07.06.14 | Tony Lewis, Jr Presents “Collateral Damage” A Photo Exhibition

On Sunday, July 6th from 4-8 PM at Blind Whino (700 Delaware Ave SW, Washington, DC) noted DC philanthropist, youth advocate, and community leader Tony Lewis, Jr. will curate an exhibit entitled “Collateral Damage.” The exhibit will feature photos of the “other” faces of incarceration. It will highlight the individuals often forgotten and left to bare the pain of having a loved one jailed. An artistic demonstration, in which both Lewis and Photographer, Mark Thomas of Capture the Capital will shed further light on the impact of mass incarceration on families living within the DC metro area and attempt to tell their stories through the visual medium of photography.

When asked about the reason behind curating such an event, Tony states

“The motivation behind this exhibit was to illustrate the hardship of having an incarcerated family member and advocate for resources aimed to support those people; in particular the children. It is about exploring the mental and emotional anguish that these people experience during the incarceration of their family member who could be their parent, spouse, aunt, uncle, or sibling. These people are in need of resources centered around mental health, education and mentoring services. Incarceration is a family experience; we all do the time just some of us remain in freedom.”

RSVP for the event now at collateraldamagedc@gmail.com

The “Lion King” has Returned to DC!

Disney’s landmark musical event, “The Lion King” has returned to the DC metro area!

This award winning musical has made its way around the globe and is back in the DMV (DC, Maryland, VA) area to captivate audiences once more. But only for a limited time— after August 17th it will be gone. Therefore, be sure to get your tickets now to experience the dynamic ingenuity of a classic American story brought back to life live at the Kennedy Center.

Gateway DC Summer Film Series

The Analog Underground has partnered with the DC Office of Motion Picture & Television Development (MPTD) and the Ward 8 Arts & Culture Council to bring forth the Gateway DC Summer Film Series.

Beginning June 25th patrons can enjoy 8 weeks of free outdoor film screenings at the St. Elizabeths Gateway Pavilion.

The eight week film showcase, will feature commercial and independent films across a variety of genres paired with special programming and community events that support each week’s theme. In addition to the film screenings, pre-screening programming and festivities will include live music, contests, special giveaways, performances, and special media demonstrations.

There will also be informational booths set up to promote community non-profit and government programs and initiatives. Food trucks and a variety of vendors will be onsite. However, attendees are welcome to bring their own food and beverages.

All events are free and open to the public.

For more information visit GatewayFilmsDC.com

06.20- 06.29 |DC Black Theatre Festival

The DC Black Theatre Festival is back this year to feature moving plays, stage battles and  workshops all for the DMV community. Patrons can enjoy a week long celebration of theatre by attending live plays in any of the featured categories of Urban, Traditional or Gospel Stage play. On top of that patrons have the option of taking part in the ‘One Act Battle’, in which they are allowed to be the judges of a 5 day long competition for the championship title. Along with loads of entertainment, patrons also have the chance to participate in workshops to learn a bit of the history of theatre and get hands-on acting experience as well as tips and instructions on how to improve or gain new skills as an artist.

For more detailed information check out : The DC Black Theatre Festival.

 

LeVar Burton Kickstarts Reading Rainbow and Exceeds $1M Goal within 24 Hours

LeVar Burton is on a mission to educate the next generation and change the world for every child, everywhere through literacy. He launched a campaign last Wednesday on the popular crowd-funding site Kickstarer, with the hopes of raising $1Million dollars to bring back the Reading Rainbow learning experience.

The campaign introduced the newly re-imagined Reading Rainbow digital media platform, which features an unlimited library of acclaimed children’s books and video field trips. Within 24 hours the campaign had surpassed the suggested $1Million dollar goal which was originally set to 35 days of fundraising.

If you aren’t an 80s Baby that grew up in the 90s like myself, then you probably won’t be familiar with LeVar Burton or the Reading Rainbow. But not to worry I’ve got the Street Intell.

LeVar Burton is a well-known actor, director, producer, author and tv host. In the early 80s he was associated with the popular mini-series, Roots as the lead character Kunta Kinte. He was also a character on the beloved science fiction TV-series, Star Trek: The Next Generation. And of course he was the host of one of PBS networks most popular educational broadcasts, Reading Rainbow.

Reading Rainbow is a educational program that aired on the PBS network for much of the 1990s on into the late 2000s. The shows’ premise was centered around fun ways to engage children in reading books. In the show, Burton was in charge of narrating some of the most popular children’s books of the time; as well as taking viewers on  exciting and informative adventure field trips. The field trips were backstage tours of real world proffessions that coincided with the content presented in the featured books.

After the shows cancelation in the late 2000s LeVar and his business partner bought the rights to the Reading Rainbow name and formed their own company; committing themselves to continuing the legacy of the illustrious literacy brand. In an interview with Mediabistro  Burton states how “the [Reading Rainbow] brand has not outlived its usefulness.” As a result of this awareness Burton has used his celebrity in a big way, not only  has he brought back Reading Rainbow in a new app but he’s committed  himself to taking the Reading Rainbow brand into the uncharted territory of new media.

Growing up in an era of reading buddies, book fairs,  and library cards I am please to know that LeVar Burton has picked up the torch and carries on the legacy of empowering children and their families to share in the love of literacy.

Take a trip down memory lane with me and check out this mini flashback of Reading Rainbow and as always don’t forget to leave your comments below:

Remembering Maya Angelou

The world has lost another incredible and fearless pioneer.

Dr. Maya Angelou was 86 years of age when she was found early Wednesday morning (May 28th, 2014) at her Winston-Salem home in North Carolina.

Phenomenal woman—Dr. Angelou was that and so much more. She lived through some of the toughest times in American History. She survived World War II, overcame Jim Crow and marched through the darkness of The Civil-Rights era.

Always endearing and astute Angelou shared her experiences and insight through various art forms. In her earlier stages of life she danced and traveled around the world forming many eternal friendships, including bonds with great philosophers and activists such as James Baldwin and Malcolm X.

Through her various artistic expressions Maya Angelou has touched countless people’s hearts. But the greatest of her gifts has been her ability to impart wisdom through profound poetic and written expressions.

Angelou dedicated much of her life to composing classic American poems, stories and memoirs such as one of her most beautiful and timeless pieces of literature, “I Know Why the Cage Bird Sings.”

Angelou’s works are well recognized and highly regarded around the world. Her literary voice is one that will live on for generations to come, as she has paved the way and left open the door for many to follow in her footsteps.

Dr. Angelou is more than a poet, civil-rights activist, author and professor; she is a true renaissance woman. Not only is she a valiant soul but she remains a symbol of hope.

Her essence is a constant reminder to American-African people that, the fullness and beauty of who they are as human beings is indeed …enough!

05.10.14- 07.06.14 | Kara Walker Exhibits at the Dominio Sugar Factory in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Photos Courtesy of Instagram

BROOKLYN—Internationally renowned artist, Kara Walker has unveiled a new exhibit at Brooklyn’s legendary Domino Sugar Factory.

The exhibit entitled “Subtlety” or the Marvelous Sugar Baby is designed to pay “homage to the unpaid and overworked artisans who have refined our sweet tastes from the cane fields to the kitchens of the new world…”

The exhibition features a collection of sculptured sugar figures with the main instillation being that of the ‘Marvelous Sugar Baby’ fashioned in the shape of the Egyptian Sphinx.

Kara Walker has always used her art to open up the dialogue on a range of subject matters but more specifically the subconscious repression of the American-Africans’ contribution to society.

She is best known for her bold silhouettes and tableaus displaying images projecting additional themes centered around sexuality, race and power.

The glorious sugar sculpture stands about 35 feet high and is about 75 feet long.

This exhibit serves as a public arts project that is free and open for the public to explore.

Not only does this instillation provide Walker with another way to express her creativity but it provides an added cultural benefit, attracting more individuals to the Williamsburg community.

This exhibit is apart of the Domino Sugar Factory project, which includes plans to redevelop the area into new residential, commercial and creative spaces.

A proposal was passed earlier this month giving the green light on the demolition and redevelopment of the factory site.

The ‘Marvelous Sugar Baby’ exhibition was unveiled on May 10th and is open to the public on Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m., as well as Saturday and Sundays from 12 to 6 p.m.

Be sure to stop in and check out this wonderful exhibit before it closes on July 6th.

And as always share the Street Intell.

 

Source

05.23-08.29 |2014 Jazz in the Garden Summer Series

May is here and the official first day of summer is right around the corner. That means lots of great opportunities to explore the city.

One local attraction to take advantage of is the 2014 Jazz in the Garden summer series, which hosts free jazz performances in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture garden.

Each an every Friday beginning on May 23rd enjoy the sound of an array of Jazz artist while basking in the summer sun.

Visitors are welcome to bring blankets and lounge out or take part in cocktails and food from the outdoor café.

This summer series is a popular attraction for the after work crews and families so be sure to arrive early to clam your spot.

Every Friday, May 23 to August 29, 2014 5:00-8:30PM
Sculpture Garden | 7th and Constitution NW, Washington, DC
The nearest Metro stations are Archives/Navy Memorial, Smithsonian and Judiciary Square.

Summer Line Up
May 23 Elikeh Roots (Afropop)
May 30 Bruce Ewan (Blues)
June 6 Juanita Williams (Blues)
June 13 Deanna Bogart Band “Blusion,” (Blues Fusion)
June 20 Speakers of the House (Baltimore Boogaloo)
June 27 DC Jazz Festival (Various Genres)
July 11 Rick Whitehead Trio w/ Chris Vadala (Sax) Jazz Trio
July 18 Tom Williams (Electroacoustic Music and Composition)
July 15 Incendio (Latin Guitar World Fusion Jazz)
August 1 Miles Stiebel (Contemporary Jazz Violinist)
August 8 Origem (Brazilian Jazz)
August 15 Swingtopia (Big-Band Swing)
August 22 Seth Kibel (Woodwind Jazz)
August 29 Dixie Power Trio (Zydeco, Cajun, and Louisiana Funk)

04.17-04.27 | DC Film Fest 2014

The DC International Film Festival is an annual celebration of international films from across the globe. The festival explores the work of prominent filmmakers of newly released, award winning and experimental films; many of which highlight various things such as socio-political topics and varing global lifestyles. The Filmfest kicked off its 28th season last Thursday and will run now until Sunday, April 27th. This year marks the last and final chance for patrons to experience a myriad of great international films. Check out a few of the featured films below:

Wednesday—April, 23rd {6:30PM} Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema

7235 Woodmont Ave. Bethesda, MD
Take Metro Red line to Bethesda Metro station.

Friday—April, 25th {6:30PM} Landmark E Street Cinema

 Saturday—April, 26th {6:30PM} Landmark E Street Cinema

555 11th St. NW
Metro: Red, Orange, or Blue Line to Metro Center. Theatre entrance on E Street between 10th and 11th Streets

This year’s festival is full of movie premieres and special events like ‘discussions with the directors’ and some other free events. Festival tickets are $12.00 and sell out fast so be sure to make your purchase online via MissionTix.com , by phone or at any of the designated theatre box offices. Movie screenings will be held at various locations throughout the city, for further information and full film listings visit filmfestdc.org 

DC | 04.05.14 @BlackGirlsRock presents @rocklikeagirl

ROCK! LIKE A GIRL™ is a platform created to showcase the creativity of many talented women in the music industry. It also shines a light on the impressions that these women are making in the industry as well as the media, arts and pop culture. Created by the legendary Beverly Bond, Founder of the non-profit organization, BLACK GIRLS ROCK!, Inc., this new project aims to further elevate women and highlight their contributions to the music industry.

On April 5th, 2014 ROCK! LIKE A GIRL hits the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. bringing along some musical giants such as MC Lyte, Lauryn Hill, Jean Grae, Miri Ben-Ari, Anita Tijoux and many more. The event begins at 4:30PM and tickets will be distributed on a first come first served basis so be sure to arrive early. As a note, Up to two (2) free tickets per person will be available for pick-up in the Hall of Nations at the Kennedy Center.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: facebook.com/BLACKGIRLSROCK |Businesswire