointman, reminiscent of an alien presence.

The Bronx Museum was founded in 1971, at a time when FUTURA 2000 began exploring his capacity as an artist through street art. As his aesthetic evolved, FUTURA 2000 continued using materials and techniques like spray paint, aerosol, and stencils to create abstract compositions–a revolutionary approach in contemporary art that remains his signature style today.
The exhibition’s title, BREAKING OUT, refers to FUTURA 2000’s boundary-breaking creative practice and his famous 1980 piece, Break, where the artist painted the full exterior of an NYC subway car with vibrant color and no lettering—a first for the graffiti art movement. At the time, FUTURA 2000 would “bench” in the South Bronx to watch his Break train pass by on elevated tracks—a short distance from The Bronx Museum.

ABOUT FUTURA 2000

FUTURA 2000 is the nom de plume of Leonard Hilton McGurr. FUTURA 2000’s work is included in collections such as The New Museum, New York; MOCA, Los Angeles; Groninger Museum, the Netherlands; Yvon Lambert, Galerie De Noirmont; Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris, and Takashi Murakami’s Kaikai Kiki Gallery, Tokyo, Japan. His collaborations include Virgil Abloh and Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons. In 2020, the Isamu Noguchi Museum presented FUTURA Akari, an installation of Akari light sculptures customized by FUTURA 2000. In the same year, the artist created a large site-specific installation at the Palais de Tokyo in Paris and was included in the exhibition Writing the Future: Basquiat and the Hip Hop Generation at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. The artist lives and works in Brooklyn, NY. Eric Firestone Gallery is the artist’s U.S. fine art representative. The creative and artist management agency ICNCLST represents the artist’s fine art and commercial projects globally.

Drumline Live!
2025-01-18 18:00 - 20:00
Drumline Live, the show-stopping attraction created by the musical team behind 20th Century Fox’s hit movies, Drumline and Drumline: A New Beat, has already paraded onto some of the biggest theatre stages in America, Japan, and Korea. After performing over 300 shows since 2009, it’s time for a BRAND NEW show, with new music and choreography. The Legendary Historically Black College and University (HBCU) band experience comes alive with this world-class cast of percussionists, musicians and dancers.

Be prepared to laugh, sing, dance, and cry because DRUMLine Live is a high-octane musical roller coaster ride that will hit every emotion in your body!

Brooklyn Poetry Slam
2025-01-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Brooklyn Museum, 3rd floor. 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY, 11238, United States
Amplify the voices of Brooklyn at a series of pay-what-you-can slams, presented by poets and cofounders Mahogany L. Browne and DJ Jive Poetic. Come to listen to poets, or arrive early to sign up if you’d like to join the slam (limited availability).
Brooklyn Poetry Slam rules

Brooklyn Poetry Slam is a two-round performance poetry competition.
Each poet is given three minutes to read their own original work (no props or accompaniments).
The top five poets from the first round advance to the second round.
Five random judges from the audience score each round on a scale of 0–10. The highest and lowest scores for each poet are dropped each round. The poet with the highest cumulative score is the winner.

Eastwood Manor Bridal Show
2025-01-15 18:30 - 21:30 | Eastwood Manor, 3371 Eastchester Road, Bronx, NY, United States
FREE TICKETS
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Eastwood Manor 3371 Eastchester Road Bronx, New York 10469
Boss Lady Bridal Expos is recognized as one of the top bridal shows. As always, the expo features top wedding professionals.
Our expo has everything you need for an incredible and memorable event. It features top wedding planners, who can help with advice, ideas and direction. We have the best in hair and make-up, creative invitation designers and enthusiastic videographers and photographers. We’ve got great resources for looking your absolute best on that special day by experts for face, your smile, hair and body makeovers.
Connecting you with Top Professionals. Everything for your event under one roof!

Meet with 25+ Wedding Professionals
See the latest fashion styles
Gowns and tuxedos
DJ Entertainment
Grand Prize: Cruise
FREE admission for you and your guests
Online Reservations required or register at the door.

See great floral designs and décor ideas. Fun ideas for your bachelorette and bachelor party options. Transportation options so you can really enjoy yourself. We have some great recommendations for desserts and cakes.
Many of those participating in the bridal show are offering gift certificates for the raffle, concluding with a GRAND PRIZE Cruise.
Our guests will receive an event program, so they can take notes when they visit with our wedding professionals. The turned-in registration form will be your ticket to enter raffle drawings and be eligible for the Grand Prize
See you at the Show….
Boss Lady Bridal Shows
914.265.5356

Stomp, Clap and Sing with Princess Backpack and Benjamin
2025-01-14 10:30 - 11:30 | brooklyn central library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY, 11238, United States
Who’s cute and tough and holds your stuff? Princess Backpack! Princess Backpack and Benjamin can’t wait to bring their unique style of silly, sweet, and interactive music to the Brooklyn Public Library. Benjamin writes scripts and songs for shows like Dora on Paramount+, Rosie’s Rules on PBS, and Vida the Vet on Netflix, and has a picture book coming out with Simon and Schuster. Princess Backpack is a magical talking bag from the land of Backpackia. And for this show, they’ll be joined by renowned fiddler Melody Allegra to sing songs from their upcoming album, Carry On!

Stomp, Clap and Sing programs are made possible through generous support from the Estate of Pearl S. Reuillard in memory of her parents Yetta and Louis Schwartz.

Open Mic for Poets and Writers with Tobias Carroll
2025-01-12 14:00 - 15:30 | Queens Central Library, 8911 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica, NY, United States
Come share your writing and discuss it with others in this supportive space! Our featured reader is Tobias Carroll, the author of four books — most recently the novel “Ex-Members.” He lives in Brooklyn, where he’s the managing editor of “Vol. 1 Brooklyn” and writes a monthly column for “Words Without Borders.”

Voices by Margarita Athanasiou
2025-01-12 08:00 - 2025-01-15 17:00 | Brooklyn Academy of Music, 30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY, United States
In “Voices,” artist Margarita Athanasiou dives into the hidden histories of Victorian-era mediums and New Age spiritualists, as well as her own grandmother. What emerges is a story about female empowerment, capitalism, and the unexpected relationship between information technology and the spirit world. Her riveting video essay makes the case for the body as the ultimate communication device.
“Voices” is a part of TECHNE, a program of four large-scale digital artworks curated by Onassis ONX, an initiative by Onassis Culture dedicated to the development of new media art and digital experiences.

Thursday Nights Jazz
2025-01-09 20:00 - 22:00 | Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 153-10 Jamaica Avenue, Queens, NY, 11432, United States
Thursday Nights Jazz, featuring a performance by Tyler Bullock II, a New York-based pianist, composer, and arranger. Fans will see him at Jamaica Performing Arts Center, 161-04 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica, NY.
Cutting-edge contemporary jazz artists are presented October to May. The season culminates in the annual two-day Downtown Jamaica Jazz Festival each June.
From Curator Rio Sakairi:
​​​​​​​“I’m really happy and excited to bring once again a wide array of artists to the JCAL stage… I programmed the series so that everyone has something that you can relate to during the course of the season. You don’t have to know anything about them. You’ll just have to open your ears and hearts and let them speak to you. It’s all about exploration and learning about yourselves through these artists and their offerings!”

World Music Concert Series - QC Jazz Collective
2025-01-09 19:00 - 20:00 | Forest Park
Get warm from the cold with the soothing notes from the QC Jazz Collective! Part of our FREE Fall & Winter World Music concert series at Oak Ridge at Forest Park, in collaboration with the Queens College School of Arts and NYC Parks. Artists include:
Drums: David Najera Gonzalez
Trombone: Kazoo Murakami
Piano: Yeon Ji Lee
Bass: Yuhang Jiang

Live Puppet Show at Flushing Library
2025-01-09 16:00 - 17:00 | Flushing Library, 4147 Main St., Flushing, NY, United States
Experience a captivating puppet show presented by Chinese Theatre Works. The performance will take place at the Flushing Library, 41-17 Main St., Flushing, NY.

NYC Winter Jazzfest 2025
2025-01-09 08:00 - 2025-01-15 17:00
Celebrating 21 years, NYC Winter Jazzfest is proud to continue highlighting artists deserving greater attention while nurturing an audience for Black American Music and amplifying artists’ messages of justice, wellness and progressive change on and off the stage. Artist-in-Residence Makaya McCraven will perform four different sets. Festival highlights include an opening night concert with Aja Monet; the signature two-day marathon in each Manhattan and Brooklyn; a concert of jazz legends at The Town Hall celebrating the re-launch of Strata-East Records; the 60th year anniversary of John Coltrane’s seminal Impulse Records album ‘A Love Supreme’ featuring Ravi Coltrane; legacy groups performing the music of Roy Hargrove and Henry Threadgill.

Brooklyn Nets Home Game
2025-01-08 19:30 - 22:00 | Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, United States
Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center
A new era for Nets basketball began with the opening of Barclays Center for the 2012–13 season. The state-of-the-art arena offers fans an intimate setting, outstanding sightlines, premium amenities, and the distinctive Brooklyn Taste program, bringing the borough’s culinary favorites to the arena’s concessions, suites, restaurants, and clubs. Located in the heart of Brooklyn, Barclays Center is easily accessible by 11 subway lines at the Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center station, plus the Long Island Rail Road at Atlantic Terminal.
