By Dan Gesslein
Who needs Simon Cowell or Christina Anguilera? The best place to see cutting edge local talent will be in Soundview on Saturday when organizers of the Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade will hold the ultimate block party.
The Family Day Festival will kick off on April 30 on Lafayette Avenue between White Plains Road and Pugsley Avenue. Twenty three groups are scheduled to perform during the largest block party in the borough. The festival, which looks to be competing with the San Gennaro Festival in terms of size, also boasts vendors, games, and plenty of music.
“The festival is our way to give a platform to local talent,” said organizer Francisco Gonzalez.
Among some of the performers are Clave 3, East Side Edition Dancers, Salsa Libre, Yamilet Mia, Miguel y John Q and the Original Flex Boriqua Posse to name just a few.
The entire festival will be broadcast across the web via Niteline Radio hosted by DJ Solo Remix and DJ Izzy Rock.
The festival sprung out of the minds of organizers for the upcoming Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade. Organizers wanted to have an event highlighting local talent while also giving Bronxites a chance to sample local delicacies. What was once a small music festival following the parade has now grown into a massive block party highlighting professional and home grown talent.
However, even such celebrations have fallen victim to the ongoing Great Recession. Raising money for these events has been the most difficult in the 23 years since the parade began. And unlike other parades, this one does not charge organizations to participate in the parade.
Still organizers are thrilled with the support they have received as well as the swell of talent looking to perform.
Any local organization looking to participate in the festival or the upcoming Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade on May 15 should call (787) 363-9609.