Saturdays at harlem is . . ., a series of daytime open house events offering free arts events and programs designed for families, launched on Saturday, December 7th, 2024.
The event takes place at the Harlem Hospital Center with a vibrant, multimedia, storytelling event by the Griots in Concert, Harlem’s own Dr. Linda H. Humes, Master Drummer Sanga of the Valley, and Musician Claude Jay.
The programming by Community Works/New Heritage Theatre Group invites families to experience live performance and workshops with local Harlem legends, scholars and artists and offers a tour of the group’s permanent harlem is . . . Music, Theater & Dance installation at the hospital.
The group on Saturday in coordination with the Yaffe Cultural Center filled the hospital’s Mural Pavilion, home of the famed WPA-era murals that show Black life in the community. The aim is to offer monthly programs that bring alive the vibrant culture of Harlem now by showcasing differing cultural groups that have contributed over time. An intergenerational audience — age 8 to 90 — was captivated by joyous, multicultural holiday tales along with the beautiful musical vocals and dramatic drumming.
Barbara Horowitz, founder and president of Community Works, said, “We are so pleased to offer programs for families to explore the rich history of Harlem and to find inspiration in the transformational power of the arts to build community.”
Upcoming programs include Dec. 21, 2024, at noon with families in a unique holiday collaboration with the Jewish Community Center of Harlem; January 11, 2025, an interactive swing into the New Year with Harlem Swing Dance Society offering Lindy Hop dance demonstrations and commentary about the historical context of swing dance in Harlem; and Feb. 15, 2025, Dietrice A. Bolden, artistic director of the IMPACT Repertory Theatre and singer, offers Music with a Message, examining music vocals over a century from Billie Holiday to today’s most popular music stars.
Other planned programs include performances and commentary about spoken word poetry, the arts as a vehicle for social change, the power of dance to build community, and the lifeline of jazz in Harlem history.
The public programs are meant to build on the themes raised by the exhibit itself on the hospital’s second floor. The installation features photos, text and video clips that tell the stories of more than 100 people and institutions that have contributed to Harlem’s rich cultural history for more than a century. There also is a 30-foot Harlem timeline in the Mural Pavilion. The exhibit opens this year as a permanent cultural destination for the community and visitors and offers free guided tours by arrangement.
The free exhibit is open Tuesdays 10 am to 2 pm and Thursdays and Saturdays 12 pm to 4 pm at the hospital, 506 Malcolm X. Blvd. at 135th Street. School and community groups may visit only by appointment by calling 917-757-2242 or emailing bh@communityworksnyc.org.
This exhibit is dedicated to the memory of former Community Works Board Chairman Michael Davidson.
Photo credit; Harlem is…
Latest Posts
- Los Angeles: Yuletide Cinemaland, A Festive Celebration Of Holiday Spirit
- Sponsored Love: Deck The Halls With Savings, Instacart’s Holiday Cheer Is Here!
- Mayor Adams And Governor Hochul Remove 73,000 Ghost Cars From NYC
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Warns Companies Not To Misrepresent Health Plans
- Governor Hochul Enacts Law Mandating Insurance Coverage For Dyslexia Testing
Become a Harlem Insider!
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
