Tag Archives: Doug E. Fresh

INAUGURAL HARLEM FESTIVAL OF CULTURE

Who: Adam Blackstone, Bell Biv DeVoe, Cam’ron, Coco Jones, Doug E. Fresh, Eric Bellinger, Fat Joe, Ferg, Jozzy, MAJOR., MA$E, Muni Long, Remy Ma, Ro James, Teyana Taylor, Tink, Wyclef Jean, Patra, Lumidee, Max Glazer, Mr. Killa, Nadine Sutherland, Nina Sky, Rupee, Serani, Wayne Wonder, more
What: First annual Harlem Festival of Culture (HFC)
Where: Randall’s Island
When: July 28-30, $82-$108 per day, VIP $187-$266 per day, weekend bundle $240-$635, 3:00 – 11:00
Why: Questlove’s Oscar- and Grammy-winning 2021 Summer of Soul (. . . Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) reintroduced the world to the mostly forgotten 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, when an extraordinary group of performers — including Stevie Wonder, Mahalia Jackson, Nina Simone, the 5th Dimension, the Staple Singers, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Mavis Staples, Blinky Williams, Sly and the Family Stone, and the Chambers Brothers — gathered at what is now Marcus Garvey Park over the course of six Sundays and played their hearts and souls out.

The inaugural Harlem Festival of Culture (HFC), taking place July 28-30 on Randall’s Island, seeks to recapture that feeling with live music, art, food, and more, hosted by MC Lyte. Friday’s lineup features Bell Biv DeVoe, Cam’ron, Doug E. Fresh, Ferg, MA$E, and Estelle Presents “The LinkUp” with Patra, Lumidee, Max Glazer, Mr. Killa, Nadine Sutherland, Nina Sky, Rupee, Serani, and Wayne Wonder. On Saturday’s roster are Jozzy, Major, Muni Long, Teyana Taylor, and Tink. Sunday’s headliner is Wyclef Jean, preceded by Adam Blackstone, Coco Jones, Eric Bellinger, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, and Ro James.

“From the Harlem Renaissance to the Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969 to the Harlem Shake, this community is known worldwide for its immeasurable contributions in fashion, sports, dance, art and music — and has always played an integral role in moving culture forward,” HFC cofounder Yvonne McNair said in a statement. “For this inaugural year, we were very thoughtful and intentional in building what is an amazing lineup that aptly reflects the incredibly unique legacy that is intrinsic to the village of Harlem as well as the breadth and brilliance of Black music and culture.”

HARLEM DAY 2020

Who: Alvin Ailey Dance Company, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Doug E. Fresh, Harlem Music Festival All Star Band, Ray Chew, Alyson Williams, the Georgie Gee Orchestra
What: Harlem Week special event
Where: Harlem Week
When: Sunday, August 23, free with RSVP, 1:00
Why: The forty-sixth annual Harlem Week celebration has been a virtual potpourri of fun events that continue this weekend with an online 5K run, a vendor village, live music, a fashion show, dance parties, discussions, a story slam, film screenings, and foodie programs. The highlight could very well be Harlem Day on August 23, which features appearances by the Alvin Ailey Dance Company, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (performing “Chamber Music of the Harlem Renaissance” by Duke Ellington and Harold T. Burleigh, with clarinetist David Shifrin, pianists Gloria Chien and Wu Han, and violinist Chad Hoopes), Doug E. Fresh, the Harlem Music Festival All Star Band featuring Ray Chew with special guests, and Jazzmobile Great Jazz on the Great Hill with Alyson Williams and the Georgie Gee Orchestra. (Stevie Wonder had been on the bill for a talk with Fresh but that seems to no longer be happening.) Admission to Harlem Week is free with registration. Have a great day!

LET’S STAY (IN) TOGETHER: A BENEFIT FOR THE APOLLO THEATER

apollo

Who: “Captain” Kirk Douglas, Kool & the Gang, Gary Clark Jr., Robert Randolph, Ray Chew, Michael McDonald, Lil Buck & Jon Boogz, Keb Mo, Celisse Henderson, Infinity’s Song, Marc Bamuthi Joseph, Warren Haynes, Celisse Henderson, Ziggy Marley, Vernon Reid, DJ Reborn, DJ D-NICE, Dionne Warwick, Doug E. Fresh, Roy Wood Jr. and the 125th St. neighborhood
What: Virtual benefit concert to support the historic Apollo Theater
Where: The Apollo Theater website and Facebook page
When: Thursday, June 4, free with advance RSVP (donations accepted), 7:30
Why: The virtual Apollo Theater gala benefit was supposed to take place June 2, but it was delayed because of Blackout Tuesday, the music industry’s response to the government’s mishandling of the George Floyd protests and police brutality. Opened in 1934 on West 125th St. as a place where black musicians could play to black audiences, the Apollo is a landmark in African American history. In moving the date of the gala, the institution explained, “The Apollo Theater stands with #TheShowMustBePaused. In observance of Blackout Tuesday and in solidarity with our artists, neighbors, and the global community, our benefit — Let’s Stay (IN) Together — has been rescheduled from June 2 to June 4.” On Thursday night, the virtual celebration will have even more to say about the state of race in America; among the performers are “Captain” Kirk Douglas of the Roots, Kool & the Gang, Gary Clark Jr., Robert Randolph, Ray Chew, Michael McDonald, Lil Buck & Jon Boogz, Keb Mo, Celisse Henderson, Infinity’s Song, Marc Bamuthi Joseph, Warren Haynes, Celisse Henderson, Ziggy Marley, Vernon Reid, DJ Reborn, and DJ D-NICE, along with appearances by Dionne Warwick, Doug E. Fresh, and Roy Wood Jr. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted, with proceeds going not only to the theater but to local merchants and small businesses. And as the Apollo states on its website, “Love Black People Like You Love Their Culture.”

FREE SUMMER EVENTS: JUNE 17-24

The Breakfast Club screens for free in Bryant Park on Monday night

The free summer arts & culture season is under way, with dance, theater, music, art, film, and other special outdoor programs all across the city. Every week we will be recommending a handful of events. Keep watching twi-ny for more detailed highlights as well.

Sunday, June 17
New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Parks: Free Indoor Concert in Staten Island, Music Hall, Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, free, 3:00

Monday, June 18
Movie Nights in Bryant Park: The Breakfast Club (John Hughes, 1985), Bryant Park, lawn opens at 5:00, film begins at sunset

Tuesday, June 19
Night at the Museums, with free admission to and special programs at African Burial Ground National Monument, China Institute, Federal Hall National Memorial, Fraunces Tavern Museum, Museum of Jewish Heritage — A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, National Archives at New York City, National Museum of the American Indian — Smithsonian Institution, National September 11 Memorial & Museum, 9/11 Tribute Museum, NYC Municipal Archives, Poets House, the Skyscraper Museum, and South Street Seaport Museum, 4:00 – 8:00

Big Daddy Kane celebrates thirty years since his debut record in Coney Island on June 20

Wednesday, June 20
City Parks Foundation SummerStage: Big Daddy Kane: Long Live the Kane 30th Anniversary, with Big Daddy Kane and the Finisher Mister Cee, hosted by Doug E Fresh, Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island, 3052 West Twenty-First St., 7:00

Thursday, June 21
Smith Street Stage: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Jonathan Hopkins, continues Wednesday – Sunday through July 1, Carroll Park, Brooklyn

Friday, June 22
Films on the Green: La Bûche (Danièle Thompson, 1999), Transmitter Park, West St. between Kent St. and Greenpoint Ave., 8:30

Saturday, June 23
and
Sunday, June 24
Figment Festival, participatory arts activities, Governors Island, free, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

HOLIDAY MUSIC AND COMEDY 2017

It’s not Christmas in New York until Darlene Love comes to town

Hanukkah is under way and Christmas is right around the corner, so the city is filled with holiday-themed comedy shows and concerts. They range from classical performances at the Met and Carnegie Hall to hip-hop, soul, and rock extravaganzas at smaller clubs to Jewish takes on the season. Below is a sampling of some of the cooler events; keep watching this space for more additions.

Thursday, December 14
Ingrid Michaelson’s Eleventh Annual Holiday Hop, with Ingrid Michaelson and a Great Big World, Terminal 5, $40, 8:00

The Fire & Ice Hanukkah Celebration!, with fire dancers, fire breathers, poi juggling, live musical performances, Israeli music with DJ Adidor, glow in the dark madness, Hanukkah video art installations, Hanukkah drink specials, chocolate dessert bar, sufganiyot, and more, Highline Ballroom, 431 West 16th St., 212-414-5994, $40, 8:00

Thursday, December 14
through
Saturday, December 16
The 38th Annual Winter Solstice Celebration, with the Paul Winter Consort and Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, 1047 Amsterdam Ave., $40-$150

Thursday, December 14
through
Tuesday, December 19
The Eight Nights of Hanukkah with Yo La Tengo, with Yo La Tengo and special guests, Bowery Ballroom, 6 Delancey St., $40, 8:30

Friday, December 15
Christmas with Aaron Neville, B. B. King Blues Club & Grill, 237 West 42nd St., 212-997-4144, $69.50-$75, 8:00

An Acoustic Christmas w/ Over the Rhine, Highline Ballroom, 431 West 16th St., 212-414-5994, $29.50-$55, 8:00

Sunday, December 17
Natasha’s Christmas Spirit Brunch Show, with Matt Koplik, Danny Caraballo, Brian Klimowski, Hallie Brevetti, Sophie Bell, Abby Goldfarb, and Alexandria Grace Williams, hosted by Natasha Edwards, benefiting the HAVE Foundation (Honduras Agalta Valley Education), Stand Up NY, 236 West 78th St., $20, 2:00

Unsilent Night, participatory boombox concert with Phil Kline, Washington Square Park, free, 6:00

Monday, December 18
Oratorio Society of New York: HANDEL Messiah, conducted by Kent Tritle, Carnegie Hall, Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, $28-$100, 8:00

Wednesday, December 20
Holidelic feat. Everett Bradley, with special guest Dr. Elmo, Highline Ballroom, 431 West 16th St., 212-414-5994, $30-$60, 8:00

SING! An Irish Christmas with Keith & Kristyn Getty and Friends, Carnegie Hall, Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, $15-$130, 8:00

New York Baroque Incorporated: Baroque Holiday Music and Dance, led by Robert Mealy, with dancers Caroline Copeland and Carlos Fittante, featuring suites by Rameau, Lully, Purcell, and Handel, the Met Fifth Avenue, 1000 Fifth Ave., $65 (includes same-day museum admission), 7:00

Ronnie Spector will celebrate the best Christmas ever at City Winery

Ronnie Spector will celebrate the annual best Christmas ever at City Winery

Wednesday, December 20
and
Thursday, December 21
Ronnie Spector’s Best Christmas Party Ever! with Ronnie Spector and the Ronettes, City Winery, 155 Varick St., 212-608-0555, $35-$75, 8:00

Thursday, December 21
through
Saturday, December 23
A Darlene Love Christmas: Love for the Holidays, B. B. King Blues Club & Grill, 237 West 42nd St., 212-997-4144, $45, 8:00

cirque saturdays

Friday, December 22
Raheem DeVaughn & Friends Annual Holiday Concert 2017, feat. Doug E Fresh, Lil Mo, Ro James, Beanie Sigel, MC Lyte, Raheem DeVaughn, and the CrossRhodes, Highline Ballroom, 431 West 16th St., 212-414-5994, $35-$69.50, 8:00

Saturday, December 23
Rhett Miller’s Fifth Annual Holiday Extravaganza feat. Jen Kirkman, Janeane Garofalo, and other special guests, City Winery, 155 Varick St., 212-608-0555, $25-$35, 8:00

Cirque Saturdays Presents: The Naughty List — A Christmas Spectacular, Highline Ballroom, 431 West 16th St., 212-414-5994, $20, 11:00

Yo B, It’s Xmas feat. Nyck Caution, Lauriana Mae, with Michael Medium, LiveLikeDavis, DJ Shawn G, and DJ Surge, Mercury Lounge, 217 East Houston St., $12, 11:59 pm

Sunday, December 24
A Very Jewish Christmas, with Brad Trackman, Ophira Eisenberg, Jared Freid, Jon Fisch and others, Gotham Comedy Club, 208 West 23rd St., 212-367-9000, $25, 7:00 & 9:00

The Jew(ish) Show, with Jared Freid, Marion Grodin, Myq Kaplan, and Talia Reese, Stand Up NY, 236 West 78th St., $20, 8:00

City Winery & Joel Chasnoff Present: Christmas Eve for the Jews, with Jessica Kirson, Phil Hanley, and more, City Winery, 155 Varick St., 212-608-0555, $25-$60, 8:00

Monday, December 25
Oy Vey Festival w/ Soulfarm, featuring Kosha Dillz, Zalman Krause, Meir Kay, and Chillent, Highline Ballroom, 431 West 16th St., 212-414-5994, $20-$49.99, 8:00

HARLEM WEEK: SUMMER IN THE CITY / HARLEM DAY

Kenny Lattimore will be performing at Harlem Week Summer in the City festivities

West 135th St. between Malcolm X Blvd. & Frederick Douglass Blvd.
Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16, free, 12 noon – 6:00 pm
harlemweek.com

The annual Harlem Week festival continues August 15 with Summer in the City and August 16 with Harlem Day, two afternoons of special events along West 135th St. that honor the theme “Celebrating the Journey: Embracing the Future.” Saturday’s festivities include the Historic Black College Fair & Expo, the Peace in Our Community Conference, New Yorkers Are “Dancing in the Street” (with Alvin Ailey instructors and dancers), the Fabulous Fashion Flava Show, the first day of the NYC Children’s Festival (with a parade, sports clinics, health testing, arts & crafts, and more), Harlem Honeys & Bears swimming activities in the Hansborough Recreation Center, an International Vendors Village, the Uptown Saturday Concert with Kenny Lattimore, the Jeff Foxx Band, and Deborah Cox, an Our Lives Matter program, and a screening in St. Nicholas Park of Damani Baker and Alex Vlack’s 2010 documentary, Still Bill, about newly inducted Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Bill Withers. Sunday’s Harlem Day celebration features the Upper Manhattan Auto Show, tennis clinics, a health village, the second day of the NYC Children’s Festival (with a Back to School theme), the Upper Manhattan Small Business Expo & Fair, live music, dance, and spoken-word performances, another fashion show, and a musical tribute to Malcolm X with Doug E. Fresh, Vivian Green, and others.