Posted February 8th 2012

RUN OF SHOW: FEBRUARY 10TH —MARCH 4TH 2012

Play is Finale of Ten-Play Cycle by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson!

CLEVELAND, OH – Lou Bellamy, Artistic Director of the acclaimed Penumbra Theatre, will direct the Cleveland Play House production of Radio Golf, the Tony Award®-nominated finale of playwright August Wilson’s unprecedented ten-play cycle chronicling African-American life in the 20th century. Bellamy has been described as the foremost living interpreter of work of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson, and his Penumbra Theatre is proud to have produced more of Wilson’s plays than any other theatre in the world. Radio Golf, a co-production with Indiana Repertory Theatre, will begin in the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare on Friday, February 10 and run through Sunday, March 4, 2012. Tickets are available at PlayhouseSquare ticket office by calling 216-241-6000 or online at www.clevelandplayhouse.com. Radio Golf is presented with support from Cuyahoga Arts and Culture and the Ohio Arts Council.

ABOUT THE PLAY

Set in Pittsburgh in 1997, the Hill District has fallen into blight — a crime-ridden ghetto full of condemned abandoned buildings. Harmond Wilks is a bright, engaging, Ivy-League educated man who grew up in “the Hill.” He has returned to work in his father’s real estate company and is running for mayor. The idealistic young politician and his ambitious college friend Roosevelt Hicks are organizing an urban renewal in the neighborhood. They have bought up a block of abandoned properties and are just weeks away from demolishing them to pave the way for a structure of chain stores, apartments and condos. When Elder Joseph Barlow disputes their claim of the rights on one of the houses, it sets off a storm of controversy that may jeopardize the project and Wilks’ mayoral campaign, as well as a very real question about the value of heritage compared to the necessity of progress.

According to Margaret Booker, author of Radio Golf: The Courage of His Convictions, the title of the play metaphorically alludes to the aspirations of the black middleclass towards the accumulation of wealth and social status — including celebrity — within the larger American context. “Golf is, after all, an upper-class individual sport played on manicured greens as opposed to team baseball played on back lots in urban neighborhoods, “ she writes. “Wilson chose golf – a professional sport once inaccessible to blacks – to examine the erosion of African American cultural values in pursuit of success as defined by a dominant white society.”

This phenomenon is epitomized in Radio Golf by Harmond Wilks and Roosevelt Hicks, real estate developers who, to further their personal ambitions, are preparing to tear down the last vestiges of the historical African American presence in Pittsburgh. The address of Aunt Ester’s residence, 1839 Wylie, is an allusion to the historical irony of their planned demolition. In 1839 there was an outbreak of racial violence in Pittsburgh as white residents of the city, who resented the growth of black populations in the North, did considerable damage to the city’s black neighborhoods by burning and tearing down houses. In Radio Golf, set a century and a half later, this destruction is now being planned by African Americans themselves.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

Cleveland Play House will be sponsoring events during the run of Radio Golf that use this August Wilson play as a way of connecting patrons to the challenges African-Americans face every day in advancing their civic and corporate careers. In cooperation with the Commission on Economic Inclusion (a program of the Greater Cleveland Partnership), “Business of Progress” seminars will be taking place at several large corporate employers such as KeyBank and Lubrizol. In addition, CPH will present in partnership with CSU Black Studies Program and Howard A. Mims African American Cultural Center several events billed as “August Wilson in Spring Semester,” a series of panel discussions and colloquiums about the legacy of August Wilson.

RADIO GOLF cast:

Anchoring the cast is James Craven, who will play the role of Harmond Wilks.  Craven is a longtime member of Penumbra Theatre Company and has performed as on Broadway in The Gospel at Colonus, and is the 2011 recipient of the Ten Chimneys Foundation Lunt-Fontanne Fellowship. The role of Roosevelt Hicks will be performed by actor David Alan Anderson, who previously appeared at CPH in A Raisin in the Sun (2008), also directed by Lou Bellamy. Regional credits include Indiana Repertory Theatre, Penumbra Theatre Company, Guthrie Theater, Arizona Theatre Company, Kansas City Rep, and Actors Theatre of Louisville. Abdul Salaam El Razzac will perform the role of Elder Joseph Barlow. He is an alumnus of Karamu House here in Cleveland and a founding member of Penumbra Theatre Company. El Razzac portrayed Avery in the national tour of The Piano Lesson, and regional appearances include Los Angeles Theatre Center, American Conservatory Theatre, Long Wharf Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, Guthrie Theater, South Coast Repertory, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Kansas City Rep, and Arizona Theatre Company.  Austene Van will perform the role of Mame Wilks. Van recently directed at Park Square Theater, History Theatre, Ordway and Penumbra Theatre. Her acting credits include Gem of the Ocean, Blue, Ain’t Misbehavin’ at Penumbra Theatre. Terry Bellamy, an actor, director, playwright, and educator, will perform the role of Sterling Johnson. Regional theatre credits include Guthrie Theater, Baltimore CENTERSTAGE, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Goodman Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, and The National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, NC.

RADIO GOLF Creative Team:

August Wilson (Playwright) authored Gem of the Ocean, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Piano Lesson, Seven Guitars, Fences, Two Trains Running, Jitney, King Hedley II and Radio Golf among many others. His works explore the heritage and experience of African Americans, decade by decade, over the course of the twentieth century. Wilson’s plays have been produced at regional theatres across the country, on Broadway and throughout the world. His work garnered many awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Fences (1987) and The Piano Lesson (1990); a Tony Award for Fences; Great Britain’s Olivier Award for Jitney; eight New York Drama Critics’ Circle Awards; Rockefeller and Guggenheim Fellowships; the Whiting Writers’ Award; the 2003 Heinz Award; and a 1985 Emmy Award nomination for his screenplay adaptation of The Piano Lesson. He was presented a 1999 National Humanities Medal by the President of the United States and received numerous honorary degrees from colleges and universities, as well as the only high school diploma ever issued by the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. He was an alumnus of New Dramatists, a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a 1995 inductee into the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and Broadway changed the name of the theatre at 245 West 52nd Street to August Wilson Theatre. In 2007 he was posthumously inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame. Born and raised in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, Wilson lived in Seattle at the time of his death.

Lou Bellamy (Director) is founder and artistic director of Penumbra Theatre. During his 36-year tenure, Penumbra has evolved into one of America’s premier theatres dedicated to dramatic exploration of the African American experience. Under Bellamy’s leadership, Penumbra has produced 24 world premieres, including August Wilson’s first professional production, and is proud to have produced more of Wilson’s plays than any other theatre in the world. Bellamy is an Obie Award-winning director, an accomplished actor, and a sought after scholar. Directing credits include A Raisin in the Sun at Cleveland Play House, Arizona Theatre Company, and Guthrie Theater; I Wish You Love at Penumbra, Kennedy Center, and Hartford Stage; Two Trains Running at Signature Theatre in New York; Jitney at The Kansas City Repertory Theatre and Arizona Theatre Company; and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom at Arizona Theatre and the Guthrie Theater. He was for years a widely known and respected associate professor in the University of Minnesota’s Department of Theatre and Dance.

The design team for Radio Golf includes Vicki Smith (Scenic Design), Don Darnutzer (Lighting Design), Karen Perry (Costume Design), and Todd Mack Reischman (Sound Design). Also on the team: Dramaturg Richard J. Roberts and Stage Manager Shannon Habenicht. For a complete list of design team bios, go online at http://www.clevelandplayhouse.com/main-stage/radio-golf

Ticket Information

Single tickets are on sale now; prices range from $49 to $69. Tickets are $15 for all students under the age of 25. For single tickets, please contact the PlayhouseSquare ticket office at 216-241-6000 or online at www.clevelandplayhouse.com. Groups of 10+ save up to 50% off single ticket prices; call 216-400-7027 or email cwheeler@clevelandplayhouse.com.

By Tim Molloy

Posted February 3rd 2012

Bounce TV will honor Don Cornelius with a seven-hour “Soul Train” marathon Saturday.

The marathon will begin with the show’s first episode and conclude with his final episode as host. It will be hosted by TLC‘s Chilli.

Cornelius, 75, was found dead of a gunshot wound this morning at his home in the Sherman Oaks district of Los Angeles.

Bounce, which airs “Soul Train” weekdays at 6 p.m., is also adding the series to its prime-time lineup beginning Monday. Monday Night Soul will feature four classic episodes of “Soul Train” back to back from 8 p.m. to Midnight ET every week.

Saturday’s marathon will begin at 7 p.m. Here is a list of the episodes, as described by Bounce:

Also from TheWrap: Don Cornelius, Creator of ‘Soul Train,’ dies

7 p.m.: The very first episode of “Soul Train,” featuring Gladys Knight & the Pips, 1971

8 p.m.: Al Green is the showcased artist, 1972

9 p.m.: The Commodores are featured in their prime, 1977

10 p.m.: Kool and the Gang highlight the show, 1983

11 p.m.: Janet Jackson in her first big music year, 1986

Midnight: En Vogue star in their debut year, 1990

1 a.m.: Cornelius’ last show as host, 1993

Bounce TV is available on free local station WUAB Channel 43.2 in the Northeast Ohio area. (Consult your Satellite or Cable guide for their WUAB 43.2  location)

Posted February 1st 2012

Carter Godwin Woodson was born on December 19, 1875 in New Canton, in Buckingham County, Virginia, to parents who were formerly enslaved. He was instrumental in bringing professional recognition to the study of African American history during a period when most historians held the opinion that African Americans were a people without history.

He founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in September 1915 and a journal to chronicle the history and advancements of African Americans. To draw greater attention to the contributions and achievements of African Americans to civilization, he and others founded Negro History Week in 1926. He chose the week to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln on February 12 and Frederick Douglass on February 14, whose lives and work supported freedom, equality, and citizenship for African Americans. This celebration and remembrance would later evolve into Black History Month, celebrated nationally beginning in the mid-1970s. Years later many referred to Woodson as the “Father of Negro History.”

The association today sets the theme for Black History Month and serves as a resource for local, state, and international branches to help promote greater knowledge of African American history through programs of education, research, and publishing.

Born to a poor family, Woodson supported himself by working in the coalmines of Kentucky. As a result, he was unable to enroll in high school until he was 20. After graduating in less than two years, he taught high school, wrote articles, studied at home and abroad, and went on to earn a doctorate in history at Harvard University in 1912; at the time, only the second African American to receive a Harvard doctorate. His predecessor was the eminent scholar, W.E.B. DuBois.

His organization, the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, encouraged scholars to engage in the intensive study of the past as it related to Africans and their descendants through the world. In 1916, Woodson edited the first issue of the association’s principal scholarly publication, The Journal of Negro History (now the Journal of African American History), which, under his direction, remained an important historical periodical for more than 30 years. Woodson served as dean of the College of Liberal Arts and head of the graduate faculty at Howard University, Washington, D.C. (1919-20), and was dean at West Virginia State College in Institute, West Virginia (1920-22).

Important works by Woodson include the widely consulted college text The Negro in Our History (1922; 10th ed., 1962); The Education of the Negro Prior to 1861 (1915); A Century of Negro Migration (1918), and The Miseducation of the Negro (1933). He was at work on a projected six-volume Encyclopedia Africana at the time of his death. Woodson died on April 3, 1950, in Washington, D.C.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION: EVENT LISTING 2012

February 1st through February 29th

Black History Month 2012  Cleveland City Hall Rotunda
Beginning at noon on Tuesday, February 1st City of Cleveland  kicks off the annual  Black History Month celebration. Free events will feature live music, food, and local vendors every Tuesday and Wednesday at noon. Free and open to the public. Click HERE for details.

The United Church of Christ Honors Black History Month

The UCC Church House in Cleveland will feature prominent African-American preachers during Black History Month, who will lead worship. Amistad Chapel, 700 Prospect Avenue E, Cleveland, OH 44115.  Each Wednesday in February at noon: Free to the public.

• February 1, 2012 — Rev. Geoffrey A. Black, UCC general minister and president.
• February 8, 2012 — Rev. Paul Hobson Sadler Sr., pastor of Mt. Zion Congregational UCC in Cleveland.
• February 15, 2012 — U.S. Federal Judge Denise Page Hood.
• February 29, 2012 — Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr., pastor emeritus of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago

National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Cincinnati Ohio- Courage: The Vision to End Segregation, The Guts to Fight For It

Half a century ago, a series of lawsuits that changed America were launched. These lawsuits led to the 1954 landmark Supreme Court decision, Brown v. Board of Education. The Brown decision ruled racially segregated schools were unconstitutional and set in motion a series of events that continue to shape our lives today. Courage is an award-winning, groundbreaking exhibition that tells the story of Rev. J.A. De Laine and other brave citizens of Clarendon County, South Carolina. Through photographs, oral histories and key artifacts, Courage explores the grassroots community activism that one community initiated to begin the process that ended legal segregation of all races in America’s schools. Click HERE for exhibit days and times.

Kent State University Presents ‘The Black List’

A three-part series features video portraits of some of today’s most prominent African-Americans from areas of arts, sports, politics, business and government. Produced by photographer/filmmaker Timothy Greenfield-Sanders and public radio host, journalist and former New York Times critic Elvis Mitchell. Moderated discussion to follow each video presentation. Click HERE for more information and additional events. Kent State University at Stark, Library Conference Room, 6000 Frank Avenue NW, North Canton, OH 44720. Free to the public.

• Volume I – Monday, Feb. 6, 2012, 12:30 p.m.- 2 p.m.
• Volume II – Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012, 12:30 p.m.- 2 p.m.
• Volume III – Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012, 12:30 p.m.- 2 p.m.

Karamua House Presents ‘The Bluest Eye’

A Karamu House production based off of Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison’s novel. It chronicles the tragic life of a young black girl in Ohio, in the 1940s, and explores the toll that a legacy of racism has taken on a community, family and innocent girl. (Play contains adult language and themes.)  Karamu House, 2355 East 89th Street, Cleveland, OH 44106. Click HERE for dates, times and admission prices.

Rock Hall: ‘Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power’

A groundbreaking new exhibit at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Guests get an in-depth look at more than 70 female artists and the important roles they have played in rock and roll, from its inception through today.  Exhibit features artifacts, video and listening stations, as well as a recording booth. Click HERE for more information.

Western Reserve Historical Society

The 13th annual A Fugitive’s Path – Escape on the Underground Railroad returns to Hale Farm & Village on select dates from February through April 2012. This interactive, role-playing program involves visitor s in the story of the Underground Railroad. The program begins on the auction block with slaves sold to a harsh overseer. A twist of fate allows them to escape, traveling under cover of darkness on a perilous 90-minute journey in search of freedom. Click HERE for days and times.

The King Art Complex Columbus Ohio: The February Family Film Series  “ Book to Movies”

The February Family Film Series will focus on books that have become movies.  In honor of Black History Month the series embraces, reviews and acknowledges the power of literature that has influenced films on cultural and social patterns of our society.  The dialogue will be led by community facilitators and/or local media personalities that will provide their expertise in their field, either by knowledge or interest. Admission is Free. Click HERE for schedule.

Visual Voices 2012: The African American Experience,  Schuster Performing Arts Center, Dayton,
A part of the KeyBank African-American Arts Festival, the free exhibit, open daily from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., features African-American “skyscrapers,” women and men who stand tall as role models in the Dayton community. Curated by Willis “Bing” Davis, Visual Voices is presented in partnership with EbonNia Gallery and will feature the work of dozens of Dayton-area African-American artists. Click HERE for details.

Black History Month at the Ohio Statehouse, Columbus Ohio

The Ohio Statehouse will celebrate Black History Month throughout February with a special display, free historical performances each Tuesday at noon and special tours of the George Washington Williams Room. The 2012 Rosa Parks Children’s Art Exhibit will be on display in the Statehouse Map Room throughout February. Musical performances will honor Black History Month each Wednesday from 12 noon to 1 p.m. in the Crypt of the Ohio Statehouse. Guests will be treated to a free lunch-time concert.  Living history programs will be presented each Tuesday at noon throughout February in the Museum Gallery on the ground floor of the Ohio Statehouse. Visitors will meet first-person interpreters who portray African Americans who are prominent figures in U.S. history. Free to the public. Click HERE for details.

Cleveland State University will present a wide range of activities in honor of Black History Month. From lectures to art exhibits to films and more, Cleveland State is engaging the community in a celebration of the lives, history and culture of people of African descent. All events are free and open to the public unless noted.  For more information, please call the Black Studies Program at 216.687.3655.

Bowling Green State University, month-long
Bowling Green State University celebrates Black History Month with numerous events, including a lecture series, musical performances and conferences. A highlight of the month’s events is the 13th Annual Black Issues Conference on Feb. 11 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Click HERE for full schedule of events.

Friday February 3rd 2012

E.J. Thomas Hall:  ‘THE COLOR PURPLE’ is an inspiring family saga that tells the unforgettable story of a woman who – through love – finds the strength to triumph over adversity and discover her unique voice in the world. Set to a joyous score featuring jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, THE COLOR PURPLE is a story of hope, a testament to the healing power of love and a celebration of life. Directed by Gary Griffin, THE COLOR PURPLE is adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Grammy Award winners Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray and choreography by Donald Byrd. 198 Hill St., Akron; 330-972-7595 F Showtimes are February 3rd & 4th.

Saturday February 4th 2012

The Cleveland Public Library continues our tradition of offering African American History Month programs throughout the Main Library and its branches to commemorate the rich history that helped shape this country.

Cleveland Public Library: Writers & Readers Series: Eugine Robinson, Author and Political Analyst

Cleveland Public Library welcomes Pulitzer Prize-winning author and political analyst, Eugene Robinson. Frequently seen on MSNBC. Mr. Robinson is also associate editor and columnist for The Washington Post. His latest book, Disintegration: The Splintering of Black America, was published in 2010. This event is FREE and open to the public.
Books are available from A Cultural Exchange at aculturalexchange.org. 2:00 p.m. Main Library • Louis Stokes  Wing Auditorium • East Sixth & Superior Ave. For more Cleveland Public Library events Click HERE

Cleveland Jazz Orchestra: Celebration of the Big Band, Classic to Contemporary Revue

Pre-show talk @ 7:30 pm * February  4, 2012 * Donor Lounge
Sean Jones takes the CJO and the audience on a journey through the evolution of the big band from Count Basie to Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Thad Jones, and more contemporary ensembles. Click HERE for event details.

Sunday February 5th 2012

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: Lessons in the Underground Railroad

 Wednesday  February 8th 2012

‘History of African-Americans in American Politics’

Former member of the Ohio House of Representatives, Thom Collier, presents a brief examination on the political elements affecting African-Americans, from slavery to citizenship. Event sponsored by the OSU/M/NC State College Republicans. Click HERE for more information and additional events. North Central State College, Conard Performance Hall in Reidl Hall, 1760 University Drive, Mansfield, OH 44906. 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. Free to the public.

Maltz Museum: Performance Preview and Director’s Talk, ‘The Antebellum’

Join Cleveland Public Theatre director Beth Wood and members of the cast of Antebellum as they talk about and perform selected scenes from this provocative drama that unfolds against the backdrop of a southern plantation, a German concentration camp and the 1939 Atlanta premiere of Gone with the Wind; a play that resonates with the entwining realities of Nazi cruelty and Hollywood dreams. 7pm. Click HERE for event details.

The Cleveland Art Museum: ‘Chucho Valdés with the Afro-Cuban Messengers.’

Thursday February 9th 2012

Oberlin College: ‘Why I Had to Dance’-A Premiere Choreopoem Written by Ntozake Shangé

Poet/playwright Ntozake Shange’s choreopoem “Why I Had to Dance” propels the audience into the world of dance through the poet’s experiences. Shange describes it as: “The story of black dance herself… the connectedness of black dance from one generation to another generation and from one region to another region, moving all around the dance world from my childhood on.” Experience the world premiere of this animated journey of dance through time, over generations and across geography brought to life on stage. “Why I Had to Dance” is written by Ntozake Shange and choreographed and directed by Dianne McIntyre. The evening opens with Unexpected Journeys, another new piece choreographed by Dianne McIntyre with Oberlin student collaborators. Unexpected Journeys is directed by Oberlin College Associate Professor Caroline Jackson Smith. Click HERE for ticket information.

Sunday  February 12th 2012

‘An Evening of Theater Celebrating Black History Month’

Presented by US Bank and The Urban League of Greater Cleveland. Event features the award-winning stage play, “Radio Golf,” by August Wilson. Production tells the story of a successful entrepreneur aspiring to become a city’s first black mayor. It’s the final chapter in Wilson’s 10-play cycle chronicling African-American life in the 20th century. Click HERE for more information.

Allen Theater — Playhouse Square, 1501 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH Sunday, February 12, 2012, 7:30 p.m. ADMISSION: $50

Friday February 17th 2012
Rock Hal Celebrates Black History Month: Ladies First, Meshell Ndegeocello Live in Concert.

Friday February 17th 2012 at 7pm. Click HERE for tickets and more info.

Akron Civic Theatre: Greater Bethel Baptist Church presents Past Unforgotten III Black History and Awards Celebration!

Greater Bethel Baptist Church presents an amazing night of Gospel singing. 100 Voice Choir of Greater Akron. 7pm

Monday February 20th 2012

‘African-American Women Pioneers in Sports’

Dr. Leslie Heaphy highlights African-American women and their significant achievements in sports. Event is co-sponsored by Kent State Stark’s History Club. Click HERE for more information. Kent State University at Stark, Library Conference Room, 6000 Frank Avenue NW, North Canton, OH 44720. Monday, February 20, 2012, 12:30 p.m.- 2 p.m. Free to the public.

Wednesday February 22nd 2012

Rock and Roll Night School – ‘Ladies First: Women in Hip-Hop’

Event is part of the Rock Hall’s annual Black History Month celebration. Attendees will learn about the complicated and changing roles of female hip-hop artists, from early pioneers to today’s leading innovators. Class includes a presentation, music and video clips, and group discussions. Click HERE for more information. 7 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. Free to the public reservation required.

Thursday February 23rd 2012

Cleveland Public Theatre: ‘The Antebellum’

Antebellum unfolds against the backdrops of a southern American plantation, a German concentration camp, the world premiere of Gone With The Wind and 1930s Berlin cabarets. Two stories merge as a love affair between two men, one Jewish and the other African-American, bridges time, space and gender. Through juxtaposed realities of Nazi cruelty and Hollywood dreams, this sweeping romance challenges intolerance of race and religion and discrimination on both sides of the Atlantic.  February 23rd —March 10th. Click HERE for tickets.

Friday February 24th 2012

PlayhouseSquare :  ‘Slam U Spoken Word’

Slam U is PlayhouseSquare’s spoken word poetry program for teens. Find your voice and speak your mind. Meet other teen poets. Be on stage. Develop your skills. Eat some free pizza. And maybe earn a spot on the Cleveland Youth Poetry Slam Team and travel to the international Brave New Voices competition in July. Free admission.  Click HERE for more info.

Slam U is made possible by the philanthropic support of individual and corporate donors and foundations.

 Saturday February 25th 2012

Max’nOut Entertainment and Beechstree PR in collaboration with PBS presents  ‘Slavery By Another Name’ Dialgue Discussion.

Cleveland Public Library: Natural Hair Care in the 21st Century

In honor of African American History Month the Cleveland Public Library invites you to its first ever natural hair program, Natural Hair Care in the 21st Century. Find out about the history, science and beauty of African American hair. Learn what it truly means to “transition” and discover the beauty of natural hair styles worn by women throughout the world.

Featuring a “real talk” informative and interactive session with advice from the experts. Join the hottest natural hair experts, salon owners, and bloggers for an afternoon of learning about the natural hair care in the 21st century. 1:00 p.m. Main Library • Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium • East Sixth & Superior Ave. For more Cleveland Public Library events Click HERE

Tuesday February 28th 2012

PlayhouseSquare: ‘Memphis’

From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, comes a hot new Broadway musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Inspired by actual events, Memphis is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves — filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock ‘n’ roll. Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards® including Best Musical, Memphis , features a Tony®-winning book by Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change) and a Tony®-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan. Directing is Tony® nominee Christopher Ashley (Xanadu), and choreography is by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys). Get ready to experience Broadway’s most exciting new destination~ what AP calls “The very essence of what a Broadway musical should be.” Run of show: February 28th —March 11th. Click HERE for tickets.

YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN PASSES TO THE SPECIAL ADVANCE  SCREENING OF ‘SAFE HOUSE’  TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7TH 2012 7:30PM AT REGAL RICHMOND TOWN SQUARE.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY! MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER. ONLY ONE WINNING ALLOWED EVERY (30) DAYS.

YOU HAVE UNTIL FRIDAY  FEBRUARY  3RD  2012 AT 12NOON TO ENTER!  (10) LUCKY CONTESTANTS WILL WIN THE SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING PASSES FROM ALL ENTRIES RECEIVED  TO SEE ‘SAFE HOUSE’!’

ALL ENTRIES WILL BE NOTIFIED BY EMAIL  FOR A CHANCE TO WIN.  ALL WINNERS WILL RECEIVE THE SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING PASSES AT THE MAILING ADDRESS PROVIDED ON THE OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM.

COMPLETE THE OFFICIAL SAFE HOUSE ENTRY FORM HERE

‘SAFE HOUSE’ OPENS IN THEATERS FEBRUARY  10TH 2012!

‘SAFE HOUSE’ OFFICIAL WEBSITE, MOVIE TRAILER, PHOTOS AND MORE ‘RED TAILS’ OFFICIAL WEBSITE, MOVIE TRAILER, PHOTOS AND MORE

By Michelle Simakis

Posted January 31st 2012

A year ago, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library added half a dozen or so eReaders to its collection at Lee Road Library.

Heights Libraries has decided to expand that program and now offers Nooks and Kindles at the Coventry Village, Noble Neighborhood and University Heights libraries.

The idea is that patrons can “try it before they buy it” and learn to use the devices.

“Our customers have been clamoring for more eReaders,” said Heights Libraries Deputy Director Kimberlee DeNero-Ackroyd in a press release. “Circulating these devices serves several purposes: It gives customers an opportunity to try these products and make more informed purchasing decisions, it provides library customers an opportunity to try a different reading experience, and it also allows us to experiment with new ways of serving our customers.”

Coventry, University Heights and Noble branches will circulate three eReaders and offer both Nooks and Kindles, and the Lee Road Library now has nine eReaders. Popular books are already downloaded on the devices, including Bossypants by Tina Fey, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

By Anglea McCrae, LA Black Hollywood Examiner

Posted January 31st 2012

The Pan African Film Festival will honor award-winning actress Loretta Devine with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her work on stage, television and film.  In its 20th year as the largest Black History Month event in the country, the PAFF will present the ceremony during the Night of Tribute at 8 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2012 at the Rave Cinemas Baldwin Hills 15 at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza.  The ceremony will be recorded and televised by the Africa Channel, which broadcasts in major markets across the United States and the Caribbean.

Devine’s list of accolades includes an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Dramatic Role for her work on ABC’s ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and received an Independent Spirit Award nod for Best Supporting Female for her role in ‘Women Thou Art Loosed.’  Nominated for multiple NAACP Image Awards in television and film, she received two awards for her roles in ‘Waiting to Exhale,’ ‘The Preacher’s Wife,’ and her work on David E. Kelly’s Fox series, ‘Boston Public.’

After more than 30 years in the business, Devine appeared in some of audience’s most beloved movies, including ‘Jumping the Brown,’ ‘This Christmas,’ and ‘Waiting to Exhale.’ On the small screen,Devine can be seen in her Emmy-winning role as ‘Adele,’ on ABC’s medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’  Most recently, she is set to co-star with Jennifer Love Hewitt in Lifetime’s new series, ‘The Client List.’

Produced by the Africa Channel, the Night of Tribute honors world-renowned actors, filmmakers, community leaders and fine artists for their contributions on stage, television, film, the arts and the community. Previous recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Award include Oscar-winner Louis Gossett Jr, Tony award-winner Phylicia Rashad, and the honorable Ambassador Andrew Young.  Founded in 1992 by award-winning actor Danny Glover, Emmy Award-winning actress Ja’Net DuBois and executive director, Ayuko Babu, the Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF) goal is to present and showcase the broad spectrum of Black creative works, particularly those that reinforce positive images, help to destroy negative stereotypes and depict an expanded vision of the Black experience.

For tickets or additional information visit:  www.paff.org or www.TheAfricaChannel.com

Read more LA Black Hollywood with Angela McCrae: http://www.examiner.com/black-hollywood-in-los-angeles/angela-mccrae

Posted January 30th 2012

COLUMBUS: Officials say new numbers on liquor sales suggest Ohioans are again going out to restaurants and nightspots, in a positive sign for the overall economy.

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control says wholesale sales of spirits to restaurants, bars and clubs rose 4.7 percent in 2011, after three down years.

Overall liquor sales in the state grew by 5.3 percent last year and totaled a record $794 million. Officials note in a news release that there was a smaller, 3.9 percent increase in the number of gallons of spirits sold. State Commerce Director David Goodman says the difference means people are buying pricier, premium products as tastes become more sophisticated.

The top brand of liquor sold in the state last year was Kamchatka vodka, followed by Jack Daniels whiskey.

By Davide Germaine

Posted January 30th 2012

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Deep South drama “The Help” won three prizes Sunday at the Screen Actors Guild Awards, including best actress for Viola Davis and supporting actress for Octavia Spencer.

“The Help” also claimed the guild’s ensemble award, the show’s equivalent of a best-picture prize.

Davis and Spencer won as black maids going public with uneasy truths about their white employers in 1960s Mississippi.

Jean Dujardin won the lead-actor honor for “The Artist” as a silent-film superstar whose career crumbles when the sound era arrives. Christopher Plummer won for supporting actor as an elderly dad who comes out as gay in “Beginners.”

The wins boost the actors’ prospects for the same honors at the Feb. 26 Academy Awards.

Plummer would become the oldest actor ever to win an Oscar at age 82, two years older than Jessica Tandy when she won best actress for “Driving Miss Daisy.”

Backstage, Plummer joked about whether he would like to win an Oscar, an honor so elusive during his esteemed 60-year career that he did not even receive his first Academy Award nomination until two years ago, for “The Last Station.”

“No, I think it’s frightfully boring,” Plummer said. “That’s an awful question. Listen, we don’t go into this business preoccupied by awards. If we did, we wouldn’t last five minutes.”

Spencer, a veteran actress who had toiled in small TV and movie parts previously, had a breakout role in “The Help” as a brassy maid whose mouth continually gets her in trouble.

“I’m going to dedicate this to the downtrodden, the under-served, the underprivileged, overtaxed — whether emotionally, physically or financially,” Spencer said.

On the television side, comedy series awards went to “Modern Family” for best ensemble; Alec Baldwin as best actor for “30 Rock”; and Betty White as best actress for “Hot in Cleveland.”

“You can’t name me, without naming those other wonderful women on ‘Hot in Cleveland,’” the 90-year-old White said. “This nomination belongs to four of us. Please, please know that I’m dealing them right in with this. I’m not going to let them keep this, but I’ll let them see it.”

The TV drama show winners were: Jessica Lange as best actress for “American Horror Story”; and Steve Buscemi as best actor for “Boardwalk Empire,” which also won the ensemble prize.

For TV movie or miniseries, Kate Winslet won as best actress for “Mildred Pierce,” while Paul Giamatti was named best actor for “Too Big to Fail.”

Before the official ceremony, the Screen Actors Guild presented its honor for best film stunt ensemble to “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.” The TV stunt award went to “Game of Thrones.”

The winners at the SAG ceremony typically go on to earn Oscars. All four acting recipients at SAG last year later took home Oscars — Colin Firth for “The King’s Speech,” Natalie Portman for “Black Swan” and Christian Bale and Melissa Leo for “The Fighter.”

The same generally holds true for the weekend’s other big Hollywood honors, the Directors Guild of America Awards, where Michel Hazanavicius won the feature-film prize Saturday for “The Artist.” The Directors Guild winner has gone on to earn the best-director Oscar 57 times in the 63-year history of the union’s awards show.

The guild’s ensemble prize, considered the ceremony’s equivalent of a best-picture honor, has a spotty record at predicting what will win the top award at the Oscars.

While “The King’s Speech” won both honors a year ago, the SAG cast recipient has gone on to claim the top Oscar only eight times in the 16 years since the guild added the category.

Though “The Help” won the ensemble prize this time, “The Artist” and George Clooney’s family drama “The Descendants” are considered stronger contenders for the best-picture Oscar.

Mary Tyler Moore received the guild’s lifetime-achievement award, an honor presented to her by Dick Van Dyke, her co-star on the 1960s sit-com “The Dick Van Dyke Show.”

SAG President Ken Howard put in a plug during the show for the guild’s planned merger with another Hollywood union, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. The boards of both groups have approved the merger, and ballots will be sent to members of each union.

“As one union, SAG-AFTRA will support a future of great entertainment for all of us,” Howard said.

___

Associated Press Entertainment Writer Anthony McCartney contributed to this report.

Posted January 27th 2012

Don’t ask Chris Rock about Newt Gingrich. The comic destroyed a videographer’s camera at Tao at Sundance, the scene of a Google bash and Jonny Lennon’s 4am Funday soiree, in the early hours of Monday when he was ambushed with a string of political questions after being asked to pose for a picture. A spy tells us, “A guy walked up to Chris and his entourage and said, ‘Hey, could I get a photo of you with my girlfriend?’ When he turned around, he found a video camera in his face, asking him about Gingrich.” Another spy said: “Chris pushed the interviewer and grabbed the camera. He smashed it so hard, it broke into pieces. He cursed the guy for filming when he had asked them to stop.” Another witness said that after smashing the camera, Rock asked him, “Did you get your shot?” Security escorted the video guy out, and Rock left peacefully, we’re told. Rock’s rep declined to comment.

By Ms. Osupa Nia

Posted January 23rd 2012

(PHOTO CREDITS: ROGER MASTROIANNI)

Cleveland Play House has introduced the newly constructed ‘Second Stage’ theatre to Greater Clevelanders with the grand opening of Jeffrey Hatcher’s ‘Ten Chimneys,’ the personal and artistic retreat for the legendary husband and wife theatrical acting team Lynn Fontanne and Alfred Lunt. Margot Peters biography of the Lunts describes their ‘trademark technique consisted of overlapping each other’s lines, various muggings, smirkings, hesitations, interrupting and circling around each other, nudging and mocking — intimate byplay their audiences found sexy and charming.’ Lynn Fontanne and Alfred Lunt enjoyed a marriage and theatrical team career that spanned over fifty-five years.

(PHOTO: MARIETTE HARTLEY, FILM AND TELEVISION CHARACTER ACTRESS AS HATTIE SEDERHOLM)

‘Ten Chimneys’ is a fast paced comedy depicting an artistic session with Lynn Fontanne and Alfred Lunt at their lavish estate ‘Ten Chimneys’ in Waukesha County, Wisconsin. Hatcher chose Chekhov’s ‘The Seagull’ as the playwright of the session in question. Uta Hagen did appear in the 1938 performance of ‘The Seagull’ with the Lunts.

Hatcher’s choice of Chekhov alludes to the temperamental relationship and lifestyle of the Lunts. Chekhov’s style is known for its dramatic subtext…skirting around issues and not addressing them directly. And so the case with Ten Chimneys’ as it alludes to Alfred Lunts’ excessive attachment to his mother and her constant interference in his personal life.  A sea of innuendo including whether Alfred Lunt and Uta Hagen were having an affair? Was Alfred Lunt bisexual? Did Lynn and Alfred Lunt entertain ménage a trois trysts? Was Alfred and Lynn’s marriage an ongoing stage performance?

In reality the answers are yes! Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne’s lives were an ever evolving stage play. ‘Ten Chimneys’ was a theatrical set. Their exuberant parties were stage shows and their friends were the audience. Noel Coward a close protege to the Lunts wrote ‘Design For Living,’ for him and the Lunts to perform. It is a story about a ménage a trois with two men and women. Uta Hagen was only nineteen years old in the 1938 performance of ’The Seagull,’ yet she was of legal age.

These are only some of the mind boggling perplexities that Hatcher has created with ‘Ten Chimneys.’  Michael Bloom’s directorial mastery extols the consignment and timing of these eccentricities. The seasoned cast of only seven breathes life into Hatcher and Blooms vision and their performances are seamless. Finally, a warm  welcome for film and television character actress Mariette Hartley to the Cleveland theatrical stage in this outstanding presentation of ‘Ten Chimneys.’

‘Ten Chimneys’ run of show is through February 5^th 2012.  ‘Second Stage’ is an intimate, interactive theatre that makes you feel like you are a part of the performance.  Cleveland Play House at PlayhouseSquare…I love it!

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW!