Bill Clinton, Marcus Samuelsson Announce Harlem EatUp 2015

President Bill Clinton, Mayor Bill de Blasio, and Marcus Samuelsson have announced the May 2015 debut of the new Harlem EatUp! Festival, a three-day celebration of the food, music, and arts that will honor the spirit of Harlem.

Founded by chef Samuelsson in collaboration with Herb Karlitz, the festival will benefit Harlem Park to Park, a community program that works to sustain the culture of Harlem with the help of more than seventy local businesses, and Citymeals-on-Wheels, which brings food directly to the homes of elderly New York City residents.

President Bill Clinton, who set up his personal foundation and  office in Harlem after leaving the White House in 2000, and remains an active member of the community, will serve as the festival's honorary chair.

"This is a great day for our city," said President Clinton."I believe that the Harlem EatUp! Festival will lift all of Harlem in ways that will not only have permanent economic benefits, but also showcase all of the culture this community has to offer."

D Dipasupil/Getty Images for Harlem EatUp! Festival

The full line-up will be announced closer to the festival, and will include both ticketed and free culinary, music, and artistic events. Follow the festival on Facebook and Twitter for more details.

"The magic and hospitality that I feel here every day in Harlem is what we aim to convey with the Harlem EatUp! Festival," said Marcus Samuelsson. "The festival will be in and of the community, reaching beyond the culinary world to be a true celebration of the entire neighborhood."

 Steve Aiello, Tren'Ness Woods-Black, Chef Aaron Sanchez, Marcus Samuelsson, Chef Daniel Boulud, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Herb Karlitz and Chef Jonathan Waxman attend at Red Rooster Harlem. (Photo: D Dipasupil/Getty Images for Harlem EatUp! Festival)

 

Karen Lo is an associate editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @appleplexy.