Harlem residents craving the return of Stormin’ Norman’s ‘Sundae Sermon’

By Welcome to Harlem on Jul 5, 2014

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DJ Stormin’ Norman started playing soulful house music, Afrobeats and classics at Morningside Park in 2008 and by 2012 the events were drawing thousands.
Harlem residents are craving the return of a popular summertime park tradition.
And they may soon get their wish.

Harlemites are craving return of Norman (DJ Stormin' Norman) McHugh's 'Sundae Sermon' gatherings in Morningside Park. — Harlemites are craving return of Norman (DJ Stormin’ Norman) McHugh’s ‘Sundae Sermon’ gatherings in Morningside Park.

Norman McHugh, better known as DJ Stormin’ Norman, started playing soulful house music, Afrobeats and classics at Morningside Park in 2008 and it eventually attracted thousands, who relaxed on blankets in the grass or stood up and danced.
But it’s been two summers since the free outdoor hangout — called Sundae Sermon — has been held in Morningside Park. Other than a single event in St. Nicholas Park last June, the Sundays have been silent.
“We’re all sort of left asking, ‘What happened?’ ” said Hervé Jean-Baptiste, a frequent attendee who lives near the park.
“It was a real community event,” said Jean-Baptiste, co-founder of local blog HarlemCondoLife.com. “I would schedule my summer around his events. This is something people really want to see come back.”

Harlem’s Bevy Smith, co-host of Bravo’s Fashion Queens, agreed.“With the changing face of Harlem, Sundae Sermon was a sweet reminder of the cultural significance of music and dance in Harlem,” said Smith, who served as the host during previous Sundae Sermon events.“It’s definitely missed,” she said. “Who doesn’t like a Sunday afternoon where you sit on the grass, listen to music and partake in the beauty that is Harlem?”McHugh, a Harlem resident originally from East London, said Sundae Sermon will return.
“I’m working with the Parks Department to get it back on schedule,” he said. “Sundae Sermon isn’t going to die.”