Lenny Kravitz shares that he never thought about his parents being of different ethnicities until a pivotal moment in first grade. From that day forward Lenny realized he was Black, and that society would see him as only that. Continue reading
Category: Event
1/3/23 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: The Genius of Alvin Ailey
By Walter Rutledge
Another bout of Covid (our third slow dance) prevented me from seeing the new works presented during the first and second weeks of the Ailey season. When Covid and I finished our Rumba, I attended an All-Ailey matinee featuring four works, Night Creature, Cry, Survivors and Revelations. Continue reading
1/1/24 O&A NYC SONG OF THE DAY: Cynthia Erivo performs Alfie for Dionne Warwick at 46th Kennedy Center Honors
Cynthia Erivo brings down the house with her soulful rendition of Alfie in a heartfelt tribute to 2023 Honoree Dionne Warwick at the 46th Kennedy Center Honors. Continue reading
11/29/23 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Whoopi Goldberg- Direct From Broadway, 1984 – 1985, (originally – Spook Show)
In 1983 Whoopi Goldberg (Caryn Elaine Johnson) created The Spook Show, a one-woman show composed of different character monologues. Director Mike Nichols offered to take the show to Broadway. Whoopi Goldberg: Direct from Broadway premiered on October 24, 1984 and ran until March 10, 1985, for a total of 156 performances. Continue reading
11/27/23 HOLLYWOOD MONDAY- REVIEW: RUSTIN
By Alex Smith Jr.
I went to an advance screening of the film RUSTIN last night (Oct. 12, 2023). It was opening the 35th Anniversary of the LGBTQ+ Annual Film Festival here in NYC. This film is a triumph plain and simple. I am trying to hold back from using to many superlatives to lavish on this film. Continue reading
11/17/23 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Robert Battle Resigns
From the Ailey Press Office
The Board of Trustees of Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation today announced that Robert Battle, Artistic Director of Ailey since 2011, has informed them that he needs to focus on his health and has submitted his resignation. The Board has accepted Mr. Battle’s resignation with regret. Mr. Battle will remain available to the Board through December 31, 2023. Continue reading
11/16/23 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: Big Mama Thornton – Hound Dog and Down Home Shakedown (1965)
Willie Mae Thornton better known as Big Mama Thornton because of her height (nearly 6 feet), and weight (200 pounds), was an American singer and songwriter of the Blues and R&B. Continue reading
11/6/23 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: Vespers- Paul Taylor Dance Company
The Paul Taylor Dance Company began its sixty-ninth season on Tuesday October 31 at the New York State Theater. The two-week fifteen performance season will offer a total of fourteen works by five choreographers. The season will present a world premieres by Larry Keigwin and Lauren Lovette, the return of a work by Amy Hall Garner, company premiere by and Ulysses Dove and nine Taylor classics.
10/18/23 O&A NYC WALESTYLEZ HIP HOP WEDNESDAY: Timbaland Battles For The Cypher Title With Lola, Lady London, Gloss Up & Bun B | Hip Hop Awards 23
Timbaland goes for the title with his crew Lola Brooke, Lady London, Gloss Up and Bun B. Are you Team Swizz or Team Timbaland? Continue reading
10/1/23 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW: Ballet X At The Joyce
By Walter Rutledge
Philadelphia based Ballet X returned to New York City’s Joyce Theater for a five-day six performance season. The expectations were high for this ethnically diverse contemporary ballet company and the talented dancers rose to the occasion. It was unfortunate that the choreography and the programming were not able to support the performers despite their valiant efforts. Continue reading












