Greetings! Our deepest appreciation to everyone who participated in celebrating the 91st birthday anniversary of El Hajj Malik El Shabazz, Malcolm X, lifting the iconic giant again for African Liberation Month.
The December 12th movement’s attorney, Roger Wareham, and organizer Jamal Johnson joined us to highlight the annual Malcolm X Harlem March-Shutdown and Forum on our Express Yourself WLIB-WBLS simulcast, along with Professor James Smalls, VP and executive director of the Eastern Region OAAU, leader of the annual pilgrimage to the gravesite of Brother Malcolm at Ferncliff Cemetery. Famed attorney-activist, publisher and producer Londell McMillan spotlighted the Shabazz family celebration of Brother Malcolm at the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center in Harlem and underscored the work he and the Shabazz family are doing to support the intellectual and property rights legacy of Brother Malcolm. Visit ShopMalcolmX.com.
THEATER
“Shuffle Along,” now on Broadway, starring six-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald. The production is a musical revival of the 1921 sensation, featuring the original show’s music and lyrics by Noble Sissle and Eubie Blake, with choreography by Savion Glover. Music Box Theatre, 238 W. 45 St., New York, N.Y. For information, call 212-239-6200 or visit shufflealongbroadway.com.
“Turn Me Loose” a new comedic drama by Gretchen Law tells the story of comedian and civil rights activist Dick Gregory. Currently in previews, opening Off-Broadway at the Westside Theatre, 407 W. 43rd St., May 19. Starring Tony Award nominee, Emmy and NAACP Image Award winner Joe Morton, best known for his portrayal of Rowan Pope on the hit ABC drama, “Scandal,” as Dick Gregory. The play also features an original song by John Legend. Tickets are now on sale via www.telecharge.com or by phone at 212-239-6200. For more information, visit www.TurnMeLoosePlay.com.
“Eclipsed” written by Zimbabwean playwright and actress, Dana Gurira, directed by South African Liesl Tommy, featuring Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong’o. Women brought together by upheaval in their homeland of Liberia. Golden Theatre, 252 W. 45th St., New York, N.Y. For tickets and information, visit EclipsedBroadway.com.
“The Color Purple,” now on Broadway, featuring Jennifer Hudson, Cynthia Erivo and Danielle Brooks, at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, 242 W. 45th St., New York, N.Y.. For information, visit colorpurple.com.
“Hamilton: An American Musical,” continues to captivate audiences at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, 226 W. 46th St. For information, call 800-276-2392 or visit boxoffice.broadway.com
MUSIC
Dance Africa Festival, 2016, “Dance of Ancient Futures,” featuring Yousou N’Dour for two evenings, with his longtime band Le Super Etoile de Dakar. Dance Music Film Bazaar, May 25-30, BAM, Howard Gilman Opera House, 30 Lafayette St., Brooklyn, N.Y. For information, visit:BAM.org.
Hot 97 Summer Jam, Sunday, June 5 at 6:30 p.m., MetLife Stadium, One MetLife Stadium Drive, East Rutherford, N.J. For information, visit: ticketmaster.com.
Beyonce—The Formation Tour, Tuesday, June 7 and Wednesday, June 8 at 7:30 p.m., Citi Field, Roosevelt Avenue, Flushing, N.Y. For information, visit: ticketmaster.com.
MusiqSoulchild/LaLah Hathaway/Raheim DeVaughn, Friday, June 10 at 8 p.m., NJPAC, 1 Center St., Newark, N.J. For information, call 888-466-5722 or visit ww.njpac.org.
National MS Society Musical Moments for MS presents Aretha Franklin, Thurday, June 16 at 7:30 p.m., NJPAC, 1 Center St., Newark, N.J. For information, call 888-466-5722 or visit ww.njpac.org.
Earth, Wind & Fire, Friday, June 17 at 8 p.m., Count Basie Theatre, 99 Monmouth St., Red Bank, N.J. For information, call 732-224-8778 or visit countbasietheatre.org or ticketmaster.com.
Boyz II Men, Sunday, June 19 at 8 p.m., NYCB Theater at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury, N.Y. For information, call 516-334-0800 or visit ticketmaster.com.
The Temptations and the Four Tops, Friday, June 24 at 8 p.m., NYCB Theater at Westbury, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury, N.Y. For information, call 516-334-0800 or visit ticketmaster.com.
BOOKS
Reading Circle: “Revolutionary Integration: A Marxist Analysis of African American Liberation.” What will it take to truly end racism in the U.S.?” This groundbreaking text highlights the crucial role of Black workers, women and LGBT people in the struggle for an integrated movement against not only race oppression but also all injustice and exploitation. Book available on site and online. May 19 and June 2, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Freedom Hall, 113 W. 128th St., Harlem. Admission is free. For information, call 347-561-0699 or visit www.socialism.com/newyorkcity.
FILM
The incomparable Don Cheadle directs and stars in “Miles Ahead”highlighting legendary jazz trumpeter and musical genius Miles Davis.Check theatres for listings.
COMMUNITY
“Responding to Challenging Behaviors at School, Home and in the Community,” Thursday, May 26, 1770 Stillwell Ave., 2nd Floor, Bronx, N.Y., 10 a.m. to noon. This workshop discusses various underlying factors leading to challenging behaviors, as well as specialized techniques for identifying common triggers and the most successful approaches for decreasing and eliminating challenging behaviors. Workshops for parents, professional and caregivers. No children please. Admission is free. To register, call 718-436-7979.
“Bad/Dangerous/Invincible: Michael Jackson’s Epic Years,” Thursday, June 16 at 6:30 p.m., Apollo Theater, 253 W. 125th St., New York, N.Y., Mark Anthony Neal, author and Duke University Professor of Black Popular Culture, will take us behind the music for a look at Michael Jackson’s impact on music, culture and entertainment and his evolution in becoming one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Free to the public. RSVP required. Once you’ve registered online, you will receive an email confirmation. You must print out your email confirmation and bring it with you the evening of the event. Note: Entry is not guaranteed. For information, call 212-531-5300 or visit apollotheater.org.
Hear Imhotep Gary Byrd on 107.5 WBLS-FM weekly with “Express Yourself,” Sunday evenings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and simulcast over WLIB 1190AM. The full show can also be heard on HD radio at WBLS-HD2 and at WBLS.com.,WLIB.com and iHeartRadio. IGB is also heard on WBAI-FM 99.5 with Radio GBE: “The Global Black Experience” and “The Global Beat Experience,” Fridays 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Both shows are archived online at www.wbai.org. To contact us for bookings or to reach us about your event or for comments, email igbexp@gmail.com, find us at Imhotep Gary Byrd on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @GBELIFE or call 212-592-3279.
