It’s that time of year again— time to show all of the other boroughs why the Bronx is in a league of its own.
The ten day Bronx Week celebration kicked off at Bronx County Building on Monday, May 6 with a “Best of the Bronx” spread and live latin band.
But that’s just the beginning, according to Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., who promised this year’s celebrations will not disappoint.
Joining Diaz was Walk of Fame inductee Miguel Angel Amadeo, a Latin music composer and famed borough music store owner.
In addition to Amadeo, former borough president, political and civic leader Robert Abrams and award-winning actress Ellen Barkin will also become Bronx Walk of Famers.
Amadeo was born in Puerto Rico, the son of composer Alfredo “Titi” Amadeo. He moved to New York as a young teen. A composer and guitarist, his first bolero, “Cruel desilusión” was recorded in 1954 and in the early 1950s he founded the group Trío Los Tres Reyes.
He continues to compose and his songs have been recorded by Celia Cruz, El Gran Combo, Danny Rivera and Hector Lavoe, among others.
As a young man, he worked for Bartolo Alvarez in his famous Casa Latina store in El Barrio. Later he worked for Barolo’s nephew, Al Santiago, at his Bronx music store Casalegre, and for his record label, Alegre. Amadeo bought the shop at 786 Prospect Avenue in 1969 and continues to run it today, as Casa Amadeo.
Abrams represented the Bronx in the NYS Assembly from 1966 to 1969. He then served as Bronx Borough President from 1970 to 1979, and New York State Attorney General from 1979 to 1993.
Following his career in politics, Abrams joined Stroock & Stroock & Lavan as a partner and has remained active in civic affairs.
Barkin is a Bronx born actress, known for her roles in the films The Big Easy, Sea of Love and Switch. In 2012, she starred as Jane Forrest (Nana) in the NBC sitcom The New Normal.
Over 100 different and mostly free events will be taking place, through the “grand finale” on Sunday, May 20 at the Bronx Walk of Fame and a parade and festival along Mosholu Parkway.
“Bronx Week is a great time for Bronxites and Bronxites at heart to come rediscover all that this wonderful borough has to offer,” Diaz said. “Bronx Week is ten full days of celebration, and I invite everyone to come celebrate with us.”
The week’s top event will be the black-tie Bronx Ball at Orchard Beach on Saturday, May 18; the Bronx Walk of Fame induction ceremony on the steps of the Bronx County Building at 851 Grand Concourse at 11 a.m. on Sunday May 19; followed by the 42nd annual Bronx Week Parade and festival on Mosholu Parkway from noon to 5 p.m.
For a complete listing of Bronx Week 2012 events, times and sponsors, visit www.ilovethebronx.com.
Kirsten Sanchez can be reach via e-mail at ksanchez@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 742-3394
