Greetings! A true giant, pioneer and iconic figure in the field of modern dance culture has passed. Arthur Mitchell has become one of the ancestors. The legendary, pioneering dancer, choreographer and founding director of the famed Dance Theatre of Harlem, the nation’s first major Black classical company, has made his transition at the age of 84. His contribution to the field of ballet-classical dance and his community set an everlasting standard of excellence, creativity and commitment. Our condolences and appreciation to his family, friends, students and all who were touched by his unforgettable, special magic.
THEATER
“Nat: The Life and Times of Nat King Cole,” written by and starring Verlon Brown, directed by Rome Neal and produced by Carolyn Adams, will be performed Thursday, Sept. 20, through Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018. Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m., Theater for the New City, 155 First Ave. (near 10th Street), New York, N.Y. For further information and reservations, call 212-254-1109.
“Once on This Island” is the story of a fearless peasant girl who takes a remarkable life journey for love. Circle in the Square Theatre, 235 W. 50th St., New York, N.Y. A Tony award winner. For more information, call 800-447-7400 or visit onceonthisisland.com.
“Collective Rage: A Play in 5 Betties” introduces five women named Betty who provoke each other to take a look in the mirror and face the people they didn’t know they could be. Featuring Chaunte Wayans of the famed Wayans family. MCC Theater at The Lucille Lortel Theatre, 121 Christopher St., New York, N.Y. Now through Oct. 7, For information, visit www.mcctheater.org.
“Smokey Joe’s Café,” an all new incarnation of the record-breaking Broadway hit, returns to New York City. Featuring 40 of the greatest soulful songs of the past century. Stage 42, formerly the Little Shubert Theatre, 422 W. 42nd St., New York, N.Y. For information, visit ticketmaster.com.
“Summer: The Donna Summer Musical” brings the iconic disco diva, Donna Summer, to Broadway. The musical includes more than 20 well-known Summer hits. Starring Tony Award winner LaChanze, Anana Dubose and newcomer Storm Lever, who portray three different phases of Summer’s life and career. Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 W. 46th St., New York, N.Y. Call 212-379-0370 or visit luntfontannetheatre.tickets.com.
MUSIC
Angelique Kidjo’s Remain in Light/Resistance Revival Chorus closes out SummerStage’s free season. Thursday, Sept. 27, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Doors open at 6 p.m.) SummerStage, Central Park, 71st Street and East Drive, Rumsey Playfield. Visit cityparksfoundation.org/events.
“Amateur Night at the Apollo,” every Wednesday night at 7:30 p.m. World famous Apollo Theater, 253 W. 125th St., Harlem. Featuring WHCR DJs. Visit apollotheater.org.
Ginuwine, Friday, Sept. 28, at 7:30 p.m., Sony Hall, 235 W. 46th Street, New York, N.Y. For information, visit ticketmaster.com.
Circle of Sisters R&B live show. See Bell Biv Devoe, Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky and Mike, Tamia, Brandy, Dru Hill, Stokley of Mint Condition and 702. Sept. 30, Prudential Center, 25 Lafayette St., Newark, N.J. Tickets on sale now at Ticketmaster or the Prudential Center box office.
Diana Ross, Sunday, Sept. 30, at 7:30 p.m., The Rooftop at Pier 17, 89 South St., New York, N.Y. For ticket information, visit ticketmaster.com.
Leon Bridges: Good Thing Tour, Saturday, Oct. 6, at 8 p.m., Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Sixth Ave., New York, N.Y. For information, call 212-247-4777 or visit ticketmaster.com.
Say It Loud—I’m Black and I’m Proud at 50! Saturday, Oct. 20, at 8 p.m., Apollo Theater, 253 W. 125th St., New York, N.Y. For information, call 212-531-5305 or visit ticketmaster.com.
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 20th Anniversary Tour, Monday, Oct. 22, at 8 p.m., New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St., Newark, N.J. For information, call or visit Ticketmaster.com.
Tyrese & Tamia, Friday, Oct. 26, at 8 p.m., Kings Theatre, 1027 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y. For ticket information, call 718-856-5464 or visit ticketmaster.com.
TV/FILM
Netflix presents “Quincy,” a new documentary (streaming now) written and directed by Quincy Jones’ actress daughter, Rashida Jones, and documentarian Alan Hicks. Check listings.
COMEDY
Kevin Hart: The Irresponsible Tour, Saturday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m., PNC Bank Arts Center, Exit 116, Garden State Pkwy., Holmdel, N.J. For ticket information, call 212-465-MSG1 (6741) or visit ticketmaster.com.
Tracy Morgan, Saturday, Oct. 6, Uncas Ballroom, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville, Conn. For information visit ticketmaster.com.
COMMUNITY
WBLS and WLIB invite you to Circle of Sisters, the largest expo for women of color, with panel discussions, seminars, gospel concerts, a fashion show and more than 300 vendors and small businesses selling unique items and services. Sept. 29, at Jacob Javits Convention Center, 655 W. 34th St., New York, N.Y. Doors open at 10 a.m. Visit wbls.com.
September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month. It is also back to school month for most children, and the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America wants the public to reflect on the children and the adults whose lives, education and careers have been affected by this disease. For upcoming events and information, visit curesickle.org of scklecellfoundation.org or the Sickle Cell Thallesemia Patients Network at SCTPN.org
The Fourth Madiba Humanitarian Awards: Celebrating the Legacy of Nelson Mandela will be at the Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Pkwy., Brooklyn N.Y. Saturday, Oct. 13, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. This year would have been Madiba’s 100th birthday. The event honors Ruth E. Carter, the costume designer for the “Black Panther” movie, as well as James Shaw, who foiled the gunman at the Tennessee Waffle House. Visit brooklynmuseum.org.
Tune in to 107.5 WBLS-FM weekly for Imhotep Gary Byrd’s “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 NextRadio. 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. Archived online at www.wbai.org. For bookings or to reach us about your GBEvent or for comments, email co-editor Nyerere, nyerere1@aol.com, find us at Imhotep Gary Byrd on Facebook or call 212-592-3279.
