To celebrate Black History Month, on February 16t, the Paley Center for Media hosted a thought-provoking and insightful panel discussion entitled, “The Storytellers: Preserving the Legacy of Iconic Black Musicians.” The even highlighted some of the storytellers who have helped preserve the legacy of Black musical icons, including Michael Jackson, Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.
The event featured a dynamic group of panelists who shared their experiences and perspectives on the importance of storytelling in shaping our understanding of Black icons and Black history in general. From hilarious stories about interviewing the late hip-hop legend DMX, to inspiring anecdotes with Roberta Flack
The event featured incredible insights from panelists including Julie Anderson, Film Executive and Producer, Louis Armstrong: Black & Blues, The Jazz Ambassadors, God Is the Bigger Elvis; Ralph McDaniels, VJ, Music Video Director, Host of Video Music Box; Lisa Cortés, Director, Little Richard: I Am Everything; Antonino D’Ambrosio, Director, American Masters: Roberta Flack, and as moderator for the evening, Touré, a Journalist, Author and Podcast Host of Touré Show and Who Was Prince?
History is said to repeat itself. In fact, we study textbooks and learn from our past as a means of avoiding it. In the case of hip hop, a genre that began as a social movement by-and-for the local community of African, Latino, and Caribbean Americans, we’ve had the luxury of having monumental moments captured for us by some of histories greatest orators. 50 years after its inception, the best rap songs are time capsules into their respective eras. Keeping in theme, Swedish photography museum Fotografiska have decided to chronicle hip hop’s emergence for its 50th anniversary. From its creation in the Bronx in 1973 and culminating in the worldwide phenomenon it has become 50 years later.
Hip Hop: Conscious, Unconscious chronicles the genre beginning with its origin in the Bronx
What is Hip Hop: Conscious, Unconscious?
Created in partnership with Mass Appeal, Hip Hop: Conscious, Unconscious delves deep into the genres origins, identifying the individual creatives involved in the movement. It is a fitting name considering the intended and inadvertent effect of what is now the world’s most popular genre. Located in Manhattan’s Gramercy Park neighborhood, the show’s layout is by chronology and geography. Additionally, the exhibition brings audiences through five decades of history, culminating in recent imagery of today’s biggest names.
Beginning with formative figures such as DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash, the display captures the era’s larger cultural climate, painting a picture of wthe influential factors that helped inspire the genre’s proprietors. Correspondingly, the show’s imagery features breakdancers, graffiti artist, b-boys and even gang culture which Sacha Jenkins — the exhibition’s co-curator –explains “was the precursor to hip-hop in terms of creating an identity for yourself,” especially regarding the culture’s core philosophies around self-identification.
Hip Hop: Conscious, Unconscious runs from January 26 until May 21, with focus areas that include the early years, the regional and stylistic diversification; and the turning point when hip hop became a billion-dollar industry. In like manner, the set of women who trailblazed hip hop’s male-dominated environment are also extensively documented.
Women’s contributions to hip hop are celebrated thoughout the exhibition.
We made a thoughtful effort to have the presence of women accurately represented, not overtly singling them out in any way,
– Sally Berman, co-curator of Hip Hop: Conscious, Unconscious
You’ll turn a corner and there will be a stunning portrait of Eve or a rare and intimate shot of Lil’ Kim that most visitors won’t have seen before. There are far fewer women than men in hip-hop, but the ones that made their mark have an electrifying presence—just like the effect of their portraits interspersed throughout the show.
-Sally Berman
Why should you go see this exhibit?
Hip Hop’s comeuppance is no small feat. What began as humble break parties in the Bronx has emerged to inspire millions around the globe. It’s representation of youthful urban culture is now the cultural norm. However, for those who trail-blazed the movement, hip hop meant freedom and the ability to express unfiltered thoughts and emotions. Sadly, time has faded the memory of the movement’s many vanguards. Several key figures played roles in amplifying this energy shifting movement and now many of these forgotten pioneers will get their proper due.
In addition to the genre’s periphery figures, world-famous photos like Geoffroy de Boismenu’s 1994 portrait of Christopher “Biggie” Wallace staring at the camera with an off-center blunt in his mouth, Run DMC’s feet under the table at The Fresh Fest press conference, a 20-year-old Mary J. Blige in New York, Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean on an East Harlem rooftop while shooting the music video for “Vocab” and many more iconic photos will feature heavily throughout the show.
It’s easy to forget that there was a time before hip-hop was an industry and before it made money. It wasn’t conscious of itself. It was just existing with young people living their lives, dressing as they did, trying to entertain themselves with limited resources and creating an aesthetic that registered amongst themselves. It wasn’t for the world; it was for a very specific community. Then there was an exponentially paced transition where hip-hop culture became a conscious of itself as an incredibly lucrative global export. The exhibition’s lifeblood is the period before hip-hop knew what it was.
– Sacha Jenkins, exhibition co-curator and Chief Creative Officer of Mass Appeal
Information about Fotografiska New York and Hip Hop: Conscious, Unconscious can be found here.
Flushing Town Hall has announced their Black History Month celebration, with the return of their Black History Trilogy.
This three-part series featuring outstanding performers paying tribute to influential African American musicians, dancers, and entertainers. Taking place over the next few weeks at Flushing Town Hall, these Black History Trilogy performances will pay tribute not only to their performers, but to their New York history that makes them unique.
I am very excited about the lineup of artists. The music presentations are soulful tributes to Chuck Berry, Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers, Al Green, Otis Redding, and music from a few of the greatest African American film soundtracks. There will also be an astonishing dance tribute to the Lindy Hop and dances from the Savoy Ballroom.
Clyde Bullard, curator for the Trilogy.
The Trilogy kicks off on Friday, February 3 at 8PM with The Chuck Berry Rock & Roll Concert Party, featuring an energetic performance from premier vocalist and blues guitarist Keith “The Captain” Gamble, in celebration of one of the founding fathers of Rock & Roll.
A singer/songwriter, guitarist, and harmonica player, Keith “The Captain” Gamble’s heart and soul are rooted in blues music. He serves as a guest instructor with Jazzmobile in Harlem and guest artist for the LaGuardia Community College lecture series on the Blues. He is also the co-writer of From the Root to the Fruit – A Chronicle of the Blues, a documentary film that was later staged as a musical production. The Captain has toured throughout Europe and to Zambia and Ghana, commissioned by the US State Department, and he served as lead guitarist and male vocalist for ABC’s “The View” house band, the Mile High Club.
The Trilogy continues on Friday, February 10 with The Challenge to Defy Gravity. Audiences will travel back in time to the 1920s Savoy Ballroom to celebrate the gravity-defying contributions of dancers Frankie Manning and Norma Miller, known for their famous Lindy Hop and air steps. Music director Frank Owens teams up with choreographer and dance historian Mickey Davidson to present a dance experience like no other. Audiences will learn swing-era dance moves at the 7PM pre-concert workshop, which they can put into practice at 8PM while enjoying a lively dance performance and concert with special guests Theara J. Ward, Music Director Patience Higgins, The Savoy Swingers, and Harvest Moon Hoppers.
Mickey Davidson is primary choreographer and director for Mickey D. & Friends, a group of dancers and musicians that explores and performs the interlocking relationship between music and dance. From 1993 to 2013 Davidson led the arts-in-education Okra Dance Co., presenting multicultural dance programs in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. She’s taught jazz dance and tap and has served as a visiting lecturer at Wesleyan University for seventeen years.
Davidson has been affiliated with Lindy Hop since 1985 when she started rehearsing with Norma Miller and her Jazz Dancers. Since Norma’s return to Las Vegas, Mickey has maintained the group under the name “Savoy Swingers.” Davison teaches special Lindy Hop and Lindy-related workshops nationally and internationally and frequently partners with Lindy Hop legend Frankie Manning in workshops, live performances, and televised presentations. She was one of three choreographers for the European Tour of the Broadway production of Black and Blue. Davidson. sets and maintained the Swing and Blues choreography inherited from Mr. Manning.
The Trilogy concludes on Friday, February 24 at 8PM with Soul Men: The Music of Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and More. Extraordinary vocalist Billy Cliff will lead audiences through a fun and funky mix of cinema and soul music history, featuring the works of Isaac Hayes’ composition for Shaft, Curtis Mayfield’s soundtrack for Super Fly, and Marvin Gaye’s film score for Trouble Man.
Born in Brooklyn and raised in the Bronx, Billy Cliff first emerged in the music industry as a background singer for famed vocalist Angela Bofill and platinum recording artist Freddie Jackson. He has also performed with Dianne Reeves, Will Downing, The Shop Boys, and David Byrne of The Talking Heads. He has toured as lead vocalist with the mega rhythm & blues pop grop Kool & The Gang.
In-person tickets for each Black History Trilogy performance are $15 or $12 for Members, Seniors, and Students with ID. Flushing Town Hall is accessible by car, bus, train and foot – located a short distance from the 7 train – at 137-35 Northern Blvd., in Flushing, Queens. Access for wheelchair users and individuals with limited mobility is available.
For Ticket purchase and more information, please visit Flushing Town Halls website
On February 9, TD Bank’s Price Chopper Black History Month Step Show, will be presenting some of the best steps teams from the Capital Region and more. You can catch the show at 5pm inside of Albany’s Palace Theatre. This annual event will be full of high energy, rhythmic performers and should not be missed
Stepping is a historical form of art that keeps the memories of enslaved ancestors alive. When stepping, the body is used as an instrument through a combination of foot stomps, claps and words. In the 1800s, African American railroad workers stepped to uplift their spirits during their inhuman treatment. Since speaking was prohibited at times, African Americans communicated through step. Their movements created a tune that told the story of their pain and sorrow. Today this tradition is continued by millions of people throughout and widely popular within sororities/ fraternities. More information about stepping can be found here.
The euphonious and capturing sound of step is something that needs to be fully appreciated. Through rapid movement and split second changes, you can tell how much time and energy is placed into the choreography. The movement is so alluring that it not only appeals to the eyes and ears but as well as the soul. With each foot stomp you can feel the vibrations run through your body. The entertainment will leave you wanting to learn more about these organizations and their history. This program and others like it offer participants not only a creative outlet, but also a chance to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
Tickets can be found here. Tickets are also available for purchase at the Palace Theatre Box Office, located at 19 Clinton Ave. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday 12pm to 5PM.
On January 13, The Black Version will make its New York City debut for Black History Month at Manhattan West’s Midnight Theatre. You can witness this comedic improv on February 24 at 7pm and February 25 at 9pm.
The 90 minute show will commence when the audience is asked to select a popular movie. After their suggestion, the cast must improvise the “Black version” of that film, in addition with its improvised soundtrack, dance numbers, DVD extras, audition reels, and much more. The entirely improvised show performs once a month at The Groundlings Theatre in Los Angeles.
After its 2010 summer opening, The Black Version has performed completely sold-out houses at The Groundlings Theatre. Despite also performing at The Kennedy Center, the show has been enjoyed at numerous festivals. This would include the Netflix is a Joke Festival, the San Francisco SketchFest, Outside Lands Music Festival, and the Louisville Improv Festival.
The all black cast features show creator, Jordan Black, Nyima Funk, Daniele Gaither, Phil LaMarr, Gary Anthony Williams, and Cedric Yarbrough. Karen Maruyama is responsible for direction and presented by Zach Laks Productions. You’ve seen this animated cast in shows like Community, Wild N’ Out, Mad TV, The Boondocks and Reno 911. Tickets are on sale here.
Midnight Theatre’s marvelous 160-seat venue provides a diverse range of programming that showcases talent from the Broadway stage, comedy, music, DJs and other unique special events. While attending the show, obtaining food will be no problem. Midnight Theatre contains a pan-Asian restaurant and bar, known as The Hidden Leaf. The flavorsome restaurant was created by Josh Cohen, with a kitchen helmed by Chef Chai Trivedi. Midnight Cafe, Midnight Theatre’s street level cocktail bar will also be open to guests. Another great place to grab a bite is Essex Pearl, offering a variety of seafood rolls, lobster, crab, shrimp and more from 12pm-7pm. A nightly Oyster Happy Hour will be available from 4pm – 7pm.
