After being shut down for a four year hiatus, the former Harlem Record Shack, now known as the Harlem Music Shack will be having its grand re-opening on Saturday, March 24th with a spiritual ceremony to evoke the African ancestors to bestow blessings and good fortune on the new business from noon to 2:00 p.m., and Sunday, March 25 will feature a traditional African drumming event from noon to 2:00 p.m.
Owned by Sikhulu Shange, a native of South Africa, who came to America in 1964 and participated in the New York World’s Fair as a Zulu Dancer, Shange is proud to return his store to its new home located at 2361 Frederick Douglas Blvd. The record store, formerly located at 274 West 125th Street, across the street from the Apollo Theatre, was forced to close its doors due to high rent after doing business in the Harlem community close to 40 years. Mr. Shange is delighted to launch the "RE-GRAND OPENING" of his music store, under its new name, "HARLEM MUSIC SHACK" where the store will sell CD'S and DVD'S, as well as cell phones and men and women’s perfumes and colognes.
Over the years, the Record Shack drew loyal customers within the Harlem community. Customers were comprised of elected officials such as Assemblyman Keith Wright, NYC Councilman Charles Byron, and Leslie Wyche. Jazz icon Gloria Lynne will phone in her 'Best Wishes" with a few notes of her million selling song, "I Wish You Love." Also making a presence to support the Harlem Music Shack will be 'famed' long-time friend of The Record Shack, pianist/composer Onaje Allen Gumbs. Also attending will be Baba Don Eaton, drummer for the legendary group, The Last Poets (Godfathers of Rap and Hip Hop). The group will honor the occasion with a percussion performance. They will be joined by drummers M.Ndigo Washington, Gary Fritz, and Nana Kimati Dinzulu.
Over the years, the Record Shack drew loyal customers within the Harlem community. Customers were comprised of elected officials such as Assemblyman Keith Wright, NYC Councilman Charles Byron, and Leslie Wyche. Jazz icon Gloria Lynne will phone in her 'Best Wishes" with a few notes of her million selling song, "I Wish You Love." Also making a presence to support the Harlem Music Shack will be 'famed' long-time friend of The Record Shack, pianist/composer Onaje Allen Gumbs. Also attending will be Baba Don Eaton, drummer for the legendary group, The Last Poets (Godfathers of Rap and Hip Hop). The group will honor the occasion with a percussion performance. They will be joined by drummers M.Ndigo Washington, Gary Fritz, and Nana Kimati Dinzulu.
Spoken word enthusiasts will be delighted to find Abiodun, a founding member of 'The Last Poets' reciting a special spoken word piece to grace the Harlem Music Shack event. Joining him will be eight year old, 'Lil Man', the youngest NYC Hip Hop/Rap Artist, performing two original songs. Don’t miss this historic event with the "The Most Elder Poet and The Most Jr. Poet!"
So, come out one and all!!! Welcome the new ‘Harlem Record/Music Shack’ back to Harlem where it belongs. For additional info on the travesty of the original closing of the store see The New York Times article by Timothy Williams, http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/09/nyregion/09shange.html
For additional information call Dell Long at 212-662-0414 or contact her via her email delllongPR@yahoo.com
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