Only three years since it’s birth, APT 78 has already given us nightly dance parties, a boogie-down brunch, DJ sets from Just Blaze and Questlove and all day Sunday Fundays. Having recently been called out on Complex Magazine’s Top Ten NYC Bars That Actually Play Rap, APT 78 is on the rise. Now with their first annual Summer Series Block Party, the brains behind this cultural affair are bringing together the best NYC based musicians, artists, local food and the hottest DJ’s for a day of invoking those old-school New York vibes.
Owner Jose Morales and Dominican Uptown based artist Tony Peralta, have come up with a tailor-made line up fit for one of NYC’s last remaining OG neighborhoods, Washington Heights. Prolific rapper and producer Q Tip was born in Harlem and raised in Queens, while Bodega Bamz was born in Queens but calls El Barrio his second home. Dominican born Jarina De Marco finds inspiration in Brooklyn and rising rapper Perrion started his career spitting rhymes on the streets of the Heights at just 8 years old. “It’s like we’re making a huge pot of sanchoco,” says Peralta, bringing together innovative artists and keeping with the Latino roots. And It doesn’t stop with the music. APT78 Block Party will also include the live creation of a mural from Uptown artists, James ‘Blusterone’ Alicea and Marthalicia Mataritta.
It’s only natural for the vibrant community to have their own spotlight for rising talent and dedicated fans. APT 78’s Block Party just shows how the next generation of creative and innovative Uptowners are making things happen for themselves and still keeping it real. APT78’s Block Party takes place on August 24th from 12PM-7PM! Don’t miss it!
