Harlem Heritage Cultural Center New York
Culture/music
This multi-faceted operation run by Neal Shoemaker is noted for its immersive musical events that dive deep into the black cultural music worlds of jazz, hip-hop and that delicious, dreamy 1960s Harlem/Detroit sound broadly referred to as Motown.
We're sitting outside his Sixth Avenue storefront in the dappled shade of that boulevard's trees. He tells me that he had recognized that among many whites, especially Europeans, there was a thirst for authentic experiences presented through the eyes of people who have been raised in, and live in Harlem.
His goal is to respect Harlem residents' privacy while exposing visitors to that which makes Harlem important and special. Due to his sensitive respect, he says, "We receive more support from grassroots Harlem than any other 'cultural company' in the community."
So, Shoemaker produces "Harlem Soul Music Afternoons" during which some of Harlem's fine soul singers perform iconic Motown era songs by Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Sam Cook, Diana Ross, the Ojay's and well, the list is long. Through live music and video clips, the civil rights history and much else that make Harlem's political life important of the surrounding area is introduced.
Neil hires only Harlem residents to perform and conduct Harlem-centric walking tours.
Events take place irregularly at the Harlem Heritage Tourism and Cultural Center between West 115th & 116th Streets right on Malcolm X Boulevard. 2 and 3 trains arrive directly to this location.
Saturdays
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Check the website or call for date information and scheduling.
About this spot
Find your way with 300 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Sea & Sea
Fried fish takeout
"Sea & Sea " in NYC is a traditional-looking fish shop with wet, tiled floors, cool air, grated ice on every hand, busy with customers from near and far...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Pikine
Senegalese restaurant
Come to "Pikine" in NYC to eat shoulder-to-shoulder with Senegalese people!
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Modern Bread and Bagel
Extreme gluten-free bagels
"Modern Bread and Bagel" in NYC has surfaced as exemplary, using criteria such as size and texture, seed and salt density. Here are some more top picks...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Patsy's 'El Barrio'
Historic Pizzeria
Patsy’s, famed for its 900°F coal-fired pizza, still thrives in Spanish Harlem, gritty, iconic, and sublime. Thin crust, no tables, just pure NY history.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
The Dublin House
Irish Bar Centenarian
"The Dublin House" in NYC has been around since Prohibition and it still is neighborhood-sized. By the end of the night, everyone speaks Irish here...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Pain d’ Epices
French / American patisserie
"Pain d' Epices" is a French bakery in NYC that makes croissants so flaky & buttery, the only way to avoid the crumbs is to 'put your back to the wind...'
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Django
Tribeca jazz boîte
"Django" in NYC is proof that the city's jazz club world is recovering. I celler/cavern is intimate enough that after performances I walk over to engage...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Pastrami Queen
Traditional kosher Jewish deli
"Pastrami Queen" in NYC has if not the best, among the very best pastrami sandwiches in the city. It's the kind of American excess you just can't miss...
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Grandma's Place
Inclusive Books and Toys
I stumbled across a store about which I had read but never visited—the very inviting and colourful playground of Dawn Harris-Martine), retired teacher, now famous—named Grandma’s Place.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sisters Uptown Bookstore
African diaspora hub
"Sisters Uptown Bookstore" in NYC is a hidden shop/cultural center w/ an eye-opening trove of books by African diaspora authors. A true neighborhood spot!
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Color World
Curb Side BBQ
Color World sets up on the corner of 116th and 2nd Avenue, rain or shine. There they serve beef, pork, goat, oxtail, and chicken for $10 a plate.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Don Alejo Coffee
Coffee, toasts and burritos
Their prices are in keeping with the neighborhood: a plate of two eggs, two pancakes, 'home' fried potatoes and your choice of sausages or bacon, is $12.
By
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
300 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to New York?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 300 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
