TO THE HEIGHTS Literary and Musical Celebration Set for Word Up Bookshop Today

"To The Heights," a two-evening celebration of the literature, poetry and music of Washington Heights, will take place today, May 6 and Saturday, May 10 at the Word Up Community Bookshop, located at 2113 Amsterdam Avenue (165th Street) in Manhattan.

For additional information on this FREE event, contact (347) 688-4456 / info@wordupbooks.com.

Jointly produced by The Five Boro Story Project, The No Name Comedy Variety Show and Word Up Bookshop, the celebration begins May 6 at 7:00pm with the special Washington Heights edition of "No Name Super Storytellers @ Word Up:" a multi-talent showcase featuring Heights-based storytellers J Holtham, Megan Sass and Eric Vetter, Hip Hop artist Ppul and Spoken Word artist Soli, plus music from Demetrius. The event will be hosted by "Fish Out Of Agua" author/performer Michele Carlo. After performances from featured artists, there will be an open mic.

The festivities continue Saturday, May 10 at 6:00pm with a "Story Circle" inviting participants to share neighborhood anecdotes and memories alongside neighbors, Word Up volunteers, and other community members. Then from 7:00-9:00pm, a Washington Heights Extravaganza, featuring readings and performances from local authors, poets and musicians, including storytellers Michele Carlo and Jim Mendrinos, poet Rich Villar, and more.

"To The Heights is not just an event to enjoy performances from some of the best local storytellers, poets and hip hop artists from the Heights, but an invitation to local residents-and the public-to consider and appreciate what it means to be part of the neighborhood," says Five Boro Story Project Founder Bridget Bartolini, whose organization has presented storytelling and cultural events throughout NYC since their 2013 inception.

Got something to say about the Heights? Come to our Story Circle and open mic: www.fiveborostoryproject.org - No Name co-founder / producer Eric Vetter-a native of Washington Heights-recently marked the 20-year anniversary of "New York's Best Damn Comedy Variety Show" with an blowout event at the United Palace Theatre in Washington Heights. The group, recently commended by Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer for their support of and contribution to the City's arts and entertainment community, also presents a free weekly comedy / storytelling show at Word Up on Tuesday evenings. (www.nonamenyc.com)

The Five Boro Story Project, founded by Bridget Bartolini, is an initiative that produces community events to showcase stories and art inspired by the neighborhoods of New York City. Free, hyper-localized public programs create opportunities for New Yorkers to connect to our neighborhoods and our neighbors through stories, song, poetry, dance, film, and discussion about the places where we live. The programs aim to strengthen community connections, preserve personal history, challenge negative perceptions of the outer boroughs and marginalized areas, and celebrate the diverse neighborhoods of NYC. Word Up Community Bookshop/Libreria Communitaria Word Up is a multi-language, general-interest completely volunteer-run community bookshop and arts space.

A program of the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization Seven Stories Institute, Word Up can be reached by the taking the "A", "C" or #1 train to 168th St. (walk down to 165th St , turn left, walk to Amsterdam ). For additional information, visit: http://wordupbooks.wordpress.com.