While running errands this morning, I happened past the new Levain Bakery on Frederick Douglass. Being nosy, I stepped inside to see what the hype was about and judge for myself. The radio was loud, the look industrial. I was surprised. Not turned off, but surprised. It’s hipper than I expected. That’s a plus. And… [Read more…]
January 18, 2011
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Funk Soul diva Sy Smith will take the stage Sunday, January 23rd at Talay Lounge for the inaugural Rock, Paper, Soul modern groove assembly independent artist showcase. Smith, widely known as the hardest working woman in the industry, will be joined by a whole slew of artists, two of whom (the irrepressible Chinah Blac and grossly… [Read more…]
January 17, 2011
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This just in: R&B legend Betty Wright will be performing at Billie’s Black THIS WEDNESDAY NIGHT. More details.
December 17, 2010
The foodie in me has been as anxious as a kid on Christmas morning every since I saw Chef Marcus Samuelsson looking at spaces inHarlem. Rumor had it that he was opening a new restaurant somewhere in the hood. One day soon thereafter, I saw him looking at the basement of my building. I doubt he… [Read more…]
December 17, 2010
With my current passport reaching retirement age, I found myself in need of new photos so I can re-activate my jet-setting ways. So, I dropped by the UPS Store on 1-2-5 (30 East 125th) this afternoon to have the shots taken. While there, I learned a lot. Want to know what’s going on? Here you… [Read more…]
October 11, 2010
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Fresh off her command performance singing background vocals for the living legend known as Cher, Vivian Sessoms will be the next artist taking a seat “on the sofa.” The second edition of joseph riley land‘s “on the sofa” series, sponsored by Pollen Nation Events & Floral and Billie’s Black, takes place this Wednesday [October 13]. … [Read more…]
October 8, 2010
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The Harlem Open Artist Studio Tour, affectionately known as “HOAST,” provided countless young (and old) artists from all disciplines an opportunity to be seen by a large group. The event, which took place every October from 2005 until last year, was a huge success, with art lovers filling the streets of Harlem. Up and coming… [Read more…]
September 27, 2010
Dear Harlem and Harlem Visitors: Remember a couple of weeks ago when I told you to go see Nakia Henry perform at Billie’s Black? A lot of you listened. Good job. For the rest of you… yeah, I’m talking to you… rectify the situation tonight by heading over to Shrine World Music Venue [2271 Adam… [Read more…]
September 15, 2010
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Acoustic shows are hit or miss. Sometimes you get an artist whose voice reaches out, wrapping around the lyrics, caressing them slowly, delivering such a punch that you get goose bumps. Others make you wish you had stayed at home and watched Homeboys From Outer Space reruns on TV. Nakia Henry’s molasses-soaked vocals are the former. The… [Read more…]
August 7, 2010
Billie’s Black launches a new series this Wednesday (August 11) with the first “on the sofa with joseph riley land.” Yes, that would be me. Shameless, shameless plug. But, my job as a writer for UPTOWNflavor is to tell you about events going on in Harlem. And this, my friends, is an event. Co-sponsored by… [Read more…]
July 22, 2010
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Recently this press release popped up in my Inbox and I knew I wanted to share it with you. Adina Nyree is one talented sista and you will not want to miss this event. Now, I recognize that I’m posting last-minute but there are two reasons for that: 1. I was on vacation in North… [Read more…]
July 9, 2010
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Harlem has produced many artists over the years. To be honest, it seems if you’re born and/or raised here you inevitably end up with some creativity in your blood. Born in Harlem Hospital and raised in the Sugar Hill section of Harlem, MiKA received a double, triple, quadruple dose of said creativity, with copious amounts… [Read more…]
July 3, 2010
The UPS Store is using their 125th Street (30 East 125th) location as a launching ground for a new program for shipping luggage. Charmaine Raphael, The UPS Store Manager, will be making an appearance on FOX Cable at 9:30am on Saturday July 3rd to help announce the program. “Not having to carry a suitcase while… [Read more…]
June 23, 2010
As a part of their month-long 4th anniversary celebration, Billie’s Black will play host to YahZarah this Wednesday evening. The event, brought to Billie’s by ONUTSS (One Nation Under the Soul Shack), one of the city’s most popular promoters of independent soul music, will include a meet and greet, a listening session for YahZarah’s just-released… [Read more…]
June 11, 2010
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This Sunday, June 13th, as the Broadway community celebrates the American Theatre Wing’s 2010 Tony Awards, Kevin-Anthony’s B2: Productions presents the 6th Annual Black 2: Broadway Celebrates the Tony Awards at G Uptown. The event will be co-hosted by Broadway stars Colman Domingo and Adrian Bailey and will honor director-choreographer-performer Kenneth Roberson and the Audelco… [Read more…]
June 9, 2010
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That puffy-haired tower of power is at it again. KimberlyNichole will be re-releasing her debut project, The Yellow Brick Journey – this time rechristened YBJ Reloaded – on Tuesday, June 15th. Pollen Nation (11 East 125th Street), the exclusive brick and mortar store carrying the project, will host a meet and greet/CD signing for her… [Read more…]
May 24, 2010
Billie’s Black brings us another one. After Friday night’s packed-house performance by indie soul veteran Dexter Myers, they are bringing the oft-underrated, yet always immediately recognizable vocal stylings of none other than Miss Keke Wyatt. The show, which takes place Thursday (May 27th) from 7 – midnight, starts out with R&B group Mo Betta Groove.… [Read more…]
May 20, 2010
Veteran indie artist Dexter Myers doesn’t do a lot of live shows. In fact, NYC usually only gets one per year from him. He’s doing his annual outing this time at Billie’s Black (271West 119th Street). The show, which is being billed as “Dexter Myers and Friends” is Friday (May 21st) night at 8 PM.… [Read more…]
May 14, 2010
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If you haven’t heard about the Power of One program, Harlem’s plan for self-sufficiency, here is your chance. This Sunday (May 16th) at Riverside Church and Theater, Hue-Man Bookstore’s Marva Allen – the brainchild behind the program – will unveil to the community at large the concept behind the Power of One. The event, “Small… [Read more…]
May 7, 2010
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According to Time Out New York, Atmos is one of the best shopping experiences in Harlem. So is Pollen Nation. And Carol’s Daughter. And, if you don’t shop only on 125th Street, you could find something nice at SWING. Or N Harlem. These are just five of TONY’s “best indie shops” in Harlem. Others that… [Read more…]
May 7, 2010
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With World Cup 2010 so close, Harlem Vintage turns its eye toward the nation hosting the event: South Africa. Since wine is their thing (it is a wine store after all), and South Africa is “one of the most attractive emerging wine regions in the world today,” according to Wine Spectator, Harlem Vintage will be… [Read more…]
May 7, 2010
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Harlem was represented very well at this past Monday’s gala event for the Steve Harvey Foundation at Cipriani Wall Street. Harlem Children’s Zone’s Geoffrey Canada was among the honorees (alongside State Farm’s Pamela El and two-time Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington). The purpose of the event was to raise funds for the organization, which provides… [Read more…]
May 4, 2010
I remember when I was living in Nashville: one afternoon the restaurant I was managing was inundated with a whole slew of older women, all of whom were wearing red hats. Most of them were dressed in purple as well. These women, I quickly discovered, were a part of the Red Hat Society. Much like… [Read more…]
April 28, 2010
Pam Grier makes an appearance Wednesday, May 5, at Gospel Uptown to promote her new book, Foxy: My Life in Three Acts, A Memoir. The event, which takes place from 12 noon until 3 PM, will give fans a chance to meet the original Foxy Brown herself, as well as pick up a signed copy of… [Read more…]
April 28, 2010
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I told you so. No, seriously, I told you so. Last Friday night Darnell Levine made the New York stop on his U.S. tour and when he took the stage at Billie’s Black, he promptly showed us why he’s gotten such national attention and why more of you should have been there. Levine is a… [Read more…]
April 19, 2010
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Taking a page from the Independent Singer’s Handbook, critics’ favorite Darnell Levine continues his self-financed, 14-city national tour with a stop at Billie’s Black this Friday night (8-10PM). The Kentucky native is touring to promote his newest project, which he will be self-releasing this summer. Levine has made quite a name for himself and space… [Read more…]
April 8, 2010
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Following its acclaimed premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, Who Do You Love-the new film from four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks (Marvin’s Room)-will open in NYC April 9th in select theaters and with ImageNation in Harlem at the National Black Theater (2031 5th Ave. (between 125th & 126th Streets) for a 3-day run… [Read more…]
March 24, 2010
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Pollen Nation, owned by Collin Abraham – floral designer for such names as Beyoncé, Rachel Ray, Diddy and President Clinton – has just announced their Spring 2010 semester of classes. Each class will tackle a different discipline within the realm of floral design, from simple care and handling to arranging, Pavé and Ikebana-style. Pollen Nation… [Read more…]
March 20, 2010
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The snow didn’t stop them. Neither did the date change. Apparently they were ready for a party and when they got there, that’s exactly what they did. Who and what am I talking about? Harlem Stage opened their Spring 2010 season of Uptown Nights on Sunday, February 28 with a show featuring TreZure as the… [Read more…]
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March 28, 2011
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