4/21/18 O&A NYC DANCE/REVIEW: newsteps- a choreographer’s series

By Walter Rutledge

The Chen Dance Center began the 34th consecutive newsteps; the semi-annual emerging choreographers’ series, Thursday, April 19 at the Chen Dance Center, 70 Mulberry Street in New York’s Chinatown. This season the three-performance spring showcase, which runs through Saturday, April 21, selected works from “non- dancers”. Professional artists, actors, musicians, singers, photographers, who applied their expertise of their respective art forms to the choreographic process. The five choreographers selected through an open audition for the April concerts are Kate Douglas, Bryndon Cook, Lauren Oliver, Alec Funiciello, and Sophia Zukoski. Each choreographer is given rehearsal space, an honorarium, mentoring from a member of the selection panel, and multiple (three) performances to give the works time to “find its own voice”. Continue reading

4/15/18 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Kirk Franklin Salute To The Godfather Rev. Timothy Wright

The Kirk Franklin Salute to The Godfather Rev. Timothy Wright at the 2009 Stellar Awards. Continue reading

4/4/18 O&A NYC MILESTONES:  Martin Luther King Jr. Assassination By Witness Clara Ester

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4, 1968, an event that sent shock waves reverberating around the world. A then-college junior, Clara Ester was standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee and rushed to Martin Luther King Junior’s side when he was shot.

Continue reading

4/4/18 O&A NYC DANCE: Dougla Returns to Dance Theatre of Harlem Tonight

Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH) begins their four performance New York season tonight at New York City Center. One of the season highlights is the much-anticipated revival of choreographer/Renaissance Man Geoffrey Holder’s Dougla. Dougla captures the pageantry, beauty and ritual of a the wedding day of a young Dougla couple from Trinidad. They are the offspring of Africans who were brought to the Caribbean as slaves and Indians who were brought as low cost labor after the abolition of slavery. Continue reading

3/4/18 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Jekalyn Carr- You Will Win

 Jekalyn Almonique Carr, independent artist, Grammy nominated urban contemporary gospel artist  evangelist, entrepreneur and musician, has a chart climbing single entitled You Will Win. Continue reading

2/25/18 O&A NYC SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ CONCERT: Black Violin – Broward Center For The Performing Arts (1/25/2018)

Black Violin, the hip hop duo from South Florida comprising two classically-trained string instrumentalists, Kevin Sylvester and Wilner Baptiste, who go by the stage names Kev Marcus and Wil B, respectively. Continue reading

2/5/18 O&A NYC THE MORNING FUNNIES- : Odell Beckham Jr And Eli Manning- Time of My Life (2018 Super Bowl Commercial)

Eli Manning, Odell Beckham Jr.and Landon Collins teamed up to show us why celebrations matter. Manning showed off his best Patrick Swayze dancing skills, and Beckham Jr. did a fantastic Jennifer Grey as Baby impersonation, as the Giants began to prepare for the 2018 season with a little “Dirty Dancing” homage.  Continue reading

1/31/18 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Cardi B On The Grammy Red Carpet- She Has Butterflies in Her Stomach & Where?

Cardi B tells E! Red Carpet Live commentator Giuliana Rancic she has the butterflies in a strange place and more.  Continue reading

1/27/18 O&A NYC FOOD/BRUNCH: Banana Pancakes with Chocolate Bits and Raspberries

These Banana Pancakes with Chocolate Bits and Raspberries are the perfect combination of deliciously sweet and warm and soft. Continue reading

1/25/18 O&A NYC HEALTH AND FITNESS: City Gym Boys Bangin’ Body Fashion Show (2013)

The City Gym Boys 2013 Bangin’ Body Fashion Show showcases the concept of a Bangin’ Body. The New York City based natural bodybuilding team promotes health and wellness through fashion shows, personal appearances and annual calendars. Their message continues to inspire, while encouraging fitness and wellness.  Continue reading