Clean The Bronx and get free Yankees tickets! As part of the Third Annual Volunteer Summer Clean-up Series, which begins in the Bronx on July 21, the Sanitation Foundation announced on July 19 that participants at any of the six upcoming summer clean-up events will each receive a voucher valid for two tickets to select New York Yankees 2023 regular season home games.

 

The Sanitation Foundation is the official nonprofit partner of NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY), and is organizing the series in conjunction with DSNY, the Office of the Bronx Borough President and The New York Yankees, with support from NYC Service and Amazon.

 

In addition to the Yankees tickets, volunteers at the clean-up sites who collect the most litter will be invited to take part in a VIP Game Experience at Yankee Stadium on Friday, Aug. 8.

 

Last year, the series was expanded from four events to six, creating more opportunities for New Yorkers to participate in keeping the streets clean. At the 2022 series, 430 volunteers collected over 5,300 pounds of litter, according to the organizers.

 

Organizers say this year’s series, as recently reported as part of our regular Neighborhood Notes listings, aims to showcase the power of music, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. Organizers say participating is a great way to make a meaningful impact on New York City’s neighborhoods, with Yankees tickets as an added bonus.

 

As part of the City’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip hop, the Bronx Summer Clean-up Series will feature six events around the borough that organizers say pay homage to the people and iconic places that gave rise to the now-world famous, music genre. The places include Kingsbridge Heights, Highbridge, Mott Haven, Soundview, Mount Eden, and the surrounding area of Yankee Stadium.

 

“A clean street is its own reward, but at these special events, New Yorkers can get another reward: Yankees tickets!” said Pam Harris, president of the Sanitation Foundation. “A big thanks to the Yankees, Amazon, and all of our supporters for making this possible. We encourage all New Yorkers to attend a clean-up and celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip hop.”

 

Events will take place on select Fridays and Saturdays in July and August from 10 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will collect litter along a predetermined route, and all tools and safety equipment will be provided. Each clean-up event will also feature a local musical artist.

 

“As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop, I am grateful to the Sanitation Foundation, the New York Yankees and other partners highlighting this milestone during the 3rd annual Summer Cleanup Series,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson. “Not only will all six clean up sites feature industry leaders, including emcee, D-Nasty ThaMasta, XO Wavy, producer Amadeus, and others, each participant gets two tickets to a regular season New York Yankees home game.”

 

She added, “I want to thank Chair of the Board of the Sanitation Foundation, Caryl Englander; Commissioner of the New York City Department of Sanitation, Jessica Tisch; New York Yankees Senior Vice President of Corporate/Community Relations, Brian Smith; and NYC Chief Service Officer at the NYC Service for the Office of the Mayor, Laura Rog, for creatively accomplishing their goal to enhance the beauty of our borough, while also, amplifying a music genre that has forever transformed American culture, music and art.”

 

Borough resident and multi-disciplinary artist Marthalicia will lead a live painting event in Kingsbridge Heights. Marthalicia names hip hop and the work of independent visual artists as sources of inspiration and the use of “visual risk, joy, and color” as influences in her own work.

 

In Highbridge, Intikana, who was born and raised in The Bronx, will lead a hip hop history walking tour, paying homage to the borough and its native indigenous history. Intikana is a passionate storyteller and recipient of the Bronx Council on the Arts BRIO (Bronx Recognizes Its Own) Award in Performing Arts.

 

His live performances have been covered in The New York Daily News, Time Out NY, and The Village Voice, among others. He’s also appeared on VH1, BET, and Shade 45’s Sway In The Morning. Through hip hop, Intikana seeks to create artistic works that illustrate real-life experiences while addressing social issues.

 

In Soundview, catch emcee D-Nasty ThaMasta, a longtime fixture of the NYC Underground hip hop scene, heard at the Rapathon, Spittin’ In Da Wip, Freestyle Mondays, Supreme BARs, and Lyricist Lounge. He will be performing a freestyle with sounds by SWiiiFT.

 

In Mott Haven, XO Wavy has been entertaining the Harlem community for 10 years and will be sharing his talents, with additional sounds by SWiiiFT. He began his career by dancing “LiteFeet,” a New York style of hip hop dancing that has traditional breakdancing roots. “Hip hop has been my culture since I was born,” said Xo Wavy. The Mott Haven clean-up event will also be produced in partnership with UP NYC.

 

“New Yorkers expect and deserve clean streets, and the 10,000 people who make up the Department of Sanitation work every day to deliver for them, but we also need residents and community groups to help,” said Jessica Tisch, New York City Department of Sanitation Commissioner. “This is an opportunity to keep your neighborhood clean and to be rewarded for doing the right thing, and I hope to see all Yankees fans at these events.”

 

The Mount Eden clean-up event takes place on Friday, Aug. 11. Renowned hip hop producer Amadeus has produced music for over 100 artists thus far, ranging from Jennifer Lopez, to French Montana, Trey Songz, Chris Brown, 50 Cent, Justin Bieber, Fabolous, T.I, Young Jeezy, Tyga, Keyshia Cole, Wale, to Busta Rhymes, just to name a few. He has also produced and scored music for BET, VHI, Burger King, Sprite, EA Sports, and ESPN.

 

Amadeus is truly passionate about giving back, motivating and inspiring people to believe in themselves and their dreams, and doing whatever it takes in a positive manner to see their dreams become a reality. Amadeus will be reading from his new book “Life of Amadeus: The Beat Goes On.” The Mount Eden Clean-up will be hosted in collaboration with the New Settlement Community Center.

 

Hailing from the South Bronx and rounding out the Bronx Summer Clean-up Series at Yankee Stadium, Division X is a classic hip hop collective that proudly emphasizes an original true grit sound, and a thought-provoking rap edge. With their descriptive, heart-of-the-Bronx lyrics, and self-produced soundscapes, Division X is clear on what their music represents. It’s music for the have-nots and underdogs, the story of resistance, joy, love and struggle.

 

All performances are produced by Str8OuttaBklyn Media, a community-based arts and culture organization. Str8OuttaBklyn focuses on implementing youth and artist development initiatives. Through artistic programs and vocational training, they create safe spaces for youth and community artists to thrive.

 

For his part, Smith said, “We are excited to continue this partnership with the Sanitation Foundation and the Bronx Borough President’s Office as we embark on year three of the Summer Clean-Up Series,” He added, “The enthusiastic participation of past volunteers in their efforts to keep city streets clean has been inspiring. We look forward to welcoming everyone again this summer.”

Meanwhile, Rog said the clean up series was an amazing example of how innovative volunteer partnerships get stuff done for New York City. “We are thrilled to support the Sanitation Foundation with the launch of Bronx-based volunteer programming this summer and applaud the Yankees for their partnership in service to the residents of the Bronx,” she said. “Collaborations that bring people together to create a culture of service are key to contributing to our city’s success and recovery.”

 

Finally, Carley Graham Garcia, head of community affairs for Amazon in New York said the company was excited to partner again with the Sanitation Foundation for its annual Bronx Clean-Up series. “This year is even more special as we’re thrilled that our support coincides with the 50th anniversary of hip hop and supports artists in New York City,” she said. “Come join us for this great event!”

 

All those interested in participating can register and find full details at sanitationfoundation.org/bronx-series. Registration is required.