Hello, October, and hello to the second season of the hit TV show “Empire.” If you are a fan like me, then you were glued to your comfy chair as the season’s first episode unfolded.
Most notable this season are the cameo appearances by well-known actors, popular figures and other celebrities. The Rev. Al Sharpton made an appearance playing himself, and very well I might add. However, Cookie, our star leading lady, abruptly walked away when Rev. Al told her he would help in any way he could, just don’t ask him to do anything illegal.
And did you see the look Cookie gave Andre Leon Talley when he told her that her Gucci outfit was so last year? Perhaps the best cameo came from actor Chris Rock, as he was totally out of his usual and most comfortable character as the ultimate comedian. In Wednesday night’s role, he was the ultimate thug, “a very bad man.” Once the viewer realized Rock was playing against type and stopped anticipating a joke, he became quite believable and was very good. Now if only he and his wife in real life weren’t separating.
Marissa Tomei has definitely stretched her acting legs from when she was a dorm mate of Lisa Bonet at Hillman College in “A Different World,” and more so from being the fiance of “Cousin Vinny.” All in all, it promises to be a good season for “Empire,” and that suits me just fine.
It was a week of paying homage to the mother country as drummers from all across the city joined together at Marcus Garvey Park to celebrate National Drum Day. Keeping the rhythm and the beat from noon to dusk, the day was a spiritual retreat and journey. No way a listener couldn’t move some part of his or her body, mind or soul, as the melodic sound of the drums was mesmerizing.
Also taking place was the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts’ (host of the Dance/NYC and the New York Public Library’s Jerome Robbins Dance Division) presentation of an evening of conversation and dance demonstration with master African dance artists. Interviewed during the African Dance Interview Project of 2014, the esteemed artists included Maguette Camara, Marie Basse-Wiles, Mouminatou Camara, Youssouf Koumbassa and N’Deye Gueye. This initiative, conceived by Jan Schmidt with Carolyn Webb serving as project director, was developed to increase community knowledge, awareness and appreciation of traditional African dance in New York City. Renowned scholar and lecturer of the African Diaspora C. Daniel Dawson moderated the evening. Peace and drums, y’all.
I told earlier of the passing of Earl Edmund Arrington. Since then the funeral has occurred. More than 100 people crowded into the Foster-Phillips Funeral Home, located on Linden Boulevard in Jamaica, N.Y., where attorney O.T. Wells officiated. Members of the Links, of which Earl’s wife, Virginia, is a member, including Michele Stent, Linda Zango Haley, Tracey Brown James, Karen Selsey and Marcella Maxwell, were there to show support with a special tribute to connecting Link Earl. Walter Lowe gave a special tribute on behalf of the Guardsmen, and Earl Graves Jr. spoke on behalf of his father, as did the Arrington children, Marisa, Jaylen, Michelle and Angelique. Virginia gave a glowing tribute to her husband, with whom she enjoyed 53 years of marriage. Also in attendance were Jim and JoAnn Skeets, Jean Parnell, Daniel and Eloise Paterson, Renee Buford and others too numerous to mention.
Happy anniversary to Appellate Court Judge Cheryl Chambers and Seymour James, director of the Legal Aid Society. Happy birthday to my grandmother Bessie Johnson; Bianca Featherstone, who is celebrating with a trip to Atlanta
to visit long-time friend Lil Ana; Sheila Harrison; “Disco Mike”; “Newsstand Mike” Caplets; James “homeboy” Brown; and Brussard Alston.
The word around town is to start making plans, saving money and trying to get a sitter (a rare commodity these days) now, for on Oct. 14, two of the world’s greatest actors, James Earl Jones and Cicely Tyson, will appear onstage at the Golden Theatre in D.L. Coburn’s play “The Gin Game.” The last time these two giants starred together on the Broadway stage was in 1966 in “A Hand Is on the Gate.” They also starred in the off-Broadway production of Jean Genet’s “The Blacks.” Together again at last, their performances promise to be riveting. Call 212-239-6200 for ticket information. Look for Denzel Washington to produce and direct 12 of August Wilson’s plays, which will appear, dare I say, on HBO. Exact details will follow.
Speaking of James Earl Jones, the American Theatre Wing celebrated its 2015 Gala honoring Jones at the Plaza Hotel. The evening included a cocktail reception, dinner and performances and was no less than stellar. Funds raised at the gala will provide vital support for the American Theatre Wing’s programs, which champion and celebrate American theater on the stage, behind the scenes and in the audience. Gala chairs were CeCe Black, Anki Leeds and Marva Smalls.
The fifth annual Virginia’s House of Hope Tugboat Program cocktail reception, honoring Cheryl Short of Genesis Marine and Marino Hwang of Kirby Offshore, was recently held at the historic Down Town Association, 60 Pine St. The program was created to provide a career start in the maritime industry for qualified candidates from underprivileged backgrounds. These two honored companies have hired graduates of the Tugboat Program to work as tugboat deckhands, officially launching the students’ maritime careers. Funds raised from the event will benefit the program.
The Knickerbocker Greys, an after-school activity founded in 1881, has kicked off their fall semester. The Greys offer boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 16 the opportunity to develop their leadership skills, civic pride, poise, good judgment and confidence through precision drills and marching training. In addition to marching routines, the cadets take part in civic ceremonies during the school year, such as the Veterans Day Parade. They provide the color guard at a number of other patriotic and historic celebrations. They also take occasional field trips to areas of historic significance, such as West Point. According to its mission statement, “Through a fun and unique approach, the Knickerbocker Greys promote the ideals most parents want their children to develop, such as teamwork, leadership, patience and empathy.” The Knickerbocker Greys drill at the Park Avenue Armory at 66th Street Tuesdays from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Although annual dues are a little pricey at $595 (not including uniforms), it’s a good after-school activity and beneficial for the kids. For more information, please contact info@knickerbockergreys.org, visit www.knickerbockergreys.org or call Tuesdays at 212-585-1881.
Until next week … kisses.