4/13/24 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: Ailey II

By Walter Rutledge

Ailey II began their six-day, eight performance New York City season Tuesday, April 9th at the Joyce Theater. This season marked the fiftieth anniversary of the company, which has left an indelible mark on the Ailey organization and the dance world at large. The company is a dance finishing school, touring boot camp, and a choreographer’s laboratory for emerging dance makers and established choreographers. Continue reading

4/2/24 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Jennifer Hudson Wins Best Supporting Actress at the 79th Oscars (2007)

George Clooney presents singer/actor Jennifer Hudson with the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Dreamgirls at the 79th Academy Awards in 2007. Continue reading

3/19/24 O&A NYC CELEBRATING WOMEN ON INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Jennifer Hudson Wins Best Supporting Actress – 79th Oscars (2007)

George Clooney presenting Jennifer Hudson with the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Dreamgirls at the 79th Academy Awards in 2007.
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3/18/24 O&A NYC CELEBRATING WOMEN ON HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: The Trip to Bountiful- Cicely Tyson, Blair Underwood, Vanessa Williams, Keke Palmer

Unable to drive, Carrie (Cicely Tyson) begs her son (Blair Underwood) to take her on a visit to her hometown of Bountiful. When he refuses, Carrie makes an escape to the bus station, where she meets Thelma (Keke Palmer) in The Trip to Bountiful. Vanessa Williams also stars in this film. Continue reading

3/10/24 O&A NYC SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ CONCERT: An Evening with the Iconic Chris Mitchell

Christopher Alexander Mitchell better known by his stage name Chris Mitchelll, is a saxophonist whose sophomore album, Turquoise, brought him ‘breakthrough recognition’ 2011; sold in over 75 countries and 20 sites around the globe; Including his first live performance film An Evening with Chris Mitchell. Continue reading

3/16/24 O&A NYC ITS SATURDAY- ANYTHING GOES: The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism at The Met

Join Dr. Denise M. Murrell, and James S. Tisch Curator at Large in The Met’s Director’s Office, for a virtual tour of the groundbreaking exhibition The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism. Continue reading

3/10/24 O&A NYC CELBRATING WOMEN IN GOSPEL: Battle of Jericho- Mahalia Jackson Singing before Martin Luther King Jr. Sermon

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3/9/24 O&A NYC CELEBRATING WOMEN- SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Nancy Wilson at the Newport Jazz Festival (August 15, 1987)

Nancy Sue Wilson a singer whose career spanned over five decades, from the mid-1950s until her retirement in the early 2010s.  Wilson recorded more than 70 albums and won three Grammy Awards for her work. During her performing career, Wilson was labeled a singer of blues, jazz, R&B, pop and soul a “consummate actress”; and “the complete entertainer”. Continue reading

2/5/24 O&A NYC DANCE PREVIEW: Ray Mercer- Philadanco- Balance of Power

By Walter Rutledge


Dance/choreographer Ray Mercer is living his best life out loud! The Omaha, Nebraska native can be seen eight times a week as a member of the Broadway juggernaut The King Lion. This week Mercer’s artistry will be on full display at the Joyce theater during the New York Season of Philadanco, February 6th through February 10th at the Joyce Theater. Continue reading