‘Boogie Down at the Bronx Zoo’ Celebrates the Cultural Diversity of the Bronx

The Bronx has given us Jennifer Lopez, Al Pacino, Kerry Washington, and is home to the New York Yankees. Culturally, the Bronx has impacted hip-hop and Latin music, street art, and dance. New York City families love the borough for the New York Botanical Garden and of course, the Bronx Zoo.

The Bronx has given us so much to celebrate and now the Bronx Zoo will do just that with the aptly titled, “BOOGIEDOWN at the Bronx Zoo.” The celebration is taking place on weekends through June 3, and just wait until you see this lineup.

“Many iconic forms of music have originated in the Bronx. Working with Bronx-based organization Windows of Hip Hop, the zoo will host musical performances by hip-hop pioneers, world-class DJs, and teach guests how to “scratch,” create an 8-meter rhyme, and more,” states the official press release. 

“Special appearances by Grandmaster Melle Mel and Scorpio ‘Furious Five’ and The Sugarhill Gang will be the backbone of the of the musical line-up. Hip hop legend Grandmaster Caz will be on site at “Caz’s Corner” each weekend teaching everyone how to create rhymes and emcee like only he can,” states the release

Guests will get a taste of the “real Little Italy” as Doo-wop performers take on the classics of the 50’s. Memorial Day weekend will celebrate Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Afro-Caribbean culture with food, music, and dance performances.

Local Bronx artists will also be on hand creating art for a live audience. And get this… Bronx Zoo animals will also be creating art as part of an enrichment practice that they partake in. The featured artists will then expand on the animal’s art for a truly orginal piece!

Participating performers include:

  • Grandmaster Melle Mel, Scorpio ‘Furious 5’
  • The Sugarhill Gang
  • Grandmaster Caz
  • Rockafella (breakdancer)
  • BombaYo (Bomba music)
  • Rock Steady (doo-wop music)
  • Luis Damon salsa band
  • Mighty Bengal Step Team (student step team from the Bronx’s PS 55)
  • Dynamic Rockers Crew
  • Hip Hop Dance Conservatory

If you’re ready to boogie down, grab your brood and head to the Bronx Zoo one weekend before June 3! Get your tickets here.

Main image via Julie Larsen Maher courtesy Bronx Zoo 

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