Greetings! Our listeners throughout the tristate and beyond were dismayed to hear us announce as reported in the Amsterdam News in an interview by Jordannah Elizabeth that the mighty O’Jay’s of Gamble-Huff Philadelphia International records fame have made their last recording after 60 years in the industry. Aptly called “The Last Word,” it marks the end of a career of classic soul hits by the Ohio superstar trio, who got their name from legendary NYC radio personality Eddie O’Jay of “Soul at Sunrise” over WLIB.
THEATER
“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”) and 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.
“Eve’s Song” examines a regular American family in the aftermath of a messy divorce and a daughter coming out as homosexual. Deborah is trying to keep things normal at home. But as Black people continue to be killed beyond their four walls, the outside finds its way in. The Public Theater, 425 Lafayette St., New York, N.Y. For tickets, visit www.publictheater.org. Now through Dec. 9.
“Once on This Island.” A fearless peasant girl takes a remarkable life journey for love. Circle in the Square Theatre, 235 W. 50th Street, New York, N.Y. Tony Award winner. For more information, call 800-447-7400 or visit onceonthisisland.com.
“King Kong.” He’s 20 feet tall and weighs 2,000 pounds. He’s monstrous and moving. And he is on 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.
EXHIBITIONS
“Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow” explores the struggle for full citizenship and racial equality in the 50 years after the Civil War. When slavery ended in 1865, the period of Reconstruction began, leading to such achievements as the 14th and 15th amendments to the Constitution. Presented by the New-York Historical Society Museum & Library through March 3, 2019.Visit nyhistory.org/black citizenship.
MUSIC
Maxwell: 50 Intimate Nights Live, Sunday, Dec. 9, at 8 p.m., Beacon Theatre, 2124 Broadway, New York, N.Y. For ticket information, call 212-465-6500 or visit Ticketsalesonline.com.
Apollo Presents the Kings and Queens of New Jack Swing, with Teddy Riley, Sunday, Dec. 9, at 9:30 p.m., Apollo Theater, 253 W. 125th St., Harlem, N.Y. For information, visit apollotheater.org.
HOT 97 Presents HOT for the Holidays, featuring Trey Songz and more, Thursday, Dec. 13, at 8 p.m., Kings Theatre, 1027 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y. For ticket information, visit ticketmaster.com.
Sisterhood in Music featuring Les Nubian, Thursday, Dec. 13, at 8 p.m., Highline Ballroom, 431 W. 16th St., New York, N.Y. For ticket information, visit ticketweb.com.
Raheem Devaughn’s LoveLife Foundation presents the second annual Raheem DeVaughn & Friends Holiday Charity Concert 2018, Friday, Dec. 21, at 7:30 p.m., Highline Ballroom, 431 W. 16th St., New York, N.Y. For ticket information, visit ticketweb.com.
Tamar Braxton, Friday, Dec. 28, at 8 p.m., Sony Hall, 235 W. 46th St, New York, N.Y. For ticket information, call 212-997-5123 or visit ticketmaster.com.
COMMUNITY
The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce presents its End of Year Celebration, Dec.18, 2018, at the Alhambra Ball Room, 2116 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. The GHCC is asking for donations of an educational item for children or warm coats/clothing for seniors. Clothing items can be already in your closet (no need to buy an item). Financial donations (including checks) can be made payable to GHCC Community Fund Holiday Gift Giving. Gifts can be dropped off at the GHCC office during business hours, 200A W. 136th St. For more information, call 212- 862-7200 or visit greaterharlemchamber.com.
The World Famous Apollo Theater presents its annual Kwanzaa Celebration “Regeneration Night,” featuring the renowned New York-based dance company Abdel Salaam’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, with guest performances, Saturday, Dec. 29, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The Apollo’s celebration is a joyful evening of dance and music, honoring the principles of Kwanzaa—family, community and culture. Hosted by Imhotep Gary Byrd, radio griot of WLIB-WBLS-WBAI. Visit apollotheatre.org.
Join the American Museum of Natural History’s annual Kwanzaa event, a celebration of African-American heritage that is rooted in seven principles known as Nguzo Saba, which promote unity, culture and community development. The festival features a local artisan marketplace. Black Comics Collective hosts a live drawing performance inspired by the seven principles and Oyu Oro performs music and dance from Afro-Cuban traditions. Kwanzaa is hosted by Dr. Linda H. Humes, scholar and storyteller, Saturday, Dec. 29, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life (free with admission). Visit www.amnh.org/calendar/kwanzaa-2018.
CEMOTAP family, come celebrate Kwanzaa, Saturday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. Kwanzaa feast, drumming, entertainment, dancers and gifts for every child. Please bring unwrapped gifts for children aged 3 to14. CEMOTAP Center, 135-05 Rockaway Blvd., S. Ozone Park, N.Y. Admission is free. For information, call 718-322-8454.
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.