Welcome to 2010!  A new year, a new decade and a new season at Harlem Stage.  I am just thrilled about our Spring Season and I hope you’ll join us for great films, music, dance. theater and conversation.  And just join our Harlem Stage Family — our new membership deal is the best deal in town and offers great perks.

Among the things that I love this spring are the great Uptown Nights events.  This new series has taken off and is fast turning our lovely Harlem Stage Gatehouse into a “go to” destination uptown.  We kick off this season with Van Hunt, followed by the Black Rock Coalition tribute to Nina Simone, under the musical direction of Tamar-Kali.  And that’s just two out of five great nights.

Our signature series, WaterWorks brings one new project to the fore and comes to the close of a development cycle on another.  In February, Vijay Iyer and Mike Ladd present the first showing of their new work in development, Holding It Down; and in May Deidre Murray’s The Voice Within presents its final showing before going into production mode for a fall world premiere.

E-Moves, our signature dance series is back at a hot 11 years old.  Stretching out with new formatting, we present our usual array of emerging talent.  But this year we give our evolving artist room to stretch out with an extended program dedicated to two artists we’ve nurtured over the years – Erick Montes and Ayo Jackson.  It’s a little coincidence that they both came to us as dancers with the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, but just a little.  Bill’s been turning out spectacular dancers and young choreographers for years.

The jewel in the E-Moves crown happens in June when Ron K. Brown/Evidence returns to Harlem to celebrate his 25th anniversary with us.  You won’t want to miss these four intimate evenings of works from his stunning repertoire and all with live music.

Films with our partner, the Black Documentary Collective sparkle the screen at least once a month.  And more than just a film showing, each evening includes a discussion with the filmmakers and a wine and cheese reception.

Come out and join us for a spectacular season!

-Brad

Posted on Thursday, January 7, 2010 at 10:28 pm in Everything Else.