Children

Hugo Chavez, an Oil Company and the Beautiful Sound of Bronx Youth

When we first started our music program with a handful of kids in 2009 we only dreamed of one day having an orchestra full of youth from the South Bronx. Now, not only does such an orchestra exist but it’s had the incredible good fortune to travel to Venezuela for a week of intensive study and performance with El Sistema, the world-renown Venezuelan system of youth orchestras and choirs that inspired us to start UpBeat NYC six years ago.

The Venezuelan-Bronx cultural exchange continues this weekend when the National Youth Orchestra of Caracas comes to Crotona Park for a free outdoor concert open to the public. The 160-piece orchestra will also be performing this weekend at the United Nations for its 70th anniversary celebration. It is noteworthy that this renowned orchestra, one of El Sistema’s most important orchestral and educational achievements, will be holding its public concert in the South Bronx, a community rich in its own culture but so often overlooked and underserved.

Be a Part of History: Are You Ready To Boogie On The Boulevard One More Time This Sunday?

This Sunday from Noon to 4PM is your LAST CHANCE to Boogie on The Boulevard in 2015 for this 3 Sunday summer event which closes off the center lanes of The Grand Concourse between 161st and 167th Street—a full 7 city block stretch—transforming this area into a huge an approximately 4.75 acre recreational space filled with fitness and health activities, art, dancing, bike riding, skating, performing arts and so much more!

This Sunday will also have a special treat for everyone: Morris Perk will be stationed inside The Bronx Museum serving their popular Bronx Blend coffee, limeade, and delicious pastelitos (aka pastelillos aka empanadas) made locally right here in The Bronx supporting other Bronx women owned businesses! (The last two times Morris Perk served all of this deliciousness, they sold out so make sure to get there early before they are all sold out!

Artist Open Call: Going Out With A Bang At The Old Bronx Courthouse

As No Longer Empty’s residency and exhibition, ‘When You Cut Into The Present The Future Leaks Out’ at the Old Bronx Borough Courthouse is coming to an end as it enters its final month, an open call is being issued to local Bronx artists to end the exhibition with a big celebration.

Boogie on the Boulevard is Back This Year—And It’s BIGGER!

The Grand Concourse, the boulevard of dreams which ties all Bronxites together and is the spine of The Bronx, was once closed on Sundays from 1991-1996 thanks the visionary leadership of then Borough President Fernando Ferrer along with Transportation Alternatives.

Last year, residents and local community based organizations alike, including The Bronx Museum of The Arts and Transportation Alternatives banded together to revive the popular event.

In 2014 we just got a few blocks from 165th Street to 167th Street for just 3 Sundays but this year we’re getting 8 blocks for 3 Sundays on August 2nd, 9th, and 16th from Noon to 12PM!

The Old Bronx Courthouse is PACKED With Events For No Longer Empty This Weekend!

No Longer Empty’s exhibition, ‘When You Cut Into The Present The Future Leaks Out’ isn’t just about the great artwork on display but it is also about the community engagement via the many programs surrounding the exhibition and this weekend will not disappoint with FIVE events!

New Children’s Book Based On African Folktales Teaches An Important Lesson

Home to one of the largest African populations in New York City, The Bronx is replete with many residents hailing from many of the continent’s countries.

One particular individual—of Gambian descent and works in The Bronx—has written a children’s book with a strong lesson to be learned by both children and adults alike.

Meet Victoria Blain author and illustrator of ‘The ExtraOrdinary Chameleon’, a new African folktale inspired by the ones she grew up with.