In the uptown action adventure, Shock Exchange Comes to Harlem, Mr. Baker has recently learned that Harlem is about to be attacked by some of the most devastating travel basketball teams in the US and maybe even Canada. They are plotting to wrest the title of "basketball mecca" from the NYC. They plan to bring weapons such as the "slam dunk" , the "sky hook", the "fade away", and the "killer crossover" . . . killer crossover?. They may even employ unconventional strategies such as the "full court press", the "give-and-go" and the "1-3-1 zone". America's Favorite Investment Ballers, brave as they are, have been summoned to defend Harlem against these interlopers.
Last year they came with charming names like Dynasty Select, Falcons, Playaz, Kips Bay, Road Runners, Ruffriders, Gauchos, Defenders, Coast 2 Coast, Rockets, CT Xclusive, Terminators, Northstars, Kings, Abyssian, Ballers, Rising Stars, Panthers, Jammers, Rockers, LI Elite, CT Skills, Pythons, and Sam Cassell (who let him back into the NYC). The Durham City Bulldogs, one of the top teams from out of Toronto, Canada was also present. I thought it was bad when the Canadian dollar recently surpassed the US dollar, but now they want the title too? While I'm on it, since 1995 the Canadian dollar has appreciated against the US dollar by almost 40% . . . this is unacceptable.
The entire NYC is still abuzz. The battle will take place not coincidentally at City College, which in 1950 was the mecca of the basketball world when it became the first team to win the NIT and NCAA titles in the same year. For recommended hotels and hostels, click "read more" below.
The Dufflebag Boys Defend the City
In the 1970 caper, Cotton Comes to Harlem, a local snake oil saleman, Reverend Deke O'Malley, convinces his Harlem congregation to raise close to $90,000 to fund his bogus "Back to Africa" movement. As his rally comes to an end, the money is seized by armed robbers. Harlem policemen Gravedigger Jones and Coffin Ed give chase but lose the robbers. Convinced that O'Malley is responsible, they attempt to track him down. Proving there is indeed no honor amongst thieves, O'Malley skips town feeling double-crossed by Calhoun, his partner in crime. However, Calhoun feels O'Malley has double-crossed him. Meanwhile the cash, hidden in a bale of cotton, ends up falling off the getaway truck and is lost. Harlem is eventually turned upside down by the cops, the Reverend, and hijackers and leads to a chase scene that ends up at the Apollo Theatre.
Cotton Comes to Harlem has become a part of local urban lore and its story has survived for over 40 years. For those performers in Shock Exchange Comes Harlem, what will they say about you 40 years from now?
Below are Recommended Accomodations:
HOTELS
Comfort Inn ($200/night), 442 West 36th Street New York, NY 10018. Contact Laurain Chaitram at (212) 714-6699, . Reserve by 2/28/08.
Marrakech Hotel ($159 to $199/night), 2688 Broadway, New York, NY 10025 or 103rd and Broadway. Contact Bess Boonroong at 212-222-2954 ext. 615 or . Reserve by 2/8/08.
Courtyard Marriott ($159/night) - Laguardia, 90-10 Grand Central Pkwy, Queens, NY 11369. Contact Laura Lake at (718) 308-4743, .
Courtyard Marriott ($139/night) - Lyndhurst, NJ (Meadowlands). Contact Charmaine Ambrose at or (201) 231-8109.
HOSTELS Below are rates for beds. Private rooms are available from $50-$85/night. Please inquire directly.
Jazz Hostels ($19/bed) 12 W. 129th Street, New York, NY 10027. Contact Liz Matthews at (212) 722-6252 or , www.jazzhostels.com.
Jazz Hostels ($19/bed) 104 W.128th Street, New York, NY 10027. Contact Liz Matthews at (212) 722-6252, , www.jazzhostels.com.
Broadway Hotel and Hostel ($30/bed) 230 W. 101st Street, New York, NY 10025. Contact Nancy Ramos at (212) 865-5063, .
Central Park Hostel ($28/bed), 19 West 103rd Street, New York, NY 10025. Contact Group Sales at (212) 678-0491.
High Bridge House (~$30/bed), 173rd Street, New York, NY and 146th Street, New York, NY. Contact Ravi Nanju, (212) 283-1219 or . Reference Numbers: NYShock/HBH173 and NYShockHBH146
