First Friday October 2025: Art, Poetry, & Music
Friday, October 3
6:00 – 8:00 PM
For All Ages*
Free! Optional RSVP
*Groups of any size organized privately and through a school, community center, or other entity must register through our Group Tours form at least 1 week in advance of their visit. Due to capacity limitations, groups are engaged through this program. Thank you for understanding.
ABOUT THE EVENT
On the first Friday of the month, The Bronx Museum throws a free after-hours party that is fun for all ages!
On October 3rd, we’re ushering in fall with a vibey and chill evening of art, poetry, and music.
Crowd-favorite JRose returns to emcee the program and share some of her award-winning poetry. Poets Felicia Cade and UGBA will also take turns on the mic. Be sure to arrive on time so you don’t miss out!
The poetry will be followed by a set of classic R&B spun by DJ Shine.
The kind of music that’s perfect to sit back and enjoy with family and friends, or to get up and groove!
We’ll have complimentary snacks and soft drinks available to keep everyone refreshed and energized throughout the evening.
Before you leave, be sure to check out the beautiful clay sculptures on view in the exhibition, Ministry: Reverend Joyce McDonald.
You are welcome to drop in for this event, but if you are planning on coming, please consider letting us know in advance with a free RSVP.
Talent
JRose
Jasmine Rosario, artistically known as JRose, is a powerhouse spoken word artist, teaching artist, and community builder from NYC. She began performing poetry at 16 and has since transformed her passion into a career dedicated to amplifying voices and creating spaces for expression. Her talent and dedication to her craft have earned her numerous slam titles across the U.S., including being crowned the 2023 BRIC Brooklyn Grand Slam Finals Champion. She now hosts the iconic Nuyorican Poets Cafe Poetry Slam, a full-circle moment in her career.
LEARN MORE>>
Felicia Cade
Felicia Cade is a leading voice in contemporary poetry—an award-winning, NYC-based poet whose work moves at the intersection of art and activism. Originally from Long Beach, California, she first gained national recognition as LA’s “Voice of the People” and has since emerged as a leading force in New York’s vibrant literary scene. She leads Langston’s Parlor, a beloved poetry workshop at the historic Langston Hughes House in Harlem. Her work centers Black liberation and fiercely champions Women’s Rights, LGBTQ+ Rights, Mental Health, and Social Justice.
LEARN MORE>>
UGBA
UGBA (oog ba) (pronoun inclusive) is a queer poet, rapper, playwright, actor, and activist based in NYC. UGBA is the founder/host of CEREMONIES—a Black-Queer artist showcase and the founder of "Dark-Skin Support Group." UGBA was named a “Black LGBTQ+ playwright you need to know '' by Time Out NY, is an alumnus of the Public Theater’s #BARS program, participated in the Public Theater’s Emerging Writers Group 2020-2023, received a 2022 MAP Grant, and a 2020-2021 BAM Resident, 2024 Nuyorican Poetry Slam member, and current Artistic Director at NY Writers Coalition.
LEARN MORE>>
Dj Shine
DJ Shine is an NYC native and international DJ whose rock-hard mixing and precise scratches and wide range of sounds—from hip hop and R&B to house and Afrobeats all the way back to disco and dancehall—has made her a fixture across the entire Tri-State and beyond. She's shared stages with architects like Grandmaster Caz, DJ Kast One, DJ Ted Smooth, and DJ Diamond The Artist. Shine can be heard on your airwaves via iHeartradio and Sirius XM radio platforms. She can also be found spinning at a private event, release party, wedding, rooftop or local venue near you.
LEARN MORE>>