Lots going on this first weekend of Bronx Week(s). In Bronx Foodie, we mentioned the urban farm tour on Saturday and in the Roundup we discussed Sunday's Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade (set for a 1 p.m. start time), as well as The Rev's anti-gay marriage rally. But there's more!
Today, the Borough President will host a Veteran's Appreciation Day event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Maestro's restaurant (1703 Bronxdale Ave.). The guest speaker will be William Kraus, acting executive director at the New York State Division of Veteran’s Affairs.
And on Sunday, at about the same time of the PR Day parade (always a huge draw), the BP is putting on a star-studded hip hop block party at the Bronx Museum (1040 Grand Concourse) from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Here's the long list of music acts expected to show up: Prodigy (Mobb Deep/G-Unit), Wu Tang, Lord Finesse, Large Professor, Neek The Exotic, Cuban Link, Grand Daddy IU, Grafh, Ma Barker, GrandWizard Theodore, Pebble Poo, Zulu Nation, Reggae Star Ravon, Wordsmith, Busy B, T-Ski Valley, D Chamberz, NYB, M.cia The Artist, Lynn Carter, Tyrone "Fly Ty" Williams, and Chip Fu aka Jungle Rock Jr.
(On a side note: The block party is being billed as a "family-friendly event featuring interactive activities to inspire creativity in youth through the power of music." One of the artists scheduled to appear is Prodigy, who was recently released from prison where he served time for illegal gun possession and is one half of Mobb Deep. Back in the day, Mobb Deep was one of my favorite rap duos and their album "The Infamous" is considered a hip hop classic. But Mobb Deep's style and content is extremely graphic and violent. One of their albums is called "Murda Musik," and another album features a song called "Kill That Nigga." It's anything but family-friendly music and apparently Prodigy's three-year prison stint didn't blunt his violent, hardcore aesthetic. Having said all of that, I'm planning to attend. Should be a great concert. But I'll probably leave my daughter at home.)
Happy Tax Day! If you're freaking out because you haven't gotten your, um, stuff together, then freak not, you still have three more days to file! The deadline to file has been extended this year to Monday, April 18, so you have the entire weekend to continue procrastinating.
Weekend weather: It should stay nice and sunny today, though a little cooler than yesterday. Rain and wind will rule Saturday, with the sun supposedly breaking through on Sunday afternoon.
To the news!
Story of the Day: Woodlawn Weiss and other Bronck's Beer
How could I not make this Riverdale Press story about a Woodlawn man who is turning his basement brewing hobby into a beer-making enterprise the story of the day? (Ok, don't answer that, but just look at the photo; so refreshing and inviting. But I digress.) Anyway, Steve Nallen, a Woodlawn resident whose family runs deep with Bronx blood, introduced two of his Bronck's Beer Co. creations -- Woodlawn Weiss and Pelham Bay IPA -- to thirsty patrons at the The Bronx Ale House in Kingsbridge last week to rave reviews. Nallen's efforts (named after the borough's indirect namesake, Jonas Bronck), combined with those of The Bronx Brewery, could give the borough a much-needed economic boost -- a mini Bronx beer stimulus package, if you will. Happy Friday and drink responsibly.
Quick Hits:
Authorities arrested 16 people for their alleged involvement in a massive Bronx-Yonkers cocaine distribution ring.
Ticket fixing scandal update: A Bronx cop who works in the 46th Precinct testified to a grand jury that union delegates helped her take care of at least two summonses, according to the Daily News.
In the wake of the deadly tour bus crash in the Bronx last month, transportation officials say more than 100 drivers have been pulled off the road for various violations.
In response to reports of rampant prostitution around PS 6, Bronx State Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr., aka The Rev, is introducing legislation that would stiffen penalties for illegal sex traders who operate near schools.
Deliberations began in the trial of two Bronx female cops who were charged with beating a motorist.
The old Willis Avenue Bridge, which once connected 70,000 vehicles a day between the Bronx and Manhattan, was taken to New Jersey this week to be recycled.
Former Schools Chancellor Joel Klein responded to Jonathan Mahler's NY Times Magazine profile of the Bronx's MS 223, which we broke down in Monday's "Story of the Day," saying the writer unfairly characterized the presence of more charter schools as one of the reasons why many public schools are struggling to succeed.
Fordham University professor Mark Naison talks about the Bronx's musical history.
Many Bronx public school students are not responding to the DOE's annual survey, which contributes to each school's overall grade.
Last week, a number of musical acts from the Bronx performed at WNYC's Greene Space as part of the organization's Battle of the Boroughs competition. Three groups were chosen that night as the best performers, and you can vote for your favorite online until April 10. The winner will move on to the next round, to battle it out against acts from the other four boroughs in June.
Who do you think should move on to represent the Boogie Down? Here are clips from the three Bronx groups that are still in the running.
Finotee:
Just A Lil Bit:
The Steven Oquendo Latin Jazz Orchestra:
