Greetings! As we approach the end of the year, with the winter solstice behind us and as we prepare to bring in 2013, we greet you with wishes of peace and safety as you move through Kwanzaa 2012. We also send out best wishes to our beloved radio personality Brother Bernard White, also founder of CPR Metroradio.org, who has been hospitalized. Best wishes to you and your families this holiday season. Happy New “You”!
Sandy
Rep. Gregory Meeks’ office has valuable information on a wide range of post-Sandy services, including the Rapid Response Program. Contact Meeks at 718-725-6000 or visit him online at www.meeks.house.gov.
Activist and author Kevin Powell and April Silver of Akila Worksongs have done vital work on organizing critical info and services. Text “sandy 411” to 33233 for updates, relief and resources or visit www.kevinpowell.net/blog/2012/11/new-york-post-hurricane-sandy-inforesources.
Theater
The world famous Apollo Theater presents, for the holiday season, our annual Kwanzaa “Regeneration Night” celebration, featuring the amazing Forces of Nature Dance Theatre under the brilliant direction of Abdel R. Salaam, hosted by yours truly, Imhotep Gary Byrd. Fri, Dec. 28 at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit www. apollotheater.org.
“The Piano Lesson,” directed by the brilliant Rueben Santiago Hudson. Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson’s epic saga set in Pittsburgh’s Hill District in 1936, featuring the Charles family, a battle of surroundings and a shared legacy–an antique piano. Signature Theatre at the Pershing Square Signature Center, 480 W. 42nd St. (between Ninth and 10th avenues). Extended through Jan. 13. Box office: 212-244-7529. For groups of 10 or more, call 646-388-8113 or visit www.signature theatre.com.
In “Fried Chicken and Latkes,” Rain Pryor, daughter of late comedic genius Richard Pryor, stands on her own with a solo show, including a “parade of friends, relatives and tormentors” plus impressions of her dad. She reveals a surprisingly strong singing voice. Actors Temple Theatre at Congregation Ezrath Israel, 339 W. 47th St. Open run through Feb. 25, 2013. Ticket information at Telecharge: 800-432-7250 or 212-239-6200, www.telecharge.com.
“Tar Baby,” featuring Desiree Burch. It took over 200 years to build race relations in America, but it will take international performer and comedian Desiree Burch under two hours to dismantle them. “Tar Baby” is the story of America’s infamous Black and white love affair. Drawing on folktales, history and autobiography, Burch speaks to the growing majority of minority experiences in America. DR2 Theatre. 103 E. 15th St. Preview date: Jan. 5, 2013. Opening: Jan. 8, 2013, closing Jan. 19, 2013. Ticket information at Telecharge: 800-432-7250 or 212-239-6200.
Music
B. B. King’s Blues Club presents Motown legend Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Sun., Dec. 30, at 8 p.m., plus “A Gospel Brunch” with the Harlem Soul Choir, held every Sunday. For more information, call 212-997-4144 or visit www.bbkingblues.com.
Birdland presents Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, every Sunday at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. 315 W. 44th St. Call 212-581-3080 or visit www. birdlandjazz.com.
Community
The National Association of Kawaida Organizations (NAKO), in conjunction with the International African Arts Festival (IAAF), will host the 46th anniversary celebration and practice of Kwanzaa. The creator of Kwanzaa, Dr. Maulana Karenga, will be present to deliver his yearly founder’s statement entitled “Kwanzaa, Us and the Well-being of the World, A Courageous Questioning.”
The Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble (USA) of Trenton, N.J., and Charisa the Violin Diva will provide high-quality entertainment and performances Friday, Dec. 28, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Boys and Girls High School, 1700 Fulton St., between Schenectady and Utica avenues. By train, take the A or C to Utica Avenue. Admission for adults is $10, seniors and children is $7. For information, call 917-664-8472. Vendors should call 718-479-4186 or email nakoinfogroup@yahoo.com.
The Convent Avenue Baptist Church African American Experience Forum hosts a Kwanzaa event on the fourth day of Kwanzaa: “Ujamaa,” (Cooperative Economics), Sat., Dec. 29, at 1 p.m., 420 W. 145th St., in Lecture Hall. Take the A, B, C, D, 1 or 9 trains to 145th Street. More information at www.conventchurch.org or email ContactCABC@ConventChurch.org.
The New York City Chapter of the National Action Network’s Disability/Political Action Committee presents a “Kwanzaa Gathering” at the House of Justice, 106 W. 145th St. in the Village of Harlem on the fourth day of Kwanzaa: “Ujamaa” (Cooperative Economics), Sat, Dec. 29, at 1 p.m. Soulful music provided by LaRue and keynote speaker Dr. John Bolling. Bring a book and fruit! Vendors welcome! Take the No. 3 train to 145th Street. For more information, call 212-690-3730.
The Ausar Auset Society, located at 626 Flatbush Ave. in Brooklyn, will host a book party on Sat. Dec. 29, at 5 p.m. to introduce distinguished author Ra Un Nefer Amen’s latest book, “Metu Neter Volume 7: The Utchau Metu Realization and Proof of Divinity.” Weighing of the words and the will is the chief spiritual development procedure employed by the ancient Egyptians. 626 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Dine on premises at Tchefa Restaurant, where mouth-watering varieties of scrumptious vegetarian food can be purchased throughout the day. Also visit the Ausar Auset Society gift shop for items that nourish the body and mind–Ra Un Nefer’s “Metu Neter” volumes 1-7, spiritual oils, baths, incense, meditation CDs, Qi Gong CDs and DVDs and a variety of supplements and Chinese herbal preparations. Take the shuttle, Q or B train to Prospect Park or the B41 bus to Fennimore Street and Flatbush Avenue. Call 718-469-3199 or email nvm@nilevalley.com.
Hear Imhotep Gary Byrd on 107. 5 WBLS-FM daily with “Imhotep’s On-Air Guide to Black Events” and “Express Yourself,” Sunday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m., and on WLIB-AM with “The GBE Mind Flight,” Sunday evenings from 7 p.m. to midnight (simulcast on WLIB-AM/WBLS-FM from 7-8 p.m.). The full show can be heard on HD radio at WBLS-HD2. IGB is also heard on WBAI-FM 99. 5 with the GBE 2.0 “Global Black Experience” and “Global Beat Experience,” Saturdays from 5 to 7 p.m. We are archived online with both shows at www.wbai.org. To reach us about your event, email gbemail2@yahoo.com, find Imhotep Gary Byrd on Facebook or follow us on Twitter at GBELIFE or call 212-592-3279.