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  • Souleo and Dionis Ortiz on Harlem's Children's Art Carnival and Jean Michel Basquiat

    Souleo and Dionis Ortiz on Harlem's Children's Art Carnival and Jean Michel Basquiat
    2026/07/14


    Souleo and artist Dionis Ortiz join Led Black and Octavio Blanco to explore Harlem's Children's Art Carnival. They trace its MoMA roots to its 1969 establishment by Betty Blayton-Taylor and reveal Jean-Michel Basquiat's history as an intern, illustrating how working with disabled children shaped his iconic style.

    Dionis shares his journey from student to steward at 62 Hamilton Terrace as the group discusses community, generational continuity, and local collaboration in the Harlem art scene.

    ⏱️ TIMECODE CHAPTERS

    • 00:00 – Cold Open: Souleo on Basquiat's untold Uptown roots
    • 01:09 – Intro: Octavio and Led welcome the audience to Uptown Voices
    • 02:54 – Meet Souleo: Over a decade of curating underrepresented Harlem artists
    • 04:25 – The Making of Contemporary Artists: Inside the Wallach Art Gallery exhibit
    • 07:39 – Souleo's curator origins, art gentrification, and honoring his brother
    • 12:33 – Deepening scholarship: Staying out of the "blue-chip" box
    • 18:16 – The MoMA origins of the Children's Art Carnival (1942)
    • 20:01 – Betty Blayton-Taylor brings the Carnival to Harlem (1969)
    • 22:28 – Generational continuity: Dionis Ortiz's full-circle journey
    • 26:55 – The Harlem Defender zine and the Harlem Eternal exhibit
    • 31:15 – The power of hyperlocal art: Why you don't need to go downtown anymore
    • 36:26 – The Basquiat Connection: Interning in Harlem and the origins of the crown
    • 40:46 – Dionis on fatherhood, naming his son Lennox, and his unsung creative hero
    • 44:48 – Dionis's multimedia process: Cyanotypes, drawing, and found objects
    • 46:35 – The future of Uptown art: Grassroots collaboration vs. Corporate interests
    • 54:00 – Closing thoughts, URLs, and the beauty of 62 Hamilton Terrace

    📋 FULL SHOW NOTES

    About the Guests:

    Souleo (curator/writer) and Dionis Ortiz (multimedia artist/steward).

    Exhibitions & Events Mentioned:

    Children's Art Carnival: The Making of Contemporary Artists (Wallach Gallery, thru Sept 13) and Harlem Eternal (62 Hamilton Terrace, opens July 10).

    People & Organizations Mentioned:

    Betty Blayton-Taylor, Victor D'Amico, MoMA, Basquiat, Warhol, Harlem Defender, Studio Museum, Schomburg Center, NOMAA, Sugar Hill Museum, Art In Flux, Michael A. Cummings, Armando O'Lane.

    Connect with the Guests:

    • Souleo: souleouniverse.com | IG: @souleouniverse
    • Dionis Ortiz: dionisortiz.com | IG: @dionis_o_studio
    • Children's Art Carnival: childrensartcarnival.org
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    1 時間
  • (6/21/26) On Election Eve, Black and Blanco tackle the issues & controversy in Congressional Dist 13

    (6/21/26) On Election Eve, Black and Blanco tackle the issues & controversy in Congressional Dist 13
    2026/07/13

    The conversation begins with reflections on Father's Day, highlighting the significance of fatherhood and the impact of father figures. It then transitions into a discussion about family and the role of fathers in shaping individuals. Finally, the conversation delves into the ongoing political campaign and the use of smear tactics to influence public opinion. The conversation delves into the outsized influence of international relations in local elections, particularly in the context of the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It also explores the impact of the Knicks parade on the city of New York, highlighting the magic and unity it brought to the community.

    Takeaways

    • Father's Day reflections
    • Family and fatherhood
    • Political campaign and smear tactics International influence in local elections
    • Impact of international relations on local politics

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Father's Day Reflections
    • 01:07 Family and Fatherhood
    • 08:39 Political Campaign and Smear Tactics
    • 32:09 International Influence in Local Elections
    • 55:16 The Beauty of New York and the Knicks Parade
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    1 時間 4 分
  • Dominican-American music industry creators, tune in for this!

    Dominican-American music industry creators, tune in for this!
    2026/07/13

    The conversation revolves around the upcoming event 'Conexion Dominicana' and the significance of celebrating Dominican culture and creating access to the music industry.

    Noel and Zeitlin share their personal journeys and the vision for the event, emphasizing the empowerment of the next generation of music industry professionals.

    The event details and the inclusive nature of the event are also highlighted, showcasing the impact on the community. "You don't have to be Dominican to attend!

    The conversation delves into the importance of Dominican culture and community, as well as the representation of Latinos and Dominicans in the industry. It also explores the unification of the Latino diaspora and the significance of preserving cultural roots while embracing diversity.

    After meeting Setlín and Noel, the episode shifts to other topics, including community events, challenges with public pool management, personal experiences with Highbridge, art exhibits, and the World Cup. The hosts also previewed an upcoming episode and discussed the upcoming birthday of one of the host's wife.

    Takeaways

    • Celebrating Dominican culture
    • Empowering the next generation of music industry professionals Dominican culture and community
    • Representation in the industry Community events and initiatives
    • Challenges with public pool management

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction and Event Announcement
    • 02:59 The Importance of Conexion Dominicana
    • 06:02 Noel's Journey and Vision for the Event
    • 11:59 Zeitlin's Journey and the Event Details
    • 18:47 Inclusivity and Community Impact
    • 31:08 Dominican Culture and Representation in the Industry
    • 32:27 Unifying the Latino Diaspora
    • 01:02:40 San Juan Hill Documentary
    • 01:04:01 Harlem Summer Nights
    • 01:04:46 Challenges with Public Pool Management
    • 01:05:20 Highbridge Pool Experience
    • 01:08:36 Discussion on New York City Pools
    • 01:11:22 Personal Experiences with Highbridge
    • 01:20:16 Art Exhibits and Cultural Events
    • 01:26:00 Upcoming Episode Preview
    • 01:31:41 World Cup Discussion

    Support Hyperlocal Media: Uptown Voices is a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center. Support our mission here: https://bit.ly/4eddiWT
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    1 時間 35 分
  • Healing Through Art: Adrian Miranda's Journey

    Healing Through Art: Adrian Miranda's Journey
    2025/12/02

    In this episode, Adrian Miranda shares his journey as a physical therapist turned filmmaker and theater creator. He discusses the founding of Gross Anatomy Studios and Uptown Actors, emphasizing the importance of community and the arts in Washington Heights. Adrian elaborates on his immersive theater project, Uptown Books, and the creative process behind it, highlighting the challenges and rewards of producing art in a community setting. He reflects on his personal experiences with trauma and healing, and how they influence his work. The conversation also touches on the significance of scrappiness in filmmaking and the desire to create meaningful stories that resonate with audiences.

    Takeaways
    Adrian Miranda is a physical therapist and filmmaker.
    He founded Gross Anatomy Studios to combine education and entertainment.
    Uptown Actors aims to create theater opportunities in Washington Heights.
    Adrian's work is influenced by his personal experiences and community needs.
    He emphasizes the importance of immersive theater in engaging audiences.
    Adrian believes in using available resources to create art.
    He reflects on the changing dynamics of Washington Heights.
    Dance plays a significant role in Adrian's artistic expression.
    He aims to create a supportive community for artists.
    Adrian's ultimate goal is to heal through storytelling.

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Uptown Voices and Adrian Miranda
    01:47 Adrian's Journey: From Physical Therapy to Filmmaking
    04:53 Creating Gross Anatomy Studios and Uptown Actors
    07:17 The Impact of Community and Local Arts
    10:28 Uptown Books: An Immersive Theater Experience
    13:32 The Process of Writing and Directing
    16:27 Rehearsals and Audience Engagement
    19:24 Reflections on Returning to Washington Heights
    22:13 Bridging Community Gaps Through Art
    30:28 Exploring the Roots of Dance and Community
    36:01 The Journey from Dance to Theater
    41:50 The Intersection of Healing and Performance
    47:26 Navigating the Creative Process
    54:25 The Art of Scrappiness in Filmmaking
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    1 時間 2 分
  • New Day in New York: Uptown Voices Election Night Live — Darializa Avila Chevalier Defeats Adriano Espaillat in NY-13

    New Day in New York: Uptown Voices Election Night Live — Darializa Avila Chevalier Defeats Adriano Espaillat in NY-13
    2026/06/26
    This is a live broadcast recorded on the night of the June 23, 2026 New York City primary election. Led Black and Octavio Blanco went live on Instagram at approximately 8:11pm — with 49 minutes left before polls closed — and kept the stream going for over two hours, watching and calling the results of the NY-13 congressional primary in real time alongside their live audience.The race: Darializa Avila Chevalier, a first-time congressional candidate and community organizer, against Adriano Espaillat, a 30-year incumbent who had represented upper Manhattan at the state and federal level since the 1990s. NBC called the race for Darializa at approximately 2:13am with 94% of votes counted: 49.3% to 45.9%, a margin of approximately 2,300 votes.What began as anxious election night commentary evolved into one of the most candid, politically substantive, and emotionally real episodes in Uptown Voices history — a two-hour document of a community wrestling with its identity, its politics, and its future.Chapters:00:00 Cold Open — Led on the La Mega Interview & the Attacks on Darializa — Led reacts to the harassment of Darializa on La Mega and the clown behavior of Pacha00:56 Welcome: Election Night Live Begins — Led and Octavio open the broadcast at 8:11pm — polls close in 49 minutes, anxiety is real01:58 The Voting Experience — Octavio votes at noon; polls are quiet; the humid, rainy day keeping wallflowers home02:09 IG Shoutouts — Curly T, Uptown Soccer, Dela Cruisin — The live audience weighs in: 'My anxiety is through the roof'02:33 What's at Stake Tonight — Led on why this is more than one race — APAC, the old Democratic Party, the beginning of a new era04:29 The Espaillat Campaign's Dirty Playbook — Octavio on thirty years in power and choosing smear campaigns over a record; the video of Espaillat, Torres, and Hakeem Jeffries05:18 Anti-Haitianism and the Dominican Reckoning — Led on how quickly the anti-Haitian dog whistle was pulled — and why Dominicans need a serious conversation about who we are07:08 Errol Lewis on NY1 and the Mainstream Media Blind Spot — Octavio on how NY1 framed Espaillat as a progressive — and missed the pulse of uptown entirely09:45 The Purity Test vs. Real Change — What Team Darializa and Team Mamdani are actually asking for from the Democratic Party10:15 The La Mega Interview Breakdown — Both hosts on the barking, the lack of decorum, and how Uptown Voices handled its own Espaillat interview differently12:09 The Ruskin Pimentel Racist Statement — City and State's reporting on Espaillat's senior advisor calling Darializa a tool for replacing Dominicans with Muslims and Haitians14:46 Not Both Sides — The Coordination Difference — Led on why the harassment is not equal: one side was coordinated from the top16:00 Led Runs into a Brother the Night Before — 'He's Finished Either Way' — A candid off-the-record conversation at the mayor's event with Donna Elisa and Locksmith17:10 Oscar Romero and the Vote-Splitting Danger — Led on why a vote for Oscar is a vote for Espaillat — and the social media influencer problem20:00 Shoutout to Maria Lizzardo / NMIC — Octavio plugs one of the community's great under-the-radar leaders as the live audience grows40:00 The Dominican Population Crisis — Led cites the CUNY Graduate Center: Dominican population in NYC down 13% from 2021 to 2024 — under Espaillat's watch43:20 The Mamdani-Darializa Displacement Myth — Octavio on the racist trope that Mamdani and Darializa want to replace Dominicans — already happening under Espaillat45:06 OnPoint, de Blasio, and the Midnight Approval — How the supervised injection facility was approved at midnight on the last day of de Blasio's term with zero community input46:27 Espaillat's #2 Donor: Real Estate — Led connects the dots — gentrification, real estate money, Dominican displacement47:43 Waiting for Results — Board of Elections Deep Dive — Led and Octavio navigate the NYCBOE website, City and State, NBC News, and NY1 simultaneously50:06 La Casa del Mofongo: No Food at Espaillat's Party — City and State reporter tweets there's no food at Espaillat's election night event. Where the Mofongo at?51:10 Darializa's Party at Sofrito — A majestic view. Doors not yet open to the public. Staff taking in the backdrop51:43 Led's Dream Slate — Led also pulling for Brad Lander, Raj Goyle, and clean sweeps across the board53:49 FIRST RESULTS IN — She's Ahead — 9,264 to 9,188 with 12.9% in. Led: 'Let's f***ing go.' Octavio: 'Don't get too excited.'55:03 The Oscar Romero Math — With 748 Romero votes and a sub-100 vote gap — Led asks: are you a fool or a tool?56:38 Black and Blanco from Guantanamo — A brief detour into absurdist political humor as the results trickle in1:04:43 39% In — She...
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    2 時間 23 分
  • The Rhythm that Saves Lives: Ron Renaissance & Jody Music on Breaking the Matrix

    The Rhythm that Saves Lives: Ron Renaissance & Jody Music on Breaking the Matrix
    2026/06/02
    Today, Uptown Voices steps inside a modern-day musical fairy tale born right on the pavements of Upper Manhattan and the Bronx. Hosts Octavio Blanco and Led Black roll out the red carpet for the powerhouse duo known as Uptown Royalty—composed of multi-instrumentalist/composer Ron Renaissance and elite vocalist Jodi Music.In an emotionally raw and deeply inspiring broadcast, the couple shares their decade-long journey of fusing 90s R&B vocals with authentic Afro-Cuban salsa rhythms to create a completely new genre: Electro Latin Soul. But past the explosive energy of their live 13-piece orchestra lies a profound narrative of resilience. From surviving the dangerous peak of the crack epidemic in Washington Heights to overcoming sudden open-heart surgery at age 38, and navigating childhood survival in the streets of the Bronx, Ron and Jodi reveal how public school music programs, dedicated mentors, and the primal power of rhythm literally saved their lives.⏱️ Official Chapter Time Codes00:00 — Cold Open: The King and Queen of UptownJodi and Ron break down their foundational roots—the Boogie Down Bronx and Washington Heights—and their unified mandate to unapologetically represent their culture and people on the global stage.00:36 — Introduction: A Special Episode in Historic TimesHosts Octavio Blanco and Led Black welcome viewers. Led shares a brief reflection on the generational weight of watching the Knicks push for the finals, before introducing the afternoon's exceptional guests.02:23 — Locked in ABC Studios: The 2017 Origin StoryJodi recounts the fateful 15-hour marathon recording gig in Times Square where she first met Ron, leading to a first date of salsa dancing that permanently bound their personal and professional lives together.03:34 — Crafting the Sound: "Ain't Nobody" as SalsaLed Black praises the band's viral, show-stopping salsa reimagining of Chaka Khan's classic hit. Ron and Jodi share the delicate art of balancing a real-life romance with independent music production.05:53 — Why Salsa? The Technology of Primal RhythmsA deep dive into the longevity of salsa music. Ron traces his 30-year history back to iconic NYC venues like Gonzales & Gonzales and the Copacabana, revealing how the foundational, ancestral Afro-Cuban beats transcend language barriers worldwide.07:14 — A Product of District 6: The Savior of Public School MusicRon pays tribute to the public school music programs of Washington Heights and his legendary teachers, John Faddis and Wycliffe Gordon, explaining how early access to instruments completely transformed a generation of neighborhood kids.13:56 — Genre Defiance: Electro Latin Soul & "Butterfly Dream"The duo discusses their upcoming summer project, Volume 2, and previews an upcoming original R&B single, detailing how they record late at night in their home studio once their daughters fall asleep.18:58 — Breaking the Matrix: Independence vs. The Record Label TrapOctavio raises the evolution of the independent music industry. Ron quotes a famous Jadakiss line on how corporate labels keep artists in permanent debt, prompting a discussion on why true ownership of your master recordings is everything.25:03 — The Sponsored Phoenix: The Michael Rath TromboneRon showcases his custom, blinged-out Michael Rath trombone featuring an engraved phoenix emblem, detailing what it means to be officially endorsed by one of England's premier instrument makers.26:33 — The Twilight Zone: A Shared Guardian AngelIn an unbelievable twist of fate, Jodi reveals how her surrogate "grandparents"—an Irish art teacher from the Bronx who took her in as a homeless child—turned out to be the exact same educator who secured the funding for Ron’s instruments in Washington Heights decades prior.33:59 — Live at The Hudson: Upcoming Uptown ShowsThe band announces their upcoming summer schedule, including a massive performance with Inwood Arts at The Hudson (formerly La Marina) on June 8th, emphasizing why local neighborhood gigs remain their absolute favorite venues.35:19 — Hip-Hop, Social Engineering, and the Currency of HypeLed Black brings up a poignant critique regarding how late-90s commercial rap was structurally flipped to degrade communities. Jodi highlights why choosing a message of elegance, class, and raw vocal talent is an active, revolutionary choice.39:34 — Positivity as a Lifetime Choice: The Legacy of Celia CruzJodi speaks directly to the challenge of being a touring artist while raising small children, rejecting the disposable ageism of the American music industry in favor of the lifelong respect afforded to icons like Celia Cruz.43:17 — Backstage with an Icon: Touring with Lauryn HillRon recalls the high-intensity experience of being called to play in the horn section for the legendary Lauryn Hill at the Barclays Center, tracking his career from multi-passport international tours to corporate consulting in Cabo.51:38 — The Urgent Ticker: Surviving ...
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    1 時間
  • Rest In Peace - Peter Walsh, The Heart and Soul of Coogan's Bar and Grill, Washington Heights, NYC

    Rest In Peace - Peter Walsh, The Heart and Soul of Coogan's Bar and Grill, Washington Heights, NYC
    2025/06/24

    In this episode of Uptown Voices Led and Octavio are joined by David Hunt, co-owner of Coogan's to remember his friend and business partner, Peter Walsh. To know Peter Walsh was to love Peter Walsh. Since 1985, Coogan’s was a Washington Heights institution that welcomed one and all and Peter was the soul, spirit and beating heart of that place. Peter personified the very essence of Coogan’s. Peter Walsh passed away in April, but he will be fondly remembered by anyone fortunate enough to have met him.

    Join us in this touching and surprisingly fun remembrance of Peter as David recounts some amazing stories about the bar that became a haven for Washington Heights: Coogan's, and the man who personified it: Peter Walsh.
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    1 時間 3 分
  • Champions on the Court, Fighters at the Polls: Michael Blake vs. Richie Torres | Nayma Silver-Matos Uptown

    Champions on the Court, Fighters at the Polls: Michael Blake vs. Richie Torres | Nayma Silver-Matos Uptown
    2026/06/15
    It's a new day in New York City — and Uptown Voices is here for all of it.The episode opens with hosts Led Black and Octavio Blanco still riding the high of the New York Knicks' first NBA championship in decades. From the celebrations at 181st and Cabrini to Dyckman Street to the packed subway cars after the final buzzer, they share the kind of community joy that only Uptown can deliver — and draw a straight line from Jalen Brunson's leadership on the court to the political leadership the Bronx and upper Manhattan need right now.Then: two candidates who want to bring that same energy to government.First up is Nayma Silver-Matos, a Dyckman native, youth development veteran, and caretaker who is running to represent District 31 in the New York State Senate against longtime incumbent Robert Jackson. She speaks candidly about the drug injection site debate on 190th Street, the unmet needs of working-class families in upper Manhattan, ACS oversight, and why her fifteen years on the front lines of civic life have prepared her to go to Albany and fight.Then Michael Blake — Bronx-born, Obama White House veteran, former State Assemblymember, and ordained reverend — makes his case for why he's the right person to unseat Richie Torres in NY-15, one of the poorest congressional districts in the country. Blake breaks down his platform on immigration, housing, Medicare for All, and the genocide in Gaza, and explains why he has 32 endorsements and seven labor union backers against a two-million-dollar APAC-funded incumbent.The episode closes with Led and Octavio in a wide-ranging post-interview conversation about the state of the Democratic Party, the role of foreign policy money in local races, the misinformation campaigns targeting Uptown's Dominican community on social media, and why this moment — the Knicks, Mamdani, Blake, Silver-Matos — feels like a genuine turning point for New York.This is why Uptown Voices exists. Subscribe. Vote. Spread love — it's the Uptown way.00:00 Cold Open 00:58 Welcome + Big Announcements 01:03 Knicks Champions! Led's Night in Uptown 01:53 Octavio's Night in Queens 04:56 Knicks Fan Interviews on Dyckman 05:26 Shoutout: Elizabeth Schwey / Gothamist Nutcracker Piece 06:13 Guest #1: Nayma Silver-Matos — NY State Senate, District 31 06:51 Nayma's Origin Story 10:18 From Youth Development to Albany 12:21 The Unmet Needs of District 31 15:41 The On Point Debate Continued 17:19 Nayma Returns + Closes 19:46 Nayma's Info + Handoff 20:10 Bridge: Early Voting + Eric Adams Postmortem 20:36 Guest #2: Michael Blake — NY-15, Bronx Congress 21:20 Why Congress, Why Now 22:32 The Case Against Richie Torres 23:28 Endorsements + Labor Support 26:28 Octavio Plays Devil's Advocate on Housing 28:35 Day One in Congress 31:37 How Blake Was Built for This Moment 32:55 On APAC, Faith, and Staying Strong 35:41 Blake's Info + Call to Action 36:56 Post-Interview: The Dam Is Breaking 42:43 Led Endorses Darializa Avila Chevalier 43:16 Octavio on Representation and Centering 46:02 Would We Have Ritchie Torres on Uptown Voices? 49:02 Dominican Social Media Misinformation 51:39 The Ugliness of This Campaign Season 57:29 Clean House: The Democratic Party Reckoning 59:37 Close: Go Vote, Subscribe, Spread Love About Nayma Silver-MatosNayma Silver-Matos is a community organizer, youth development professional, and caretaker running for New York State Senate District 31, which covers Washington Heights, Inwood, and parts of northern Manhattan. She is challenging incumbent Senator Robert Jackson, who has held various elected offices in the district for decades.Website: nayma2026.com | Instagram: @NaymaSilverMatosAbout Michael BlakeMichael Blake is a Bronx native, ordained reverend, Obama White House veteran, and former New York State Assemblymember (District 79) who served six years in Albany. He is running for Congress in NY-15 to unseat incumbent Richie Torres, who has held the seat representing one of the poorest congressional districts in the country.Website: michaelblakeforcongress.com | Instagram: @michaelblakeforcongress X: @MikeBlake1922 & @MrMikeBlake | TikTok: Blake4TheBronxElection InformationEarly voting for the June 2026 NYC primary is open now. Election Day is Tuesday, June 23, 2026.NY State Senate District 31 (Washington Heights / Inwood): Nayma Silver-Matos vs. Robert JacksonNY-13 Congressional (Uptown Manhattan): Darializa Avila Chevalier — Led Black endorses on airNY-15 Congressional (The Bronx): Michael Blake vs. Richie TorresSupport Uptown VoicesSupport Hyperlocal Media: Uptown Voices is a fiscally sponsored project of the Maysles Documentary Center. Support our mission here: https://bit.ly/4eddiWT
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    59 分