12/24/22 O&A NYC FROM THE VAULT: A Conversation with Clive Thompson- The Ailey Years

By Walter Rutledge

Clive Thompson danced in the Golden Era of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Officially becoming a permanent member in 1970 when choreographer Ailey was entering a creative zenith. He viral good looks, skillful partnering, and his ability to capture audiences in both dramatic and abstract roles made him Ailey royalty. Continue reading

12/14/23 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY HOLIDAY GREETING: Eartha Kitt- Santa Baby

THROWBACK HOLIDAY
Eartha Kitt

Eartha Mae Kitt was an actress, singer, cabaret star, dancer, stand-up comedienne, activist and voice artist. Known for her highly distinctive singing style and her 1953 recordings of C’est Si Bon and the enduring Christmas novelty smash Santa Baby. Both songs became US Top 10 hits. Orson Welles once called her the most exciting woman in the world.
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12/20/22 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: James Baldwin and Paul Weiss Debate Discrimination In America (The Dick Cavett Show 5/16/69 )

James Baldwin and Yale Professor, Paul Weiss get engaged in a debate on the issue of racial discrimination in the USA. Continue reading

12/7/22 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Jennifer Lewis talks to Kayne West

Jenifer Lewis is not here for Kanye West’s anti-Semitism comments and demands he “shut his mouth” during her recent appearance on The Pascal Show.
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11/27/22 O&A NYC SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ CONCERT: Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker Suite- Quantum of the Seas Orchestra

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On Christmas Eve, 2015, the Quantum of the Seas Orchestra performed the entire Duke Ellington version of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.
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11/27/22 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: CeCe Winans: Believe For It- A Live Worship Experience

The best-selling and most-awarded female gospel artist of all time, CeCe Winans, has cemented her status as one of the most accomplished and celebrated women in modern music history. Continue reading

11/26/22 O&A NYC GOING BACK TO AFRICA WITH WALESTYLEZ: Wise African Proverbs And Sayings

Wise proverbs and sayings of the peoples of Africa have a deep meaning. African sayings and wisdom will help you sort out life. Continue reading

11/25/22 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Alvin Ailey’s Revelations (1960),


Alvin Ailey’s masterwork Revelations (1960), one of the most recognizable modern dance works, remains a powerful testament to the human spirit. This cast includes Marilyn Banks, April Berry, Kevin Brown, Gary DeLoatch, Ralph Glenmore, Deborah Manning, Renee Robinson and Dudley Williams. 

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7/7/22 O&A NYC WITH WALESTYLEZ MOVIE TRAILER: THE WOMAN KING – Official Trailer

The Woman King is an upcoming American historical epic film directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood,from a screenplay she co-wrote with Dana Stevens and a story by Maria Bello. It is based on the true story of the Dahomey Amazons. Continue reading

12/3/15 O&A NYC DANCE: Linda Celeste Sims- Pure Light

By Walter Rutledge

Ailey_Headshots_LCSims

Outstanding performers have always been the hallmark of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Dancers that consistently test the technical and artistic boundaries of modern dance remain a fundamental part of founder Alvin Ailey’s continuing legacy. Artists Carmen DeLavalallade, Dudley Williams, Judith Jamison, Miguel Godreau, Linda Kent, Sara Yarborough, Sarita Allen, Gary deLoatch, Desmond Richardson, and Renee Robinson all possessed an innate ability beyond technique, a God given gift that unfortunately cannot be taught. When the stage lights hit these special individuals it is refracted into dazing, flawless, pure light that pulls you in… moth to flame. Celeste Linda Sims is pure light. Continue reading