Magazine
Winter Issue 2019
NYBG Train Show
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The holidays are around the corner, yet it seems like just yesterday we were announcing the launch of our new Go Bronx Magazine. They do say that time flies when you are having fun and this has been a whirlwind year for our great borough. Our content contributors have provided interesting articles and my team, issue after issue, has collected event data to include in our seasonal calendar. The New York Botanical Train Show is a must see and we are delighted that the Bronx Zoo is bringing back the Holiday Lights (see page 4)! For gift ideas, buy Bronx with our Holiday Shopping Guide (page 15). There is no doubt, it’s an exciting time to be in The Bronx. Bronxfully yours, Olga Luz Tirado Publisher, Go Bronx Magazine Executive Director, The Bronx Tourism Council
Table of Contents Winter Calendar of Events
3
Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights
4
Spotlight on Arthur Avenue
6
Coming Right Up, The Bronx in Sweden
10
Holiday Shopping Guide
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a publication of:
Winter 2019 Olga Luz Tirado Executive Director Sofia Thierfelder Grifoll Deputy Director Anny Mariano Tourism 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 © 2019, 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.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…. The History of the Holiday Train Show, an excerpt from “The Holiday Train Show: A City Within a City” The Bronx: El Condado de la Salsa, by Elena Martinez
Like us...follow us...connect with us...
From France to The Bronx: Art Deco Architecture, by Sam Goodman
/TheBronxTourism
It Was Made in The Bronx, by Olga Luz Tirado
@TheBronxTourism
Let us know what you’d like to see in these pages. Send us an email here.
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TheBXTourism
— NOVEMBER 15 to 24 —
— NOVEMBER 15 to DECEMBER 14, 2019 —
MAMMA MIA!
TWO PAINTERS
Choreography by Angelique Cruz, Musical Direction by Patrick Harris, Directed by Nick Sala. Click for more information City Island Theater Group | 116 City Island Avenue
2 Painters presents the work of Gary Bower and Richard Saba, who after establishing their careers in New York in the 1970s left the City in the 1980s and now live about 20 miles across a mountain ridge from each other in the Catskill Charlotte and Cherry Valleys. There, in relative isolation, they have continued their practices for over 40 years in the spectacular landscape that surrounds their studios and their lives. While their paintings resonate with this environment in quite different ways, expanding painting’s possibilities is fundamental to both. Click for more information Bronx River Art Center | 1087 East Tremont Avenue
— NOVEMBER 15 to JANUARY 15, 2020 —
PICTURE THIS Photographer John Conn has spent his career capturing people and places all around the world. In 2010, he spent 45 days in Antarctica and Patagonia preserving images of the monumental icebergs. In 2016, he lived in Cuba for a month drawn in by the vintage cars and timeless architecture. In the mid-70's Hoboken NJ was his focus. His photographs continue to be part of the Hoboken Historical Museum. Picture This features photographs from these three series. Click For more information Elisa Contemporary | 5622 Mosholu Avenue
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— JANUARY 19 —
— NOVEMBER 23 —
$25 - $45
8:00pm | $50 - $150
DANNY RIVERA & CHUCHO AVELLANTE Danny Rivera and Chucho Avellanet are two legendary singers from Puerto Rico who have joined forces to tour with “Coincidencias” (Coincidences). Each one of these amazing musicians have been serenading audiences for years and they are finally coming together for a spectacular one night event. Their voices, style and extensive repertoire are a perfect combination for a night filled with memories and joy. Click for more information Lehman Center for the Performing Arts 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West — NOVEMBER 15 thru FEBRUARY 9, 2020 —
YAMATO The performance starts with dozens of players hitting a Japanese drum made from a huge 400 year-old tree. After that moment, the stage is filled with excitement from start to finish. Yamato, the Drummers of Japan, return to North America in 2020 with their thrilling, high-energy and explosive interpretation of a centuries old Taiko tradition with a new production titled, Jhonetsu – Passion. This past season marked Yamato’s 25th anniversary, celebrating over 3,500 performances in 54 countries, bringing their spectacular enthusiasm to over 8 million fans young and old. Click for more information Lehman Center for the Performing Arts 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West — JANUARY 25 —
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF ALVIN BALTROP A quiet man who supported himself doing odd jobs such as street vendor, jewelry designer, photography printer, and cab driver, Bronx native Alvin Baltrop left an important body of work after his untimely death in 2004 that only now is garnering the serious attention it deserves. Like the startling images of Peter Moore, Robert Mapplethorpe, Peter Hujar, and Gordon MattaClark, the photographs of Alvin Baltrop memorialize New York City at a breaking-point moment amid ruin and chaos. Click for more information Bronx Museum of Arts | 1040 Grand Concourse — JANUARY 18 — 8:00pm | $25 - $100 AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ The exciting musical tribute to the black musicians of the 1920s and 30s who were part of the Harlem Renaissance, an era of growing creativity, cultural awareness, and ethnic pride, takes its title from the 1929 Waller song. Click for more information Lehman Center for the Performing Arts 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West
$45 - $100 ELVIS CRESPO Elvis Crespo is the only Latin artist whose music has been played literally in outer space and was the first Tropical Latin artist to have the longest chart-topping Tropical single in Billboard magazine. Click for more information Lehman Center for the Performing Arts 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West Bronx — FEBRUARY 25 — $45 - $125 TONY VEGA Tony Vega celebrates his 40th anniversary with his original band and joining him is special guest Willie Rosario "Mr. Afinque". Also celebrating 40 years is Puerto Rican Power with special guest Moncho Rivera and Humberto Ramirez. Click for more information Lehman Center for the Performing Arts 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West — FEBRUARY 16 — 4:00pm | $20 - $35 SYBERIAN STATE SYMPHONY Founded in 1977 and known as one of the best orchestras in Russia. With some of the finest soloists, this symphony plays Russian classics around the world. Click for more information Lehman Center for the Performing Arts 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West
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— MARCH 1 —
4:00pm | $25 - $45 MUMMENSCHANZ Since its successful three-year run on Broadway, Swiss based theater troupe MUMMENSCHANZ has pioneered a new form of visual theater that has since spawned multiple new genres reclaiming their legacy. MUMMENSCHANZ has been dazzling audiences worldwide for more than 45 years. By creating a playful yet compelling experience through the inventive use of shadow, light, and creative manipulation of objects, MUMMENSCHANZ offers timeless insight on the human condition. The result is a visually stunning spectacle that transcends cultural barriers and sparks the imagination. Click for more information Lehman Center for the Performing Arts 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West
2020 EVENTS: SAVE THE DATES
BRONX WEEK May 7 to the 17th
FIREWORKS AT ORCHARD BEACH Thursday June 25th BRONX SALSA FEST July 15 to August 15 TOUR DE BRONX Sunday, October 25 PAGE 5
Bronx Zoo Turns on Holiday Lights
Bigger...Brighter...Greener!
A
Photo Credit: Julie Larsen Maher
s one of New York City’s greatest holiday traditions and for the first time since 2007, the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights will return in 2019 during the most festive time of the year with dazzling light displays that will cover and sparkle acres of the zoo. Visitors will be able to walk through the zoo to experience wildlife-themed LED displays, custom Asian lanterns, animated light shows on the historic Astor Court and more. “We are bringing an updated version of a beloved holiday tradition back to the Bronx Zoo for the first time since 2007,” said John F. Calvelli, Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Executive Vice President of Public Affairs. “The LED lights, animal-themed lanterns, and animated light shows will be set amongst the historic buildings on an expanded footprint that will take people throughout the zoo. The LED technology will also allow us to be incredibly energy efficient. We believe our visitors will come away really enjoying this ‘green’ holiday experience!” The festival will feature an Ice Jubilee including an ice throne, where ice kings and queens can
take their seat on an oversized throne made completely of ice, as well as breaking out your inner penguin and slide down a 20floor ice slide. Visitors can also grab a specialty cocktail at the zoo’s 12-foot ice bar which will be available for purchase during Holiday Lights operating hours. What’s more, professional ice carvers will showcase their talents as they use chainsaws and chisels to carve holiday and animal-themed sculptures with a live audience. An icecarving competition will take place on December 28th when 20 new sculptures will be displayed for future viewing. Throughout Holiday Lights, visitors will be able to enjoy classic and modern holiday tunes sung by Victorian-dressed carolers
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Hours for Holiday Lights: 5 to 9 pm Sun - Thurs, and 5 to 10 pm Fri - Sat. Closed on December 24, 25 and January 1.
throughout the zoo, as well as taking photos with some of the zoo’s seasonal characters including lions, giraffes, gorillas, penguins and a friendly snowman. Families can also take a journey “around the world” along a dedicated section of the park that will be illuminated by hand-created lantern sculptures, while also learning about the work WCS scientists are doing to help save various species. Train rides will also be available for the whole family at Astor Court.
Tickets for the Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights are priced at $29.95 for adults, $22.95 for children, and $28.95 for seniors. FOR TICKETS CLICK HERE
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SPOTLIGHT ON:
I
ARTHUR AVENUE
by Peter Madonia
Photo courtesy of Belmont BID
n the heart of The Bronx sits an authentic Italian neighborhood, home to multi-generational family businesses, many of whom have been residents of the area and operating as local merchants for over 100 years. From the baguettes and burrata to the pasta and pastries, Arthur Avenue has become a culinary destination year-round, especially during the holiday season as friends and family gather over satiating meals. This charming area has historical roots that trace back to the 1700’s. In 1760, French Huguenot Pierre Abraham Lorillard came to New York and started the first tobacco company, P. Lorillard & Co., which is still in business today. At that time, they manufactured snuff and originally opened in lower Manhattan shortly before moving up to The
Corner of Arthur Avenue & Crescent Avenue 1955
Photo courtesy of Belmont BID
Bronx. There they purchased a large tract of land along the Bronx River and built their estate which they named “Belle Mont” or beautiful mount. In 1870, the manufacturing facilities were moved to New Jersey and Catherine Lorillard Wolfe, Pierre’s great granddaughter, inherited the estate. One section of the estate was divided into various streets and avenues. The famed Lorillard mansion was donated to become St. Barnabas Hospital and Medical Center. A great admirer of President Chester A. Arthur, Wolfe named the main street of this community, “Arthur Avenue,” in his honor. Other portions of the estate were transformed into the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Garden. Construction on these institutions began in 1898, which drove Italian immigrants to move and work in the Belmont community. By the beginning of the 20th century, the neighborhood was established as “Little
Arthur Avenue Retail Market, 1955
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Italy” and often referred to as the “Italian colonies” of The Bronx. Today, the Belmont Business Improvement District (BID) strives to advance and promote the “Little Italy in the Bronx” brand, its strong ethnic and historical heritage and its leadership in the culinary marketplace. The neighborhood features an array of authentic Italian restaurants, butchers, bakers, fish markets, pastry shops, delicatessens, artisan shops and specialty stores that are often owned and operated by the same families that founded them nearly a century ago. Thousands of regional shoppers as well as domestic and international visitors come to experience traditional Italian cuisine and culture with loved ones by dining out or stocking up on bread, pastas, pastries, meats and other specialty goods, creating a warm buzz in the neighborhood all year long. Even celebrities and notable
Photo courtesy of Belmont BID
Photo courtesy of Belmont BID
Addeo & Sons Bakery
personalities such as Clint Also read Eastwood, Cher, Adam Spotlight on: Sandler and Neil Patrick Riverdale Harris, have been known to return to Arthur Avenue time City Island and time again. The BID Mott Haven prides itself on featuring our quality Italian-American shops, restaurants, and annual events that we host throughout the year such as Ferragosto, Columbus Day, New York Pizza Festival and upcoming our Christmas Tree Lighting, which will take place on Saturday, November 30. Kicking off the season with a dazzling holiday lights display, attendees indulge in Italian cookies and hot chocolate, while carolers fill the streets with festive tunes. Click for more information
Pete Parrotta from Calabria Pork Store
Peter Madonia serves as the Chairman of the Bronx Little Italy Business Improvement District and is the third-generation family owner of Madonia Bakery, along with his business partner and head baker for the past 25 years, Charles LaLima. In addition to having the bakery in his family for a century, Peter has a legacy of public service. Peter spent 12 years as the Chief Operating Officer of the Rockefeller Foundation and prior to that, was Chief of Staff to Mayor Michael Bloomberg from 2002-2006. PAGE 9
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Coming Right Up:
The Bronx, Now Served In Sweden by Kevin Scheitrum
O
n a stage in the corner of a Swedish burger joint 4,000 miles from home, Denzil Porter found himself in a dream. The Bronx Hip Hop recording artist had just wrapped up a 15-minute set, after rhyming to a room of people who had learned English as a second language, when he realized the crowd wasn’t leaving.
So Porter invited up a special guest. “My favorite part was the encore,” Porter said. “To have one more verse requested and to kick it over a beat box by Empanology really took it home for me.” “And my favorite part,” said Jason Alicea, the chef behind Empanology, one of the Bronx’s up and coming eateries. “It felt good to be back on stage.” PAGE 11
Alicea contributed the detail and creativity Empanology has become known for, including a limited, three-night addition to the menu: chopped cheese. “Everybody who had one loved it,” Alicea said. “It was something they can easily execute – to put an authentic BX sandwich on the first Bronx Burger menu...and also working with a brand that has had so much immediate success, as a restauranteur, was super-inspirational.’ Perico debuted limited-run Bronx-inspired merchandise in Malmö, displaying it in one of their signature installations. Their clothesline pop-up served as a focal point in a room wrapped in Bronx inspired murals, stickers and a tagged-up “Welcome to the Bronx” sign. “Bringing The Bronx to Sweden put things in perspective for me,” said Jose Ruiz, of Perico Limited. “The Bronx has always had a cultural impact on New York City and the United States, and now I see how important it is to the world. Not just through music, art, fashion, but as people. It’s not the ideas or the products that hold the value – it’s us.” “I’ve traveled and seen the effects of The Bronx in other places, but this was like no other,” Porter said. “From the Yankee Stadium and 6 train murals, to the “Welcome to The Bronx” highway sign posted up in Bronx Burgers, I could feel a little bit of home in the air – which inspired my performance. An intimate setting, the feeling of home, a few Bronx beers, and I forgot the meaning of nervous.” The trip also acted as a soft-launch for three new partnerships back home. Starting in early November, Empanology
Alicea provided the beats. Porter freestyled. And at the end, both looked around the room. The Bronx had conquered a few hundred square feet of Malmö, Sweden. In one weekend, the pair had joined The Bronx Brewery and the streetwear label Perico Limited to deliver The Bronx to a culture that had long fallen in love with it. Rising out of the collaboration between the Bronx Brewery and Bastard Burgers – Sweden’s fastest-growing restaurant chain – the local team asked the brewery to help bring the BX vibes to Sweden’s first-ever Bronx Burgers. Brandon Espinosa, the Bronx-born general manager of the Brewery’s Taproom & Events, sprang into action. “I think often in the world, we get a negative perception being from The Bronx, and it was important to show the richness of our community, our diversity and our culture in something as special as Bronx Burgers, which uses the namesake of our borough,” Espinosa said. “It was only right we brought the people from our community – the creatives who make this place special.” Porter, a rapper and producer with a reputation as one of the city’s top underground talents, brought hip-hop. PAGE 12
L-R: Brandon Espinosa, General Manager M of Bronx Brewery Taproom and Backyard; (top) Jose Ruiz, Perico Limited; (bottom) Jason Alicea, Empanology; Denzil Porter; Francis Montoya, Perico Limited
will debut as the official food provider at The Bronx Brewery, popping up four days a week through the holidays. Collaborative Perico-BXB merchandise from the trip will hit shelves in the coming weeks, while Porter and the Brewery are planning a limited-run performance series. The link between Sweden and The Bronx gets a little muddy in New York, where Jonas Bronck – the Swedish-born settler whose name became the borough’s – often
gets attributed to the Netherlands. But in Sweden, that link fuels something of a cultural revolution among the rising generation. “The energy of The Bronx is everywhere,” said Francis Montoya, of Perico Limited. “Hip-hop and streetwear culture is thriving in Sweden with the youth. We got the opportunity to witness this firsthand.” “We went to witness what happens here every day,” Ruiz said. “Hip hop. Fashion. Food. Drinks. Culture. We just made the world that much smaller with some amazing friends we made in Malmo. They took good care of us – I will forever be grateful for that.”
Kevin Scheitrum is the new marketing lead for (and a longtime fan of) The Bronx Brewery. After more than a decade in sports, Kevin now gets the chance to tell the incredible stories that come out of the brewery — and all the people who make it one of NYC's most unique & special spots.
The Bronx Visitors Guide has a listing of Bronx institutions, attractions and dining options. Get your digital version here!
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— NOVEMBER 23 to JAN 26, 2020 —
— DECEMBER 6 — $18- $38
5:30pm
HOLIDAY TRAIN SHOW
BRONX CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
Marvel at model trains zipping through an enchanting display of more than 175 famous New York landmarks delightfully re-created from natural materials such as birch bark, acorns, and cinnamon sticks. Click for more information New York Botanical Garden 2900 Southern Boulevard
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will host the borough’s annual Bronx Christmas Tree Lighting and holiday celebration. The evening will include Christmas carols, a visit from Santa Claus & Mrs. Claus, as well as delicious holiday treats for the community and youth. Click for more information
The Bronx County Building 851 Grand Concourse
— NOVEMBER 29 — 5:30pm – 7:30pm
— DECEMBER 6 to 21— $20-$25
WINTER WONDERLAND
LOS NUTCRACKERS: A CHRISTMAS CARAJO
Holiday tree lighting, winter crafts, photo with Santa, giveaways, family fun. Music provided by WBLS. Click for more information Bronx Terminal Market | 151 St. & River Ave
"LOS NUTCRACKERS: A CHRISTMAS CARAJO" is a gay, Latino comedic play, centered around a couple, Carlos and Gabriel, who have been together for 15 years. Their arguing and fighting has reached the queer heavens from which comes a diva spirit who guides them on a trip through their lives. Click for more information Bronx Academy for Arts & Dance 2474 Westchester Avenue
— DECEMBER 1— 4:00pm | $25 - $50
THE NUTCRACKER The Nutcracker is a treasured holiday fairytale that follows a young girl's journey through a fantasy world of fairies, princes, toy soldiers – and an army of mice! Set to Tchaikovsky's beloved score, you’ll hear all your favorites: "Waltz of the Flowers," "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy," "Waltz of the Snowflakes," and more. Click for more information Lehman Center for the Performing Arts 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West
— DECEMBER 14 — 8:00pm – 10:00pm | $45 - $100
WILLIE COLON Willie will perform his Christmas catalog with songs like, “Aires De Navidad,” “La Murga de Panama,” “Esta Navidad,” “Cantemos,” “Traigo la Salsa,” “Canto a Borinquen,” and many more! He will also entertain his fans with classics like “Gitana,” “Idilio,” “El Gran Varon,” and “Juanito Alimaña,” “Oh… Quen Serà?” You can’t miss this special Aguinaldo Navideño! Click for more information Lehman Center for the Performing Arts 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West
— DECEMBER 1 — 4:00pm – 6:00pm
LITTLE ITALY TREE LIGHTING Meet Santa, listen to holiday music, enjoy Italian cookies, hot chocolate and of course light the Christmas tree! Click for more information Little Italy | East 188th St. & Arthur Avenue
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For that adorable bookworm in your life, The Lit. Bar, the borough’s only indie bookstore, offers a vast collection titles including some by Bronx-born or Bronx-based authors. 131 Alexander Avenue thelitbar.com Open Mondays & Sundays, 12p – 8pm Tuesdays thru Saturdays, 12pm – 10pm
This Artisans Fair and Book Expo is the best place for gifts for that Bronx Boricua in your life! One day only! Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture, 450 Grand Concourse
Saturday, November 23, 11am - 6pm.
Looking for some serious merch for your Bronxcentric family and friends? From tote bags to tee shirts and hats, The Bronx Native is the place to go! Bronxnative.com 127 Lincoln Avenue Tuesdays thru Saturdays, 12pm – 7pm Sundays, 12pm – 5pm
This, first-ever, open-air holiday market in Fordham Plaza, is a true celebration of the winter season. It features eclectic food vendors, from the borough and beyond, bringing seasonally focused bites, holiday-themed desserts, and hot beverages. The event includes carolers, a large Christmas tree, light display, and heated seating areas.
December 20-21-22, 11 am - 6 pm. PAGE 15
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