Originally published March 2022: From Antiquity to Modernity: Jason Marsalis’ Ode to Congo Square On Friday night, March 4 at Snug Harbor Jazz Club and Restaurant in NOLA Jason Marsalis celebrated his birthday by premiering a concept piece, Ode to Congo Square, that was commissioned by the Congo Square Preservation Society. Attending this show was a phenomenal experience.… Continue Reading
Originally published December 2021: Barry Harris, a Jazz Man for the Ages The maestro Barry Harris has made his transition. He is esteemed around the world and there is no doubt that his impact will continue to be felt. Irrespective of nation, creed, race, station or gender, Barry Harris’ gift for teaching and sharing his vast… Continue Reading
Originally published December 2021: Handel’s Musical Magnificence Lifts Christmas Spirits at Harlem’s Abyssinian Baptist Church Today, Sunday December 6, Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem U.S.A. presented its Annual Christmas Concert of Handel’s Messiah. It was one of the most beautifully rendered performances of the classic oratorio I have been fortunate to experience hearing over the years. During… Continue Reading
Originally published September 2021: A 9/11 Story: Finding Common Ground in Times of Tragedy and Devastation I spend this 20th anniversary of 9/11 in reverence for the deep tragedy as I reflect on what I experienced in an up close and personal way. I stood in the plaza at the foot of the World Trade Center towers… Continue Reading
Originally published September 2021: Chicago’s Bud Billiken Day Parade and a Village’s Dream Drum & Bugle Corps So many wonderful things make Chicago a great City. It’s too bad it remains the murder capital of the world for young Black men today. That sad fact must change. What has not changed is the African Proverb, ”It… Continue Reading
Originally published August 2021: Art and Community Service: MLK Day in the Empire State During my civil service career in New York State government, I was honored to have led in organizing NYS’s Division of Housing and Community Renewal’s Annual African American Month observations. Among the highlights one particular year was a focus on The National… Continue Reading
Originally published July 2021: DRUM TV: Documenting Harlem Before the Smartphone DRUM TV was the creation of the late Richard Martin who was the first black cameraman at NBC Network television national headquarters in New York City. During his distinguished career he mastered many of the technical and operational aspects of television production. After retirement Richard… Continue Reading
Originally published May 2021: Musical Reminiscing Over the years, it’s been my pleasure to sit in on jam sessions wherever the occasion presented in New York City. Recently I watched this musical tribute online, and it brought back so many memories. It was a joy to see these great artists assembled on stage together to celebrate the… Continue Reading
Originally published April 2021: Calumet Regional 2021 Oscar Winner Mia Neal Breaks Glass Ceiling In 2021 the Calumet Region in Indiana adds another Oscar winner to its historic cinematic legacy. Gary native Mia Neal, along with co-artists Jamika Wilson and Sergio Lopez-Rivera, won in the Best Makeup and Hairstyling Artist category – a glass-ceiling breakthrough for… Continue Reading
Originally posted April 2021: Finding Jesus in Historic Iconography Every so often, topics on social media generate honest debate surrounding historical narratives, events, and myths, producing intrigue and controversy. A recent Facebook thread presented a common trope regarding race and the historical phenotype of Jesus of Nazareth. The FB discussion attracted commenters from different parts of… Continue Reading