EVENT ALERT: HARLEM WEEK 2012 CALENDAR

by Gloria Dulan-Wilson

HARLEM WEEK 2012: For anybody who does not live on the planet earth, let met just tell you that New York City is the most exciting place to be right about now. We never do anything small. And that is patently clear when it comes to HARLEM WEEK. Now nearing its 40th year, I can remember when it started out as Harlem Day. Now our week is a little over a month. It was clear from that beginning that we had waaaaay much to celebrate to encompass it in a mere week. So, while we still call it Harlem Week, it really is Harlem month - and by extrapolation, Harlem Year.

Every year Lloyd Williams, the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, and the various community groups, along with an ever expanding group of sponsors, puts together an astounding tour de force so that the impact and importance of Harlem and its denizens in indelibly imprinted on the minds of the residents, participants, tourists, and onlookers.

So get out and get into the flow that is Harlem, and prepare to be amazed.

Before we start with the calendar, here's a blurb about the people behind the events: "About HARLEM WEEK, Inc. HARLEM WEEK, Inc. is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation that fosters continued growth and development of Harlem, one of the world’s best-known neighborhoods. HARLEM WEEK, Inc. highlights Harlem’s assets and unique flavor. Now in its 38th year, HARLEM WEEK continues to promote Harlem’s rich African American, Hispanic, Caribbean and European history, culture, arts, religion, entertainment and sports."

2012 Events - Complete HARLEM WEEK Calendar of Events

Saturday, July 28 & Sunday, July 29
A Magical Weekend in Harlem

30th Annual Festival Santiago Apostol de Loiza a El Barrio
El Barrio’s children decorate “vegigante” masks; Afro Puerto Rican foods and musicians take to the streets in this cultural celebration. East Harlem – E. 104th St.
Time: 11 AM – 9 PM
Location: E. 104th Street – between Lexington and Park Avenue
Admission: Free

“A Great Day in Harlem”
“Sunday Classics”

With an expected attendance of 40,000, “A Great Day in Harlem” is a day long family-oriented event. Participants can enjoy an Outdoor Festival, Picnic, Fashion Show and Concerts, saluting Gospel, Dance, Theater, Latin, Rhythm & Blues and Jazz. There will also be arts & crafts, food from around the world, vendors, exhibitions, corporate exhibits, career recruitment and much more! Check out all of the “Great Day in Harlem” events below:

International Cultural Showcase
Featuring Millenium Dance Company, National Dance Institute and The African Chorus Ensemble.
Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Location: U.S. Grant National Memorial Park – W. 122nd Street and Riverside Drive
Admission: Free

International Gospel Showcase
Time: 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Location: U.S. Grant National Memorial Park – W. 122nd Street and Riverside Drive
Admission: Free

Fashion Fusion Showcase
Featuring cutting edge fashion from designers of color.
Time: 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Location: U.S. Grant National Memorial Park – W. 122nd Street and Riverside Drive
Admission: Free

“A Concert Under the Stars”
A salute to international Music Legends, with special tribute to Hal Jackson
Time: 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Location: U.S. Grant National Memorial Park – W. 122nd Street and Riverside Drive
Admission: Free

Wednesday, August 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
APOLLO Theater
Salutes HARLEM WEEK
During Amateur Night, each week will feature a special Harlem act. Sweet Charity (8/1), The Boys and Girls Choir of Harlem (8/8), The Boys and Girls Choir (8/15), Alyson Williams (8/22). Harlem residents can experience these Amateur Nights at the Apollo on Wednesdays in August for half-price. You must present a valid photo ID and proof of residence when purchasing tickets at the Apollo Box Office. A limit of two half-price tickets per show.
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: The Apollo Theater – 253 W. 125th Street
Admission: $19.00 and up

Friday, August 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31
UPTOWN FRIDAYS!
Every Friday in August, explore current exhibitions with free guided tours and dance to great music at the Studio Museum.

Time: 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location: Studio Museum – 144 W. 125th Street
Admission: Free
For more information, visit: www.studiomuseum.org.

Wednesday, August 1 thru Thursday, August 16
Entertainers Basketball Classic
Experience one of the most prestigious summer basketball competitions at Holcombe Rucker Park!
Time: 6:00 pm
Location: Holcombe Rucker Park – 155th Street & Frederick Douglas Boulevard
Admission: Free

Wednesdays , August 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd
JAZZMOBILE
Featuring Ray Mantilla (8/1), Cynthia Scott (8/5),
Frank Wess (8/15) and Jimmy Owens (8/22)
Time: 7 PM
Location: U.S. Grant National Memorial Park, W. 122nd St.and Riverside Dr
Admission: Free
For more info: www.jazzmobile.org – 212-866-4900

Thursday, August 2, 9, 16 & 30
HARLEM SUMMER STAGE
Persuaders Review & The Alyson Williams Experience(8/2),
The Mighty Sparrow (8/9)
Hezekiah Walker’s Gospel Explosion (8/23) and more.
On the 8/16, The National Black Sports & Entertainment Hall of Fame (NBS&EHF)
joins with Harlem Summer Stage to present its annual Living Legends Tribute
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: A.C. Powell Jr. State Office Plaza – 125th Street & A.C. Powell Boulevard
Admission: Free
For additional information, visit: www.harlemsummerstage.net.

Saturday, August 4
Dance Theatre of Harlem Family Street Festival
Outdoor festival featuring performance showcases, arts & crafts, vendors, food and entertainment.
Time: 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: W. 152nd Street from Amsterdam Ave to St. Nicholas Avenue
Admission: Free
For additional information, visit: www.dancetheaterofharlem.org.

Sunday, August 5, 12, 19 & 26
Kids & Family Programs @ Studio Museum
Time: 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Location: Studio Museum – 144 W. 125th Street
Admission: Free
For more information, visit: www.studiomuseum.org.

Tuesday, August 7
NY City Senior Citizens Day
Members of the Senior Citizens community can enjoy a farmers market, senior expo as well as the Elder’s Jubilee Awards Luncheon.
Time: 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Location: A.C. Powell, Jr. State Office Building – 125th Street & A.C. Powell, Jr. Boulevard
Admission: Free

Thursday, August 9
NYC Economic Development Day
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM International Business & Health Conferences
10 AM – 3 PM Indoor Business & Professional Services Expo
10 AM – 2 PM Career & Jobs Fair
10 AM – 5 PM Outdoor Farmer’s Market
12 Noon – 2 PM Annual Business Award Luncheon
Location: Columbia University, Albert Lehrner Hall, 115th Strert & Broadway
Admission: Registration required

Thursday, August 9 through Sunday, August 12
Golden Hoops @ Rucker Park
“Each One Teach One” Showcases the finest boys and girls high school athletes in the NY region
Time: 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Holcombe Rucker Park – 155th Street & Frederick Douglas Boulevard
Admission: Free

Wednesday, August 15th
Jobs & Careers Fair in East Harlem
Sponsored by Assemblyman Keith L.T. WrightIn concert with The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and SCAN our communities combat unemployment, by connecting job seekers with potential public and private sector employers.
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: 1839 Lexington Avenue @ E. 113th St.
Contact: cmccadden70thad@gmail.com – 212-866-5809
Admission: Free

Thursday, August 16 thru Sunday, August 19
HARLEM WEEK Tri-State Jr. Tennis Classic
Held in concert with The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, the U. S. Open and HARLEM WEEK, this four-day competition for youth throughout the tri-state region. Presented by the Harlem Junior Tennis Program Les Halles Cup, showcases the best tennis male and female players ages 12 through 18.
Time: 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Location: Aug. 16 & 17 – Fred Johnson Tennis Courts – W. 150th Street & A.C. Powell, Jr. Boulevard
Aug. 18 & 19 - Special Tennis Exhibitions & Championships at Howard Bennett Playground
W. 135th St. (bet. 5th Ave. & Malcolm X Blvd.)
Admission: Free

Saturday, August 18
“Summer in the City”
Saluting Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary with a Musical Tribute to Bob Marley
Part I • 12 NOON – 5 PM
NY City “Children’s Festival”(Day I)
Featuring exhibits, games, arts & crafts, live music, dance, free health testing, exhibits, and sports clinics.
W.135th St. (bet. – Malcolm X & A.C. Powell Jr. Blvds.)

12 Noon – 2PM
ESPN RADIO 98.7 FM
Featuring a special live broadcast of the Steven A. Smith Show
at Lenox Terrace Cove
on W. 135th St. (bet. 5th Ave. & Malcolm X Blvd.)

Part II • 11 AM – 3 PM
Harlem Honeys and Bears
Senior Citizens Swimming
Demonstrations For the whole family – Hansborough Recreation Center
W. 135th St. (bet. Malcolm X Blvd. & Fifth Ave.)

Part III • 12 NOON – 5 PM
Historic Black College Fair & Expo
Over 50 historic Black colleges, Universities and public, private, city and state colleges and universities, will distribute information on admissions, scholarships and financial aid.
W.135th St. (bet. Malcolm X & A.C. Powell Jr. Blvds.)

Part IV • 12 NOON – 2 PM
Everyone will be “Dancing In the Street” Saluting Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary
Hosted by Dahved Levy from
W. 135th St. (bet. F. Douglass Blvd. & St. Nicholas Ave.)

Part V • 2 PM – 3 PM
The Fabulous Fashion Flava Show
Featuring the best in Urban Fashions

Part VI • 3 PM to 5 PM
“Uptown Saturday Nite”
Salutes to International Jamaican Musical Icons
Harry Belafonte & Bob Marley

Part VII • 12 NOON – 5 PM
International Vendors Village
Featuring Arts & Crafts, Music, Clothing, Jewelry, Hats, Sculptures, Foods, Job Recruitment, Product Sampling, and Corporate Exhibits
W.135th St.

Part VIII • 7PM -10PM
HARLEM WEEK 2012
Outdoor Film Festival In Concert With Imagenation
The Featured Film: “Marley” - The definitive life story Bob Marley, musician, revolutionary, and legend.
On The Great Lawn of St. Nicholas Park
W. 135th St. & St. Nicholas Ave.
www.imagenation.us – 212-694-2887


Saturday • August 18th • 4 PM – 7 PM
Jazzmobile presents
“Great Jazz on the Great Hill”
Free outdoor Jazz concert on the Great Hill of Central Park
presenting a multi-generational celebration of
Big Band Jazz and Swing Dancing. Featuring Wycliffe Gordon,
Alyson Williams, Steve Kroon and Brianna Thomas
Central Park West Side from 103rd to 107th Sts.
www.jazzmobile.org – 212-866-4900

Sunday, August 19
HARLEM DAY
THEME: “HARLEM: Where The World Meets The World”
Saluting South Africa and Japan with Tributes to Nelson Mandela, Miriam Makeba,
Hugh Masekela and the Music of Japan

Site I
W. 135th St. (bet. 5th Ave. & Malcolm X Blvd.)
10 AM – 4 PM
• Upper Manhattan Auto Show

12 Noon – 6 PM
• The NY City Health Village
Health testing, education and information
• Upper Manhattan
Small Business Expo & Fair

• HARLEM WEEK /USTA Tri-State Junior Tennis Clinics
At Howard Bennett Playground

• 5th Avenue Stage
• 1PM – 7 PM
salutes to South African Music Legends
• International Vending & Exhibits

Site II • 12 NOON – 7 PM
W.135th St. (bet. Malcolm X & A.C. Powell Jr. Blvds.)
• NY City “Children’s Festival” (Day 2)
Theme: “Back to School”

• On the YMCA Stage 12 NOON to 6 PM
- Dance, Jazz, Spoken Word, Hip-Hop, R&B

- “Dress for Success” - A “Back to School” Children’s Fashion Show

Site III • 1 PM – 7 PM
St. Nicholas Main Stage
W. 135th St. and St. Nicholas Ave.
featuring Tributes to “Soul Train” & Don Cornelius

Site IV • 12 NOON to 7 PM
International Exhibitors & Vendors Village

Saturday, August 25
PES Harlem 5K Run/Family Health Walk
Thousands of participants from all over NYC, the tri-state region, nationally and internationally participate in the Annual Percy Sutton Harlem 5K Run/NYC Family Health Walk-A-Thon through Historic Harlem. The day also features numerous exhibits from HARLEM WEEK sponsors and international food tastings.
Event Registration: 6:00 am/ Run Start Time: 8:30 am / Walk Start Time: 9:30 am
Location: 135th Street & St. Nicholas Ave
Admission: Free
to register call (212) 423-2286

The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival
Featuring Toots Thielmans, James Carter, Tia Fuller, Cecile McLorin Salvant
Time: 3:00 pm
Location: Marcus Garvey Park – The Richard Rodgers Amphitheater –
123rd & Mt. Morris Park West
Admission: Free
For additional information, visit: www.harlemsummerstage.org.

HARLEM WEEK Outdoor Film Festival in Concert with ImageNation
Featured Film: ”Amandla!: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony”
Featuring Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Abdullah, Vusi Mahlsela and others.
Time: 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Location: The Great Lawn of St. Nicholas Park – W. 135th Street & St. Nicholas Avenue
Admission: Free

And while you're strolling around, make sure you stop in at Sylvia's Queen of Soul Food Restaurant to pay your condolences to the family upon the death of Sylvia; and to give your congratulations to the family for 50 years of consistent and continued quality service and food for the community.

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Obama A Day: Message: In the interest of "AN OBAMA A DAY KEEPS THE MITT-TWITS AWAY" here's my contribution:
The next time you watch a Chevy commercial about how great they're progressing; at the point where Chevy starts talking about how great they're doing, say silently (or out loud) THANK YOU PRESIDENT OBAMA for not letting them shut down the entire automobile industry. The next time you're tooling down the turnpike and see the highway under construction, say THANK YOU PRESIDENT OBAMA for jobs and the funds to keep people employed.

That's it in a nutshell. Harlem Week is on and popping. If you missed the first part, you've still got time to make it up by making it to the rest of the events. While you're out there, stop by Sylvia's Queen of Soul Food Restaurant and give your condolences and pay your respect to the family for 50 years of continued excellent food and service to the Harlem Community.

And remember to bring your walking shoes, your camera and your dancing shoes - we do the Electric Slide and the Wobble up here. Be prepared!

Stay Blessed &
ECLECTICALLY BLACK
Gloria Dulan-Wilson

And in the interest of "An Obama A Day Keeps the Mitt-twits Away,": remember, the next time you commercial about any domestic car - Chevy, Ford, Chrysler, etc., just remember that 4 years ago the American automotive industry was in the toilet as a result of the major economic downturn; be sure and say THANK YOU PRESIDENT OBAMA for saving the industry from disaster. And for my brothers and sisters in the Motor City of Detroit, make sure you give President Obama a Double THANK YOU for saving your jobs.
Stay Blessed - GDW