Batman Co-Creator Bill Finger of The Bronx Named to NY State Writers Hall of Fame

The Bronx native Bill Finger, who co-created Batman and his world with illustrator Bob Kane, is going into the New York State Writers Hall of Fame, it was announced Tuesday night. Finger’s house on the Grand Concourse, where he lived with his parents while writing Batman, is in my book 111 Places In The Bronx That You Must Not Miss (Emons). The book is nominated for an Apple Award by the Guides Association for New Continue Reading →

Episode 38: The Bronxer, Alex Rivera

We meet one of the rising stars in the city, Alex Rivera, aka The Bronxer. He’s part of the driving creative energy coming out of The Bronx as a visual artist and creative, with his photographs gaining wide appeal, his projects at El Fogón and borough hotspots, to his brand Section 8 Entrepreneur. Alex has a lot of plates spinning the air, and it’s a pleasure to meet someone so focused. He’s got new books Continue Reading →

Episode 37: Baker & Burlesque Star Dandy Dillinger

Alcohol plays a big part in our host’s history, so we of course need to celebrate Repeal Day on December 5. Joining us today is Dandy Dillinger, the co-host of the Repeal Society. She is a baker and burlesque star, and for four years has helped host the annual party to mark when booze was legal again after the disaster of Prohibition. She is a dancer, model, and pastry chef. Dandy is also Miss Art Continue Reading →

Episode 36: Raconteur and Poker Star Steve Zolotow

The show this week has a guest with stories about growing up where Marilyn Monroe and Liz Taylor dropped into his life as the son of famous writer parents. Today Steve Zolotow is more known for his poker tournament appearances and sage wisdom on everything from bridge, chess, pool, and poker. He regales us with tales about playing cards at the legendary Mayfair Club, at Larry Flynt’s house, and among card cheats. We never know Continue Reading →

Episode 35: Composer-Singer Julian Fleisher

We have an excellent show with East Village composer-singer Julian Fleisher, who also gave us a new song he produced to include on the show. It is “Nothing Rhymes With Christmas” that he wrote and is performed by the great Ana Gasteyer. It’s included to hear in its entirety courtesy of them on the show! Julian wears a lot of hats, but he likes being on the stage the most. In this episode, we chat Continue Reading →

Episode 34: Season 2 Kickoff Show

After a break of a few months, we are back with a new season of shows. Joanna and Kevin catch up on what has been happening during the break. Joanna played in the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas, and gave a talk about poker to a crowd at the Algonquin Hotel. Kevin promoted his newest book 111 Places In The Bronx That You Must Not Miss. Plus had a trip to meet some Continue Reading →

Tribute Ceremony at Central Park WWI Women’s Flagstaff and Grove, Nov. 6

East Side World War I Centennial Commemoration, American Red Cross, and the NYC Department of Veterans’ Services will host a Tribute Ceremony to the Women Who Have Served America, Wednesday, November 6, 2019, 11:00 AM-12 noon at the newly rediscovered Women’s Overseas Service League Flagstaff and Grove, Central Park at 69th Street Walk. In 1925 a Central Park memorial grove of 24 trees and flagstaff were conceptualized for a tribute to American women who died Continue Reading →

WWI Weekend on Governors Island Sept. 14-15

In 2016 I launched an annual event on Governors Island that’s I’m really proud to be a part of. This is World War I History Weekend, Camp Doughboy. We started with one day in 2016 with less than 20 living historians; last year we had 100. Here is the information on the upcoming weekend. I hope you’ll join us: The Centennial of service members and civilians returning from France to New York Harbor following the Continue Reading →

Bronx Buzz Shows Love for 111 Places

It was a pleasure to return to sit down with host Gary Axelbank on the Bronx Buzz on BronxNet TV. Joe Conzo and I were on the show in January to announce 111 Places In The Bronx That You Must Not Miss. In June we returned to give Gary a copy of the book. We were also able to share photos and talk about some of the places in the book, a diverse mix that Continue Reading →

Launch Party at The Lit. Bar Brings Out Bronx Best

We had a fantastic launch party on June 20 for 111 Places in The Bronx That You Must Not Miss. It was held at the brand-new spot, The Lit. Bar, 131 Alexander Avenue. Photographer Joe Conzo and I signed a lot of copies and gave a short slide show of 11 places that are in the book. I want to personally thank the proprietor, Noëlle Santos, and her wonderful team, for hosting us. It was Continue Reading →