Greetings! Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti had this to say about the Kobe Bryant Memorial coming up this weekend, Feb. 24, at the Staples Center: “I think one message that I would say is this is not just about a man who was a basketball player, this is about a father, this is about a leader, this is about a filmmaker, this is about an artist, this is about somebody who was so much more than just how he was on the court,” he told reporters. We are one city that believes in each other, believes in something bigger than ourselves, and we will absolutely do everything to make sure that this is done so that everybody can come to it as well.”
THEATER
“A Soldiers Play” Roundabout Theatre Co. presents Charles Fuller’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece bursts onto Broadway, directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon (“A Raisin in the Sun”), starring three-time Tony nominee David Alan Grier and two-time Golden Globe nominee Blair Underwood, now through Mar. 15, American Airlines Theatre, 227 W. 42nd St. (btw. 7th and 8th Aves), Manhattan. For ticket information, call: 212-719-1300 or visit: www.roundabout theatre.org/get-tickets/2019-2020-season/a-soldiers-play/.
“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” written by Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, directed by Phyllida Lloyd. Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 West 46th St, Manhattan. The ‘Queen of Rock n Roll,’ in performances now; Tony Award and Olivier Award nominee Adrienne Warren (“Shuffle Along”) is cast in the title role, (Nkeki Obi-Melekwe as Tina at select performances) Daniel J. Watts as Ike Turner. For ticket information, visit: www.ticketmaster.com/lunt-fontanne-theatre-tickets-new-york/venue/24583.
“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. Imperial Theatre, 249 West 45th Street, Manhattan. For information, call: 844-379-0370 or visit: www.secureboxoffice.com.
“Chicken and Biscuits” A new comedy by Douglass Lynne with heart, soul and a little shade. Feb.28–Mar.22. Queens Theatre located at 14 United Nations Avenue South in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, directly under the iconic towers of the New York State Pavilion. Easily accessible by car, bus and subway. For tickets, call: 718-760-0064, or visit: queenstheatre.org
MUSIC
“DrumFolk: Step Africa” Powerful. The drum is talking. The music is calling. When Africans lost the right to use their drums, the beats found their way into the body of the people—the DRUMFOLK. New percussive art forms took root and made way for tap, beatboxing and the African American tradition of stepping. From hambone to hip hop, an extraordinary ensemble of dancers, drummers and musicians takes us from West Africa to Washington, D.C., with hidden histories and resounding rhythms that transformed America. 3 weeks only! Feb. 28–Mar. 15 at the New Victory Theater, 209 W. 42nd St., Manhattan. For more information, call: 646-223-3010 or visit: www.newvictory. org
Jill Scott brings her “Who Is Jill Scott: Words and Sounds” Vol.1 anniversary tour to NYC on Thur. Feb 20 at Radio City Music Hall, 1260 Ave. of Americas. For more information, call: 212-632-4000. Tickets on sale at Ticketmaster.com
Come celebrate Black History Month in the heart of the Hudson Valley at a new, weekend long festival celebrating Gospel music. Feb.21–23. Hosted by the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel and Conference Center, Majed Neshewat Convention Center and Changepoint Theatre. For more information, visit: duchesstourism.com/ticket info
It’s back! The McDonald’s Gospel Fest 2020 is calling the city’s finest singers to come show off their talents. McDonald’s “Gospel Fest” Auditions 2020, Sat. Feb 22 at 11 a.m. 487 Broadway, Paterson, N.J. Call now to set up your appointment: 973-643-6262. Various locations available.
Ebony Ecumenical Ensemble preforming “Songs of The Spirit” Sat. Feb. 29 at 7 p.m. Special guest Cyrus Chestnut. Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture, 450 Grand Concourse, Bronx.
Harlem Gospel Choir every Sun. at 1:30 p.m. at Sony Hall, 235 W. 46th Street, Manhattan. For information, visit: ticketmaster.com.
TV
“Who Killed Malcolm?” Six-part docuseries follows historian and investigative journalist Abdur-Rahman Muhammad digging deeper into the assassination of Malcolm X. The documentary has prompted the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office to review Malcolm’s murder. Netflix. Check listings.
FILM
“The State Against Mandela & The Others” lights up the IFC Center in Manhattan for a special one-week run during Black History Month, marking the 30th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison after serving 27 years for his work in the fight against Apartheid in South Africa. IFC Center, 323 Sixth Avenue, Manhattan. For ticket information, call: 212-924-7771. For information on showtimes, and tickets, please visit: www.ifccenter.com
COMMUNITY
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, 515 Malcom X Blvd, New York presents: “Malcolm X Remembered” Fri. Feb. 21 at 12 p.m. Curated from the Schomburg archives, this pop-up exhibition will feature handwritten notes, rarely seen photos and historic papers from the civil rights leader. Attendees are invited to take part in the Schomburg Oral History project, which includes sharing how Malcolm X’s words have made and impact on your life .Visit: www.nypl.org/events/programs/2020/02/21/malcolm-x-remembered
CEMOTAP presents: “The Final Conflict: The Presidential Conflict 2020” Two authors discuss, who will win, why and what it means for African people. Speakers: Milton Allimadi, publisher and author of “Hearts of Darkness” and Dr James C. Macintosh, author of “The Unauthorized Psychoanalysis of Donald F Trump,” Sat. Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. CEMOTAP Center, 135-05 Rockaway Blvd, South Ozone Park, Queens.
“Heart Valve Awareness Day” is coming, Sat. Feb 22 with an invitation to “Listen To Your Heart” beginning at 11 a.m. at the Adam Clayton Powell Jr State Office Building163 West 125th St. Second Fl., Harlem. Free health screenings, important presentations by medical health experts. RSVP Ms. Sutton at 212-862-7200 or visit:www.greaterharlemchamber.com
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 119AM. 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 7 p.m. to 9 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.