June is busting out all over! Though it’s been feeling like August many days lately, this is just the first day of summer and just a step over the solstice. So, everyone, have a blessed summer. As I look back on this very busy month, even as I prepare for our last events this weekend, [...]
(MORE)Archive for the ‘Brad’s Blog’ Category
Diverse Dance Audiences
A quote from the front page article on African Dance in Sunday’s Times from Jawole Willa Jo Zollar: ”It’s a gradual process. In New York, I find the dance audience is very segregated except when I go to the Ailey company or to Harlem Stage. But there’s a growing sense of diversity, of different kinds [...]
(MORE)Harlem Stage Remembers Hank Jones
Hank Jones only performed here once but it was an unforgettable event in spring of 2008 to have him alongside the 23-year-old Gerald Clayton, with special guest Roy Hargrove. Mr. Jones performed on our regular “Harlem Stride” series and for our “Harlem Rent Party” benefit that year. He was as gracious as he was brilliant [...]
(MORE)Two Poets
I picked up the Times today to see that noted African American poet Lucille Clifton died. Ms. Clifton came to my attention through the work of another gifted poet and performer, Sekou Sundiata, who passed in 2007. Sekou created one of his most moving works using the title of one of Clifton’s celebrated poems blessing [...]
(MORE)The 761st – a Must See
Two weeks ago we screened a film by Pete Chatmon with our partners, the Black Documentary Collective. This extraordinary film was looked at a piece of American history we are all too deprived of. As I sat there watching, two things were swirling in my mind and heart – the pain of the legacy of [...]
(MORE)CHRISTENED BY SNOW
Last night 153 intrepid arts lovers pulled on their boots and made their way to Harlem Stage to fill the house for the first showing of Holding it Down, by Vijay Iyer, Mike Ladd and their ensemble. They were greeted with hot cocoa and settled in for 75 minutes to witness this infant work take [...]
(MORE)Holding it Down…even when it snows
Neither snow nor sleet nor rain… the show goes on. After so much work on such an important and stunning new work, we couldn’t let a little snow stop us. So, for those intrepid culture warriors who will brave the blizzard tonight to see HOLD IT DOWN, they will not be disappointed. We will greet [...]
(MORE)Dancing Spirit of Haiti
Bengi Jolicoeur(pretty heart) was a magnificent dancer, a loving soul and a dear friend. We had the honor of having him open a concert we presented two years ago of Emeline Michel, the great Haitian singer. When he danced the invocation on our stage, he broke our hearts; his every gesture flowed from a place [...]
(MORE)On Charles Isherwood’s article
On Charles Isherwood’s article in the Sunday Time on FELA! Without having fully digested it, I throw this up for your consideration and comment. Is Isherwood making a courageous and provocative but thoughtful commentary? Has he missed the mark? Does he bring up good points? I’ll get back to you on it but if you [...]
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