Tag Archives: Inwood

WHINFEST 2026

A 10 year anniversary variety show fundraiser

Washington Heights and Inwood (WHIN) Food Council is a grassroots, majority volunteer-led Food Justice oriented 501(c)(3) that has been active since 2016. Their work involves food distributions for Domestic Violence survivors, community fridge support, identifying areas of food insecurity in Northern Manhattan, and so much more. They champion a long legacy of food access advocacy and (formerly) urban gardening in Washington Heights and Inwood. More about the event on Instagram

To celebrate this landmark achievement, we are throwing a variety show to not only celebrate the occasion, but as a love letter to the Washington Heights and Inwood neighborhoods. Proceeds will go towards WHIN Food Council’s operating and administrative costs , which support our programming. As we serve a lot of families, this event is all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. This is a LGBTQ safe space, and any bigotry present at the event will result in an immediate removal from the event.

Lineup:
Drag: Baby Ruth
Puppetry by Boa Sorte
Mexican Folk Dance by Ballet de Tonantzin
Taino music by Luis Sanakori Ramos
Spoken word by La Sala Collective, Erik Maldonado (Uptown Stories), Taylor Stout
— And more:

Mexican hair braiding stations, collage and writing workshops will be at the event!

We will be raffling giftcards to WordUp Community Bookstore, Workshop certificates to Uptown Stories, art from New York based artists, and more! Online ticket entry grants 1-3 raffle tickets.

We have a select amount of tickets for those experiencing financial hardship, so email whinfoodcouncil@gmail.com to inquire for those. ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT!

Bruce’s Garden Reading – Leslie Day – River: A Hudson Memoir

It is with great pleasure that we welcome the acclaimed naturalist and writer, Leslie Day as this year’s Sid Horenstein Memorial Reader. 

She will read from and discuss her newest book, River–A Hudson Memoir (Cornell University Press, 2025.)  The book offers a unique look at Dr. Day’s life when, in 1975, she moved to a tiny houseboat at the 79th St. Boat Basin on the Hudson. It is a love letter to New York City, the Hudson River, as well as the environment around us and the people who shape it.

Dr. Day had lead many nature walks and had taught widely throughout the city.  Her books include Field Guide to the Natural World of New York City, Field Guide to the Street Trees of New York City, Field Guide to the Neighborhood Birds of New York City, Honeybee Hotel: the Waldorf Astoria’s Roof Garden and the Heart of New York City, https://www.lesliedaynyc.com/about

Sid Horenstein was a noted geologist and educator at the American Museum of Natural History. He was also a neighbor and good friend to Bruce’s Garden. Each year we ask a distinguished naturalist to read to honor his memory.

Master Class – Before It Was JAZZ: The African Foundations Of An American Art Form

Master Class

Before It Was JAZZ: The African Foundations Of An American Art Form

Inwood Hill Park Nature Center

Facilitator: Aaron Scott | Acclaimed jazz drummer, composer, founder and artistic director of the Inwood Jazz Festival

Featuring Master Musicians:

Abdou Mboup | Senegalese master percussionist and griot, preserving the ancient heartbeat of West African rhythm.

Frank Lacy | Powerhouse trombonist and vocalist whose soulful expression spans avant-garde jazz and deep post-bop lineage.

Sharp Radway | Virtuoso pianist, composer, and author dedicated to the profound spiritual and historical roots of the music.

Alex Blake | Legendary bassist renowned for his revolutionary, percussive acoustic technique and global jazz history.

Through performance, discussion, and demonstration, these internationally acclaimed artists, explore the rich, cultural traditions that gave rise to an American indigenous art form. Together, they illuminate the enduring connection between the musical traditions of West Africa and the evolution of jazz, revealing how those traditions continue to shape and inspire.

Date & Time: Wednesday, August 19th – 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: Inwood Hill Park Nature Center

Admission: Free