THEATRE
“Toni Stone” written by Lydia R. Diamond, directed by Tony Award winner, Pam MacKinnon and featuring April Matthis in the title role, is a baseball story for the ages. Toni Stone is the first woman baseball player to go pro in the Negro Leagues, and the first woman ever to play professionally in a men’s baseball league. Roundabout Theatre, 1530 Broadway, Manhattan. Through Aug. 11 only. For information, call 212-719-1300 or visit: www.rounda
bouttheatre.org
“Sistas” produced by three-time Tony winner Hinton Battle and directed by Smash’s Kenneth Ferrone. Five women prepare to bury the matriarch of their family. The women discuss their family history and the history of African-American women through popular music, spanning from Billie Holiday to Beyoncé. Luke’s Theatre, 308 W.46th Street, Manhattan. Saturdays & and Sundays at 4:30 p.m. For information, call 212-239-6200 or visit: stlukestheatre.com/
“Ain’t Too Proud” celebrates The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Written by three time Obie Award winner Dominique Morisseau, choreography by 2019 Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo. The Imperial Theatre, 249 West 45th Street, Manhattan. Now through July 31. For information, call 844-379-0370 or visit: www.
secureboxoffice.com.
“Black Angels Over Tuskegee” is the story of the Tuskegee Airmen: six men, embarking upon a journey to become pilots in the United States Army Air Forces in spite of all the overwhelming odds against them. Writer, director, actor, Layon Gray.Actors Temple Theatre, 339 W. 47th Street, Manhattan. For information, call 212-239-6200 or visit: www.Theactors temple.org
“Native Son” Richard Wright’s groundbreaking novel of oppression, freedom and justice in the South Side Chicago of the 1930s comes to life onstage in this timely adaptation. Playwright: Nambi E. Kelley. Director: Seret Scott. The Duke on 42nd St., Manhattan. First Preview: July 17/Opening: July 28 thru Aug. 24. For information, call 646-223-3010 or visit: www.
dukeon42.org/
MUSIC
Lionel Ritchie brings his “Hello” tour to NYC and Radio City Music Hall, 1200 Sixth Ave., Manhattan, Wed-Thursday July 17-18. From his Motown funk band, The Commodores, to his all time classic ballads and award winning work as an electric solo artist, Ritchie has become a global pop-soul legend. For information, call 800-440-8539 or visit: radiocitymusichall.com
Amateur Night at the World Famous Apollo Theater: Apollo “Teen Takeover” Friday July 19. For information, visit: apollotheatre.org
The 2019 season of Capitol One City Parks Foundation “SummerStage,” with nearly 100 free and benefit performances from 200 artists in Central Park and 17 neighborhood parks across NYC featuring the best music from around the world. Capitol One City Parks SummerStage presents: for full schedule-location info, visit: cityparksfoundation.org/calendar/
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams invites all to the Brooklyn Honors Wingate Concert Series, as they honor the career achievements of artists in gospel, hip-hop, R&B and Afro-Caribbean music, many of which were born, raised and still reside in Brooklyn. The public is invited to a live celebration of music. Free admission for all. Gates open 6 p.m.; showtime 7 p.m. for more information and the full lineup go to www.wingateconcertseries.com
Jazzmobile’s 55th anniversary! Jazzmobile’s annual free summer mobile concert series returns to the parks and streets of NYC neighborhoods, in all 5 boroughs! Visit: www.jazzmobile.org
Wednesdays Grants’ Tomb—Riverside Drive and W. 122nd Street, Manhattan; Friday’s Marcus Garvey Park: enter the Park at Fifth Avenue and West 124th Street, Manhattan; Saturday Aug.10 Great Jazz On The Great Hill with The Central Park Conservancy.
Coming: Friday Aug. 2 Jazzmobile presents in partnership with The City Parks Foundation:
The “Charlie Parker Jazz Festival” at Marcus Garvey Park
Summerstage presents Jody Watley/Mobile Mondays, Friday July 19 from 7-9 p.m. (doors open 6 p.m.) free. Corporal Thompson Park, 16 Broadway,1347, Staten Island.
Followed by The Force MD/S and U.M.C.S with Red Alert/DJXcel and DJ Thrilla.Hosted by Tariq. Sunday July 21 from 4-7 p.m. (doors open 3 p.m.) free. Visit: www.newyorkled. com/event/ nyc-summerstage-2019-calendar/.Slick Rick/DJ Chuck Chillout Saturday July 27, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.) free. Soundview park.Bronx,10473.
Coming to Summerstage: “FELA! The Concert,” Fri, July 26 8 p.m.-10 p.m. (doors open 7 p.m.) free. Ford Ampitheatre at Coney Island Boardwalk, Brooklyn NY.
Taj Mahal Quartet, July 23 (sold out) at City Winery, 155 Varick St., Manhattan at the 212-608-0555 or visit:www.citywinery.com
The Smooth Cruise sails Aug. 7 on The Spirit of New York with The Blue Notes, Heatwave and Blue Magic performing. Cruises embark from Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers for a two-hour cruise through the New York Harbor. Catch amazing views of the New York City skyline, the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge among others. Cruise departure info: cruise departs promptly at 6:30 p.m. (boarding begins between 5-5:15 p.m.—note: lines form early.) The Spirit of New York sails from Pier 61, located at Chelsea Piers. Visit chelseapiers.com for driving directions, public transportation details and
parking information.
TV/FILM
“When They See Us.” The gripping Ava Duvernay series, on The Central Park Five. On Netflix (check listings)
COMEDY
Emmy and Grammy Award winning comedy superstar Dave Chappelle of “The Chappelle Show” makes his Broadway debut, now through-Saturday July 20 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theater, 205 West 46th St., Manhattan. For information, call 888-486-8499 or visit: www.
ticketnetwork.com
COMMUNITY
“Harlem Week 2019”—45th Anniversary, July 28–Aug. 24 theme: “Our local History Creates A Global Impact.” Launch of the “Harlem Jazz & Music Festival” “Memphis-Harlem Bicentennial,” “Recognizing 400 years of African-American History.” Aug. 3—“African Burial Ground.” Aug. 13—“Senior Citizens Day.” Aug. 17 & 18—“NYC Children’s Festival.” Exhibitors and vendors register now. Early registration discounts. Call 212-862-8477
Listen to 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 7 p.m. to 0 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.