Judith Jamison's Last Hurrah!

Judith Jamison started out at Alvin Ailey Dance Theater as a dancer. Upon Mr. Ailey's pasting, she became it's artistic director which spans 20 years. This is the last season Ms. Jamison will be the director and is switching gears within the company to take it into the next 20 years. I remember being moved by the piece, "Cry" which is a solo dance number designed to encompass the life of every Black Woman. Mr. Ailey chose Ms. Jamison to dance in the role and not seeing the original production. I was so taken aback by Ms. Jamison's training of future " Cry" solo dancers that I immersed myself into the music(provided by Alice Coltrane and Laura Nyro) and choreography. I'm proud to say that in the vast volumes of dances that the company, "Cry" is my number one favorite.

Charles Sebree-Artist,Sculpter,Dancer and Playwright

Charles Sebree was a multifaceted artist whose medium filtered into serveral creative forces. Born in Chicago and longing for an education in the arts, after surviving on the streets since the age of fourteen, he would continue his art lessons. What sets Mr. Sebree aparts from the multitude of artists is that he did it all. From set designer, costume designer, playwright and et al to only satisfy himself. His paintings had numerous influences such as Picasso, Klee and of course Modilgliani (whose work is heavily influenced through out his work). Unfortunately, his artwork did not receive the recognition it deserved. It's important to note that Mr. Sebree lived his life as an openly Gay Man, without convictions or thoughts of not knowing any other way to approach his life during a time when homosexuality was not acceptable.Mr. Sebree lived the rest of his years in Washington D.C. where he died from cancer in 1985. What brought me to this great artist is a picture in a book I read a few months ago, showing Mr. Sebree and others outside a cafe in Paris. I wanted to learn more about this man and his persona. Mr. Sebree was truly a creative spirit which should reside in all of us.

Congratulations President Barack Obama

President Barack Obama received the Nobel Peace Prize today in Norway. President Obama work and leadership for this nation is evident with the selection of this young President. The voting members of the Nobel Organization chose a person with deep committments to world peace on numerous issues across the board. President Obama is the leader of the free world and he works tirelessly to provide safety for all mankind. Let's take some time today and thank President Obama for this wonderful achievement.

Brother/Sister Plays at the Joseph Papp Theater

It's rare when a new play moves your heart and mind in so many directions that relates to a believable story based in the Bayou of Louisana during modern day times. The Brother/Sister plays is a trilogy whose foundation is on the acts of love, betrayal and heartache. Tarell Alvin McCraney is the young writer of this trilogy titled,"In the Red and Brown Water" and parts two and three titled,"The Brothers Size" and "Marcus: or the Secret of Sweet". Mr. McCraney is a true wordsmith and collector of befitting songs in the rhythm and blues genre to carry his point across. The language was magical and extraordinary. You sensed that we use this vernacular everyday and just don't know how to put it together into complete sentences. Mr. McCraney has created a spectacular musings of life in the back waters of the Bayou and how words or wording can spin a delightful tale or two. He is also the writer of the acclaim, "Wig Out", which was presented off Broadway in New York City last year. Do run and see this great modern day play and tell your friends when it comes to your town.

Jacob Lawrence at the Museum of Modern Art

Jacob Lawrence was presented in the entryway of a gallery at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. I don't know if this startled me or just completely threw off my game. Inasmuch, I didn't expect to see the famed, "Migration Series" put into a small space and the curators and/or staff at MOMA assumed this presentation would be an afterthought of some kind. One of this countries best artists and best African American artist is just presented in such a disparging light. The Phillips Collection in Washington, DC showed this series in it's entirety and the layout was incredible. MOMA just stacked the paintings on top of one another with no rhyme or reason. How could this be? Did MOMA just acquire these paintings and said,"Let's just put them anywhere without press, media or engagement from the public." Shame on you!!!

Mr. Lawrence is a well respected artist of great stature and prominent standing in the community. Let's show MOMA that we care about our people and our artists. Write, call or visit and let the staff know this is wrong on so many levels!

Dreamgirls at the Apollo Theater

Dreamgirls, one of my favorite musicals is touring the United States for a short period of time. The musical landed in New York at the famed Apollo Theater located in the heart of Harlem. I know many people have seen the movie and saw Jennifer Hudson win a Oscar for best supporting actress in 2008 for her performance as Effie. But, did you know back in the early 80's this was the biggest musical on Broadway in New York, starring Jennifer Holiday in the titled role of Effie. Dreamgirls is a story loosely based on the Supremes and their rise to stardom in the early 1960's. The music,intrigue, drama, costumes and love lives of the three young women was somehow made into a sucessful Broadway production.
The new production stars Moya Angela in the role of Effie and Syesha Mercado in the role of Deena Jones along with Adrienne Warren as Lorrell. These talented women front a fantastic new production of the storied life in the music industry and African American performers trying to catch a break. The new production carries the Beyonce Knowles song, "Listen", which would astonish purist, but take a seat and just listen to the song and know that somehow it just fits the musical genre for today's audience. If you're ready for something old and something new, check out this production and you won't be disappointed.

Elizabeth Catlett--Artist

Elizabeth Catlett is an African American artist who is now a Mexican citizen. Her work spans many genres; from sculpture, lithograph and printmaker. One of my friends is in the process of buying a print of Frederick Douglass, one of several versions from Ms. Catlett. The piece symbolizes hope and despair of Mr. Douglass' face. I can wait to see this great piece of artwork on his wall. Proudly displayed and well worth the cost. My friend tells me now is the time to buy her work, since she is in her 90's and still producing great pieces. I will never forget being introduced to Ms. Catlett's work at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. It had a profound effect on me and my life. The sculpture was small but powerful. It exuded the nature of a mother and daughter brought together by their common and maternal bond. If by chance you come upon an Elizabeth Catlett drawing, lithograph or sculpture buy it. You will never regret the purchase.