The Bronx Fun Guide WINTER, 2018
Issue 14
Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum, Pelham Bay BRONX FUN GUIDE WINTER 2018
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The Bronx River
a publication of:
Dear Reader: The winter is still an exciting time of the year to visit The Bronx! We have Winter Wonderlands, indoor art exhibits, and plenty of music and performances to keep your fingers and toes nice and toasty while you experience some of the best entertainment the borough has to offer. Browse through the Calendar of Events for some nifty ideas on what to see and do while you are here. Or read some compelling stories like the history of New York Botanical Garden’s Holiday Train Show® on page 4, or It Was Made in The Bronx on page 6. Need a last minute gift for that one person you thought you had something for, but don’t? Go to page 10 for a few of our recommendations. Happy Holidays and we hope to see you very soon. Bronxfully yours, Olga Luz Tirado Editor-in-Chief, Bronx Fun Guides Executive Director, The Bronx Tourism Council
TABLE OF CONTENTS Winter Calendar
3
History of NYBG Train Show
4
Bronx Art Exhibits
5
It Was Made in The Bronx
6
Music Events
9
Last Minute Holiday Shopping
10
BRONX FUN GUIDE WINTER 2018
Winter, 2018 Olga Luz Tirado Executive Director Sofia Thierfelder Grifoll Deputy Director 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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CALENDAR of EVENTS TUESDAYS | 9pm – 11pm
JUDGEMENT FREE KARAOKE
SUN | DEC 23 | 12–2 pm | $6 & $8
COOKIES AND CRAFTS
Join The Bronx Beer Hall every Tuesday night for the best free karaoke in The Bronx. Karaoke set up combines music, open mics and great craft beer for some outrageous and (sometimes) great performances. Drink specials from 9 pm - 11 pm. Sing along in a completely judgment free zone! More info The Bronx Beer Hall | 2344 Arthur Ave
Drop in with your young ones to decorate some holiday cookies to take home after exploring the mansion decked out for the season. Recommended for ages 4 and older. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Limit of one house per family. More info Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum 895 Shore Road
WEDNESDAYS | 9pm – 11pm
DEC 26 TO DEC 30 | 12pm – 2pm
GEEKS WHO DRINK TRIVIA NIGHT
HOLIDAY TEA @ WAVE HILL
quiz game played weekly at The Bronx beer hall. Bring friends and test your brains! It's free, and teams of up to 6 people can enjoy drink specials and win prizes of up to $50 in free food and drinks. For more info, visit http://www.geekswhodrink.com The Bronx Beer Hall | 2344 Arthur Ave
Start your own holiday tradition with a luxurious afternoon tea in historic Wave Hill House. Pair it with a stroll through Wave Hill’s stunning winter gardens for a splendid, quiet celebration of the season. Reservations at least 24 hours in advance, by calling 718.549.3200 x395 More info Wave Hill | West 249th St & Independence Ave
FRI | DEC 21 | 6pm – 9pm | FREE
FRI | JAN 25 | 7pm
Geeks who drink is the nation's premier live trivia
MELROSE PARRANDA 2018 Join the annual Melrose Parranda: A Puerto Rican Christmas caroling procession through the Melrose section of the Bronx! More info Bronx Music Heritage Center Meet at El Coquí Garden 410 East 163rd St
BRONX FUN GUIDE WINTER 2018
ADAM PAPE: DYCKMAN HAZE Artist talk and book signing. The exhibit is a curious story about the parks of Manhattand and the people who escape there to reinvent themselves in the form of a photobook. More info Bronx Documentary Center | 614 Courtlandt Ave
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Photo Courtesy of New York Botanical Garden
BRONX FUN GUIDE WINTER 2018
boroughs and beyond. There are many more buildings in the exhibition today-more than 150 -and many more trains. Yet, at its core, the experience has remained true to its origins. Busse, now assisted by a dozen botanical artists and model train engineers at his company, Applied Imagination, continues to hone his keen eye for the perfect architectural detail hidden in an acorn cap or a flower petal. The buildings are arranged in new configurations each year, but old favorites that
Photo Credit: Robert Benson Photography
In 1992 the Holiday Train Show was born when staff members at the New York Botanical Garden invited the landscape architect and model train enthusiast Paul Busse to enact his unique vision in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory for a special exhibition during the winter holidays. The first iteration, titled The Holiday Garden Railway Exhibit, was a modest affair, with trains running through an indoor landscape decorated with poinsettias and a thirty -foot-tall balsam fir. It was the models of historic New York buildings, fashioned from leaves, twigs bark, and fruits, that made the installation a showcase of nature’s versatility and human ingenuity. Twenty-seven years later, the Holiday Train Show is a beloved tradition for hundreds of thousands of visitors each holiday season. Year after year, Busse has gradually transformed the experience, adding new landmarks, trains, and other surprises. Today, the Holiday Train Show encompasses all of the city-notable homes, skyscrapers, bridges, and landmarks from all five
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ART EXHIBITS EROSION: WORKS BY LEONARD URSACHI Photo Credit: Robert Benson Photography
are synonymous with New York itself and recognizable to visitors from well beyond the Big Apple-the Empire State Building, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the original Yankee Stadium, to name a few—can always be found just around a corner. Paul Busse’s New York is everyone’s New York. It is only fitting that this annual tribute began with a small group of some of New York’s oldest homes, including the Pieter Claesen Wyckoff House (1652), possibly the oldest surviving structure in New York State and the first building to be designated a New York City Landmark. That building, and many others like it, can still be found each year, nestled among the seasonal plantings or perched beside a length of track. The smaller, earlier models invite a closer look and remind us that, even in the fleeting bustle and cheer of the holiday season, some things endure. As we carry on the tradition of the Holiday Train Show for generations to come, we invite you to celebrate the simple things along with us. The NYBG Holiday Train Show® runs until January 21st. Buy Tickets Here. _______________________________________ The article above is from the Introduction by Joanna L. Groarke published in The Holiday Train Show: A City Within a City (New York Botanical Garden and DelMonico Books-Prestel, 2016), edited by Joanna L. Groarke.
BRONX FUN GUIDE WINTER 2018
featuring an outdoor sculpture, installation work, and related maquettes and drawings. Until January 6, 2019 Derfner Judaica Museum 5901 Palisade Ave See more
CASTLES IN THE SKY:
Fantasy Architecture in Contemporary Art UNTIL January 26, 2019 Lehman Art Gallery 250 Bedford Park Blvd West See more
FOREIGN/ FAMILIAR: IMMIGRANTS IN THE BRONX
explores displacement and belonging through the work of seven Bronx visual and media artists. UNTIL February 27, 2019 Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos 450 Grand Concourse See more
ROCHELLE FEINSTEIN: IMAGE OF AN IMAGE This work is deeply informed by abstraction, while also conveying a keen sensibility to contemporary culture, particularly to our everyday use of language. Until March 3, 2019 Bronx Museum of the Arts | 1040 Grand Concourse See more PAGE 5
York Botanical Garden. Here is where the very first film adaptation of Shelley’s Frankenstein’s Monster was shot. The more modern Frankenstein with electric bolts protruding from his neck came much later in Boris Karloff’s 1931 version along with the line “It’s Alive! It’s Alive!” By Olga Luz Tirado id you know that BATMAN Patience and In his book Bill the Boy Fortitude were made Wonder, author and comic in The Bronx? Not the book historian, Marc Tyler virtues Ralph Waldo Nobleman, introduces us to Emerson claimed conquer DC-Comics legend Bob Kane’s all things, but the lesser-known partner Bill sculptures of the two Finger. Finger, who lived in marble lions that an apartment near Poe Park “protect” the New York on the Grand Concourse, Public Library on Fifth NYPL opening day circa May, 1911 Photo Courtesy of Library of Congress thought Kane’s concept of Avenue in Manhattan. the “Bat-man” seemed a little too Though the concept was the brainchild of reminiscent of the very popular Superman, sculptor Edward Clark Potter, the iconic who made his debut just a year earlier. The sculptures were carved in The Bronx by the two would engage in brainstorming sessions famous Piccirilli Brothers. Their work also with the home of the famous horror and includes the Lincoln Memorial and the dome detective writer Edgar Allan Poe as a on the United State’s Capitol Building. What backdrop. It was there that Finger else was made in The Bronx? conceptualized the dark superhero who would emerge at night to protect Gotham FRANKENSTEIN from evil-doers with pretty nifty gang Actually Frankenstein names like the Joker, the Riddler and or A Modern Catwoman, all Prometheus was of which were written in 1815 by also created Mary Wolstonecraft in The Bronx. Shelley in Geneva, Switzerland where much of the story Edison Studios in The Bronx takes place. In 1910 Edison Studios Thomas Edison had invented the Kinetograph, a revolutionary motion Bob Kane’s original picture camera. concept of the Bat-Man according to Edison Studios was Marc Tyler Nobleman then located on Decatur & Oliver The original Place in Bedford Frankenstein Park, just a few had no bolts blocks from the New BRONX FUN GUIDE WINTER 2018
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In 1910 Jacob Golomb, an avid swimmer, was only 17 years old when he founded the Everlast company. His goal was to design swimwear that would last more than one season. It was not until seven years later that a young A worker making boxing gloves in a boxer named Jack Dempsey factory in the Port Morris section of asked him to design gear that The Bronx circa 1980. would endure the rigors of the HÄAGEN-DAZS sport. In 1919 Dempsey won his first The next time you dive into a pint of heavyweight championship wearing Häagen-Dazs Espresso Chocolate Cookie Everlast gear manufactured in a factory Crumble Ice Cream, think about this: located in the Port Morris section of The The American ice cream company was Bronx. Dempsey went on to become a founded in The Bronx. legend in the sport and the company has since become synonymous with You’re welcome. boxing equipment. Polish immigrant Reuben Mattus and his THE NEW YORK ROAD wife Rose formed the RUNNERS desert empire in late 1959 and gave it a The organization is known as Danish-ish name to make it seem like a the world’s premier foreign brand. In actuality, it was a community running marketing ploy as neither Häagen, nor organization serving over Dazs exists in the Scandinavian 600,000 participants. But 60 language. According to legend, he just years ago it was just called kept saying random words until he the Road Runners Club found something he liked the sound of. founded in The Bronx by H. Browning The only flavors that existed at the time Ross and Ted Corbitt, the first Africanwere Vanilla, Chocolate and Coffee, but American to represent the United States the inventory has since graduated to in Olympic Marathon. 40 members from more exotic choices such as Banana diverse backgrounds would meet at Peanut Butter Cup, Macombs Dam Park. NYRR Chocolate Chip Cookie comes back to The Bronx Dough, and White every year for the Bronx 10Chocolate Raspberry miler. Ted Corbitt has a street Truffle. named after him in Marble Hill Again...you’re welcome. on Broadway and 228th street. Rose Mattus, co-founder of Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream.
BRONX FUN GUIDE WINTER 2018
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DEFINITELY Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream is not the only sweets born in The Bronx. We have some of the best, if not the best, yummies created in and baked fresh in the borough: LLOYD’S CARROT CAKE, S&S CHEESECAKE; and DELICIOSO COCO HELADO. If you happen to be having a bagel in a Barnes & Noble café, a Marriott or Hilton hotel, or picking some up at Whole Foods for that brunch you are hosting, then you are buying bagels made in The Bronx. JUST BAGELS, established in 1992 supplies a variety of flavors to a variety of locations. Though Elisha Graves Otis is credited with inventing the elevator in neighboring Yonkers, New York during the mid-1800s, it is the inner workings of the modern elevator that is made in The Bronx. GAL MANUFACTURING is the world’s premier provider of door controls, mechanisms and fixtures, literally the “ups and downs” of the elevator business.
BRONX FUN GUIDE WINTER 2018
NOT SO FAST THE 7TH INNING STRETCH The popular thought is that, in 1882 Brother Jasper Brennan, credited with bringing baseball to Bronx-based Manhattan College introduced the now common practice to combat restlessness during the game among the students. But not so fast… Some believe that it was actually Harry Wright, the manager of the 1869 Cincinnati Red Stockings. But, not so fast…. There are others that say it was actually President William Taft who stood up to stretch after a long game in 1910 between Washington and Philadelphia. Which one is the one? Hmmm. BETTY BOOP Many Bronxites have claimed that Max Fleischer’s inspiration for the roaring 20’s cartoon character was Bronx-born Helen Kane whose signature song “I Wanna Be Loved by You” was sung by Boop exactly as Kane sang it. But, not so fast… the commonly known “boop-oop-adoop” was the signature phrase by “Baby” Esther Jones, a well-known African American Jazz singer who performed at the famous Cotton Club. Although Boop’s Bronx accent kind of lends credence to the Kane theory, the “boop-oop-a-doop” is a strong argument for Jones. Hmmm. IN LIKE FLYNN In modern parlance, when you are about to achieve something easily, you are “in like Flynn.” Bronxites have often associated the saying with Edward J. Flynn, a leader in Bronx Democratic politics who was credited for the careers of many candidates including the successful presidential campaign of Franklin Roosevelt. If Eddie Flynn is backing you, you are most definitely “in.” But, not so fast…others have attributed this saying to actor Errol Flynn, a serial womanizer whose conquests were legendary. Hmmm.
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MUSIC & DANCE CONCERTS AT LEHMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
CONCERTS AT WAVE HILL SUN | JAN 13 | 2pm – 3pm
ARGUS STRING QUARTET
SAT | JAN 19 | 8pm
Performs Works by Cerrone, Seo, Theofnaidis and Hearne
SUN | FEB 17 | 2pm – 3pm
MARIKA HUGHES: THE NEW STRING QUARTET
SUN | MAR 17 | 2pm – 3pm
ARTHUR VINT & ASSOCIATES
SAT | JAN 26 | 8pm
ROBERTO ROENA
with Sammy González, Tito Cruz, Carlos Santos and Endel Dueño Tickets: VIP $100, $65, $55, $50
Ticket Prices: Adults: $28 (includes admission to the grounds) / Wave Hill Members 10% discount / $12 children ages 8-18, unless otherwise noted. Order tickets online or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. For additional information, please call 718.549.3200 x251 or go to WaveHill.org
SAT | FEB 16 | 8pm
HECTOR ACOSTA “EL TORITO” Tickets: VIP $125, $85, $65, $45 SUN | MAR 3 | 4pm
CURRENTS BY MAYUMANA Ticket Prices: $45, $40, $25 | Children 12 & under $10 any seat SAT | MAR 16 | 8pm Fever Records & Sal Abbatiello Presents
FOREVER FREESTYLE 13 Ticket Prices: $100, $65, $60, $55 Performing Live on Stage TKA, Judy Torres, Cynthia, Johnny O, Rob Base, Noel, Coro, Nayobe, Fascination, Aly-Us, Strafe, Tonasia, Sammy Zone, Dj Lucho, and Whiteboy Dj Kys
CONCERTS BY BRONX ARTS ENSEMBLE SUN | JAN 27 | 4pm-6pm | FREE
BAE JAZZ ALL STARTS with Elio VillaFranca Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 627 E 187 St SAT | FEB 23 | 7:30pm-9m $50 advance; $60 at the door
SAT | MAR 23 | 8pm
BRONX SALON: SOPHIE SHAO & BAE Gund House, 690 W 247th St
Ticket Prices: VIP* – $100, $65, $55, $45
SAT | MAR 16 | 7:30pm-9:30pm | $20/$30
GRUPO NICHE
Lehman Center for the Performing Arts 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West Box Office: 718.960.8833 or LehmanCenter.org
BRONX FUN GUIDE WINTER 2018
RADIO JAROCHO: TRADITIONAL MEXICAN SONG AND DANCE BAAD, 2474 Westchester Ave For tickets and/or more info - Call 718.601.7399 or BronxArtsEnsemble.org
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BRONX HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE FOR THE PROCRASTINATOR Okay, so you forgot one or two or ten people on your holiday list or you celebrate Three King’s Day and looking for some great deals. Here are a few great emergency gift-getting ideas.
Food A gift basket or gift BOX of awesome cheeses or authentic Italian products is always a crowd favorite. Either Mike’s Deli from Arthur Avenue Market or Gustiamo is a great idea. Gustiamo Gift boxes at Gustiamo.com Mike’s Deli Gift Baskets: ArthurAvenue.com Gustiamo Gift boxes at Gustiamo.com
Jewelry Handmade jewelry by Paul Klein of the Kaleidoscope Gallery on City Island is a perfect gift for that someone special looking for something unique.
Clothing
Bronx Swag for all ages from BronxNative.com. Baseball caps, t-shirts, sweatshirts, tote bags and more. Use code “bxmas” for a 15% off.
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JANUARY 7—18
SavorTheBronx.com A FULL LIST OF PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS WILL BE AVAILABLE BY JANUARY 2
Click to READ THE LATEST BRONX VISITOR GUIDE FOR SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN THE BOROUGH!
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