11/23/20 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Cindy (1978)- Cinderella In Harlem

Cindy is a 1978 American musical television film that features an entirely African-American cast. Directed by William A. Graham, the film is an urbanized retelling of Cinderella. Continue reading

10/5/20 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Stompin’ at the Savoy (1992) Starring Lynn Whitfield Jasmine Guy- Debbie Allen director

As the Harlem Renaissance flourishes in jazzy New York City, Pauline (Vanessa Williams), Esther (Lynn Whitfield) and Alice (Jasmine Guy) struggle to survive. By day, they toil at dreary jobs, dreaming of stardom, riches and happiness. By night, they dance their troubles away at the famous Savoy Ballroom. But when World War II appears on the horizon, the girls find their fortunes unfolding too unevenly to reconcile, and they inevitably begin to drift apart. Continue reading

9/21/20 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Hellzapoppin’ (Lindy Hop Scene In Full Color) 

Lindy hop is the granddaddy of all swing dances, a blend of African and European dance influences that is both uniquely American… and now spans the globe.  Lindy hop takes its name from the Charles Lindbergh’s flight to Paris in 1927. 

If Tango is sultry, and Ballroom dancing is aloof, lindy hop is joyful and playful.  Lindy has a grounded, flowing style that closely reflects its music — from the late 20s hot jazz to the early 40s big bands. Harlem, New York, and in particular the Savoy Ballroom (“The Home of Happy Feet”) is where the dance was developed and innovated from the 1920s onward. Based on earlier dances such as the Charleston, the Black Bottom and the Breakaway, the dance evolved and spread over the decades along with the new swing music. 

Hellzapoppin’ (In Full Color) 

And while the dance continues to evolve today, contemporary lindy hoppers still strive for that same spirit, inventiveness, and musicality of the pioneers of lindy hop like Norma Miller, Dean Collins, Frankie Manning and many more.

6/11/20 O&A NYC LOCKDOWN LEARNING: The Harlem Renaissance – Black Cultural Movement in Art Music and Literature

This a video biography of the Harlem Renaissance, a negro movement where Black America developed significant cultural resources and a new cultural identity. It was an era of intellectual flowering. The levity of this movement produced great Black renaissance poets, music, art and literature . Continue reading

9/7/23 O&A NYC FIFTY YEAR ANNIVERSARY HIP HOP THROWBACK: Real Ones – Arty Klay, Woozie Wooz Featuring Splak G

 

 

 

Real Ones the latest release from Arty Klay and Woozie Wooz featuring Splak G. Filmed throughout Harlem the music video premiered on August 23, 2019.  Continue reading

11/22/18 O&A NYC WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK: November 22 through December 1, 2018 (Including Thanksgiving Weekend Guide)- Art, Dance, Film, Music, Theatre and More


Thanksgiving signals the official start of the holiday season. It is also the beginning of the holiday arts season and this week the excitement is palpable. Theatre aboard from City College to Hell’s Kitchen, music brings back the 60’s on the Upper Westside, with protest art in Chelsea; and while the Ailey company celebrates turning 60 in midtown, we have a group of over 60 “Sugar Babies” dancing in  Harlem. Here are a few of the many events happening in the city that never sleeps, guaranteed to keep you Out and About.

Continue reading

11/14/18 O&A NYC DANCE/HEALTH AND WELLNESS: Dance Of The Village Elders Present Santa’s Babies

Dance Of The Village Elders presents their annual Christmas Concert/fundraiser appropriated titled Santa’s Babies. The performance will take place on Saturday, December 1, 2018, 4pm at St. Philip’s Church located at 204 West 134 Street in the village of Harlem. The concert title is an homage to the indomitable spirit of the Village Elders; who have made Eartha Kitt’s Christmas classic, Santa Baby, into their signature holiday work.  Continue reading

4/28/18 O&A NYC ITS SATURDAY- ANYTHING GOES- HEALTH AND WELLNESS: Bartendaz Rough Cut Documentary

Bartendaz Rough Cut Documentary chronicles The Bartendaz, an urban outdoor fitness culture who work out in Harlem parks.  Continue reading

12/14/17 O&A NYC WITH WaleStylez FASHION: PG 1 “Wild West” PE At House Of Hoops

By Adewale Adekanbi Jr

Nike is bringing attention back to House of Hoops with more exclusive drops of special edition basketball shoes. House Of Hoops in Harlem will drop Paul George’s signature shoes name the Wild West, although the colorway and theme revealed by Nike Basketball color-blocking guru @beensmoove lends to a sandy beach theme. Continue reading