Word Up: Rising in the Heights with Carmen Cancél & Jainardo Batista

Saturday, June 14, 2025 – 11:00am to 12:00pm
Word Up Community Bookshop / Librería Comunitaria
2113 Amsterdam Ave. & 165th St.
New YorkNY 10032

Puerto Rican musicians soprano Carmen Cancél and singer/ percussionist Jainardo Batista of “Buena Vista Social Club” join forces with Leadlights Ensemble for an unforgettable event of music and storytelling, featuring One Sweet Song by Jyoti Gapal, ill. by Sonia Sanchez. **Please note the time of this event is 11 a.m.**

Rising in the Heights is a festival of free outdoor public arts performances curated by Leadlights Ensemble in partnership with Word Up Community Bookshop. The festival celebrates the rich artistic contributions of Latinx and Black cultures and promotes children’s literacy through music and bilingual storytelling. Free copies of the featured book will be available.

This project is made possible in part with funds from UMEZ Arts Engagement, supported by the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone (UMEZ); and Creative Engagement, supported by The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) in partnership with the City Council and the Howard Gilman Foundation. UMEZ Arts Engagement and Creative Engagement are administered by LMCC.

Inwood Hill Park: Drums Along the Hudson

DRUMS ALONG THE HUDSON® features an open air pow wow, which is a celebratory gathering of Native American people that will be led by Louis Mofsie and the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers with Host Drums Heyna Second Sons. Mohawk Elder, Tom Porter will give the opening Thanksgiving Address and ceremonial Tree Planting accompanied by the Haudenosaunee Singers and Dancers. This multicultural family-oriented festival combines Native American heritage with the diversity of New York City with performances of world dance and drumming tradition, featuring Kalpulli Huehuetlatolli Aztec Dancers and Drummers, BatalaNY Afro-Caribbean Drumming, Kotchegna African Dance from the Ivory Coast, and more! Activities also include Native American crafts, storytelling, and international cuisine.

Pied Piper: Potato Bug Ranch

About Potato Bug Ranch

Life is perfect on Potato Bug Ranch; the potato crop is fine and everything is coming up spuds… until a new neighbor moves in next door who does things a bit differently.

Can the farmers find common ground and save the ranch for the next generation?
Come to the ranch and find out!

Sat. May 31st 2025, 4:00 pm
Sat. May 31st 2025, 6:00 pm
Sun. Jun 1st 2025, 4:00 pm
Sun. Jun 1st 2025, 6:00 pm

CLOTH: Latin Jazz In The Heights 2025!

Latin Jazz In The Heights 2025!

Community League of the Heights and Jazz Power Initiative present
Latin Jazz in the Heights 2025
Plaza de las Américas!
175th Street and Broadway

1:00 – 3:00 pm

Saturday, June 21st
Luisito Quintero & 3rd Element All Stars 

Saturday, June 28th 
Lulada Club New York’s All-Women Salsa Orchestra

More information here

Performances co-produced and curated by Jazz Power Initiative

Made possible thanks to the generous support of NewYork- Presbyterian 

With media support by WBGO radio

Proud participants of the Uptown Stroll; Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance (NoMAA) annual June arts event!

Finding Art, Culture and Unique Events in Washington Heights & Inwood