Greetings! As we come out of the excitement of the 2018 midterm elections, we point toward a powerful exhibition, “Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow,” presented by the New York Historical Society Museum and Library through March 3, 2019. Visit nyhistory.org/black citizenship.
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 Ntozake Shange Readings Series, with readings of eight plays at the 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. Castillo Theatre, 543 W. 42nd St. Free. For tickets information, visit www.castillo.org.
“King Kong” is 20 feet tall and weighs 2,000 pounds. He’s monstrous and moving. And he is on to Broadway now in a $35 million musical that has been in development for nearly a decade. Broadway Theatre, 1681 Broadway, New York, N.Y. Phone 844-379-0370 or visit www.ticketoffices.com.
“American Son,” a gripping tale about who we are as a nation and how we deal with family relationships, love, loss and identity. Starring Kerry Washington (“Scandal,” “Race”), alongside Steven Pasquale. Directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon (“A Raisin in the Sun,” “Fences”). Marking the Broadway debut of playwright Christopher Demos-Brown. Booth Theatre, 222 W. 45th St., between Seventh and Eighth avenues. Show runs 90 minutes with no intermission. Phone 212-239-6200 or visit www.americanson.com or telecharge.com.
“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.
The 46th annual Vivian Robinson Audelco Awards “The Viv” for Excellence in Black Theater. A Tribute to Amazing Grace. Tribeca Performing Arts Center,199 Chambers St. N.Y. Monday, Nov. 19, from 7p.m. to 10 p.m., followed by Rome Neal’s Banana Puddin’ Jazz VIP After-Party at 10 p.m. at The 75 Club, 75 Murray St., New York, N.Y. (between Greenwich Street and West Broadway), featuring Patience Higgins and Sugar Hill Quartet. For more information, call 212- 220-1460 or visit audelco.org.
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.
“Salute to Randy Weston,” Saturday, Nov. 17., 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. at Sistas’ Place, 456 Nostrand Ave. at Jefferson Avenue. For information, call 718-398-1766 or visit sitasplace.org.
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.
Ne-Yo, with special guest Keyshia Cole, Saturday, Dec. 1, at 8 p.m., Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, N.Y. 10001. For information, visit ticketmaster.com.
John Legend—A Legendary Christmas, Monday, Dec. 3, at 8 p.m., Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, N.Y. For information, visit ticketmaster.com.
Maxwell: 50 Intimate Nights Live, Sunday, Dec. 9, at 8 p.m., Beacon Theatre, 2124 Broadway, New York, N.Y. For information, visit ticketmaster.com.
Apollo presents “The Kings & Queens of New Jack Swing,” with Teddy Riley, Sunday, Dec. 9, at 6 p.m., Apollo Theater, 253 W. 125th St., New York, N.Y. For information, 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.
Neflix presents “Nat King Cole: Afraid of the Dark,” a testimony on the life of a musical legend and “beacon of hope” to Black people across 1950s America. This account of the actual happenings in and around the “fairy tale” life of Nat King Cole is taken from the musician’s own journals. The late Maria Cole opens her heart to tell of the man she loved and the life they shared. Also features Cole family mementos, letters and footage from newly released archives. Check listings.
COMMUNITY
Dr. Tyrene Wright and Professor Basir Mchawi tackle reparations for African-Americans under the title “Reparations: Yes or No.” They will bring critical information on where the movement is today. The forum will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24, at CEMOTAP Center, 135-05 Rockaway Blvd. South Ozone Park, N.Y. Free admission. Call 347-907- 0629 for additional information.
Cultural Caravan TV presents Dr. Patricia Newton (Nana Dr. Akosua Akyaa, renowned cultural neuro-psychiatrist and author of “Empowering Our Children and Families to Thrive in the Age of Confusion and Corruption”), with special cultural entertainment, music, folklore, poetry and a performance by Atiba Kwabena Wilson. Saturday, Nov.18 from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at CEMOTAP Center, 135-05 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone Park, N.Y. Free admission. Call 347-907-0629 for additional information.
Live Nation presents “Becoming: An Intimate Conversation with Michelle Obama” at Barclays Center in Brooklyn Dec.1 and Dec. 19, 2018.Tickets on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.
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’s “Beat Experience” is heard 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.
