Dance Theatre of Harlem in Lester Horton‘s 1949 masterwork The Beloved the duet (based on a true story) performed by Cassandra Phifer and Hagues Magen. Continue reading
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Category: Black History
8/8/25 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Chicago’s Hiplet Ballerinas To Perform In The Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project Debut
By Walter Rutledge
Who would defile the sacred world of ballet (the last bastion of “pure” euro-centric dance and culture) by adding a healthy dose of urban flair? Move over Swan Lake and make way for the Hiplet Ballerinas. The Chicago – based dance company, whose unique style has taken the dance world by storm. The company will be part of The Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project – Unbound: Shattered Frames, Endless Visions on Saturday, August 23, 6 pm at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance (205 E. Randolph Street). The performance is a showcase of Black dance excellence and will feature ten of the city’s most innovative and diverse dance companies. Continue reading
7/27/25 O&A NYC SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ: Mary Lou Williams at Les Mouches, NYC, 1978 Cabaret Show
Legendary jazz pianist Mary Lou Williams performs a one-hour cabaret show at Les Mouches in NYC, 1978. Carline Ray, one of the original Sweethearts of Rhythm, is on bass. Continue reading
7/22/25 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Malcolm – Jamal Warner (August 18, 1970 – July 20, 2025)
In his poignant spoken word performance and talk, Malcolm – Jamal Warner shares how embracing vulnerability rather than pursuing notions of being cool changed his life. He encourages us to resist the media stereotypes of Black men, filled with bravado and danger, and instead create space and acceptance for male vulnerability and self-love.
7/20/25 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Aretha Franklin – What a Friend We Have in Jesus (1972)
What a Friend We Have in Jesus was recorded in January 1972 at New Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles. Aretha Franklin (1942-2018) then 29 years old and Reverend James Cleveland (1932 – 1991) performed with Southern California Community Choir led by Reverend Dr. Alexander Hamilton (1945-2022). Continue reading
7/18/25 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Harold Nicholas – Mister BeeBe from Carolina Blues (1944)
An amazing song and tap routine from Carolina Blues (1944) – with a huge cast of dancers and singers, and headed up by the wonderful Harold Nicholas. Continue reading
7/8/25 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Something Inside So Strong- ft Annatoria & Ché Kirah.
This is the live version of Something Inside So Strong ft Annatoria & Ché Kirah. Originally released on TBN as a powerful tribute to songs that have marked monumental moments in black history, music and culture; singer/songwriter, Junior Garr and choir conductor, Marsha B. Morrison, navigated The Spirituals Choir in a time of great uncertainty to give a message of hope. Continue reading
7/7/25 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Prince- Under the Cherry Moon
In his second film Under The Cherry Moon worldwide musical sensation Prince stars in this offbeat love story of two young people who fight to stay together. Scheming to get rich quick, Christopher (Prince) and his friend Tricky travel to the French Riviera. But Christopher’s plans go awry when he falls madly in love with a beautiful, spoiled heiress whose parents plot to keep them apart.
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7/6/25 O&A NYC DANCE COMMENTARY: The Ramp To Paradise Afterglow
By Walter Rutledge
The Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center (THPAC) presented A Ramp To Paradise at the Ailey Citicorp Theater on June 27th and 28th. The two-day spring performance season showcased the third rendition of the dance theater narrative. The story begins in 1985 at the now celebrated underground nightclub- the Paradise Garage. The sold-out Saturday evening performance was followed by a classic Paradise Garage style after party that lasted from 9pm to 12am (that’s 12 midnight not the Garage’s notorious Sunday noon closing- for those who remember). Continue reading
7/2/25 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Gil Scott-Heron – Black Wax
This film documentary is a portrait of the blues poet Gil Scott-Heron, who gives a personal tour of Washington, D.C. and performs a concert with his Midnight Band.
