Greetings! In addition to GBE Black Arts Month 2019, October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Mammography has become much more reliable for identifying early-stage breast cancers—thanks in large part to the move 15 years ago from film to digital mammography. Get screened. To avoid unnecessary procedures and false positives, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women 50 to 74, at average risk for breast cancer, get a mammogram every two years. Earlier screening is appropriate on a case-by-case basis. If you’re given a positive reading, follow up pronto. If you’re the beneficiary of accurate early detection (stage 0 or 1), your chances for beating it are near 100 percent. Visit: www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month. Also see “COMMUNITY”
THEATER
“For Colored Girls Who Have Committed Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf” Ntozake Shange’s groundbreaking work in American theatre returns to the Public Theater for the first time since its 1976 pre-Broadway smash run. The late legendary playwright/poet Ntozake Shange tells the brilliant stories of seven women of color using poetry, song, and movement. With unflinching honesty and humor, each woman’s survival story in a world shaped by sexism and racism. Directed by Leah C Gardener, choreographed by Camille A Brown. Running now through Nov 17. Public Theater, 425 Lafayette St. (at Astor Place), Manhattan. For more information, call: 212-967.7555 or visit: www.publictheater.org
The songs of the global Queen of Rock & Roll, Tina Turner, pride of Nutbush, Tennessee, rock Broadway as “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” written by Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, directed by Phyllida Lloyd heads to the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (previously known as the Globe Theatre) located at 205 West 46th Street. In performances now with the official opening November 7. Tony Award and Olivier Award nominee Adrienne Warren (“Shuffle Along…”) is cast in the title role, Nkeki Obi-Melekwe will play Tina at select performances. The cast also includes Daniel J. Watts as Ike Turner, Dawnn Lewis as Zelma. For more information, visit: www.ticketmaster.com/lunt-fontanne-theatre-tickets-new-york/venue/24583
“Porgy & Bess,” one of America’s favorite operas, returns to the Met for the first time in nearly 30 years. James Robinson’s stylish production premiered in London in 2018 transports audiences to Catfish Row on the Charleston waterfront, vibrant with the music, dancing, emotion, and heartbreak of its inhabitants. David Robertson conducts a dynamic cast, featuring the sympathetic duo of Eric Owens and Angel Blue in the title roles and an all-star ensemble that includes Golda Schultz, Latonia Moore, and Denyce Graves. Now through Feb. 1 2020. Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center. For more information, visit: www.metopera.org/season/tickets/
“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. The Imperial Theatre, 249 West 45th Street, Manhattan. For information, call: 844-379-0370 or visit: www.secureboxoffice.com
MUSIC
Throw Back R&B Concert, Ginuwine and Donell Jones, Fri, Oct. 18, 8pm, Apollo Theater, 253 West 125th Street, NYC. For information, visit: ticketmaster.com.
The Isley Brothers & Pointer Sisters, Fri, Oct. 18, 8 pm, Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401. For information, visit: ticketmaster.com.
“Masters of the Mic” featuring Eric B. & Rakim, EPMD, Big Daddy Kane, Biz Markie and Funk Flex. Sat, Oct. 19, 8 pm, Ritz Theatre, 1148 East Jersey St., Elizabeth, NJ 07201. For information, visit: ticketmaster.com.
MTV PUSH LIVE: “Wyclef Goes Back to School” with performances by Wyclef Jean, Thurs., Oct. 24, 7 pm. Chelsea Music Hall, 407 W. 15th St., Manhattan. For information, visit: ticketmaster.com.
COMEDY
Dave Chappelle’s newest Netflix standup special “Sticks and Stones.” Check listings. Visit: Netflix.com
TV FILM
“Godfather of Harlem” reimagines the story of infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson (Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker), who in the early 1960s returned from a decade in prison to find the neighborhood he once ruled in shambles. Original series on Epix. Check listings.
“Hitsville: The Making of Motown” a new documentary featuring Motown co founders-legends, Berry Gordy and Smoky Robinson with Motown greats and vintage footage. Showtime. Check listings. For more information, visit: www.sho.com/titles/ 3470002/hitsville- the-making-of-motown.
EXHBITION
GRAMMY Museum Experience Prudential Center will explore the enduring legacy and influence of Motown Records’ premier recording artists with the unveiling of “Legends of Motown: Celebrating the Supremes” on Wed., Oct. 23. The exhibit features rare photographs from the personal collection of Mary Wilson; concert posters; tour books, fan memorabilia; and an assortment of performance gowns. In conjunction with the exhibit opening, Wilson will be at the museum on Tuesday, Oct 29 for “An Evening With Mary Wilson” highlighting her new book, “Supreme Glamour,” tickets are available now at www.GRAMMYMuseumEXP.org
COMMUNITY
The American Cancer Society started “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walks to unite communities in the fight against this deadly disease. Today, “Making Strides” is the largest network of breast cancer events in the nation—and we do more than just walk. We raise money to help the American Cancer Society fund groundbreaking breast cancer research and provide patient services like free rides to chemo, free places to stay near treatment, and a live 24/7-cancer helpline. But we can’t do any of this without the help of people like you. To donate or chat Call: 800-227-2345 or visit: cancer.org or www.acsevents.org
Please Remember Bahamas Relief: support the struggle of brothers, sisters and families who were Hurricane Dorian victims and survivors in the Bahamas. Donate and visit the Bahamas. Call: 800-224-2627 or visit: www.bahamas.com/relieffoundation.org.
This is a very sad time for WBAI and Pacifica!” Many emails are needed to the PNB (Pacifica National Board) at pnb@pacifica.org in support of local control, rescinding all the firings and returning community voices heard to the New York air waves.
Listen to Imhotep Gary Byrd’s “Express Yourself,” Sunday evenings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on WBLS-FM and simulcast over WLIB 1190AM. The full show can also be heard on HD radio at WBLS-HD2 and at WBLS.com, WLIB.com. IGB’s “Radio GBE” is heard Fridays 7p.m. to 9p.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.