Morningside Heights News

Founded by Vy Higginsen in 1998, the Mama Foundation for the Arts (MFA) has been internationally acclaimed for rebuilding Harlem as an artistic cultural center featuring entertainment and arts education. The Mama Foundation has produced a dozen theater productions, which have been performed on several continents. MFA’s best known musical, Mama, I Want To Sing, is the longest running Black Off-Broadway show in American history.

In 2003, Higginsen created the School of Gospel, Jazz, and R&B Arts. Three years later, she formed the award-winning Gospel for Teens program to train youth and “save the music.” According to Lesley Stahl from CBS’s 60 Minutes, “The Gospel for Teens program is not just teaching gospel, it is saving these kids.” Mama Foundation members have performed at numerous special events including the TED2012 Full Spectrum conference, the Congressional Black Caucus, The Stellar Awards, and a reception for Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa. Madonna, Chaka Khan, opera singer Jessye Norman and gospel artist Shirley Caesar are among the many stars that have shared the stage with the Gospel for Teens Choir.

A renovated five-story brownstone on a residential block on West 126th Street between Lenox Avenue and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard in Manhattan has been the home of the Mama Foundation for the Arts (MFA) since its inception in 1998. One block away is the foundation’s performance space, The Dempsey Theater, where thousands have enjoyed Mama, I Want To Sing: The Next Generation and Sing Harlem Sing!

What is so wonderful about the work that Mama Foundation is doing is their commitment to bring the arts not just as entertainment but as personal enrichment through the Vy Higginsen’s School of Gospel, Jazz and R&B Arts.

Earlier this year Mama Foundation held a series of lessons for learning to sing gospel. Now Mama Foundation is hosting a series of learning to sing jazz and blues. So step into being a active part of the artistic new Harlem Renaissance. The classes are from 7 to 9pm on four series of Wednesdays: May 22, May 29, June 5 and June 12.  Classes are $80 for the four sessions. To register by phone call (212) 280-1045 or see their website at mamafoundation.org.

The post A New Harlem Artistic Icon Emerges appeared first on MORNINGSIDER.

Morningsider is pleased to continue our guest blogger features with food writer Gabrielle Denson who will be writing about the food experience Uptown. Gabrielle is an alumni of Syracuse University where she focused on Hospitality and Food Service Management. Gabrielle serves as a contributing writer for What the Health Magazine as well as for Examiner.com, where she highlights local eateries and events in Harlem. You can follow Danielle directly on her blog at gabrielledenson.com.

At last, spring is underway and the weather is tailoring the weekends with sun. With Harlem’s restaurant scene transiting into a lively and colorful scene, unique Brunch events with music are also making their own mark.  With menus ranging from savory to sweet and entertainment as an added touch, Brunch has taken on its own unique identity. This weekend, Harlem has a Brunch scene worth exploring that marrying both music and food.

Harvist Harlem, Brunch Jam

Harvist Harlem and The High End Agency will present Brunch Jam this Saturday May 18 from 11AM-4PM. Brunch Jam will feature a curated pre fixe menu for guest to enjoy alongside DJ Prince spinning Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae, and a collection of rare remixes. Pre-fixe brunch starts at  $39.99 and includes an appetizer, entree, coffee or tea, and unlimited sangria and mimosas. Menu items include Seasonal Vegetable Frittata, Shrimp and Grits, Challah French Toast, and Southern Fried Chicken. For reservations visit www.OpenTable.com/Harvist-Harlem

Harvist Harlem 46 West 116th Street; @HarvistHarlem www.harvistharlem.com

Beir International, Andrienne Hindmarsh Trio

Beir International creates an ambiance of jazz and blues this Sunday May 19 with a brunch featuring New Zealand artist Adrienne Hindmarsh Trio. Brunch will run from 11:30AM until 4PM and Adrienne Hindmarsh preforming from 1PM-4PM. Bier International is regarded as Harlem’s first biergarten highlighting international and domestic bier and food. Brunch items include Crab Cake Benedict, Buttermilk Pankcakes, and the Norweigian Smoked Salmon Omelet.

Beir International 2099 Fredrick Douglas Blvd; @bierint http://www.bierinternational.com/events

Shells Bistro, Jazz Brunch

Harlem’s newest spot graces Sunday with Jazz Brunch from 2PM-6PM. Offering live music nightly, Shell’s Bistro and Jazz Lounge menu ranges from Curry Chicken Skewers, Rigatoni, and of house specials including Grilled Salmon and Salmon Skewers.

Shells Bistro 2150 5th Avenue; @ShellsBistro http://www.shellsbistro.com/menu

Harlem Tavern, Jazz Brunch Peter Sparacino

On Saturday, Harlem Tavern will merge jazz and brunch. Brunch begins at 11AM and jazz by Peter Sparacino starts at 12PM. Brunch items include Seafood Gumbo, Croque Madame, Eggs Benedict, and Cornflake Crusted French Toast.

Harlem Tavern 301 West 116th Street; @HarlemTavern www.HarlemTavern.com

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