7/24/26 O&A NYC DANCE BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Danni Gee Talks Philadanco

By Walter Rutledge

PHILADANCO! (The Philadelphia Dance Company) returns to New York City for a highly anticipated six performance season at The Joyce Theater from July 29 through August 2, 2026. This celebrated company’s mission, to preserve the Black American concert dance traditions, will be on full display with a program featuring two New York premieres, a world premiere, and a company revival. “Danco’s” dynamic New York City season will include works by Co-Artistic Director Tommie-Waheed Evans, Thang Dao, Rennie Harris and Christopher Huggins. Continue reading

7/22/26 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: EGOSOL – A Pimp Name America

The official music video for A Pimp Named America is a conscious Hip Hop and spoken-word piece by the artist Ego Sol.The track delivers a sharp critique of systemic injustice, exploitation, and historical patterns in the United States using a jazz-rap and smooth flow delivery. Continue reading

7/19/26 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Chandler Moore – Lead Me On (Live)

Lead Me On (Live) is a powerful contemporary worship anthem by Grammy-nominated artist Chandler Moore, recorded for his live solo project Chandler Moore: Live in Los Angeles. The song and its Official Music Video were released on June 14, 2024, by Tribl Records. Continue reading

7/18/26 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Carmen de Lavallade and John Butler – Portrait of Billie (1960)

Portrait of Billie (1960) is an iconic modern dance duet choreographed by John Butler as a poignant tribute to the legendary jazz and blues singer Billie Holiday portrayed by Carmen de Lavallade. Continue reading

7/17/26 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Lindy Hop Swing Dance Scene From Malcolm X (1992)

The Lindy Hop Swing Dance Scene from 1992 movie Malcolm X featuring Denzel Washington and Spike Lee. Choreographed with the help of Frankie Manning (blue suit) and Norma Miller (yellow dress) and the scene included background dancers Dawn Hampton and Ryan Francois. Otis Sallid was the choreographer and the song Flying Home is by Lionel Hampton. Continue reading

7/16/26 O&A NYC THE MORNING FUNNIES: Vanita Smythe – Low, Short and Squatty

Low, Short and Squatty is a vibrant jump blues and swing song recorded by African-American vocalist and actress Vanita Smythe, released on December 2, 1946. The track was famously released as a “soundie”—a three-minute musical film that served as a precursor to modern music videos—and became a prominent jukebox hit in urban clubs. Continue reading

7/13/26 O&A NYC LIVE PERFORMANCE: Jay-Z Brings Rihanna and Stole The Show During The Extra Inning At Yankee Stadium

Rihanna shocked the crowd with a surprise appearance during Night 3 of Jay-Z Extra Innings concert residency at Yankee Stadium. The unexpected reunion marked one of her first live stage performances in years, sending the sold-out stadium into a complete frenzy. Continue reading

7/8/26 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Little Black Sambo (1935)

Little Black Sambo, produced in 1935 by UB Iworks Studio, is a controversial book and cartoon containing racist stereotypes typical of the time. Due to its racist overtones the short film shows up on many banned cartoons and racist cartoons lists – rightfully so. We post this cartoon so we never forget the racist laughter at the expense of Black people. Continue reading

7/7/26 O&A NYC THE MORNING FUNNIES: Eddie Murphy – White Like Me – SNL

White Like Me is a legendary 1984 satirical mockumentary sketch from Saturday Night Live, starring Eddie Murphy as he goes undercover using heavy makeup to experience America as a white man. Continue reading

7/3/26 O&A NYC THE MORNING FUNNIES: Lili Goes Black- Blazing Saddles (1974)

Blazing Saddles is a classic Mel Brooks satire on racism in America. Madeline Kahn as Lilly Von Shtupp steals the show when she asks the new black sheriff  Bart (Cleavon Little),  “So, tell me, schatze, is it twue vhat day say about da vay you people are a … gifted?” Continue reading