Harlem Derby Music Fest: A Celebration Of Black Jockey Excellence

HARLEM, NY — The world famous Kentucky Derby horse race is on Saturday, and one event looks to celebrate the occasion with a special focus on the Harlem community and the history of Black jockeys.

The Harlem Derby Music Fest will take place on Saturday at the Thompson Central Park New York restaurant and lounge with the aim of spotlighting "the legacy of African-Americans in thoroughbred racing, specifically the Kentucky Derby."

The celebration looks to "bring a Kentucky Derby-style celebration to the Harlem community that recognized the immense legacy and history of the Black jockeys who compromised 13 of the 15 riders in the first running of the Kentucky Derby in 1875," reads a section on the Harlem Derby's website.

Admission to the Harlem Derby Music Fest will include a Julep cocktail, live music, a derby style hat fashion show, a best dressed and best hat contest, a jazz photo exhibit, viewing of the 149th Kentucky Derby, a one-year membership to the National Jazz Museum in Harlem, and a gift bag.

Tickets cost $55 and if you want food and beverage, it will be an additional $40.

The venue is located at 119 W. 56th St.

This year's rendition will be the second annual Harlem Derby Music Festival, but Harlem Derby has been hosting neighborhood based events for the iconic horse race since 2013.

You can find out more and check out tickets — HERE.