Fall, 2018
BRONX FUN GUIDE FALL 2018
Issue 13
PAGE 1 The Bronx River
a publication of:
Fall, 2018
Issue 13
Olga Luz Tirado Executive Director
Dear Readers: Welcome to the Bronx 2018 Fall Fun Guide. You will notice that this edition of our seasonal publication has been expanded to include fun articles in addition to our traditional calendar of events. We hope you like the new look and find the editorial content informative. For future issues we will be accepting content from contributors. If you are a Bronx institution, tour guide, or have a story to tell, then take a look at our Writer’s Guidelines. In the meantime, we will continue to do our best to provide our readers with great content.
Bronxfully yours, Olga Luz Tirado
TABLE OF CONTENTS Fall Calendar
3
BronxStops
4
The Grand Concourse
8
The Bronx is for The Birds
11
Best Places to Bird in The Bronx
12
Bike The Bronx
13
Where To Photograph Fall Colors
14
Sofia Thierfelder Grifoll Deputy Director Tiffanyjoy Dacres Tourism & Administration Coordinator 851 Grand Concourse, Ste. 123 Bronx, NY 10451 718.590.3518 www.ilovethebronx.com
This guide is a digital publication of The Bronx Tourism Council (BTC). Contents and design © 2018, all rights reserved. Reproduction or alterations without written permission is strictly prohibited. Every effort was made to ensure accuracy of the information in this guide as of press time. However, BTC assumes no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. BTC makes no endorsement, representation or warranty regarding the suitability, quality or availability of any goods or services advertised or listed in this publication. Listings and advertisements may have been provided by the subject companies and BTC shall not be responsible or liable for any inaccuracy, omission or infringement of any third party’s rights therein, or for personal injury or any other damage or injury whatsoever.
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2018 FALL CALENDAR
Sep 20, Oct 18, Nov 15 | 2pm – 3:30pm
Thur | Sep 27 | 7pm
THROWBACK THURSDAY FREE TROLLEY TOUR
WHEN PUERTO RICO’S SUNG NEWSPAPER: THE PLENA
NEW For Woodlawn--FREE Throwback Thursday Trolley Tour. MORE INFO Woodlawn Conservancy, Jerome Ave & Bainbridge Ave Sat | Sep 22 | 11AM-5PM
BLUES, BREWS, & BOTANY Now in its third year, Blues, Brews, and Botany is back! Enjoy a flight of beers on the Conservatory Lawn and celebrate the first day of fall. Purchase a commemorative Sampling Mug to enjoy. MORE INFO The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard Sep 22 – Oct 31
SPOOKY PUMPKIN GARDEN The Everett Children’s Adventure Garden gets a spooky Halloween makeover with eye-popping pumpkins, silly scarecrows, and plenty of fun! Kids can explore more than 100 larger-than-life friendly scarecrows set among nearly 1,000 rare and unusual pumpkins and gourds; pot up a black coleus plant to take home; put on a show at the Pumpkin Puppet Theater; and investigate a mysterious Victorian playhouse to learn all about bats. MORE INFO The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard
BEAUTIFUL BRONX TROLLEY TOUR Woodlawn Conservancy, Jerome Ave & Bainbridge Ave Join Angel Hernandez, Program Director for The Bronx County Historical Society, on the Woodlawn Conservancy Trolley as he takes you to historic places. PART 2 Sat | Sep 22 | 12pm – 5pm PART 3 Sat | Oct 13 | 12pm – 5pm PART 4 Sat | Nov 17 | 12pm – 5pm
Fri | Sep 28 | 7:30pm
EL GRAN COMBO In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Eugenio Maria de Hostos Community College, El Gran Combo, considered to be "the most popular Salsa group that has ever existed" in Puerto Rico makes their Hostos debut. MORE INFO Hostos Center for Arts & Culture, 450 Grand Concourse Sat | Sep 29 |
ESTUARY PADDLE Paddle in the tidal section of The Bronx River and enjoy its unique mix of ecology and industry. PURCHASE REGISTRATION Bronx River Alliance, One Bronx River Parkway Sat | Sep 29 | 8pm
OLGA TAÑON Olga Tañon, a two-time Grammy Award and three-time Latin Grammy-winning Merengue and Latin Pop artist, returns to Lehman Center after 6 years to deliver an unbelievable night of hit after hit. Lehman Center for the Performing Arts 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West BUY TICKETS HERE
PATH THRU HISTORY WEEKEND
MORE INFO
AT WOODLAWN
MORE INFO
Woodlawn Conservancy, Jerome Ave & Bainbridge Ave
MORE INFO
Sat | Sep 22 | 8pm
MAMBO LEGENDS ORCHESTRA The famous Palladium Ballroom highlighted the Big Band Latin Orchestras and the creation of mambo and cha-cha dances took place at that time. These orchestras built the foundation of the tradition of Latin music not only in New York City but around the globe. Mambo Legends are paying tribute to this great era together with Gilberto Santa Rosa. Lehman Center for the Performing Arts 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West BUY TICKETS HERE Sun | Sep 23 | 2pm-3:30pm
WHEN TRAGEDY AND DISASTER STRIKE TROLLEY TOUR Diseases, major accidents and natural disasters are on the news every day. MORE INFO Woodlawn Conservancy, Jerome Ave & Bainbridge Ave BRONX FUN GUIDE FALL 2018
Nestor Murray-Irizarry –historian and founder of Casa Paoli in Ponce, Puerto Rico, a research and cultural center– and J. Emanuel Duchesne Gonzalez of the group Batacumbé will present their new book on the traditional Puerto Rican music genre known as plena, titled La plena puertorriqueña: nuevas fuentes para su estudio. MORE INFO Bronx Music Heritage Center, 1303 Louis Nine Blvd
Sat | Oct 6 | 11am-12:30pm
ITALIAN HERITAGE & NY WALKING TOUR Celebrate Italian Heritage Month and investigate the memorials that were created by Italian sculptors and carvers. MORE INFO
Sat | Oct 6 | 1pm-4pm
GREATS OF JAZZ & VAUDEVILLE: A VICTROLA TROLLEY TOUR Celebrate some of the greatest performers from 100 years ago and their indelible musical contributions to jazz, pop and vaudeville history. MORE INFO
Sun | Oct 7 | 2pm-3:30pm
GREAT LAKE WALKING TOUR The “Great Lake Tour” will take you on a stroll around this historical and beautiful water feature at the height of the fall foliage season when trees will be ablaze with autumn colors. MORE INFO
CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 PAGE 3
NEXT STOP: MOTT HAVEN In this installment of Bronx Stops, we will take the number 6 train to the 3rd Avenue and 138th street station. The Mott Haven district of the South Bronx has become THE place to go to for arts, culture and food. Alexander Avenue was declared a Historic District in July of 1969 and expanded in 1994. You can read more about Mott Haven Historic District here and here. The area boasts a gallery dedicated to contemporary art (WallWorks) and a number of great restaurants (Mott Haven Bar and Grill; Charlie's Bar and Kitchen; and Ceetay).
BronxEATS
The latest addition to the great restaurants of Mott Haven is BEATSTRO, a restaurant that pays tribute to the birthplace of Hip Hop. The entrance looks like a record store from back in the day but when the black curtain is opened a restaurant and lounge is revealed. The dĂŠcor includes graffiti art, paintings and photos that will transform the patron to the mid 1970's. The menu is a fusion of African-American and Puerto Rican cuisine paying tribute to the ethnicity of the legends who revolutionized a movement.
135 Alexander Avenue, Bronx, NY 10454 Reservations: 718-489-9397 or here website Hours: Sun-Thur - 11:30am - 2am; Fri-Sat - 11:30am-3am Exit station and walk to Alexander Avenue. Turn right. Beatstro is between 134th and Bruckner Boulevard.
BronxARTS
BRONX ART SPACE is a non-profit gallery that promotes the innovative ideas of the underrepresented and emerging artists and curators. Their current exhibit is called HUMBLE, which aims to contextualize the contemporary work of fifteen artists that represent various tribal nations. The show will be on view until October 13th.
305 East 140, suite 1A, Bronx, NY 10454, 718-401-8144 website Hours: Wed-Fri - 12pm - 6:30pm; Sat - 12pm - 5pm Exit station at Alexander Avenue and walk 2 blocks north. Make a left on 140th Street.
BronxSHOPS
This small boutique embodies the very borough that inspired it. BRONX NATIVE products include a nice selection of quality Bronx-themed apparel such as T-shirts, hoodies, baseball caps, and is a perfect place to put your "Bronx On". You can even purchase a Bronx tote bag to help you carry it all. 127 Lincoln Avenue, Bronx, NY 10454, 929-277-1056, website Hours: Mon-Sat- 12pm-7pm; Sun - 12pm-5pm Exit station and walk toward Third Avenue. Make a left. The store is between 134th street and Bruckner Boulevard on Lincoln.
BRONX FUN GUIDE FALL 2018
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Oct 4 – Oct 7
Sat | Oct 13 | 8pm
BOMPLENAZO
TONY! TONI! TONE!, SHEILA E, & DENIECE WILLIAMS
The tenth biennial BomPlenazo, a celebration of Afro-Puerto Rican Music and Dance (Bomba & Plena), with mainstage concerts, lectures, workshops and so much more. MORE INFO Hostos Center for Arts & Culture, 450 Grand Concourse Sat & Sun | Oct 6 - 7 | 12pm-6pm
Revisit the disco era through the music of these three iconic groups. BUY TICKETS HERE Lehman Center for the Performing Arts 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West
NEW YORK PIZZA FESTIVAL A showcase of the most renowned pizza makers, chefs and culinary personalities the United States has to offer. This event is free event but tickets must be purchased to sample food and beverages. MORE INFO Crescent Avenue at Arthur Avenue Sun | Oct 7 | 4pm
COMPAÑÍA FLAMENCA: EDUARDO GUERRO Compañía Flamenca presents “Flamenco Pasión.” This group of elite artists captivates audiences as they convey all of the different emotions of this passionate dance. Lehman Center for the Performing Arts 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West BUY TICKETS HERE Mon | Oct 8 | 12pm -3pm
COLUMBUS DAY FESTIVITIES Enjoy live entertainment from RockSteady and take pictures with street characters. East 186th Street at Arthur Avenue. Sat | Oct 13 | 7pm
BRONX COQUITO MASTERS 2018: SEASON OPENER Know how to make a great coquito? Sign up for the Bronx Coquito Masters Qualifier! Contact Debbie Quinones at
Fri, Sat, Sun | Oct 19, 20, 21 | 7pm-8:30pm
HISTORY AND MYSTERY TWILIGHT WALKING TOUR Take on a twilight tour to hear the tales of ghosts who haunt Manhattan, murders that go unsolved and spectacular stories that made headlines. MORE INFO Woodlawn Conservancy, Jerome Ave & Bainbridge Ave
coquitomasters@gmail.com
Bronx Music Heritage Center, 1303 Louis Nine Blvd
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@ WOODLAWN CEMETERY Woodlawn Conservancy, Jerome Ave & Bainbridge Ave Sat | Oct 13 | 11am-1pm
WONDERFUL WHIMSICAL WOMEN OF WOODLAWN Honor the Women of Woodlawn legacies with this Open House New York Tour. Visit the gravesites and mausoleums of activists, suffragettes and socialites. MORE INFO Sat | Oct 13 | 1pm – 3pm
ARCHITECTURE - DESIGN - SCULPTURE WALKING TOUR An architectural historian will take visitors to explore the unique works commissioned by lot owners in expression of their grief. MORE INFO Sun | Oct 14 | 11am-1pm
BEER BARONS AT WOODLAWN Tour through fascinating brewery history and see the impressive memorials of the Beer Barons of New York. Stroll the streets of the cemetery and unravel the mysteries of the Huckleberry Indians & Rudolph Schaefer, the hidden caves of the Ebling Brewery and George Ehret’s legendary Hell Gate Brewery. MORE INFO Sun | Oct 14 | 1pm-3pm
MAUSOLEUMS: EXTENDING THE INTERIOR WALKING TOUR An architectural historian takes visitors inside some of Woodlawn’s magnificent rarely opened mausolea to view features like Tiffany windows, metalwork by Samuel Yellin or domes and vaults crafted by Guastavino Company artisans. MORE INFO
CHECK OUT ALL THE OHNY WEEKEND TOURS BRONX FUN GUIDE FALL 2018
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Oct 20 & 21
Oct 26 & 27 | 6:30pm-8:30pm
GIANT PUMPKIN WEEKEND
SPOOKY PUMPKIN NIGHTS
Monstrous pumpkins from around the country—some weighing in at more than a ton— arrive at the Garden, arranged in collaboration with the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth. Meet the growers to learn more about the growing process during Q&A sessions and enjoy photo ops with these giant gourds, on display thru Oct 31. MORE INFO The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard
Dress in your favorite costume, grab a flashlight, and go on a nighttime adventure to explore the Spooky Pumpkin Garden’s scarecrow and pumpkin displays. (Special ticket required) MORE INFO The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard
Sat | Oct 20 | 2pm-3:30pm
One of the most popular events, the cemetery is a unique opportunity to view Woodlawn at night, guided by the glow of some of Woodlawn’s most historic buildings. MORE INFO Woodlawn Conservancy, Jerome Ave & Bainbridge Ave
OLIVE THOMAS AND OTHER BROADWAY STARS AT WOODLAWN Writer and producer Michele Gouveia will lead a tour highlighting the legendary silent film actress Olive Thomas and her Broadway peers. MORE INFO Woodlawn Conservancy , Jerome Ave & Bainbridge Ave
Sat | Oct 20 | 7:30pm
LATIN BALLET OF VIRGINIA Latin Ballet of Virginia performs NuYoRican, based on the true stories of Puerto Rican migrants to the United States upon their arrival after World War II. MORE INFO Hostos Center for Arts & Culture, 450 Grand Concourse Sat | Oct 20 | 8pm
Fri, Sat, Sun | Oct 26, 27, 28 | 7pm – 8:30pm
ILLUMINATED MAUSOLEUMS MOONLIGHT TOUR
Sat | Oct 27 | 8pm
BRONX RISING! HALLOWEEN. THE BICENTENNIAL OF FRANKENSTEIN A celebration of 200 years of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”, with a screening of the 1931 classic film starring Boris Karloff. Bobby Sanabria & Project X will provide a live soundtrack. Bronx Music Heritage Center, 1303 Louis Nine Blvd MORE INFO Sat | Oct 27 | 8pm
TITAZO LIMPIO, The music of TITO ROJAS, TITO
CHINESE WARRIORS OF PEKING
NIEVES & TITO ALLEN
An entertaining show for the whole family with some of the world’s greatest acrobats and undisputed masters of martial arts! BUY TICKETS HERE Lehman Center for the Performing Arts 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West
BUY TICKETS HERE
Lehman Center for the Performing Arts 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West Thur | Oct 25 | 7pm
EXHIBIT OPENING RECEPTION: #papielmaestro Documentary photographer Rhynna M. Santos explores the life of her father: arranger, composer, musician and latin music legend Ray Santos. The evening will include music performances and refreshments. MORE INFO Bronx Music Heritage Center, 1303 Louis Nine Blvd
Sun | Oct 28 | 3pm – 4:30pm
WORLD WAR I CENTENNIAL WALKING TOUR Take a once-in-a-lifetime tour at Woodlawn Cemetery to honor the World War I Centennial. MORE INFO Woodlawn Conservancy – Woolworth Chapel Jerome Avenue & Bainbridge Avenue Fri | Nov 2 | 7:30pm
Don’t miss the next
GoBronx!
CARLOS DOS SANTOS JR. As part of the CUNY Dance Initiative, Carlos Dos Santos presents four new works that celebrate diversity in New York. MORE INFO Hostos Center for Arts & Culture, 450 Grand Concourse
Nov 3, 4, 10 & 11
FALL FOREST WEEKENDS Explore the Thain Family Forest, the largest remaining tract of old-growth forest in New York City and learn about NYBG’s work in conservation and preservation. Be a citizen scientist for the day by helping record and observe native flora. Immerse yourself in the magnificent colors of fall, take a scenic canoe trip down the Bronx River, watch a birds of prey demonstration, or take a hike on the trails with a guide. MORE INFO The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard
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Sat | Nov 3 | 1pm – 4pm
GREATS OF JAZZ & VAUDEVILLE: A VICTROLA TROLLEY TOUR Visit and celebrate some of the greatest performers from 100 years ago and their indelible musical contributions to jazz, pop and vaudeville history. MORE INFO Woodlawn Conservancy, Jerome Ave & Bainbridge Ave Nov 3 – 18
KIKU: SPOTLIGHT ON TRADITION The chrysanthemum—kiku in Japanese—is the most celebrated of all Japanese fall-flowering plants. Meticulously trained kiku will be on view in the Nolen Greenhouses’ Bourke-Sullivan Display House. MORE INFO The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard Sat | Nov 3 | 6pm
THE LEGENDS OF DISCO Go back in time with Melba Moore, Alfa Anderson, Luci Martin, Norma Jean Wright (formerly of chic), Ladies of SKYY, Double Exposure, Carl Carlton, D Train, and First Choice all live on stage. BUY TICKETS HERE Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West Sun | Nov 4 | 3pm
BÁMBULA DANCE & DRUM FESTIVAL The renowned and popular Bombazo Dance Company joins forces with Chief Joseph Chatoyer Garífuna Dance and Harambe African Dance for a dynamic celebration of dance and tradition from three different diaspora cultures. Pregones Theater, 571 Walton Ave. MORE INFO Fri | Nov 9 | 7:30pm
HECHO EN PUELTO RICO As a student prepares to graduate and leave Puerto Rico to escape the economic crisis, he unearths his cultural roots through the lives of noted men and women in the island’s history. MORE INFO Hostos Center for Arts & Culture, 450 Grand Concourse Sat | Nov 10 | 7pm
BRONX RISING! Poesía Negroid. THE RHYTMIC POETRY OF PUERTO RICO Explore “poesía negroide” through poetry and music featuring the work of celebrated Puerto Rican poet Luis Palés Matos. MORE INFO Bronx Music Heritage Center, 1303 Louis Nine Blvd Sat | Nov 10 | 8pm
EDDIE PALMIERI & LALO RODRÍGUEZ Eddie Palmieri and Lalo Rodríguez reunite at Lehman Center after forty years! This concert celebrates one of the most successful partnerships in the history of classic salsa from New York and around the globe. Lehman Center for the Performing Arts 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West BUY TICKETS HERE CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 BRONX FUN GUIDE FALL 2018
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A
THE GRAND CONCOURSE: A BOULEVARD THAT LIVES
sk anyone who lives or has lived in The Bronx and they will know “The Grand Boulevard a nd Concourse.” Chances are they will affecttionately refer to it as “the Concourse” or “the Grand Concourse,” but without question the name will spark a reaction. The vision for a grand boulevard in The Bronx has its origins in the early 20th century with a Frenchborn street engineer named Louis Aloys Risse. He, like the many others associated with “the City Beautiful Movement,” an architectural idea established in the 1890s, believed that if New York was to be a world class city, it must also be a place where an urban environment lifts the spirit and compliments the eye. In short, the city must be beautiful. In Risse’s own words: “…I recalled that rocky ridge east of Jerome Avenue with which I had been so impressed during my hunting days. And at once the idea occurred to me that this ridge could be well utilized as a location upon which to build a broad and grand avenue that would serve the dual purpose of a connecting link between the Park systems and a Speedway or Grand Concourse.
In 1909, Risse’s Grand Boulevard and Concourse, is initiated into service. It is 182 feet wide, featuring broad tree-lined sidewalks ideal for promenading, with a building wall set back far enough so that the overall width of this Construction begins on The Grand avenue approximates 200 Concourse and Boulevard c. 1903 feet. Offering a striking resemblance to Paris’ Champs-Elysées, this Grand Boulevard is in fact the only New York City street where intersecting avenues are submerged, hence the name “Concourse.” This exclusive characteristic allows major celebrations to occur with virtually no traffic interruption or congestion. Think, when this was happening automobiles were yet to be produced and most of what lined this boulevard are private homes. BRONX FUN GUIDE FALL 2018
By Sam Goodman
Throughout the 1920’s, 536,000 newcomers established homes in The Bronx for the first time. Consequently on the Grand Concourse every block was teeming with construction creating state-of-theart residences. Boasting marble and brass, Persian carpets and rod iron chandeliers, these places conveyed pride. During the Great Depression architects celebrate Art Deco with building facades of A boulevard is yellow, orange and blue. Half moon a promenade, doors of polished steel are a drive, and surrounded by glass avenue of block that at night offer a welcoming pleasure… glow in green or blue. Ironically, the ~Louis Aloys Risse most famous of these Art Deco buildings forewent glass and steel in favor of a mosaic scene of tropical fish. Hence, to this day, 1150 Grand Concourse is known as “The Fish Building.” Indeed, this entire block boasts an excellent array of Art Deco structures, which if seen at dusk uniformly reveals that the location of each window is perfectly aligned with the setting sun. Step inside to discover murals, tinted mirror glass, unique Terrazzo floors, and ways by which the
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The Fish Building Photo Credit: Olga Luz Tirado
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circular shape of a room and the introduction of “levels” expands one’s perception of space. Today the Grand Concourse is on the National Register of Historic Places with a portion of it designated a New York City Historic District. It’s where thousands of people can be heard speaking in hundreds of dialects. It’s the home of those in search of dreams and the place where those who have found their dreams return to celebrate. Yes, this is the Grand Concourse; it’s living in America for someone new to America. It’s the promise that might not be kept or where the The Grand Concourse looking north from 161st Street. opportunity to fulfill a promise is circa 1926 finally realized. The Grand Concourse is pulsating with urban energy and noise; decidedly not like anywhere else you’ve ever been.
Sam Goodman is Bronx -born and has worked for the Bronx Borough President’s Office as an urban planner since 1995. He also offers a “Grand Concourse Stroll Into History” Walking Tour.
The Grand Concourse looking north from 161st Street in 2014. Photo Credit: Julienne Schaer
BRONX FUN GUIDE FALL 2018
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Sun | Nov 11 | 2pm-3:30pm
Sun | Nov 18 | 1pm – 3pm
SECOND SUNDAY WALKING TOUR
MAUSOLEUMS: CRAFTSMANSHIP IN INTERIOR DESIGN WALKING TOUR
Join the Woodlawn Conservancy on the second Sunday of the month for a tour of Woodlawn’s most storied gravesites. MORE INFO Woodlawn Conservancy, Jerome Ave & Bainbridge Ave Nov 17-Jan 21
This tour will focus on small and large details the designers of the monuments employed to enhance a desired effect or message aimed at the visitor. MORE INFO Woodlawn Conservancy , Jerome Ave & Bainbridge Ave
27TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW®
Sun | Nov 18 | 4pm
Enchanting model trains zip through a display of more than 160 New York landmarks, each re-created with bark, leaves, and other natural materials—all under the twinkling glow of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Marvel at G-scale locomotives humming past familiar sights such as the Brooklyn Bridge and Rockefeller Center on nearly a half-mile of track. MORE INFO The New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard
Mexico’s most prestigious folkloric dance company presents a colorful evening of traditional music and dance with sophisticated costumes and powerful and accomplished dancers. BUY TICKETS HERE Lehman Center for the Performing Arts 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West
BALLET FOLKLÓRICO de MÉXICO
Sat | Dec 1 | 8pm
Sat | Nov 17 12pm – 7pm
GUARACHA IN CONCERT
ARTISANS FAIR & BOOK EXPO
Special concert preview of Pregones/PRTT’s stage adaptation of one of the most treasured works of contemporary Puerto Rican literature: La Guaracha del Macho Camacho by Luis Rafael Sánchez. The setting is an epic San Juan afternoon traffic jam, with hit song “La vida es una cosa fenomenal” blaring from every car radio. Book, lyrics, and direction by Rosalba Rolón. Music by Desmar Guevara. Pregones Theater, 571 Walton Ave. MORE INFO
The annual day-long cultural event will feature nearly 100 artisans and authors from Puerto Rico and the United States. MORE INFO Hostos Center for Arts & Culture 450 Grand Concourse Sat | Nov 17 | 4pm
DANZA FIESTA A breathtaking afternoon of Bomba, Plena, and Seis as Danza Fiesta: Baile y Teatro Puertorriqueño and a special guest, celebrate Puerto Rican Heritage Month. MORE INFO Hostos Center for Arts & Culture, 450 Grand Concourse Sun | Nov 18 | 10:30am – 4:30pm
EROSION: WORKS BY LEONARD URSACHI In this exhibition featuring an outdoor sculpture, installation work, and related maquettes and drawings, Leonard Ursachi addresses themes of environmental and social crises caused by manmade events and reflects on how the destruction of natural resources is intimately interconnected with the effacement of human history and culture. Derfner Judaica Museum at Hebrew Home at Riverdale 5901 Palisade Ave MORE INFO
Sun | Dec 9 | 4pm
SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR A non-stop celebration of song and culture in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and in memory of President Nelson Mandela. 43 singers of South Africa’s Soweto Gospel Choir celebrate the unique and inspirational power of South African gospel music. BUY TICKETS HERE Lehman Center for the Performing Arts 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West
For more events log onto
www.ilovethebronx.com
BRONX FUN GUIDE FALL 2018
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The Bronx is for The Birds
I
By Olga Luz Tirado
n the fall of 1924, nine teenagers from various parts of The Bronx came together to form the Bronx County Bird Club (BCBC). It all started in the attic of a house on Woodycrest Avenue in the Highbridge section, when two brothers and seven other boys from various parts of the borough shared their interest in birds. They kept minutes of their meetings and met often to document the birds they were lucky enough to spot. By 1927 they added another member to their group making an exception to the unofficial “bylaws.” Up until that time the criteria for inclusion in the BCBC was two-fold: you had to live in The Bronx, and you had to be good at identifying the birds. The lanky Manhattanite may not have lived in The Bronx, but, at 18 years old he was the best birder, by far, the BCBC members had met. His name was Roger Tory Peterson who went on to become a renowned naturalist and was the father of the environmental
movement of the 20th century. His 1934 book “A Field Guide to The Birds” spurred a global movement, according to the Roger Tory Peterson Institute located in his hometown of Jamestown, New York. The book has been revised and reissued several times throughout the years. In the world of birding Peterson was a superstar. He received just about every major American award for natural science, ornithology and the serious study conservation. He was a of natural U.S. Presidential Medal history is an of Freedom recipient and activity which a Nobel Peace Prize has far-reaching nominee. We’d like to effects in every think that his time in The aspect of a Bronx documenting and person’s life. drawing the variety of birds ~Roger Tory Peterson he came across in Pelham Bay, Van Cortlandt and Bronx Park contributed to his long, prolific career.
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Roger Tory Peterson sketching birds somewhere in The Bronx. It is believed this may have been taken near the Bronx Zoo. Photo courtesy of The Roger Tory Peterson Institute
BRONX FUN GUIDE FALL 2018
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BEST PLACES TO BIRD IN
THE BRONX Yellow Warbler with nesting material on Hunter Island in Pelham Bay Park. Photo credit: Jack Rothman
FALL BIRDING @ WAVE HILL 675 West 252nd Street Sundays, Sep 9, Oct 14 & Nov 11 Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of bird species and their behaviors on these captivating walks. Wave Hill’s garden setting overlooking the Hudson River, provides the perfect habitat for resident and migrating birds. Birders of all levels welcome. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather cancels. www.wavehill.org
PELHAM BAY PARK The largest park in the city, there are several places to bird watch. The City Island Bird Club frequents this area to catch a glimpse of some of the most stunning specimens (see photo above) MORE INFO
THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN BIRD WALKS 2900 Southern Boulevard Every Saturday 11 a.m. Bring your binoculars and walk the grounds with a bird expert. You’ll search for our feathered friends and learn more about bird-friendly habitats, passage birds, and those that make a permanent home at the Garden. MORE INFO
BIRDS OF WOODLAWN CEMETERY Jerome Avenue & Bainbridge Avenue Sunday, October 14, 8am-10:30am Follow experts from the New York City Audubon Society and look for birds of prey, waterfowl and migrating songbirds in the beautiful sanctuary of The Woodlawn Cemetery. MORE INFO VAN CORTLANDT PARK The second largest park in The Bronx. Over half the acreage contains deciduous forests, scrubland, meadows, ridges, wetlands, brooks, and a man-made lake, providing vital avian habitat. MORE INFO BRONX FUN GUIDE FALL 2018
Photo Couresy of New York Botanical Garden
According to the New York City Audobon, The Bronx parks listed here plus a string of parklands along the Hudson River, Spuyten Duyvil Shorefront Park, Riverdale Park, and Wallenberg Forest, provide a diversity of habitats that are especially scenic and wonderful for birding.
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The largest FREE cycling event in New York State.
Tour de Bronx 2017 attracted nearly 10,000 riders. Photo credit: Robert Benimoff
The Tour de Bronx was established in 1994 in partnership with cycling advocacy organization Transportation Alternatives. At the time, the event attracted a few hundred participants from within the borough. Today the Tour de Bronx is considered the largest free cycling event in New York State and last year saw nearly 10,000 riders descending upon the Grand Concourse. What is particularly appealing is that the ride is divided into two routes. The 40 mile It’s a wonderful course takes cyclists along and unique way the perimeter of the to experience borough along the borough waterfronts, through while mainparks and neighborhoods like City Island, taining an active Orchard Beach, SUNY and healthy Maritime, Woodlawn lifestyle. Cemetery and Riverdale. The 25-milers ride through St. Mary, Crotona, Soundview, Ferry Point and Pelham Bay Parks as well as historic districts such BRONX FUN GUIDE FALL 2018
Tour de Bronx began in 1994 with a few hundred riders. It is now the largest free cycling event in New York State.
as Mott Haven and Tremont. Both rides end at the iconic New York Botanical Garden where riders rest, have pizza, do yoga and are treated to a live musical performance. Each rider receives a commemorative t-shirt while supplies last. It’s a wonderful and unique way to experience the borough while maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. The Tour de Bronx is being held on Sunday, October 28th. For more information on how to register, log onto www.tourdebronx.com. PAGE 13
The view of the Hudson River from Wave Hill. Photo Credit: Joshua Bright
THE BEST PLACEs TO PHOTOGRAPH FALL FOLIAGE IN THE BRONX For all shutterbugs who can’t seem to have enough pictures of autumn leaves, there are plenty of great places in the borough to increase your inventory. Get ready to dust off your lens and insert that 128 gig SD card.
THE HIGH BRIDGE: This 1,450 foot walkway was built as part of
NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN: An obvious choice to immerse
WAVE HILL: If the 28 acres of land is not enough, just take a
yourself in nature. Taking a leisurely stroll off the beaten path can lead you to discover some nice hidden treasures.
peek at the Palisades over the majestic Hudson River for a cornucopia of colors. Take a Fall Foliage walk on Nov 3 and 7. MORE INFO WOODLAWN CEMETERY: Possibly
the quietest place to sit and enjoy more than 140 variety of trees surrounding
VAN CORTLANDT PARK:
The 2nd largest park in
The Bronx with over 1,100 acres of natural forest. Walk or cycle along the Putnam Trail or just sit by the lake for a perfect setting. Courtesy of Van Cortlandt Conservancy
PELHAM BAY PARK: At
the Croton Aqueduct in 1848 and reopened to the public just a little over three years ago. You get a great view of the Harlem River north and south from this bridge and can capture some nice images of urban life mixed with nature.
impressive monuments and mausoleums considered architectural wonders. Take a guided walking Tour on Nov 4. MORE INFO
Courtesy of Woodlawn Cemetery and Conservancy
nearly 3,000 acres, this is the largest park in New York City (three times the size of Central Park). With so much land, there are plenty of opportunities to grab that money shot. THE BRONX RIVER (see
cover): With all the work the Bronx River Alliance is doing to clean up the river, there are some nice spots to capture wildlife with a nice colorful backdrop. BRONX FUN GUIDE FALL 2018
PAGE 14
WALKING TOURS DISCOVER THE GRAND CONCOURSE, 718.665.1124, s800mg@aol.com SUSAN SEZ WALKABOUTS, www.susansez.com NOSH THE BRONX with NOSHWALKS, www.noshwalks.com THE BIRTHPLACE OF HIP HOP TOUR, www.hushtours.com BIG APPLE GREETER , www.bigapplegreeter.org
BRONX FUN GUIDE FALL 2018
PAGE 15
Bronx
Museum
Orchard Grand
of
Beach
-
Concourse
The
Arts
Bronx -
-
Walk
Valentine
Fordham of
Varian
-
Fame
Hall
-
House
of
Fame
Pregones
-
Bronx
for
Theater
Council
of
Great
-
Americans
Woodlawn
the
Arts
-
Tours
Highbridge
Tats Cru - Riverdale - Longwood Art Gallery - Hostos Center for the Performing Arts Highbridge Voices - Bronx Arts Ensemble - Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum - Bronx Council on the Arts Van
Cortlandt
House
Museum
-
Derfner
Judaica
Museum
-
Bronx
Zoo
Wave Hill - Art Deco - Bronx Concert Singers - Lehman Art Gallery - Pelham Bay - City Island New
York
Yankees
-
New
York
Botanical
Focal
Point
Garden
Avenue
-
Bronx
Music
Heritage
Center
Lehman
Center
for
Performing
Theater
the -
River
En
Arthur
Pregones
Bronx
-
Gallery Foco
Alliance
Woodlawn
-
-
-
Tours
-
-
Island -
Bronx
Enrico
BRAC
City Arts
-
Mott
Grand
County
Fermi
Lehman
Historical
Cultural
Art
Gallery
Nautical
Museum
Haven
Bronx
-
Concourse
-
Society
Center
-
-
Cottage
-
Poe
BAAD
Bronx
Opera
Documentary
Center
Valentine
Varian
House
Bronx Council of the Arts - Highbridge - Tats Cru - Riverdale - Longwood Art Gallery - WallWorks Hostos Center for the Performing Arts Bartow-Pell
Mansion
-
Highbridge Voices - Bronx Arts Ensemble
Museum
-
Bronx
Council
on
- En Foco
the
Arts
Van Cortlandt House Museum - Derfner Judaica Museum - Bronx Museum of The Arts - Fordham Bronx
Museum
Orchard Grand
of
Beach
-
Concourse
The
Arts
Bronx -
-
Walk
Valentine
Fordham of
Varian
-
Fame
Hall
-
House
-
of
Fame
Pregones Bronx
for
Theater
Council
of
Great
-
Americans
Woodlawn
the
Arts
-
Tours
Highbridge
Tats Cru - Riverdale - Longwood Art Gallery - Hostos Center for the Performing Arts Highbridge Voices - Bronx Arts Ensemble - Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum - Bronx Council on the Arts
Van
Cortlandt
House
Museum
-
Derfner
Judaica
Museum
-
Bronx
Zoo
Wave Hill - Art Deco - Bronx Concert Singers - Lehman Art Gallery - Pelham Bay - City Island New
York
Yankees
New
York
Botanical
-
Focal
Point
Garden
Avenue
-
Bronx
Music
Heritage
Center
Lehman
Center
for
Performing
Theater
the -
River
En
Arthur
Pregones
Bronx
-
Gallery Foco
Alliance
Woodlawn
-
-
-
Tours
-
-
Island -
Bronx
Enrico
BRAC
City Arts
-
Mott
Grand
County
Fermi
Lehman
Historical
Cultural
Art
Gallery
Nautical
Museum
Haven
Bronx
-
Concourse
-
-
Society
Center
-
-
Cottage
Poe
BAAD
Bronx
Opera
Documentary
Center
Valentine
Varian
House
Bronx Council of the Arts - Highbridge - Tats Cru - Riverdale - Longwood Art Gallery - WallWorks Hostos Center for the Performing Arts Bartow-Pell
Mansion
-
Museum
Highbridge Voices - Bronx Arts Ensemble -
Bronx
Council
on
- En Foco
the
Arts
Van Cortlandt House Museum - Derfner Judaica Museum - Bronx Museum of The Arts - Fordham
www.ilovethebronx.com
BRONX FUN GUIDE FALL 2018
PAGE 16
