Tag Archives: UpTownNYC

Fort Tryon Park: 20th Annual Scandinavian Music Festival: Day 1

20th Annual Scandinavian Music Festival: Day 1

June 6 @ 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

20th Scandinavian Music Festival
Presented by the Musicians of the New York Scandia Symphony and Special Guests
Dorrit Matson, Musical Director


Friday, June 6 at 5:00 PM
Cloisters Lawn, Fort Tryon Park

Join us for a celebratory evening of Nordic music under the open sky at the 20th Scandinavian Music Festival, performed by the Scandia Brass Quintet and special guests. Under the direction of Dorrit Matson, the concert features a vibrant program showcasing the rich musical traditions of Scandinavia:

William Brade – Pavane
Jorma Panula – Quintet for Brass
Vagn Holmboe – Brass Quintet
Esko Heikinen – Säkkijärven Polkka
Andres Koppel – Divertimento

Five National Anthems: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland

Location: Cloisters Lawn (please continue past the Heather Garden towards The Met Cloisters)

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy this free outdoor concert surrounded by the beauty of Fort Tryon Park. Perfect for music lovers of all ages!

Presented in partnership with the Fort Tryon Park Trust.

Fort Tryon Park: GUIDED NATURE AND WILDLIFE WALK

Meeting location: Enter at Margaret Corbin Circle and meet at the entrance to the Heather Garden.

Discover the hidden natural wonders of Fort Tryon Park on a guided walk with local naturalist and urban wildlife expert Ken Chaya. This immersive tour will explore the park’s rich biodiversity, from native plants and wildflowers to birds, insects, and other wildlife that call this extraordinary urban green space home.

Ken Chaya, a seasoned New York City nature guide, will share his deep knowledge of the park’s ecosystems, seasonal highlights, and tips for observing wildlife in an urban setting.

Bring water, comfortable walking shoes, and your curiosity!

All ages welcome. Free and open to the public. Sign up HERE.

Presented in partnership with the Fort Tryon Park Trust.

Rising in the Heights: Music & Storytelling with Rachael Harrington & Leadlights Ensemble

Rising in the Heights: Music & Storytelling with Rachael Harrington & Leadlights Ensemble

 Wednesday, June 11, 2025 5-6 p.m.

Location: Word Up Community Bookshop, 2113 Amsterdam Ave.

Presenter: Leadlights Ensemble

Explore the Cuban folk tale “Martina:the Beautiful the Cockroach” with storyteller Rachael Harrington and Leadlights Ensemble for an afternoon of music and stories on the sidewalk. Free copies of the picture book retold by Carmen Agra Deedy will be available.

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.

Espanol

Rising in the Heights es un festival de espectáculos artísticos públicos gratuitos al aire libre, organizado por Leadlights Ensemble en colaboración con Word Up Community Bookshop. El festival celebra las valiosas contribuciones artísticas de la cultura latina y afroamericana y promueve la alfabetización infantil a través de la música y la narración bilingüe. Habrá ejemplares gratuitos del libro presentado.

Este proyecto es posible en parte gracias a fondos de UMEZ Arts Engagement, con el apoyo del Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone (UMEZ); y Creative Engagement, con el apoyo del Departamento de Asuntos Culturales de la Ciudad de Nueva York (DCLA), en colaboración con el Consejo de la Ciudad de Nueva York y la Fundación Howard Gilman. UMEZ Arts Engagement y Creative Engagement son administrados por 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.