WASHINGTON HEIGHTS — Clean up the Harlem River, browse a trunk sale or watch a 11-piece band — all without leaving the neighborhood.
DNAinfo New York compiled a list of events happening in the area on the weekend of May 9:
Friday
► UP Theater’s latest production, Epic Poetry, follows a 15-year-old girl as she tries to rescue her long-lost father from a New York City in ruins. The play, written by Hudson Heights resident James Bosely, is a modern version of the classic hero's journey found in epic poems like the Odyssey. The show starts at 8 p.m. at the Hebrew Tabernacle at 551 Fort Washington Ave. Tickets are $18.
Saturday
► After a tough winter, the North Cove wetlands area on the Harlem River is in need of sprucing. Help with the clean up from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., or come for the barbecue and music fundraiser from 2 p.m to 10 p.m. Organizers ask that volunteers wear long sleeves, pants and sturdy shoes. Meet at the North Cove at 9th Avenue north of 207th Street.
► Do good and look good at Bueno, Bonito y Barato, a fashion trunk sale coming to Word Up Books. The event will be hosted by Yani Lopez, a stylist and writer of the Uptown blog Fashionton Heights. Lopez started the blog when she started receiving compliments on items she found “rummaging through 3 for $10 racks and $1 and $2 boxes outside of moms and pops shops throughout the neighborhood.” The sale will showcase local vendors, vintage clothing and handmade jewelry. Portion of proceeds will go to the volunteer-run bookstore.
► See world-class modern art at the Morris Jumel Museum. Its latest exhibit, by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare, features colorful sculptures exploring themes of race, colonialism and globalization. The show will also unveil a piece commissioned by the museum in honor of the mansion's long-time resident, Eliza Jumel.
The museum is also kicking off “Shonibare Summer” this weekend with a series of hands-on workshops and talks related to the exhibit. Adults can try their hand at printmaking this Saturday with guidance from Uptown-based artist Tony Peralta from noon to 4 p.m. The museum, at 65 Jumel Terrace, has a $10 entrance fee. The printmaking workshop costs $20, materials included.
► Go back to the days of Smokey Robinson and the Supremes at Uptown’s Motown Throwdown. Inwood resident Raun Ruffin will lead an 11-piece band in a night of music at the Good Shepherd School at 620 Isham St. Raun has performed in several Broadway shows including "The Civil War," “Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and “Dreamgirls.” The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets are $40, including beer, wine and light refreshments. Proceeds will go to the Good Shepherd School.
Sunday
► Piped Piper Children’s Theater will start showing its production of Alice in Wonderland on May 9. Based on Lewis Carroll’s classic, the show is suitable for families. Show times are 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturdays, May 9 and 16, and at 4 p.m. on Sundays, May 10 and 17. Those who purchase tickets online in advance will receive priority entry to the theater at Holy Trinity Church at 20 Cumming St.
