HARLEM IN HAVANA NYC – Saturday, May 9
One Epic Day. Two Legendary Venues. Two Unforgettable Events.
STEP RIGHT UP, FOLKS, into a world of history, glamour, and live performance on Saturday, May 9, 2026, as HARLEM IN HAVANA NYC presents an unforgettable documentary event across two iconic New York venues. Get ready to immerse yourself in the New York premiere of the documentary film JIG SHOW | Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana, bringing the legendary Harlem in Havana revue to life on the big screen. Then, as the night unfolds, experience the dazzling Brown Skin Showgirls Harlem in Havana Tribute Show, a live stage celebration of the music, dance, and showmanship that defined a legacy. * Venues will be announced soon!
EVENT I – Film Screening of JIG SHOW | Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana | NYC | 1–3:30 PM | Free
Step behind the velvet curtain for the New York premiere of JIG SHOW | Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana, a documentary by award-winning filmmaker Leslie Cunningham. Dive into a sizzling, untold chapter of American entertainment — where Black brilliance, Cuban rhythm, and early burlesque lit up the big top and defied segregation. Through rare footage and intimate storytelling, JIG SHOW uncovers the hidden legacy of impresario Leon Claxton, whose revue fused Black and Latin artistry during the Jim Crow era. Post-screening Art Talk with cast, and a special pop-up burlesque performance!
Event II – Brown Skin Showgirls: A Harlem in Havana Tribute Show | NYC | 7:30 PM | Free , 18+
Step right up, folks—and step back in time. As the night falls, join us for Harlem in Havana reimagined – where forbidden glamour, radical beauty, and electrifying performance collide. This immersive burlesque spectacle resurrects Leon Claxton’s legendary midway show—a decadent, defiant celebration of Black and Latine performers who broke rules, bent genres, and seduced the American stage during Jim Crow.
Slip through eras of rebellion and desire: the raw, dangerous heat of 1940s Black burlesque… the Afro-Cuban rhythms and tropical excess of the 1950s… and the fearless drag, sultry movement, and unapologetic power of the 1960s. Every act drips with sex appeal, resistance, and modern edge.
Brown Skin Showgirls is a high-glam, high-heat love letter to Black and Latine artistry—lush, provocative, and impossible to look away from. Featuring a jaw-dropping lineup of performers who command the stage with beauty, audacity, and pure magnetic force, this production celebrates visibility as rebellion and sensuality as legacy. Headlined by Jessabelle Thunder, Miss Exotic World 2026, and hosted by NYC drag royalty Junior Mintt. Dare to witness it.
Full cast to be announced soon!
About Our “Brown Skin Showgirls” Headliner:
JESSABELLE THUNDER: Since 2009, Jessabelle Thunder has captivated audiences worldwide with her signature blend of power, playfulness, and magnetic stage presence. Crowned Miss Exotic World, Queen of Burlesque at the Burlesque Hall of Fame, she’s headlined across 11 countries—including tours in Japan and Australia with Tito Bonito—and shared stages with Lizzo and Dita Von Teese. Named one of the Top 10 Most Influential Performers by 21st Century Burlesque Magazine, Jessabelle’s striking musicality, cheeky sass, and radiant passion light up every stage she touches.
Our Individual Donors
Thank you to our gracious donors:
LEGACY PRODUCERS:
Frances Rivera
IMPRESARIO CIRCLE:
Qu’in de la Noche
“Step Right UP” sUPPORTER:
Kate Belly
Proudly Sponsored by:
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We are actively seeking business sponsors and individual donors who believe in the power of arts, culture, history, and community impact. Partnering with Harlem in Havana NYC offers meaningful visibility, strong brand alignment with a landmark cultural project, and unique opportunities to engage with diverse, multigenerational audiences. To explore our sponsorship packages and individual donor levels, please click here.
Email us at info@harleminhavana.com.
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