Finally, at last, warmer weather is slowly inching its way into the atmosphere; after being wrapped up from head to toe all winter, it’s time to shed. If you are feeling like you are really ready to express yourself, consider attending Publicolor’s Stir, Splatter and Roll 2014 Gala. This year the event will be held at Martin Luther King High School (122 Amsterdam Ave.–just behind Lincoln Center) on Tuesday, April 22, and it promises to be delightfully engaging–especially for all of you wanna-be artists.
Co-chaired by designer Michael Kors, architect Gene Kohn and menswear designer Jeffrey Banks, the Stir, Splatter and Roll Gala is a unique, fun-filled party where guests paint alongside some of the city’s leading artists, designers and architects. Among the honorees (every event has some) will be huge Publicolor supporter Michael Kaiser, who as president of the Kennedy Center, is recognized worldwide as a preeminent leader in the performing arts world.
All proceeds support Publicolor’s mission: “to engage disconnected students in their education, while teaching them strong and transferable work habits so they are prepared to be productive in both college and career.” For more information, visit: www.publicolor.org/events/ssr
After you paint, there is still time to dance. The Dance Theatre of Harlem’s 45th anniversary runs April 23-27 at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall and it promises to be riveting. For more information, visit www.dancetheaterofharlem.org.
Perhaps you want to join the gang for a theater party? Cleveland Kojack (with a “c”) Manley is organizing a theater group to see “Motown: The Musical.” He has some real good seats for a really good price. Check him and the play out by calling 917-543-5930.
Should you chose to just stay home and curl up in front of the TV, waiting for the April showers to come, fear not; public television will be around a little while longer. New York’s public television stations THIRTEEN and WLIW21, raised $2.7 million at WNET’S 20th annual Gala Salute, held at Cipriani 42nd Street. The honorees were Kathryn and Kenneth Chenault and Cheryl and Philip Milstein. Hosts for the evening were wife and husband Deborah Roberts, correspondent for ABC News’ “20/20,” and Al Roker, co-host of NBCs’ “Today” and the Weather Channel’s “Wake Up With Al.”
Ok so you do want to go out, but you want to stay local. Shirley Scott and friends request your presence on Thursday, April 17 at Showman’s Jazz Club, located on West 125th Street, to celebrate the birthday of long-time Harlemite Richard Grandy. Also celebrating birthdays are Charlie “Fish Charlie” Moore, Bryan Barksdale, and Zetti Burie Tarrant.
Public relations maven Terrie Williams is urging everyone to see Halle Berry’s new movie “Frankie and Alice.” The phenomenal Berry portrays the true story of an African-American go-go dancer who suffers from multiple personalities. The film also features the legendary Phylicia Rashad, “Grey’s Anatomy” star Chandra Wilson and Stellan Skarsgard. According to Williams, “While I encourage everyone to go out and see this amazing film, it’s important to remember the prevalence of unchecked mental illness, especially in urban communities nationwide … A number of residents in urban areas were in fact suffering from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), a by-product of the violence they encounter daily. According to psychiatrist Dr. Kerry Ressler and his colleagues, PTSD is more prevalent in some urban neighborhoods than among war veterans.”
I am very intrigued and eager to see the film, which has hit movie theaters. The reality that so many people suffer from PTSD, yet have to hide behind a facade is very disturbing. The fact that Berry is starring in the film makes it more compelling. It is time that we collectively strive to learn more about how we are all affected–one way or another.
Speaking out on the mental health issue, Williams would like to remind us to look out for the upcoming documentary “Face of Darkness,” which deals with the rising suicide rates and depression in African–American males and showcases mental health advocates Terrie M. Williams, author of “Black Pain: It Just Looks Like We’re Not Hurting,” and Dr. Jeffrey Gardere, known as “America’s Psychologist.”
The recent suicide of actor Lee Thompson Young and Hampton University alum Yusuf Neville prompted filmmakers Squeaky Moore and Kenneth “KT” Nelson to make the documentary, whereby Nelson confessed, “As an African-American male, I was taught that a man should not express his feelings and never to cry…There is a stigma in my community that prevents males from sharing emotions, hugging or admitting that we are afraid.”
Lenox Hill Neighborhood House is defying statistics and supporting mental health. The 120-year-old settlement house is widely recognized as one of New York’s premier nonprofit organizations. Providing an extensive array of human services from social, educational, legal, health, housing, mental health, to nutritional and fitness, the organization has significantly improved the lives of more than 20,000 people (from ages 3 to 103) living on Manhattan’s East Side on a yearly basis. Most recently, Lenox Hill Neighborhood House hosted their Spring Gala–welcoming over 600 New Yorkers to Cipriani 42nd Street for dinner and dancing. The Gala, honoring Caroline and Thompson Dean for their longstanding support of the Neighborhood House, raised $1,350,000 that will go directly toward the organization’s vital programs. The Spring Gala, sponsored by Veranda magazine, featured tabletops individually decorated by interior designers such as Nicole Gibbons. Nicole’s oh so exotic table top was reminiscent of a Shangri La. She shared that the fabric for her tablecloth was donated by Calico Corners–“a great resource for designer home fabrics that anyone can shop.” Good to know these things.
Another tip from Nicole. Itching for a change? Sprucing up your home can be just the relief you’ve been looking for and you don’t have to spend a fortune. Think about starting at the front door by purchasing a doormat and topping it off with an umbrella stand. With the rainy season about to descend upon us, these items will come in handy, along with a leave-your-shoes at the door sign; it may just do the trick.
Until next week … kisses.