Greetings! With the hate in the air across the USA and right here in NYC, our own NY Assemblyman Charles Barron, Councilwoman Inez Barron, Operation Power and community members held a news conference at the African Burial Ground National Historic Monument in lower Manhattan, where a racial epithet was written on its memorial. It was reported by the media and by the police that “kill Niggers” was the exact wording used. It was later erased, but no arrest has been made. In the words of the Barrons, “We are demanding an arrest and a full-scale investigation, along with a proper security detail be provided for the protection of this sacred ground.”
We join with the many fans who send our condolences to the family and extended family of our beloved Ntozake Shange, renowned and beloved poet, playwright, novelist, performance artist, essayist and educator (“For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf”). The ever brilliant Shange died peacefully in her sleep at age 70, in the early morning of Oct. 27, 2018. Memorial information/details will follow at a later date. Shange wrote 15 other plays, six novels, three essay collections, five children’s books and 19 poetry collections.
THEATER
Woodie King Jr.’s renowned New Federal Theatre presents a staged reading of “Two Can Play” by Trevor Rhone, directed by Clinton Turner Davis, as part of “The November Readings Series,” with readings of eight plays at Castillo Theatre. This series, presented by Woodie King Jr.’s New Federal Theatre, is devoted to brilliant one- and two-character plays, a dramatic form that most theaters neglect. Nov.8 at 7 p.m. at Castillo Theatre, 543 W 42nd Street. Suggested donation $10.
“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.
“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.
MUSIC
“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.
Ms. Lauryn Hill, Friday, Nov. 9, at 8 p.m., Resorts World Catskills, 888 Resorts World Dr., Monticello, N.Y. Call 1-833-586-9358 or visit ticketmaster.com.
Oleta Adams, Saturday, Nov. 10, at 8 p.m., Highline Ballroom, 431 W. 16th St., New York, N.Y. For information, visit ticketmaster.com.
Lalah Hathaway, Sunday, Nov. 11, at 8 p.m., Sony Hall, 235 W. 46th St., New York, N.Y. For information, visit ticketmaster.com.
Come join the 5,000 voice Peace Starts With Me Choir, featuring Bishop Hezekiah Walker and Yolanda Adams. Nov. 12, Nassau Coliseum,1255 Hempstead Turnpike, Uniondale N.Y. Call 516-794-9300 or visit nassaucoliseum.com.
R&B Holiday Bash featuring Keith Sweat and more. Saturday, Nov. 24, at 8 p.m., Kupferberg Center for the Arts, 153-49 61st Rd, Flushing, N.Y. For information, call 800-745-3000 or visit Ticketmaster.com.
Ja Rule, Saturday, Nov. 24, at 8 p.m., Sony Hall, 235 W. 46th St., New York, N.Y. For information, call 212-997-5123 or visit ticketmaster.com.
Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly, with special guest Raheem Devaughn, Sunday, Nov. 25, at 7 p.m., New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St., Newark, N.J. For information, call 800- 854-2196 or visit njpac.org.
COMEDY
New York Comedy Festival, in association with TBS, presents Tracy Morgan, Saturday, Nov. 10, at 10:15 p.m., Beacon Theatre, 2124 Broadway (between West 74th and West 75th streets), New York, N.Y. For information, call 212-465-6500 or visit ticketmaster.com.
TV-FILM
The DOC NYC Film Festival presents “Teddy Pendergrass: If You Don’t Know Me,” Friday, Nov. 9, at 9 p.m., GA Theatre, School of Visual Arts Theatre, 333 W. 23rd Street, New York, N.Y. Visit docnyc.net.
“Aretha Franklin Amazing Grace” (world premiere). In January 1972, Aretha Franklin gave two days of gospel performances at the New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Watts, Los Angeles, recording what would become her bestselling album, “Amazing Grace,” one of the lost cinematic treasures of 20th-century music. Monday. Nov.12, at 6:45 p.m., SVA Theatre 1, School of Visual Arts Theatre, 333 W. 23rd St., New York, N.Y. Visit www.docnyc.net/film/amazing-grace/.
“A Hymn for Alvin Ailey.” Made for PBS’s “Great Performances” series, Orlando Bagwell’s Emmy Award-winning film is an homage to Alvin Ailey, the pioneering African-American choreographer and founder of New York City’s renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018, 12:30 p.m., IFC Center, Sixth Avenue at West Third Street. Visit docnyc.net.
COMMUNITY
The Schomberg Center presents, Schomberg Open House: Passport to Black History, the Schomburg Center’s annual open house is an opportunity for the public to meet their librarians, archivists and curators. Visit their renovated divisions, learn to conduct your own research using the Schomburg’s collections, get tips on creating a personal archive, visit current exhibitions, and attend programs in the Langston Hughes Auditorium. The Schomburg Open House has something for all ages to learn, explore and enjoy! Saturday, Nov. 10, from noon to 6 p.m. 515 Malcolm X Blvd., Harlem, N.Y.
Live Nation presents “Becoming,” an intimate conversation with Michelle Obama, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., Dec. 1 and Dec. 19, 2018. Tickets on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
Imhotep Gary Byrd’s “Express Yourself,” Sunday evenings on WBLS 107.5 FM from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and simulcast over WLIB 1190AM. The full show is heard on HD radio at WBLS-HD2 and at WBLS.com, WLIB.com and NextRadio. IGB’s Radio GBE is also heard Fridays 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on WBAI 99.5FM. 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.
