New York City’s culinary scene would be nothing without its street vendors, many of whom serve some of the most delicious food across the five boroughs but rarely get the flowers they deserve. 

To spread more love to these small independent businesses, the Street Vendor Project is organizing a giant, citywide scavenger hunt that will encourage New Yorkers to learn more about the street vending community and put some new spots on their foodie radars.

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The multi-part scavenger hunt is taking place across Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens from May 4-17. To play the game, you’ll form a team of up to 10 friends via their registration page. Registered teams will be able to download an app that will give them different missions to complete by answering trivia questions, meeting vendors, and trying their food. 

Once a mission is completed, team members will upload pictures on the app to gain points. The teams will also earn extra points for money they donate to the Street Vendor Project’s translation fund. At the end of the scavenger hunt, the points will be tallied, and winners will be given special prizes. 

The two-week long scavenger hunt kicks off with an outdoor party in Jackson Heights on May 4 where participants will learn about the street vending culture of Little Bangladesh, which is home to about one-third of the city’s Bangladeshi population. 

On Saturday, May 11, the scavenger hunt events will continue at Times Square, where local street vendors will give participants a tour of the area and a history of the blossoming street vending scene there.

The weeks-long scavenger hunt will end in a closing ceremony at A-Pou’s Taste in Williamsburg, a Taiwanese restaurant owned by former street vendor Doris Yao. The May 19 ceremony will involve dumpling tastings, an opportunity to meet other participants, and an award ceremony to crown the winning teams and award prizes. 

Supporting street vendors is also a great way to celebrate the city’s diversity. Among the members of the Street Vendors Project, 25 percent are Mexican, 20 percent are Ecuadorian, 15 percent are Senegalese and 14 percent are Egyptian. 

To learn more and take part in the scavenger hunt, visit the Street Vendor Project’s website; registration is now open.

* This article was originally published here

An array of colorful kites will take to the skies next month as part of Sound & Color!, a free spring festival in Brooklyn on Saturday, May 18. 

It’s the one day of the year when kite flying is open to the public at the Park’s Pier 5, so you don’t want to miss it. Whether you bring your own kite, buy one there, or make your own at a workshop during the event, the festival promises a fun kickoff to the warmer months. 

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Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy hosts the family-friendly event, which takes place across its namesake park from 11am-5pm on May 18. Last year’s festival brought together more than 5,000 attendees, so this year event organizers are expanding the event to include additional musical festivities across the park. Though kite-flying at Pier 5 is the main draw, also expect more kids’ activities plus food vendors. 

Even if you’ve never flown a kite before, expert instructors at the festival will help your flying contraption soar over the Manhattan skyline. Workshops will explore how to make kites in the Caribbean tradition.

The festival not only kicks off spring, it also celebrates colors, culture, and unity by merging STEAM concepts with the Caribbean’s rich history of kite-flying. All of those themes combine to create a day of outdoor fun for all ages. 

As for music, expect an energizing live performance by Eruption Steel Orchestra’s steel-pan drum line. Plus, Igmar Thomas (a maestro, trumpeter, and conductor) will curate additional live shows throughout the park. Keep an eye on the event’s website for a full schedule to be announced soon.

Event organizers will be keeping an eye on the weather, as weather conditions can change rapidly on the waterfront. For now, let’s all hope for a warm day with plenty of gentle wind to keep those kites in the air.

* This article was originally published here

by Marlon West (FB: marlon.west1 Twitter: @marlonw IG: stlmarlonwest Spotify: marlonwest)

Thanks to our Editor-In-Chief, Lori Lakin Hutcherson, for reminding me that it April is Jazz Appreciation Month. So, to that end, I’ve assembled this collection of new and recent Jazz releases.

Most of these track have been released in 2024. None of them is older than five years old. These tracks encompass a wide range of styles and showcase the creativity and artistry of today’s jazz musicians.

This collection features rom compelling compositions to virtuosic performances, by the likes of Ulysses Owens Jr. and Generation Y, Marlon Simon, Lawrence Fields, Kandace Springs and so many others.

Jazz is a most truly American art form, its soulful and rich roots go back to the 1890s. Jazz Appreciation Month (fondly known as “JAM“) was created at Smithsonian National Museum of American History in 2001.

According to their website, “to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary heritage and history of jazz for the entire month of April. JAM is intended to stimulate and encourage people of all ages to participate in jazz – to study the music, attend concerts, listen to jazz on radio and recordings, read books about jazz, and more.” Works for me!!

The roots of jazz can be found in the blues and that is true of this playlist too. The journey of jazz started in the deep south along back roads, spread to nearly every city in America and eventually the world.

The variety and richness of jazz is on full display on with this collection. Enjoy JAM!

And as always, stay safe, sane, and kind.

* This article was originally published here