STELLAR EXHIBITION CLOSES SUN., MAY 3RD

Don’t Miss America I AM: The African American Imprint

Rosa Parks is featured in the exhibition, "America I AM: The African American Imprint" which is on view through Sunday, May 3rd at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. Don’t miss this last opportunity to experience this groundbreaking exhibit. Presented by Tavis Smiley, America I AM celebrates 400 years of African American contributions to the story of "We, the People." America I AM presents a historical continuum of pivotal moments in courage, conviction and creativity, like the actions of Rosa Parks that highlight the indelible imprint of African Americans across the nation and around the world. Experience our shared culture and history through this unprecedented collection of rare historical objects, documents and photos that tell this uniquely American story.
Here is the link for more information:
http://www.constitutioncenter.org/ncc_exhbt_New_America_I_AM.aspx">http://www.constitutioncenter.org/ncc_exhbt_New_America_I_AM.aspx

Music, Dance & Spoken Word

Underground Soul at Patterson’s Palace

“Underground Soul,” hosted by poet Aziza Kinteh, comes to Patterson’s Palace every fourth Saturday. This is a showcase of conscious artists produced by Nate Brown Entertainment, LLC. Syncere, the sensational neo-soul singer, headlines this weekend. The phenomenal line-up also features house band the Urban Shamans, spoken-word by the awesome duo, the Queen and the Unknown Poet, African Dance by Carmen Butler and vocal stylings by M’Balia Singley.
If you go:
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2009
Time: 7 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Place: Patterson’s Palace Restaurant
1621 Cecil B. Moore Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19121
Phone: (215) 850-0976
URL: www.soulcommune.com/profile/NateBrownEntertainmentLLC
Cost: $10

“Juxtapose” Jeanne Ruddy Dance 9th Concert Season
Exuberant dance series features world premieres by choreographers Jeanne Ruddy & Martha Clarke
If you go:
Dates & Times:
Friday, April 24th, 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 25th 8 p.m.
Sunday, April 26th 3 p.m.
Place: The Performance Garage
1515 Brandywine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130
Phone: (215) 569-4060
URL: www.ruddydance.org
Cost: $25

Frank Bey Blues Band at LaRose Social Club
A must-see blues show!
If you go:
Date: Friday, April 24, 2009
Time: 8 p.m.
Place: LaRose Social Club
5531 Germantown Avenue (@ Schoolhouse Lane)
Philadelphia, PA 19144
URL: http://www.frankbeymusic.com
Cost: $15

Guest Artists Appear @ Sound of Market Street
Norman Connors CD signing
Lady Alma and Lots More!
If you go:
Date: Saturday, April 25, 2009
Times: 1 p.m. Norman Connors
2 p.m. Lady Alma, Aaron Mingo, Helen & Terry
Place: Sound of Market Street Record Store
15 South 11th Street, (Between Market & Chestnut0
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Phone: (215) 925-3150
URL: www.jazsound.com
Cost: Free Admission

“Jazz Bridge” Hosts Annual Fundraiser for Musicians in Need
Featuring Warren Oree & Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble
Vocalists Denise King, and Ella Gahnt, Klingon Klezmer Band with Dave Posmontier and many others
If you go:
Date: Sunday, April 26, 2009
Time: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Place: Philadelphia Clef Club of the Performing Arts
736 South Broad Street (@ Fitzwater)
Philadelphia, PA 19146
Phone: (215) 517-8337
URL: www.jazzbridge.org
Cost: $25

Lady Dove at 100 Poets Reading

Transformation Journey

It's hard to believe it's been a month since my last blog post. But it has. I am not as obedient as I should be to the acknowledgement of the acceleration of time. However it is time to keep up. Now is the time. No time like the present. Time is time. Time to reflect. Time to move forward. My performances of "Little Girl Blue" last month at the Community Education Center in Philadelphia were a blessing, truly a dream come true. My ace collaborator, Bassist and Composer Warren Oree, really tore the house down. Everybody loved him. He also plays African percussion during these performances and the mix with his acoustic double bass is, well, awesome. My role as the actor and spoken word artist in this play is truly elevated by Warren's presence; we are developing this piece individually and collectively. Inspiration and motivation work wonders in helping artists max out their talent and I must say Warren is one of the most inspirational cats I have ever had the privilege of calling my cultural collaborator. And I am also so humbled and fortunate to call him my friend. As an actor, I can honestly say I have done some of my best work with Warren up on that stage with me, encouraging me all the way.

I must admit that over these past few years, "Little Girl Blue" has truly grown to become an obsession with me. I am the vessel that is channeling these poignant and triumphant stories. The characters, the scenes, the ideas - all seem to come through me and not necessarily from me in the logical accepted norm of brainwork, thought synthesis and application. This is an unconscious phenomenon that has become tangible in the form of a stage production. I realize I am being used. I am being moved in a spiritual way. Even though I wrote this saga, where I portray 17 characters that symbolize a Black woman's coming of age and survival against all types of indignation and abuse, I cannot take full credit for it. And who knew that domestic violence would take on such prominence on the world stage at this particular time? Woman abuse has been prevalent for centuries but is currently in the headlines because of certain celebrities' personal lives coming under unfortunate public exposure, judgement and scrutiny.

Anyway, because of this realization that I am dealing with an obsession, I will transform "Little Girl Blue" into its own blog. And return to keeping "Cultural Collideoscope" entries more universal and not necessarily about me. Starting now.. . . yes... the transformation journey is starting now. Look for "Little Girl Blue" in its new home soon. Stay tuned for enhanced episodes of "Cultural Collideoscope." Asante Sana. Peace & Blessings
"The Lady Dove"