10 Things to See and Do This Summer
by Kendolyn Walker
SUMMER 2021 is not one to be missed, specifically with the challenges, loss and heaviness that came with the pandemic last year. I am excited for each moment of these next three months and however you decide to spend your weekends, Summer Fridays or happy hours, may these new memories provide a beautiful backdrop to a new chapter. With that, this is Kendolyn Walker (music editor for WG) giving you my top ten events and spaces for summer happy.
Virtual Vibe: Bamboozled by Jesus by Yvonne Orji (@yvonneorji)
Ah, one of my favorite actresses and comedians. Every time I see the “Live” button on IG, I quickly tune in. Yvonne Orji speaks boldly about her love for Jesus and faith. In being a tremendous encouragement to me as a fan, I can only imagine the goodness her book, Bamboozled by Jesus holds. This virtual event with Ayesha Curry (hosted by The Lit Bar) will take place on May 25th and a book is included in ticket purchase. You can RSVP here.
Uptown Night Market (@maschospitality)
Harlem VIaduct by Matthew Chimera Photo
“The new Uptown Night Market, described as "a global celebration of cuisine, community and culture" will happen monthly in West Harlem from 4–10 p.m., starting June 10. It will continue on the second Thursday of the month through October.” From Patch.com
This event is close to my heart and my home y’all. Beginning next month, this Harlem goodness will be taking place under the Riverside Drive Viaduct.
Blended Festival - Nashville, TN @blendedfest
This 3-city festival kicks off in Nashville, August 13th - 14th at First Horizon Park and is produced by My Wine Society. Tickets are available on the event website.
“Like a fine wine, their talent line up is a curated blend, with something for everyone to enjoy. Main stage kicks off at 4pm on Friday, and 12pm Saturday. The format in earlier hours will feature local DJs and bands... As the party progresses into evening hours, festival goers can expect live shows by some of the biggest names in Country, Pop, and EDM music. The line up compliments the overall Blended experience, with artists announced as they are booked.”
BK Yoga Club Events - Brooklyn, NY (@bkyogaclub)
Source: Harlem World Magazine
Let’s talk about BK Yoga’s summer movie series, intentional candle making classes and book clubs. This black woman-owned spot in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn has all the events! A personal movie favorite of mine, “Love Jones” will be playing on August 27th at 8PM.
Good Co. Bike Club (@goodcobikeclub)
Last year, my sister introduced me to this positive organization whose mantra “WE GOOD” reminds us to enjoy the moment. This bike club started in 2020 amidst the pandemic. They regularly meet up on Sundays and cover NYC terrain. Follow their Instagram account or subscribe to their website for details on their summer rides.
Roller Wave NYC (@rollerwavenyc)
Photo Courtesy of Shawn-Herbert Felton
I learned of this group after my brother bought his first pair of roller skates in 2020. This collective gave him a safe space to meet people, skate and enjoy good music during the pandemic. Roller Wave NYC meets regularly on Sundays, outside, at different playgrounds and parks in the NYC boroughs to simply skate. A DJ is almost always present. Follow their Instagram account and/or website for details on their upcoming events.
Love Has No Limits (@1dayla)
Graphic Courtesy of 1DayLA
Our very own, Niyah Rahmaan (WG Creative Director) is helping to put on a week of outreach and service where 20,000 people from across the globe will come together to simply love on the city of Los Angeles.
1DayLAinvites you to join the Love Has No Limits team to serve and love LA for a full week, July 18-24, 2021. Practical, youth, sports, homeless, and medical outreaches will cover every corner of LA for a historic impact. Then on July 24, 2021 we will gather for a moment together to celebrate 1 year of LOVE HAS NO LIMITS. Click here to learn more and register.
Newport Jazz Festival (@newportjazzfest)
Photo by John Rudoff
Well this is pretty exciting. The well-known Newport Jazz Festival is returning this summer, July 30 - August 1 to Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island! Three days of intimate jazz concerts respecting all Covid 19 precautions. Tickets will go on sale soon so to stay in the loop follow their social media and/ or their website. The organization that puts this event on, The Newport Festivals Foundation, provided financial relief to over 460 musicians last summer as well, clearly showing love for creatives is the heart of their mission.
Songwriter Workshop 2021 (@saragroves)
courtesy of saragroves.com
I have been a lifelong fan of all things Sara Groves. Her music, her lyrics, the way she uses her platform to fight for justice and her love for Jesus. Songwriter Workshop 2021 is an annual event she puts on, with this year making adjustments due to COVID-19:
“We are excited to welcome you to the 2021 AHN Songwriter Workshop, August 13 & 14! Like most venues, our doors have been closed since last March, and we are trying to be thoughtful about how we re-engage with live and virtual audiences. We batted ideas around for quite a while, but decided to make the workshop a fully virtual event for one more year. We have shortened up the schedule, adjusted pricing, added more songwriting feedback group time (and not over the lunch hour!), and have invited a stellar group of teachers/artists!”
Register here for the August 13th - 14th experience.
From www.saragroves.com
French Lick Resort - French Lick, Indiana (@frenchlickresort)
@travelingblackwidow and her daughter, @dr.lizarrito - courtesy of https://www.frenchlick.com/
Guys, I have to mention a getaway oasis in my list. It’s only right, and who doesn’t want to take a day, weekend or week trip to a space with hiking, pools, horses and bikes!? I chose the Midwest to pay homage to my growing years. My family took a vacation there recently, and it was the first time I had heard of French Lick Resorts. Then I saw @travelingblackwidow, one of my favorite IG personalities, visited there as well and posted lovely photos.
“Voted Best Hotel in Indiana by Travel & Leisure Magazine, French Lick Resort is family-friendly, business-competent and perfect for a planned or impromptu getaway. Come experience Old World opulence amid modern comforts served with Midwestern charm — close to home. We’re an easy drive from Louisville, Indianapolis and Cincinnati.” From Frenchlick.com
