The Uptown Collective – The Recap 6-9 to 6-14

By Led Black
June 9 – June 14
Okay folks, the 3rd Annual Dominican Film Festival in New York (DFFNY) kicks off on Wednesday June 18th. This year the festival will be bigger, better and broader than ever before. Get this – 40 films in 5 days as well as a whole host of artist tributes, panel discussions and events. DFFNY is all about celebrating and highlighting the best that the Dominican Republic’s film community has to offer, right here in the capital of the Dominican Diaspora, Washington Heights. There are bunch of must attend events and films, so please check out http://dominicanfilmfestival.com/ for a full listing of all the awesomeness in store for film lovers.
Speaking of can’t miss events; A Toast to Fort Tryon Park: Wine Tasting Benefit takes place on Thursday, June 19th from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. A Toast to Fort Tryon Park is your annual chance to partake and imbibe in the truly majestic Heather Garden while overlooking the Hudson. Celebrate the start of summer with fine wine and live music along with your friends and neighbors. All proceeds support Fort Tryon Park restoration, horticultural supplies, maintenance staff, free programs, special events, volunteer initiatives and improvements in the park.
Uptown’s own Smoothini AKA The Ghetto Houdini was on America’s Got Talent this past week and completely blew away the judges. Keep an eye out for the former Marine turned magician as he continues to amaze and astound. Multi-talented artist/producer Eckz blessed us with an exclusive, Shimmy Ya. Cakes also released a new video for the song Get Away directed by Lozer Films.
The good folks at Liquid Skin Studio are putting together a music/art shindig on June 20th from 7 until midnight. A whole host of both visual and music artists will be doing their thing that night. On Sunday 22 June 2014, 1–6 p.m., 25 artists throughout Uptown will open their studios to the community for an intimate glimpse into their creative process. Check out http://artstroll.com/open-studios/ for a full schedule.
Lastly, The Incredibly Spectacular Dyckman Fireworks Co. will be making its theatrical premiere at the venerable United Palace (4140 Broadway) at the sixth installment of the Sunday Movies at the Palace with Lin-Manuel Miranda series. Our short will debut prior to the feature film, Manhattan. Tickets are $10 online and $15 at the door.
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.