Harlem Presents
Harlem Presents currently has three programs: HarlemWeen; The Harlem Hoedown; and The Harlem Opera Festival
HarlemWeen: Since October of 2011, we've presented an all-age friendly costumed dance party on the plaza of the Harlem State Office Building on the afternoon/evening of October 31st. The evening features a DJ, costume contests, face-painting, Michael Jackson "Thriller" dance lessons, and the showing of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" on a 25' wide inflatable movie screen.
The Harlem Hoedown: Also taking place on the plaza of the Harlem State Office Building, The Harlem Hoedown is a square dance whose target date is the 3rd Saturday of September. The event features the live music of “The Ebony Hillbillies” – one of the country’s only black string bands – and a live caller. This is an expensive event – because it presents a sizable band that requires “sound” – and therefore does not happen every year.
The Harlem Opera Festival: Taking place on Sunday evenings in July, The Harlem Opera Festival features emerging singers of color who have one either the Harlem Opera Theater's or Opera Ebony's annual vocal competition.