By Led Black
November 18 – November 23
I still can’t believe that our little documentary that could about the nutcracker and our beloved Uptown has been profiled in an excellent article in The NY Times by Alex Vadakul. This project is so much more than just the definitive documentary on the infamous underground libation; it is also the story of a neighborhood that went from the despair and depths of the crack era to the current cultural, artistic and entrepreneurial resurgence that I have dubbed The Uptown Renaissance.
We started the week with a well-researched and really beautiful article on the history of The Cloisters and Washington Heights written by Danielle Oteri for The Metropolitan Museum. Calling all supporters of the arts Uptown, The People’s Theatre Project is leading the charge to Storm The Palace. The PTP has started an indiegogo campaign to fund a “mind blowing evening of original theatre created by kids, teens and adults in our community’s very own world-class 3,300 seat venue: The United Palace of Cultural Arts!”
Speaking of arts and community, our Uptown Video column featured a must-see short on the very important work that Dister, the artist behind the global I Love My Hood movement, is doing in the Dominican Republic.
Our Monday Mood Music selection is the infectious Uno Uno Seis from the one and only, Andy Mineo. Dubwork, of the mighty IOD Camp, released his long-awaited project Still Dreaming. Since we are on the topic of Dubwork, Uptown’s own Ms. Viva Voce was on hand to cover the listening event for Still Dreaming prior to it’s release. Shout out to Mad Amps for the video recap of the festivities.
I had the distinct honor of covering the 14th Annual Latin Grammys this past week. This is the biggest night of the year for Latin Music. This year’s show featured stand out performances from such stars as Juanes, Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony, Pitbull, Alejandro Sanz, Carlos Vives, Draco Rosa and many other chart-topping artists. Not to mention, the incredible Salsa segment that honored Oscar D’Leon, Willy Chirino, Ismael Miranda, Jose Alberto “El Canario”, Tito Nieves and Sergio George. Our Bronx contributor, Jenni Ruiza, penned an article on how genuine Street Art is still alive and thriving in the Boogie Down.
Keep checking us out at www.uptowncollective.com.
Led Black
Editor-in-Chief
The Uptown Collective
The UC’s mission is to become “the” definitive, transformative and community-based force impacting the arts, culture, business and New York City’s overall perception of Upper Manhattan. Its objective is to reset, reboot and positively redefine Uptown’s artistic, political, cultural and business spheres via the online space as well the collective’s initiatives and functions.
