Uptown Arts Stroll To Kick Off With United Palace Concert

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS-INWOOD, NY — The Uptown Arts Stroll — a month-long celebration and showcase of northern Manhattan's art scene — will kick off Wednesday, May 31, with a concert at the United Palace Theater in Washington Heights.

The show will feature three performers all based in uptown: The Harambe Dance Company, The Washington Heights Chamber Orchestra and Singer-Songwriter Victor Rosso.

"Our opening night showcases three outstanding northern Manhattan talents that enrich the community’s cultural arts scene, and we are thrilled that they will join us at the United Palace to kick off the 15th Uptown Arts Stroll," Joanna E. Castro, acting executive director of the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance, said in a statement.

The United Palace show is just the beginning of the Uptown Arts Stroll, which will continue throughout the month of June. The arts showcase, organized by the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance, will celebrate its 15th anniversary this year. The stroll got its start as a one-day, volunteer-organized event in 2003. The Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance has organized the showcase since 2008.

The Uptown Arts Stroll will host events such as open mics, concerts, open studio tours and art classes throughout the month of June. There will be family-friendly events for kids as well. A full schedule can be seen on the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance's website.

The poster for this year's Uptown Arts Stroll was designed by uptown artist Alexis Agliano Sanborn. Sanborn, a founder’s committee member of the Washington Heights and Inwood Food Council, showcased northern Manhattan's diversity in her poster. Several national flags, as well as the pride flag, and uptown landmarks are depicted on the poster.

“The first time I visited New York, I came to the Cloisters and knew that I was somewhere magical," Sanborn said in a statement. "To win this prize is a reflection of everything I have ever felt and known about my neighborhood; I am humbled and grateful for the support, understanding, and dedication of my community."

Photo courtesy of Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance/Alexis Agliano Sanborn