BMHC programs emphasize community input, artist involvement, audience development, and education about the Bronx as a cultural cauldron and magnet for creative innovation.
Programming includes:
Bronx Rising!: Music, Film & Spoken Word of the Borough: The Bronx Rising! series is curated by City Lore award-winning folklorist Elena Martínez and multi Grammy-nominated Bronx musician Bobby Sanabria, and is co-sponsored by City Lore. The series takes place the third Saturday of each month, and includes Latin music, jazz, and Hip Hop performances; comedy, poetry and book readings; and film screenings with Q&As.
Music & Dance Classes: Youth of all ages can come to the BMHC after school is over and engage in free arts classes during the week in break-dancing, visual arts and percussion taught by local artists from the community. Classes for adults are also offered at a reduced fee.
Living Legends Concert Series: “Living Legends” are master artists honored for their artistic merit and significant contributions to past and contemporary music genres that were created or innovated in the Bronx, from Hip Hop and Latin Jazz, to doo-wop and gospel. Concerts include an onstage interview, multimedia presentation, and discussion with the community. A live performance featuring and/or curated by the honoree follows. Recent honorees include Arlene Smith of the Chantels, jazz pianist Valerie Capers, and acclaimed bassist Andy Gonzalez.
Exhibits: The BMHC has been home to well-curated and relevant Bronx or music-theme exhibits, showcasing the work of award-winning photographers Ben Fernandez and the Bronx collective Seis del Sur, as well as the artwork of Grammy Award-winning Bronx drummer, Will Calhoun. The BMHC has also hosted historical retrospective exhibits, such as Visual Clave: 50 Years of Latin Album Cover Art, and 13 Years of Tools of War DJ Park Jams in Crotona Park.
Programs with Partners: The BMHC regularly produces programs and events – including performances, film screenings, book readings, and storytelling circles– in partnership with many Bronx and city-wide organizations, including El Maestro Cultural Center, Casita Maria, Bronx River Arts Center, BX Arts Factory, 5 Boro Storytelling, City Lore, Garifuna Coalition, 52 People for Progress, Duke Ellington Center for the Arts, Bronx Documentary Center, and Los Pleneros de la 21, among others.