11/11/25 O&A NYC DANCE BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Paul Taylor Dance Company Gala Recap

Taylor Time is in full swing. The Paul Taylor Dance Company held their Gala performance tonight at New York State Theater in Lincoln Center. The evening presented two world premieres by Resident Choreographers Lauren Lovette and Robert Battle and the Taylor classic Sunset. This is a quick recap of the evening. A review(s) will follow, but we wanted to keep you in the know. Continue reading

10/12/25 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Elijah Rock – Moses Hogan Chorale

“Performed by original members of the Moses Hogan Chorale in June, 1996 at the First Baptist Church of New Orleans, LA. Dedicated to all Chorale members and all singers throughout the world who have performed any of the works of Moses Hogan. Lastly, this video is dedicated to the memory of our beloved artistic director and dear friend, Moses George Hogan and also, chorale members Rhonda Ragin and Percy Ewell.”- Ernest C Battle. 

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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

7/6/25 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Jeremy Rosado – Keep Holding On

Jeremy Rosado grew up in a large Puerto Rican family in Queens, New York. He got his start singing at neighborhood block parties. At age 10 his family moved to Florida where he participated in choir at school and church. At 19 he made it to the top 12 of the American Idol. Two years later he received the opportunity to open for Andrea Bocelli in Germany. Continue reading

10/22/23 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Jester Hairston- Amen- Salt Lake Tabernacle Choir (1994)

This is an excerpt from Jester Hairston’s appearance in 1994 with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, now called the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Here is gets part way through Amen when he realizes it is too high. He is 93 years old in this appearance. Continue reading

9/16/23 O&A NYC GOING BACK TO AFRICA WITH WALESTYLEZ: Joshua Maponga on Africa and the Bible

Joshua Maponga (born in Zimbabwe) is a popular motivational speaker, social entrepreneur, and musician. The renowned personality is also a philosopher and leader. He is passionate about community development which has led him to work with several big organizations. 
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8/13/23 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Delta Rhythm Boys – Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho

Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho performed by the Delta Rhythm Boys resemble many other spirituals who dual propose. The song  alluded to eventual escape from slavery – in the case of this song, “And the walls came tumblin’ down. The lyrics refer to the old testament verses Joshua 6:15-21, which tells the story of the Battle of Jericho in which Joshua led the Israelites in battle against Canaan.  Continue reading

1/16/23 O&A NYC HAIL THE KING!: Martin Luther King Jr.- The Other America

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1967 speech at Stanford University where he expounds on his nonviolent philosophy and methodology.
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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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1/17/21 O&A NYC DANCE THEATRE: Only In The Darkness- Dance Of The Village Elders- Dance Of The Village Elders

By Walter Rutledge

The senior performing ensemble Dance Of The Village Elders performs Only In The Darkness You Can See The Stars. Based on their experiences during the turbulent Civil Rights Era. 

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