About Abbe Sparks

Saluting jazz' legendary Bird, Charlie Parker in style. This weekend, the New York City Parks Foundation brings us the return of The Charlie Parker Jazz Festival. Now in its 27th year, the summer festival  is a vibrant and free celebration of jazz in New York that annually brings together storied, veteran players and the next [...]

Uptown eateries shine during Harlem Restaurant Week in New York City. The 'Uptown Feast' as it is known runs from August 19th thru September 1st. There are over 40 participating restaurants. Harlem Restaurant Week is an exciting collaboration among the organizers of Harlem's most successful culinary themed events. Over 40 neighborhood restaurants and night spots [...]

World Humanitarian Day 2019 honors women heroes. The International Day is held each year on August 19th to recognize humanitarian personnel and those who have lost their lives working for humanitarian causes. The day focuses on the unsung heroes who have long been working on the front lines in their own communities in some of [...]

The spirit of Woodstock lives on 50 years later and in perpetuity as people around the world celebrate the infamous three day music festival’s Anniversary. Despite several failed attempts to recreate the 1969 mega arts and music event, the old adage holds true: “you can’t keep a good thing down.” Or, in this case, a [...]

Cultural diversity abounds with the 41st annual Museum Mile Festival in New York City on June 11th. That's when eight museums along Fifth Avenue open their doors for free to the public from 6pm to 9pm come rain or shine. The annual cultural event takes place along Fifth Avenue from 82nd Street to 110th Street. [...]

There were plenty of memorable moments from the 2019 Tony Awards that sparked Broadway's biggest night. Moments ranged from long overdue first time award recipients as Elaine May to history-making winners as Ali Stroker. Here are the top sparks from some of the Tony winners speeches. Top Award Winners' Sparks - Can We Quote You? [...]

June sparks awareness for LGBT Pride, Safety, the Environment and a host of summertime fun. The colorful month marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. It is the month to celebrate the official onset of Summer, Fathers and festivals galore. Here are five top June Events to know. NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH — Every June [...]

Vinyl lovers rejoice with over 550 new releases to choose from in honor of Record Store Day 2019. The annual event brings together independent record stores from around the world featuring a range of celebratory activities that offer special promotions, artist appearances, performances, give-a-ways and more. Now in its 12th year, Record Store Day (RSD) [...]

April sparks spotlight alcoholism, autism, poetry, jazz and many more social justice, health and arts awareness initiatives. Sparks also electrify awareness for the environment, sexual assault, child abuse and distracted driving. Designated days include Earth Day, World Health Day and Walking Day, to name just a few. Here’s a topline of April’s finest. NATIONAL POETRY [...]

JanArtsNYC returns to kick-off the new year with a month-long annual celebration of the performing arts around the globe. Performing arts enthusiasts, advocates, artists and fans can expect a flurry of eventful activity in the City throughout the month. A kaleidoscope of industry conferences, forums, music concerts, public festivals, salutes, retrospectives and award ceremonies will [...]

Global conversations for a better world intensify this week as a variety of activities surrounding UN Week and the 73rd United Nations General Assembly take place in New York City -- all with one common goal in mind — The 17 Global Goals (SDGs). UN Week, a/k/a Global Goals Week runs from September 22nd thru [...]

September sparks awareness for suicide, cancers, food safety and many more important health and social initiatives. The return to fall starts an active calendar of monthly and weekly campaigns designed to make an impact for progress, prevention and finding cures. Here are highlights for September. NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH: Held every September, the month is [...]

July Sparks celebrations for Independence Days in countries of Canada, United States of America and France; Reggae Day in Jamaica and Nelson Mandela Day worldwide. It’s the month of Fireworks, Parades, Music, Festivals and Picnics. Plenty to be happy about and get Socialy Sparked in July. Here are highlights of things to do around the [...]

Hopes, dreams and The Band's Visit were the biggest winners of the 72nd Annual Tony Awards. The brightest moments of Broadway's biggest night came from the presenters, performers, and winning speeches -- all touching on hope, dreams and some of society’s most pressing issues as Equality, Diversity, LGBTQ, Immigration and Bullying. Tony co-hosts Josh Groban [...]

The third time’s a charm for France Rocks NYC, a summer music festival that brings the best of French produced music to NYC. The third annual France Rocks Summerfest kicks-off this weekend in New York City and runs through July 5. France Rocks founder Michele Amar tells us what to expect and how the music [...]

June sun shines awareness on Safety, LGBTQ Pride, the Environment, Summerfests and more worthwhile causes and fun events. It is the month to celebrate the official onset of Summer, Fathers, Hunger and festivals galore. Here are five top June Events to know. IN THE SUNLIGHT >NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH -- Every June, the National Safety Council [...]

Music takes over NYC in June with the return of New York Music Month (NYMM). New Yorkers and tourists alike are sure to find an event to whet their musical tastes with a slew of events, concerts and festivals from indie rock and pop; classic rock, blues and jazz, to rap and hip hop – [...]

The power of music to melt hostilities is the message of The Socially Sparked Quote of the Week by internationally renowned American pianist Byron Janis. “Music has the power to make allies out of enemies” -- Byron Janis, world renowned American Pianist These words stem from Janis' first-hand experience performing in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) [...]

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day!

The Parade of Ships on New York's Waters kicks off the 30th anniversary of Fleet Week NY on Wednesday. Fourteen ships entered New York's Hudson River Harbor this morning on their way to dock for seven days. Now in its 30th year, FWNY is the city’s time-honored celebration of the sea services. It provides citizens [...]