Monthly Archives: February 2010

Harlem digs out.

Posted on February 26, 2010 by | 2 Comments

By Harlemista

A beautiful white blanket of snow hit yesterday, and although New York turns into slush soup way too fast, it is gorgeous and dramatic for a little while.

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More Red Rooster details surface

Posted on February 26, 2010 by | 9 Comments

By HarlemGal

NY Magazine caught up with Marcus Samuelsson recently and asked him about Red Rooster, his new upcoming Harlem restaurant. According to the article, the Red Rooster menu will be a giant melting pot of diverse cuisine – a true representation of Harlem.  Yum! Can’t wait!

My question now is, will Samuelsson open up Red Rooster on Frederick Douglass Blvd? If so, I believe the opening of Red Rooster on FDB could potentially validate my prediction that this busy, “gold coast,” boulevard will become Harlem’s restaurant row? Start placing your bets folks!

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Harlem in watercolor through the eyes of a local artist

Posted on February 24, 2010 by | 15 Comments

Watercolors by Lynn Lieberman

By HarlemGal
Since our inception well over a year ago, HarlemCondoLife (HCL) has been introduced to several interesting people living and working in Harlem-particularly local artists who have a positive link to Harlem. HCL would like to introduce  some of these individuals to you, along with their work, in hope that you will be moved and amazed by the wealth of talent that lives right here in our Harlem community. We certainly are impressed and excited to have you meet some of these talented individuals on our blog site. To help us kick off our first HCL Artist Profile, first up is a local watercolorist. In a Q&A (questions and answers) format, meet Lynn Lieberman in her own words on Harlem in watercolor.

Watercolors by Lynn Lieberman

What is your area of specialty? And why do you feature Harlem in your art work?
My primary area is watercolor. I live, work and create right here in Harlem.  Most of my work is small format-note cards of everything from the famous Lenox Lounge to Apollo Theater to Lee Lee’s Bakery, where Mr. Lee displays my painting of his bakery. In an effort to capture more of Harlem, last year I created a watercolor map of Harlem, which was updated this year and can be viewed on my website.

As for why Harlem, we have street after street of graceful prewar buildings, each with their own unmistakable curves and lines. Many have been home to the people who reside there for decades, and signs of love and longevity protrude from window boxes, along with flower pots and signs in the windows.

Watercolors by Lynn Lieberman

Does Harlem move and inspire your art work?
Inspiration here in Harlem is endless for a watercolorist.  No matter how many times I walk the streets of Harlem, I always see something different and new to paint, from the Harlem Meer in the Fall to Fields Court at Christmas to the colorful Minton’s Jazz Club, Mike’s Newsstand on 122nd Street and Lenox Avenue, and to Tonnie’s Minis, where they also display my note card painting of the place.

Watercolors by Lynn Lieberman

Is it challenging to use Harlem in your work?
The only challenge to painting Harlem is what to leave out.

Aside from watercoloring Harlem, HCL has to ask what are some of your favorite things about it?
Harlem Seasons. At the first sign of Spring and all through the Summer, window sills are abound with color right up until Halloween pumpkins and Christmas trees with lights. No Holiday is forgotten here.

Watercolor by Lynn Lieberman

Harlem people. Where else in this City can you find people sitting on the sidewalk in their beach chairs enjoying a beautiful Summer evening or barbecuing in front of their building?

Harlem has a plethora of green space from our major Parks to our local Green Thumb gardens-giving us easy access to hours of walking or bike riding from the minute we walk out our front door.

Watercolors by Lynn Lieberman

Our diversity is great. I was born here in the City and have lived in a variety of places over the years, always returning home. Harlem is a place where I feel most comfortable and the place where I live with my family.

And Harlem has s vibrant art community with plenty of ongoing events at the Studio Museum of Harlem, the Harlem Arts Alliance and Casa Frela Gallery, which represents my work.

Watercolor by Lynn Lieberman

In full disclosure, I have purchased notecards from Lynn as gifts. They were a hit on the receiving end with friends and family. Don’t miss out on seeing Lynn’s work in person. Her work is currently hanging, with framed pieces for sale , at Native Restaurant and Il Caffe Latte-both on Lenox Avenue and for sale unframed at www.afinelyne.com

Watercolor by Lynn Lieberman

And if you know of a local artist we should spotlight on HCL, who resides in Harlem and their work is linked to all things positive about Harlem, please send your recommendations to feedback@harlemcondolife.com.

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Women's Jazz Festival at the Schomburg in March

Posted on February 22, 2010 by | 1 Comment

By NativeNewYorker

I have seen many terrific exhibits at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and even attended an occasional lecture or film but I don’t usually think of it as a destination for music.  I guess that will have to change. 

The Women’s Jazz Festival is a series of concerts featuring talented female artists to celebrate Women’s History Month.  I am particularly looking forward to the March 8th program entitled:  Four Women: A Tribute to Miriam Makeba, Abbey Lincoln, Eartha Kitt, and Odetta, performed by the Black Rock Coalition Orchestra (BRCO).

Black Rock Coalition Orchestra

The BRCO is a collaboration of skilled, progressive artists of color who specialize in the musical reinterpretation of historically significant bodies of work. I am definitely planning to check it out.

Monday, March 8th  at 7 p.m.

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

515 Malcolm X Blvd New York, NY 10037

(212) 491-2200              Map & Directions

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Women’s Jazz Festival at the Schomburg in March

Posted on February 22, 2010 by | 1 Comment

By NativeNewYorker

I have seen many terrific exhibits at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and even attended an occasional lecture or film but I don’t usually think of it as a destination for music.  I guess that will have to change. 

The Women’s Jazz Festival is a series of concerts featuring talented female artists to celebrate Women’s History Month.  I am particularly looking forward to the March 8th program entitled:  Four Women: A Tribute to Miriam Makeba, Abbey Lincoln, Eartha Kitt, and Odetta, performed by the Black Rock Coalition Orchestra (BRCO).

Black Rock Coalition Orchestra

The BRCO is a collaboration of skilled, progressive artists of color who specialize in the musical reinterpretation of historically significant bodies of work. I am definitely planning to check it out.

Monday, March 8th  at 7 p.m.

Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

515 Malcolm X Blvd New York, NY 10037

(212) 491-2200              Map & Directions

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Frequent contributor and Harlem resident RhythmDB releases LushTECH

Posted on February 20, 2010 by | Leave a comment

By HarlemGuy

HarlemCondoLife (HCL) is pleased to announce that RhythmDB - a frequent contributor to HarlemCondoLife (HCL) and Harlem resident has just released LushTECH – now available on GiantStep.

LushTECH combines down-tempo ethnic grooves, thumpin’ soulful dance tracks, and ethereal vocals in an electronic journey around the globe.  RhythmDB was influenced by the ocean waters that are constantly in motion, with currents that flow to breathtaking coastlines and beaches around the world. From tripped-out vibes to dance floor-ready tracks, LushTECH features multi-national vocalists on 12 songs in a variety of languages with a focus on lyrics, melody, and a lush sonic quality that will take you there.

Additionally. check out the moody side of LushTECH in the video for “Paradise,” performed by Laurant Caillet and directed by Kerstin Karlhuber.

Click here to see, hear or buy.

Congratulations RhythmDB!  We look forward to your continued podcasts.

\~/

Thank you for reading HarlemCondoLife.  Available everywhere including www.HarlemCondoLife.com, email subscription, google reader, Facebook, Twitter,  iTunes (podcast downloads) and Podbean (podcast streaming).

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QUESTAN'S Harlem "Live, love, laugh"

Posted on February 19, 2010 by | 8 Comments

By HarlemHouse

Questan’s, which just opened last summer… is jumpin! Finally dined there last Monday night and had a great time.  There is more going on than meets the eye if you are just walking by the front of the place.  As you come in on your right there is a takeout section. Since they are conveniently opened until 2 and 3am throughout the week this is good to have. See Express menu they have a large Seafood selection for takeout.  Through the main entrance after walking down a short hall you approach tables on the left, a very large full bar on the right and a DJ booth elevated on the back wall.  There is a live DJ every night.  The bar has two flat screen TV’s overhead.  Great if a game is on and you want to watch it muted while listening to tunes and talking with friends.  It was a little chaotic the night I was there which is a good thing for a Monday night.  The weekends must get packed.  We sat at the corner table and had drinks and dinner.  Good drinks and generously poured.  You could easily just go there to chill at the bar with an appetizer or two if all the tables are full.  To begin with we enjoyed the Jalapeno Cornbread.  Then for starters had the Fried Calamari, Lobster & Shrimp Spring Rolls & the Lobster Bisque soup.  All were good but the Lobster & Shrimp Spring Rolls were phenomenal.  Dinner was very good.  Only two of us had entrees the Grilled Shrimp with Spinach & the Broiled Scallops with Homemade French Fries.  Both the Shrimp and Scallops were fresh and delicious and the Homemade French Fries were perfect.  Its a very large menu to choose from especially considering the size of the space. Im heading back again to try something different next week.  Doris Wade (Dee), the owner, wasn’t there the night I was but the charming Mekkie, (bartender/hostess/waitress) waited on us and the service was excellent.  DJ Huggie was spinning a great selection of HipHop and R&B keeping the vibe good.  it’s one of those spots that when your finished eating dinner you want to stay longer and just hang out.  Good crowd, good food, good music and good drinks.  Dee mentioned to me that she is working out a House Music night for either Thursday or Sunday nights in the near future.  Stay tuned I’ll keep you posted when it’s definite.

Im happy to see how successful Questan’s is.  The front of the Restaurant says “Live, love & laugh” with a message like that how can you not be successful. Definitely left me wanting to go back for more.  Another great addition to Harlem.

Take advantage of “Eat Shop Play HARLEM this month for Restaurant & Retail.  Questan’s is one of the Restaurants included on this list which offers a Prix Fixe menu for $20.10 from February 15, 2010 - March 15, 2010.  *Questan’s also delivers.

QUESTAN’S

2113 Frederick Douglass Blvd.

Between 114th & 115th

New York, NY 10026

212-300-4399

Hours open Mon-Wed 11AM-2AM, Thurs-Sat 11AM-3AM, Sun 11Am-10PM

See our previous link-

http://harlemcondolife.com/2009/08/15/questans-is-officially-open/

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QUESTAN’S Harlem “Live, love, laugh”

Posted on February 19, 2010 by | 7 Comments

By HarlemHouse

Questan’s, which just opened last summer… is jumpin! Finally dined there last Monday night and had a great time.  There is more going on than meets the eye if you are just walking by the front of the place.  As you come in on your right there is a takeout section. Since they are conveniently opened until 2 and 3am throughout the week this is good to have. See Express menu they have a large Seafood selection for takeout.  Through the main entrance after walking down a short hall you approach tables on the left, a very large full bar on the right and a DJ booth elevated on the back wall.  There is a live DJ every night.  The bar has two flat screen TV’s overhead.  Great if a game is on and you want to watch it muted while listening to tunes and talking with friends.  It was a little chaotic the night I was there which is a good thing for a Monday night.  The weekends must get packed.  We sat at the corner table and had drinks and dinner.  Good drinks and generously poured.  You could easily just go there to chill at the bar with an appetizer or two if all the tables are full.  To begin with we enjoyed the Jalapeno Cornbread.  Then for starters had the Fried Calamari, Lobster & Shrimp Spring Rolls & the Lobster Bisque soup.  All were good but the Lobster & Shrimp Spring Rolls were phenomenal.  Dinner was very good.  Only two of us had entrees the Grilled Shrimp with Spinach & the Broiled Scallops with Homemade French Fries.  Both the Shrimp and Scallops were fresh and delicious and the Homemade French Fries were perfect.  Its a very large menu to choose from especially considering the size of the space. Im heading back again to try something different next week.  Doris Wade (Dee), the owner, wasn’t there the night I was but the charming Mekkie, (bartender/hostess/waitress) waited on us and the service was excellent.  DJ Huggie was spinning a great selection of HipHop and R&B keeping the vibe good.  it’s one of those spots that when your finished eating dinner you want to stay longer and just hang out.  Good crowd, good food, good music and good drinks.  Dee mentioned to me that she is working out a House Music night for either Thursday or Sunday nights in the near future.  Stay tuned I’ll keep you posted when it’s definite.

Im happy to see how successful Questan’s is.  The front of the Restaurant says “Live, love & laugh” with a message like that how can you not be successful. Definitely left me wanting to go back for more.  Another great addition to Harlem.

Take advantage of “Eat Shop Play HARLEM this month for Restaurant & Retail.  Questan’s is one of the Restaurants included on this list which offers a Prix Fixe menu for $20.10 from February 15, 2010 - March 15, 2010.  *Questan’s also delivers.

QUESTAN’S

2113 Frederick Douglass Blvd.

Between 114th & 115th

New York, NY 10026

212-300-4399

Hours open Mon-Wed 11AM-2AM, Thurs-Sat 11AM-3AM, Sun 11Am-10PM

See our previous link-

http://harlemcondolife.com/2009/08/15/questans-is-officially-open/

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Harlem's Gospel Uptown featured on CNN

Posted on February 18, 2010 by | 1 Comment

By HarlemGal

Click here to see Gospel Uptown on CNN

Anderson Cooper of CNN’s 360 came up to Harlem on Tuesday, February 16 to tape a news story called Investing in Harlem. In the video piece, Joe Holland, the owner of Gospel Uptown (GU) was featured and given the opportunity to tell viewers why he invested in Harlem through GU, created jobs and the obstacles he faced in opening his establishment.

I assume  since the story was on 360 the evening of February 16 and played all day on Wednesday (February 17) on CNN, Gospel Uptown will be very busy in the reservation area – if not more.  Let’s hope so! And way to go Gospel Uptown!

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Comedy at Covo Lounge This Sunday

Posted on February 15, 2010 by | 1 Comment

By NativeNewYorker

Veteran NYC comedian William Mullin is introducing what he hopes will be a monthly comedy hour this Sunday at Covo Lounge. Mullin says the series will feature comics from Comedy Central, VH1, and HBO such as Rena Zager, Charlie Gaeta, Abbi Crutchfield and the legendary Danny Cohen! The first KAKADOODLE COMEDY event is this Sunday, February 21st from 7:30-9 pm in the Upstairs Lounge at Covo. It will be hosted by William Mullin and will feature music from DJ Roxanne. Best of all, it’s free!

                 Covo Lounge, which is located on 12th Avenue between 134th & 138th Streets, is a little out of the way but features an extended Happy Hour on Sundays through Thursdays from 5pm -12 midnight, (except when closed for a private party, so give a call before you head over there). Happy Hour drink specials include house cocktails and wine by the glass at $5, domestic and imported beer at $3 and half price pizza from the Trattoria downstairs. Maybe I’ll see you there Sunday night.

KAKADOODLE COMEDY AT COVO
SUNDAY, FEB 21ST AT 7:30PM
UPSTAIRS LOUNGE AT COVO
COVO RISTORANTE
701 West 135th Street on 12th Avenue
212-234-9573

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Harlem's first restaurant and retail event starts now

Posted on February 15, 2010 by | 2 Comments

By HarlemGal
Today marks the beginning of Harlem’s first ever restaurant and retail month. This month long event is a collaboration of restaurants and retail establishments who want to help Harlem focus on its most precious assets: the arts, heritage and hospitality of the area.

HarlemCondoLife endorses this campaign and encourages all readers to go out and visit some of these wonderful Harlem places that are participating in this event. Here is the complete list of businesses participating.

And the best part of about this event, $1 of selected promotional purchases at participating businesses will be donated to UNICEF for Haitian relief efforts.

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Posted in Harlem, HarlemCondoLife

Look who's moving to the neighborhood…

Posted on February 13, 2010 by | 3 Comments

By Harlemista

Watching CNN one morning this week, I was surprised by a crawl line on the bottom of the screen: “Coyotes seen in Manhattan Harlem”. There have been 2 isolated sightings over 10 years, but in the recent weeks since New Year’s, there have been 3 sightings, from Trinity Cemetery on 155th St, to the campus of Columbia University, to Central Park.
Experts believe that they are naturally exploring new places to settle and are following train tracks, parks and riverbanks south from Westchester County. They also say coyotes are quite adaptable and can probably easily acclimate to the Manhattan landscape.

Harlem’s becoming more and more popular with everyone.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/02/08/new.york.coyotes/index.html

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/coyotes_roaming_manhattan_yAm8a3Yl2ZdmClz3C28CPN

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Look who’s moving to the neighborhood…

Posted on February 13, 2010 by | 3 Comments

By Harlemista

Watching CNN one morning this week, I was surprised by a crawl line on the bottom of the screen: “Coyotes seen in Manhattan Harlem”. There have been 2 isolated sightings over 10 years, but in the recent weeks since New Year’s, there have been 3 sightings, from Trinity Cemetery on 155th St, to the campus of Columbia University, to Central Park.
Experts believe that they are naturally exploring new places to settle and are following train tracks, parks and riverbanks south from Westchester County. They also say coyotes are quite adaptable and can probably easily acclimate to the Manhattan landscape.

Harlem’s becoming more and more popular with everyone.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/02/08/new.york.coyotes/index.html

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/coyotes_roaming_manhattan_yAm8a3Yl2ZdmClz3C28CPN

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In Honour Of The Winter Olympics – Figure Skating In Harlem

Posted on February 12, 2010 by | Leave a comment

By HarlemGuy

Stroll through Lasker Rink in Central Park and you might see Figure Skating in Harlem preparing for it 13th annual Soul on Ice Winter Skating Party. Figure Skating in Harlem is a program combining skating with academics for young girls in Harlem, founded by Sharon Cohen.

This year’s recital was to Michael Jackson’s Earth Song and his music will be headlining the recital.

FSH_Michael_Jackson

Important dates:

  • Saturday, March 20: Figure Skating in Harlem’s annual ice recital at Sky Rink in Chelsea Piers, NYC.
  • Monday, April 5: Figure Skating in Harlem’s benefit fundraiser called Skating with the Stars. The all-star lineup includes Evan Lysacek and Dorothy Hamill, who have been long-time supporters of the program.

Please feel free to share related videos or pictures with us on our Youtube (videos) or Flickr (pictures) pages.

See below for additional information from the organization:

Figure Skating in Harlem is pleased to announce the 2010 Skating With the Stars gala honoring Olympic Champion Kristi Yamaguchi. The sixth annual benefit will be held on Monday evening, April 5, 2010, from 6pm-9pm at Wollman Rink in Central Park, New York City. It promises to be another fun and delightful evening that raises critically-needed funds for Figure Skating in Harlem’s (FSH) pioneering youth development program.

Tamara Tunie, star of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and FSH’s Chair Emerita, and FSH Board Chair Candace Matthews, Chief Marketing Officer, Amway, will also be honored at the gala. This star-studded event attracts celebrities such as Kelly Ripa, Vera Wang, Richie Rich, Carson Kressley, Kimberley Locke, Star Jones, and Kelly Rowland, as well as prominent business leaders, philanthropists, and skating and hockey fans.

Judy and Rod Gilbert, Tina and Terry Lundgren and Melania and Donald Trump will serve as this year’s Honorary Chairs. The Gala’s celebrity co-chairs include the cast of Law & Order: SVU (Christopher Meloni, Mariska Hargitay, Richard Belzer, Dann Florek, Stephanie March, Ice-T, and B. D. Wong). Lorraine Bracco, Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, Gloria Gaynor, Whoopi Goldberg, Cameron Mathison, Katharine McPhee,Phylicia Rashad, Rhonda Ross, and Ramona Singer are among the members of the 2010 Benefit Committee.

At this event, now in its sixth year, guests are offered the extraordinary opportunity to skate side by side with Kristi Yamaguchi and a spectacular roster of Olympic and World Medalists including Dorothy Hamill, Johnny Weir, Sarah Hughes, Sasha Cohen, Viktor Petrenko, Kimmie Meissner, Evan Lysacek (2009 World Men’s Figure Skating Champion), Timothy Goebel,Rachael Flatt (2010 US Women’s Figure Skating Champion), Tanith Belbin and Ben Agosto, and Jeremy Abbott (2010 US Men’s Figure Skating Champion).  Many of these athletes will be competing in the 2010 Winter Olympics this February.

As a special part of this Olympic edition, a number of hockey legends, including Rod Gilbert, Ron Greschner, Bret Hedican, Pat Hickey, Brad Park, Peter Simkowski, and Gil Villemure are also scheduled to be part of this year’s event. Tickets to the gala, which includes skating and dinner, start at $300 and are available by calling (212) 675-9474. Visit www.charitybuzz.com soon to find great auction items for bidding online.

Figure Skating in Harlem has served over 1,000 New York City girls since 1997 with an innovative education and ice-skating program that transforms young lives and helps Harlem girls grow in confidence, leadership and academic achievement. Proceeds from this benefit event will help FSH continue to grow and become an even stronger resource for children in the community. FSH also hopes to develop a base of support that will help them secure a home rink of their own with access to skating and educational facilities year-round in Upper Manhattan.

|~|

Thank you for reading HarlemCondoLife.  Available everywhere including www.HarlemCondoLife.com, email subscription, google reader, Facebook, Twitter,  iTunes (podcast downloads) and Podbean (podcast streaming).

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SWING "I LOVE HARLEM" Special Event 2/18/2010

Posted on February 11, 2010 by | 1 Comment

by HarlemHouse

An exclusive event Thursday, February 18th from 5PM-9PM at “SWING” on 1960 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd & 118th St.  Come join Helena & Moun to celebrate “I Love Harlem”  See invite…   SWING_E_INVITE2

There will be Music/a DJ, Specialty Goods on sale, along with hor’dourves, wine/drinks etc.

The store has an eclectic collection of signature gift items… Groove, Culture, Art & Music… many hand selected items and off the beat and path merchandise which make for a perfect gift.

Very unique for kids, your wife, husband or friends to shop for something that not every other store carries.

Stop by and check it out for yourself.  Or better yet SWING…on by next Thursday night to celebrate and catch the vibe of the store, while socializing, shopping, having a drink and listening to some music all at the same time.

Food will be catered by Mojo.

SEE YOU THERE!!

SWING /a concept store

1960 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd.

Harlem, NY 10026

212.222.5802

RSVP at info@swing-nyc.com

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