We came, we saw, we stormed the palace. Hundreds of people came from far and wide to celebrate the community affirming work of the People’s Theatre Project at the magnificent United Palace on June 21st. For the people – by the people, succinctly sums up what the People’s Theatre Project is all about. The local actors, who range in age from 6 to 60 plus, also conceive and create the content they will eventually perform. There is something truly magical in seeing a community coming together to share their stories, their fears, and their triumphs. That magic was on full display at the Storm the Palace extravaganza. Hit up the site for our recap as well as a video of the festivities. At a time when most of the Hip-Hop coming out of New York City sounds like it is coming straight out of the south, Chazmere’s music is a breath of fresh air. The multi-talented Chazmere raps, sings and is quite the musician. Chazmere sat down with us to discuss his upbringing, his music and outlook on the Bronx. His self-titled album is out now. We strongly suggest you give it a listen. Tolly Wright of Time Out New York gave us a breakdown of some of the best things to do in Washington Heights. Reuven Blau of the NY Daily News penned a wonderful story on a group of sixth-graders from the Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School that were chosen to name a just-discovered Dominican Republic-native wasp species. Patrick McGovern of am New York takes a trip to Inwood to highlight a bit of its awesomeness. The 2016 Dominican Film Festival was something else. Let’s just say my press pass got plenty of use. I actually saw my favorite film of the festival, La Gunguna, 3 times in as many days. Check out our pictures of the kick-off night of the Dominican Film Festival in New York courtesy of Marcus Johnson. Our very own Edgar Peña penned a great piece on the funny folks at Room 28 and their recent performance at the Alianza Dominicana Cultural Center (530 West 166th). Cheaters beware – 8JTV warns what can happen to those that stray. You have been warned. See you next week folks!!! 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. June 20th – June 25th
