Celebrate the Glory of Sugar Hill
Sunday afternoons, May 24 and May 31, the Uptown Playwrights Workshop will host readings at La Pregunta Arts Café (1528 Amsterdam Avenue, 136th Street). From Friday May 29 through Sunday, May 31, the inspiring Harlem Fringe Theater Festival returns with mesmerizing stage performances including works by Audelco-winning theatre artists. These theatre productions include “Eulogy For The Blackman,” by Jamal Williams, Founder, Uptown Playwrights Workshop; “Gray,” by Ella Turrene (SistaPAC Production); “Q Presents ‘Clotel: Martha Redding’ ” by Kimberly Q. Purnell (Women of Choice, LLC) and a special production of “Rara” by Wendell Carter. A series of shorts include “Raising the Bar: The Sadie Alexander Story” by Jo Tanner (Dusky Divas Productions); and “Family Matters,” by Michael Jones (A.R.A.H.A.S. Productions). All of the theatre performances take place at Temple M Creative Arts Center (555 West 141st Street, just East of Broadway).
The world-renowned jazz hot spot, St. Nick’s Pub (773 St. Nicholas Avenue, 148th Street), will feature a special performance on May 28 by Kasala Jazz Band and will keep the swinging jam flowing on subsequent evenings with the legendary jazz pianist, Donald Smith, widely acclaimed jazz vocalist Arlene Kelly and more. Other participating cafes will host guitarists, vocalists, storytelling and great food, including Cafe One (1619 Amsterdam Avenue); Ecuadorian Restaurant (1685 Amsterdam Avenue); Globe Trippin’ (1689 Amsterdam Avenue); Rincon Restaurant (1693 Amsterdam Avenue); and Fatman Flavor Caribbean & Soul Food Restaurant (513 West 145th Street).
Among the visual arts, we invite visitors to Presentations and Demonstrations by eclectic textile designers, crafts makers and fine artists at the chic and legendary Harlem Textile Works (1677 Amsterdam Avenue, at 143rd Street), Straight Out of Harlem (702 St. Nicholas Avenue) and Children’s Art Carnival (62 Hamilton Terrace, 144th Street). Participating area art galleries are: Essie Green Galleries; Hamilton Landmark Gallery, West 144th Street; Simmons Art Gallery, 265 Edgecombe Avenue (West 145th Street); and, Triple Candie Gallery (500 West 148th Street) and the Nude exhibit by Al Johnson, showing 14 painters, collage artists and photographers at Temple M, 555 West 141st Street.
The premier entertainment griot, Harlem One Stop (917-583-4109), will offer walking tours. There’s fun and entertainment for everyone! Events at district businesses are free. Theater tickets are $18.00 each; group rates are available. Tickets may be purchased by credit card through SmartTix (212) 868-4444 at Cafe One (212.690.0060).
Stumble It!