02.7
10
by Simone ·
AWARDS CEREMONY - LONGWOOD ART GALLERY
First stop on this month’s Bronx Culture Trolley Tour was the award ceremony for recipients of the Greater New York Arts Development Fund grants funded by both the New York State Council of the Arts (NYSCA) and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA). $130,000 worth of checks were handed out! That’s some serious bank! Longwood Art Gallery was packed with a Who’s Who list of everyone who’s anyone in the Bronx art and education scene. Congratulations to all those individuals and organizations who make the Bronx a thriving borough when it comes to art, culture and educational opportunities for our borough’s citizens!
Some artwork on display at Longwood Art Gallery:
01.31
10
by Simone ·
THE BRONX CULTURE TROLLEY TOUR - The South Bronx
NEXT EVENT - WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3rd!
Get ready to hop aboard once again on the Bronx Trolley! The Bronx Rocks has covered this event every couple of months or so (here, here, here, here, and here) and the evening never disappoints. Below are some very-belated photos from last November’s event:
From LDR Studios (Halloween-themed Visions of Horror):
From Longwood Art Gallery - Hostos (Photography Exhibit)
From The Bronx Blue Bedroom Project (Pre-Holiday Art Sale):
New on the Trolley Tour this time was the work of Linda Cunningham. Sadly, the photos just did not capture the wonderful quality of Linda’s live/work space and her body of work on disply. Next time!)
01.17
10
by Simone ·
Since The Bronx Rocks focuses mostly on all the wonderful progress this borough has made in the last few decades (and in defense, I say that the Bronx has had enough bad publicity and frightening images published to last a lifetime!), many readers and friends often ask if there is any raw, urban grit still left in the Bronx. I have to chuckle and say….um….yes…yes, there is. Just a few snapshots I took while walking around some ‘off the beaten path’ areas of the South Bronx yesterday….
01.17
10
by Simone ·
New York Botanical Gardens Holiday Train Show, The Bronx
Yes, yes, I know. Rather late to post these photos. I attended this awesome event before Christmas but sadly had a “camera malfunction”. So, I returned on the show’s last weekend and, while there was no celebrity spotting this time, it was just as packed! A miniature NYC is recreated every year by artists using only organic material (nuts, dried fruit, leaves, bark, twigs, rocks, seeds, etc.) Don’t miss out when the show rolls around next year!
01.10
10
by Simone ·
ROMPE PUESTO - A PINATA-THON! at The Bronx River Art Center
(Photo of Risa Puno, Disco Ball Pinata artist, courtesy of Talisman Brolin)
Bronx artists strike again! Rompe Puesto, brainchild of Blanka Amezkua (featured by TheBronxRocks here and here) and Ronny Quevedo turned out to be an enormous HIT - 23 of the most fabulous and creative pinatas you can imagine! What an ingenious and wickedly delicious way to throw a party where every guest (kids and adults alike!) gets to squeal with laughter and delight and is rewarded with outrageously fun party gifts: condoms, mini booze bottles, organic tea, outlandish make-up, lingerie, pregnancy kits, and so forth! Fun, fun, fun! (And oh yeah - tons of candy and toys for the kids as well) An open bar (thanks Brooklyn Brewery!) and great music spun by DJ Juan Mapu added to the reverie….Brilliant! (*List of participating artists below)
* Participating artists: damali abrams, Fanny Allie & Jun Aizaki, Blanka Amezkua, Firelei Baez, Petrushka Bazin “Front Unifié de Libération Nationale d’Haïti (FULNH)”, Daniel Bejar, Melissa A. Calderón, Alex Campaz, Brendan Carroll, Abigail Deville, Oasa Duverney, Michelle Frick, Irvin Morazan, Ivan Monforte, Las Hermanas Iglesias, Laura Napier, Juan Ortega, Wanda Ortiz, Olek , Risa Puno, Kenya (Robinson), Jorge Rojas, Jessica Rosen, Ronny Quevedo, Mary Valverde
11.1
09
by Simone ·
The following photos were taken over the past two weekend visits to the New York Botanical Garden - Bronx, NY.
The outstanding Kiku Exhibit
07.16
09
by Simone ·
Ok, so I know I’ve been quite remiss in updating The Bronx Rocks of late. Here’s why…I’ve been spending time networking, spreading information and going to rallies protesting the current situation in Iran in the aftermath of the recent elections there. If you value human rights, free speech, the right to assemble and the right to protest your government without fear of being beaten, illegally detained, tortured to death and executed on bogus charges, PLEASE get involved in any way you can!
If you are on Facebook and want more information - give me an add (Simone Davis) or email me: SimoneDavis@live.com
Back to Bronx updates and photos soon!
06.14
09
by Simone ·
VENICE RESTAURANT, Morris Park 2107 Williamsbridge Road (718-597-2360)
Morris Park (The Bronx’s “2nd Little Italy”) has been on my list of areas to try for months now as several friends rave about the quaint “villagey” feel of the place, the nice homes on lovely tree-lined streets and an abundance of Italian restaurants, second only to Arthur Avenue. My first visit was Venice Restaurant….The establishment has been in business for decades and only recently went through a major renovation and rehaul…(And I gather that the jury is still out among locals if the changes have been for the better.) I, however, quite enjoyed my lunch (a delicious and healthy seafood salad) and appreciated the friendly service of the staff. Atmosphere-wise, I would’ve liked a bit more warmth and decoration (not a fan of bare walls, but that’s a minor point). Overall, a nice little place for lunch or dinner. And there are two large dining rooms, making Venice another option for large private parties. (Speaking of which, I arrived just in time to wish Louie (below) a Happy 100th Birthday, which was fun. Well done, Sir!!!) And afterwards, you can head across the street to Cafe Portifinos for a cappuccino al fresco!
05.16
09
by Simone ·
(Try getting a bunch of Manhattanite subway riders to wave for a photo!)
05.9
09
by Simone ·
WAVE HILL - Riverdale, The Bronx
Wave Hill Public Gardens and Cultural Center admittedly is not the easiest place to get to if you don’t have a car, but talking the bus and walking the rest of the way is well worth it to get to this little slice of heaven on the Hudson. While not as botanically impressive or abundant as the Bronx Botanical Gardens, Wave Hill is substantially more inviting as a place to come and just relax with a cuppa joe and a book or paper. Sitting on the lawns is encouraged (unlike the BBG) and comfortable Adirondack-type chairs are provided throughout the property for guests. A lovely way to spend a weekend afternoon!
04.19
09
by Simone ·
It’s Cherry Blossom season once again in NYC. And The BBG is where it’s at! The place was PACKED yesterday. I can’t wait for the Magnolia and Tulip trees to come into bloom!
04.4
09
by Simone ·
BLANKA AMEZKUA, South Bronx
Blanka Amezkua has become one of my favorite Bronx artists, not only for her own highly original and fabulous work but because of her dedication to shine a spotlight on up-and-coming Bronx artists. Once a month, she opens up her home for her Bronx Blue Bedroom Project (see TheBronxRocks post here) featuring a new talent to showcase for the Bronx Trolley Tour. Below are just a sampling of Blanka’s own work…According to Blanka herself, these embroderies are “depiction of heroines who have been liberated from the stifling territory of pulp fiction into a world where a women’s sexuality is fully eroticized on her own terms”. However you interpret them, I think they just plain ROCK! (Photos of Blanka’s pieces courtesy of Leonidas Alexandropoulos)
Blanka in her South Bronx home/studio
03.22
09
by Simone ·
THE ORCHID SHOW - Brazilian Modern
New Yorkers know Spring is just around the corner when
The Bronx Botanical Garden begins its annual Orchid Show. You’ve got until April 12th to get on over; below are a few snaps to get you in the mood.
03.6
09
by Simone ·
Yeah, you heard me! Oh the joy! I’ve worshipped these guys since Sunday, Bloody Sunday! Hell, since War…since Boy…since October!!! (Ok, calm down, Bono-freak…)
How We Roll In The Bronx
Cost of tickets: Nothing!
Bill to have your sorry drunken ass hauled off on a stretcher at 7:00 am: Zilch!
Having the GREATEST BAND ON THE PLANET bring some First Class publicity to this borough: F-ing PRICELESS!!!
P.S. Check out The Boogiedowner’s up-close and humorous take on things (including the drunken fist-pumping chick being hauled away on said stretcher) and fabulous full day coverage!
(Photos courtesy of U2gigs.com and photographers Luke Villapaz and Dan Hegarty)
(Lucky sons of bitches!)
03.2
09
by Simone ·
THE HENRY MOORE EXHIBIT, Bronx Botanical Garden - Named one of the top 10 museum exhibits of 2008 by Time Magazine. Extended until March 15th - Don’t miss out! (See my other Moore photos
here and
here.)
02.28
09
by Simone ·
ARTIE’S STEAK AND SEAFOOD -
City Island, The Bronx
One of City Island’s many treasures. Loved it! Fabulous food, impeccable service and a fresh, welcoming decor make this place a perennial favorite! And from the looks of the photos on the wall, people like Bill Clinton, Chaz Palminteri and Raquel Welch love it too! (Check out my other posts on City Island
here,
here and
here)
Owner, Spiro with Kathy and Toni. Great job, guys!
My wonderful friends down from Toronto - Diana and Kristina! (Yes, We Can-ada!)
02.21
09
by Simone ·
THE BRONZ ZOO
Visit in the winter - beat the crowds and getthisclose to these amazing creatures!!!
02.18
09
by Simone ·
REVOLUTION! - Mott Haven
Save the Date: Saturday, February 21st - Bruckner Bar & Grill
It’s that time again! Revolution! is again ready to RUMBLE!!! And for those who haven’t seen my previous posts (
here and
here), Revolution! is one of THE hottest live-music dance party scenes taking place in the Bronx! Every month the Bruckner Bar & Grill rocks with great indie music and this month it’s time for
The Dirty Dirty and
Paperdoll (with Adam Underground and Cindy Kim spinning the usual “80s, new wave, indie, rock n roll, 90s, punk, electro all night long”!) Check out some past photos courtesy of Richard Scott and
RambunctiousPhotos.com:
02.14
09
by Simone ·
THE BRONX TROLLEY TOUR - South Bronx
The First Wednesday of every month The Bronx Trolley rolls through the South Bronx and it is one of the best things happening in this borough. First of all - it’s FREE! Secondly, it’s a way for otherwise nervous New Yorkers to enjoy the art hotspots of the South Bronx in a totally safe and fun environment. Manhattanites are always super surprised at what’s going on. Believe it or not, there are even a few Bronxites out there who are still skittish about this nabe - until they take this tour! And lastly, if you like your art fresh, raw, and totally UNhomogenized, then this is the place for you! So, give it a try one of these days and see for yourself! (Click here, here and here for more photos from a tour in the Fall. And scroll down for more posts on my favorite stop this time around: The Anti SoBro Art Show at LDR Studio Gallery.)
Longwood Gallery - Hostos College:
Haven Arts:
(Photos from a past Haven Arts show)
The night finishes at The Bruckner Bar & Grill:
And Karaoke!
02.13
09
by Simone ·
The Anti SoBro Art Show - LDR Studio Gallery, Mott Haven (On the Bronx Trolley Tour)
I wish I could show you photos of this show’s curator, Vittorio Ottaviani, because he’s a gorgeous Italian with an exhuberant, infectious personality that is more renegade rockstar than your average struggling artist/entrepreneur. But alas, he prefers to let his fabulous work get all the attention (sorry, Ladies). This show (I think you get the anti-marketing drift reflected in the name) is a new stop on the Bronx Trolley Tour. (Scroll down for more photos of LDR Studio Gallery -slash-cool artist’s pad). Six extremely talented emerging artists round out the rest of the group whose work make this show definitely worth catching. Not sure if they will still be featured the next time the Trolley rolls through the South Bronx, but keep checking Vittorio’s website for further info and to view his other pieces. (Thanks, Vittorio, for the use of these photos!) (Above painting by Rich Rethorn)
In God We Trust - Vittorio Ottaviani (above)
James Pernotto (from the SCUD ATTACK series) (above)
Work by David Pochor (above)
Knowledge is the Key to Success (above)
Mother Earth - by Annalisa Ladicicco
