By Walter Rutledge
Ronald K. Brown/Evidence began its New York season at the Joyce Theater on Tuesday January 17 and runs through Sunday, January 22. The six-day, seven performance offering presents three ensemble works spanning twenty-four years of Brown’s artistry. The season provides an insight into the thirty-eight-year journey of Brown and Evidence. Continue reading
“This movie is a big part of why I’m where I am today. THE WIZ! Sometimes I have to go back and remind myself to believe in what I feel in my heart in my mind and in my soul. I have to listen to God’s voice and not let the troubles of the world drown it out. ‘We’ve come this far by faith” Keep believing in yourself y’all and keep moving toward you dreams and being the best you can be.”- Phillip Boykin
Lena Horne- Believe In Yourself- From The Wiz
This historic performance from 1968 captures choreographer/performer Rudolf Nureyev at the peak of his career. Filmed at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, the ballet features artists of the Royal Ballet including Wayne Sleep, Jillian Gibbs and Merle Park as Clara. Continue reading
The best-selling and most-awarded female gospel artist of all time, CeCe Winans, has cemented her status as one of the most accomplished and celebrated women in modern music history. Continue reading
This episode is referred to in Jim Henson: the Works as a “key moment in season two, and in the entire history of the Muppets.” News that Rudolf Nureyev — the world’s most famous ballet dancer — would be appearing on the show “generated unprecedented press coverage and audience curiosity.” By season three, the show would have no more trouble attracting guest stars Continue reading
On January 19, 1993 Aretha Franklin performed I Dreamed A Dream at the 42nd Presidential Inaugural Gala in honor of President Bill Clinton. Continue reading
Battle Fest started in the basements in the heart of Bedstuy and Flatbush Brooklyn. Like most of underground Black culture the Hip Hop Dance artform has exploded worldwide. Continue reading
By Walter Rutledge
In August Universal Temple of The Arts founder Sadja Musawwir Ladner joined the ancestors. A fixture in Staten Island arts scene for over fifty years Ladner provided arts education, performance opportunities and outreach to the underserved communities of her beloved borough- Staten Island. Her untimely passing shocked and saddened all who encountered this “community spirit”, fortunately her legacy lives on. On Saturday March 12, at 5pm the Universal Temple of the Arts will present the Staten Island Jazz Festival 33 at the historic St. George Theatre located at 35 Hyatt St, downtown Staten Island.
The festival will feature jazz music seven artists/groups including Nikara Presents…Black Wall Street (Nikara Warren), Bria Skonberg, Winard Harper & Jeli Posse, The Leopoldo F. Fleming Afro Caribbean Ensemble, Danny Mixon Quartet featuring vocalist Antoinette Montague, Dal Segno Trio featuring Darrell Smith, Michael Morreale and Houston Person and The Universal Temple of the Arts Jazz Ensemble. The evening will honor Women’s History Month as it celebrates the life and legacy of Ladner. There will also be a spoken word presentation featuring Professor Charles Thomas, Jordan Bracy and dancer Nubia Briathwaite, and a dance tribute choreographed by Walter Rutledge featuring Roumel Reaux, Briathwaite and Rutledge.
Musician Darrell Smith will make his debut in the role as the festival’s Music Director. Smith first met Ladner as a sixteen-year-old jazz enthusiast, now his many credits include imbuing and inspiring the next generation of young jazz aficionados at Jazz at Lincoln Center. O&A Editor-in-Chief sat down with Musical Director Smith to discuss the upcoming festival and all things jazz.
Staten Island Jazz Festival 33
Tickets can also be purchased at the St. George Theatre Box Office.
“I wanted to believe it was so much bigger than me,” said actress Halle Berry of becoming the first (and still the only) Black performer to win a Best Actress Oscar for her performance in Monster’s Ball at the 2002 74th Academy Awards. Continue reading
Le’Andria Johnson joins gospel superstar Yolanda Adams for a powerful performance of The Battle Is The Lord’s at the 2020 Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. Continue reading
The Dance of the Village Elders are back ! This time we exercise, dance and just have fun through the zoom platform or in-person at R.A.I.N. Nereid 
The Dance of the Village Elders are back ! This time we exercise, dance and just have fun through the zoom platform or in-person at R.A.I.N. Nereid 