What to do over the Holiday break

Best things to do this winter break with the kids!

• Central Park: Ring in the new year without spending a buck. No cost firework.  Tuesday Dec 31, 2013. From 10 PM- 2 AM.http://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2013/12/31/central-park-fireworks-and-nyrr-midnight-run

• Grand Army Plaza, Prospect Park: New Year's Eve fire work. Fire works, hot chocolate and Holiday Entertainment. Celebration starts at 11 pm. http://www.prospectpark.org/calendar/event/new-years-fireworks   

• New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train. The Holiday Train Show is back and bigger than ever! Holiday Week: (Mon Dec 16-Wednesday Jan 1) 10 am-7 pm. http://www.nybg.org/exhibitions/2013/holiday-train-show/index.php

• Prospect Park ice skating. Brand new ice rink in Brooklyn's own Prospect Park. Mon-Thurs. 11 am-6 pm, Friday & Saturday 9 am-10 pm, Sunday 9 am-8 pm. Weekdays $6 for adults, Weekends $8 for adults. Free for children under 12, $5 for skate rentals.http://www.lakesideprospectpark.com/

• McCarren Pink, Williamsburg. Open daily from 11 am-10 pm. $8 adults, $5 students, $5 seniors (60 and older), $4 children under 12 and skate rental $5. http://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/iceskating/12

•  Dyker Height, Brooklyn: Check-out their awesome Christmas Displays and it's free. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dyker-Heights-Christmas-Lights/149275121790027

• The  Brooklyn Children's Museum located at 145 Brooklyn Ave(St. Marks): Arts and Crafts at this New Year's Eve Workshop, little ones will craft their own festive hats to wear on New Year's Eve. Dec 31, 2013, from 11:30 am- 2 pm. Ages 1-5, check-out what else the y have going on! http://brooklynkids.org/

• Jewish Children's Museum located at 792 Eastern Parkway: While the kids are off from school, visit the Jewish Children's Museum for a week of arts making fun. Suminagashi workshop, design your own stain glass window and add your creative touch to the JCM kids mural.             General Admission is $13, ages 2+ includes all activities. From 10 am-5 pm. http://www.jcm.museum/ArticleFiles/11x17.pdf

• The Bronx Zoo Conservation Society  located at 2300 South Blvd, Fordham RD. Ice Carving Week. Visit the Zoo to enjoy Wildlife-themed Iced Sculptures, an ice carving competition,  Polar Bear themed Ice playground, Ice Playground and enjoy cheerful tunes from carolers.  Until Dec 31, 2013, from 10 am-4:30 pm. Admission $16.95, Senior $14.95, Children 3-12 $12.95 and children under 3 are free. http://bronxzoo.org/

• New Victory Theater located at 209 W 42nd Street, between Seventh & Eighth Ave. Mother Africa, This African Circus Show features Stilt Walkers, Ethiopian Jugglers and Kenyan Contortionists performing to the beat of Traditional instruments like the Djembe and Mbria. Exuberant afro-beats radiate from the stage. Now through Sun, Jan 5 2014. For ticket information, click on the link. http://www.newvictory.org/Home.aspx

        More on what to do for this Holiday break, click on the link. 

http://mommypoppins.com/kids/things-to-do-over-holiday-break-with-nyc-kids-2012

R&B Christmas in Brooklyn

Brooklyn this is a ONE NIGHT ONLY Concert. Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts is bringing you an R&B Christmas. Chart topping R&B artists perform their biggest hits, as well as Christmas Favorites.

Enjoy the smooth vocals of Charlie Thomas' Drifters ("Under the board walk", "Up on the roof").

The Coasters ( "Yakety Yak", "Poison Ivy")

Blue Magic featuring Original lead singer Ted "Wizard" Mills ("Slide Show")

Shirley Alston Reeves, original singer of The Shirelles ("Will you still love me tomorrow").

If you are an R&B lover get your tickets now. I'm pretty sure this will be a sold-out event and what a great Christmas gift.

So Brooklyn get your tickets at http://tickets.brooklyncenter.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=42

This Event takes place on December 21, 2013 at 8 PM at Walt Whitman Theatre. Remember ONE NIGHT ONLY!

2013 Pitkin Ave Tree Lighting.

Rain did not stop the Pitkin Ave Tree Lighting from going on.  Ole Saint Nick made his way in style via  New York City's Fire Truck.

Tents was up to cover you from the rain. Hot Chocolate to keep us warm, Cupcakes for the children.  Live Jazz Band, DJ, Santa's helpers, toys for the children and Santa Claus. 

From the young to the young came and celebrated with us on this festive event and posed with good ole' Saint Nick. 

When you get a chance, visit our tree at Zion Triangle, located at Legion St and Pitkin Ave.

Pitkin Ave Tree Lighting Event

 Tis' is the season and  Brooklyn is at it again, this time in Brownsville Brooklyn. Come join them on their Pitkin Ave Tree Lighting.

There will be: 

1. Santa Claus
2. Hot Cocoa
3.  Cupcakes 
4. Music & Caroling  
5. Special Guest and more.

Pitkin Ave Tree Lighting takes place Friday,  Dec 6, 2013 on  Zion Triangle at Legion St. and Pitkin Ave.

For more info, 718-922-9600 or PitkinaveBID@yahoo.com 

https://www.facebook.com/pitkinbid

2013 Atlantic Ave Tree Lighting Ceremony

Here we go Brooklyn, Atlantic Ave Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and Festivities.
 Belarusian Church at 401 Atlantic Ave, Boerum Hill, on Tuesday, Dec 3, 2013 from the hours of 6-8 pm.

With appearences by, The Brooklyn Award-winning Band Rolie Polie Guacamole will engage the audience with their popular tunes.

Dance wave Rachel Easton, Celinna Haber, and Chandra Kelly will perform their title piece TRIO, with accompanying music by Balkan Beatbox. Children from P.S. 38 will perform Holiday songs and a dance piece.

Children's gifts will be collected as part of Council member Levin's toys and book drive for children living in Gowanus Houses and Independence Towers. Please bring a gift-wrapped new toy or book.

Complimentary Holiday Treats and Refreshment will be provided by local Atlantic Ave Restaurants and Shops.

For more Info on this event, click on the link: http://atlanticave.org/2013-holiday-treelighting/

2012 Atlantic ave Tree Lighting Ceremony

2012 Atlantic Ave Tree Lighting Ceremony

Brooklyn Award-winning Children's Band Rolie Polie Guacamole 

2012 Atlantic Ave Tree Lighting Ceremony

BK ALLDAY Entertainment

I support those who supports What's up New York? Keeping up with Brooklyn. When I decided to take this venture, I ventured with my eyes close.  Didn't know what I was getting myself into.  All I wanted to do is show my family and friends what was going on in this beautiful City we call BROOKLYN.

I've had such fun doing this, this meaning, showing besides my family and friends on, who has what going in Brooklyn. 

I had the honor of being a sponsor for WILLiFEST, Thank you Robin Adams for the opportunity given to me. .http://whatsupnewyorkkeepingupwithbrooklyn.blogspot.com/2013/09/2013-willifest-opening-night.html
https://www.facebook.com/willifest

I also was present for Fashion Week  Brooklyn, a media guest for the whole duration of the event.
https://www.facebook.com/fashionweekbrooklyn
http://whatsupnewyorkkeepingupwithbrooklyn.blogspot.com/2013/10/fashion-week-brooklyn-2014-spring-and.html
 I have been invited to Comedy Shows, Parades, Open Mic and more.

Hopefully I can take part in next year Brooklyn Music Festival. What's up New York? has been in steady contact with NOVO Entertainment for the 2014 Brooklyn Music Festival. As of Nov 5, 2013, America's got talent asked Brooklyn Music Festival to assist them in spreading the news about their New York City's audition. https://www.facebook.com/thebrooklynmusicfestival

Throughout all these venture of mine, I have met and became friends with good  people. I also met and befriended Mariel Torres.

I met Mariel through WILLiFEST, she was also a Sponsor for them. She is a determined and driven person.

Mariel is the CEO of BKALLDAY  Entertainment. She is in a industry where is dominated by man itself.

A recent study from Creative & Cultural skills show that 66% of people working in the Music Industry are male.  When it comes to Promotion and Management work the figure rises to 77%.

There are plenty of talented women in music, but people responsible for singing, developing and promoting them almost always male.

Us women are our worst critic. Instead uplifting and empowering  each other, we criticize each other. Mariel is working in New York City's well known Borough, for that alone I would praise her and to work in this Industry call MUSIC, where is an all male game, again I praise her.

We all know Brooklyn is full of talent.

• Rapper and Record Producer, Shawn Carter aka Jay Z
• Actress, Barbara Streisand
• Director and Actor, Woody Allen
• Film Director and Actor, Spike Lee
• Actor, Jackie Gleason
• Record Producer and Music Executive, Clive Davis 

Ms. Torres currently works for Mad Music, Make a difference Music. In 2010 she went on to open BK ALLDAY Entertainment. BK ALL DAY Promotions

Her main objection was and is to help others in all promo and give artists a buzz.

BK ALLDAY  has "Artists Show Case" every month at Razor's Bar & Lounge in Brooklyn.  For those artists who are interested in showing their master pieces on the MIC.

BK ALLDAY Entertainment is currently working with 4 artists:

• Kronic Uprizes,https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kronic-Uprize/231044013632799
• Puerto roc Steve: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Puerto-Roc-Steve/197094520343107 
• http://www.reverbnation.com/jaysnipez1
• Clamary Storm 4: https://www.facebook.com/ClamaryStorm   http://www.reverbnation.com/clamarystorm
• Lady D 3: https://www.facebook.com/pages/BK-ALL-DAY-Promotions/269000173129551

Artist Up Rize

She is also working with one of Make a Difference Music artist by the name of Grime aka R Dot. Thank you Mad Lo and Make a Difference Music, for showing support to What's up New York?
 https://www.facebook.com/MakeADifferenceMusic  https://soundcloud.com/makeadifferencemusic

Artist Grime from Make a Difference Music

I will take this opportunity to say Brooklyn, show some respect to the game call Music and show BK ALLDAY some support, follow and "LIKE".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOM-0Njz8Fk&feature=youtu.be
http://bkalldaypromotions.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_4.html
http://bkalldaypromotions.tumblr.com/?og=1

She has an upcoming Artist Showcase on Nov 22, 2013, I will be there  to support her and her vision.

BK ALL DAY will have a "Artist Show Case" at Razor's Bar on Dec 7, 2013 with Live Performances by
Razors Bar

• Brooklyn: https://www.facebook.com/brooklyn.realknowsreal?fref=ts
• Arlene G: https://www.facebook.com/ArleneGmusic?fref=ts
• Gran Bebo y Tito: https://www.facebook.com/granbeboytito
• Castro & Gambino: https://www.facebook.com/castroygambino?fref=ts
• Manikkomio:https://www.facebook.com/manik.komio?fref=ts
• Jayquan. He will be in New York from Nov 20-Dec 10, for his Free Style Concert Series. Jayquan comes straight from sunny Miami. For booking and interviews,JC Entertainment and @ Jcent.aol.com. https://www.facebook.com/JAYQUANMUSIC   http://bkalldaypromotions.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_4.html

Straight from Miami

Here is the first of many Holiday Events in Brooklyn." Brooklyn Comedy Festival Winter Wonderlandia".

Here is the first of many Holiday Entertainment/Event for What's up New York? Keeping up with Brooklyn.

I always say, "Laughter is good for the soul" and what better timing, on the Holidays. This is the part I must love, finding events in Brooklyn for the Holidays and help others in need.

Brooklyn Comedy Festival is having their first Annual "Brooklyn Comedy Festival Winter Wonderlandia".

 http://bkcomedyfestival.com/, https://www.facebook.com/events/134759513377034/

They are teaming up with New York Cares to collect gently use coats for their Coat Drive and Toys for their Winter Wishes Program. http://www.newyorkcares.org/

For every Coat and/ or toy that is donated at Winter Wonderlandia, you will receive 3 raffle tickets and a chance to win tons of prizes from local businesses. 

This Event takes place in the middle of the holidays, Dec. 13, 2013. Tickets go on SALE Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013.

Location: The Paper Box

17 Meadow St. 

Brooklyn, New York 11206

 http://paperboxnyc.com/

Tickets are $10 in advanced and $15 at the door.

Doors open at 8 pm, Show starts at 9 pm and after party following right after until 2 am. 

For tickets: http://www.ticketfly.com/

Halloween Day 2013 on Pitkin Ave in Brownsville, Brooklyn

Brooklyn, you know how much I emphasize on where I'm from and proud of been part of Brownsville, Brooklyn. Here is where my family landed when they came from Puerto Rico.

Brownsville gave me such pleasure on Oct 31 to see Pitkin Ave filled with children on Halloween Day. When I was growing up, and I'm not going to say what year, it was fun going Trick or Treating on Pitkin Ave. 

Pitkin Ave was always packed with children and their costumes and store owners were outside giving out candy to the children. As the years went by, it got kind of hard to go on Pitkin Ave on Halloween. 

Crime rate started going up, parents was not taking their children on Pitkin for Halloween. The store owners was closing down early, and Pitkin was a deserted place on Halloween Day. It made me sad, that my granddaughters could and would not experience the fun their mother and grandmother had on Halloween Day.

Brooklyn, Pitkin Ave was a live with the sounds of children. My daughter ran upstairs to tell me, bring the camera down and come look at something. I almost cried. It bought me back to what we did on Halloween Day.  

Pitkin Ave was packed with children and their mothers dress to empress with their beautiful costumes and the sounds of Trick or Treat. Some of the store owners was outside giving out candies to our children.

Guardian Angels were patrolling the streets to make sure everything went down smoothly. Thank you for that. Brownsville, was and will continue to be what I saw when I was growing up. It's time to take control of our neighborhood and show Brooklyn, what we are made of and that is, we are a community and we have positive things going on here also. 

I want to thank Mo, he is the owner of Toys & Party Central located on 1665 Pitkin Ave. He was still giving out candy when the rest of the stores ran out. For those store owners who stood open to give our children treat I thank you.