11/20/21 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Louis Johnson’s Forces of Rhythm (Excerpts) Dance Theatre Of Harlem


Louis Johnson’s ballet, Forces of Rhythm choreographed in 1971, became a signature piece for the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Company. Johnson blended ballet, jazz, modern and West African dance creating a unique movement collage, which distinguished the company’s versatility. Forces of Rhythm took place alongside the works of George Balanchine, Arthur Mitchell, Geoffrey Holder, and other choreographers for the fledging ballet company. Continue reading

2/23/20 O&A NYC SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ CONCERT: Saint John Coltrane- A Love Supreme (BBC Documentary 2004)

In the film documentary Saint John Coltrane – A Love Supreme – BBC Documentary (2004) Alan Yentob examines the legend of jazz saxophonist John Coltrane whose obsession with music is matched by an equally obsessive following all over the world. Continue reading

11/22/19 O&A NYC SHALL WE DANCE FRIDAY: Diana Ross & Donald McKayle – Soulful Strut at the Hollywood Palace [3/8/69]

Diana Ross and Donald McKayle perform Soulful Strut at the Hollywood Palace March 8, 1969 

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10/28/19 O&A NYC SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ CONCERT: Fats Waller & Ada Brown – That Ain’t Right – Stormy Weather (1943)

That Ain’t Right. … is featured in the musical film Stormy Weather (1943), sung by Ada Brown and Fats Waller. Continue reading

10/21/19 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: A Zoot Suit (with a A Reet Pleat) [1942] | Dorothy Dandridge & Paul White

A Zoot Suit (for My Sunday Gal) performed by Paul White and Dorothy Dandridge  from the 30 minute short film A Zoot Suit (with a A Reet Pleat) (1942) written by Ray Gilbert and Robert O’Brien (as Bob O’Brien). Continue reading

10/20/19 O&A NYC SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ: Miles Davis & Quincy Jones & The Gil Evans Orchestra (1991)

 

Miles & Quincy: Live at Montreux is a collaborative live album by  Jazz musician Miles Davis and conductor Quincy Jones. It was recorded at the 1991 Montreux Jazz Festival and released by and released by Warner Bros. Records in 1993. Continue reading

10/17/19 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: Dave Brubeck – Unsquare Dance

Dave Brubeck’s Unsquare Dance was recorded in May 1961, featuring Dave, Eugene Wright on bass, and Joe Morello on drums. Continue reading

10/14/19 O&A NYC WHAT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEK: October 14- 21, 2019

Fall is finally here! In New York that means cool mornings, sweater weather afternoons, jacket evenings and the arts. We have street art in Da Bronx, 90’s R&B in Harlem and Dance honors its own in the Village.  Here are a few of the many events happening in the city that never sleeps, guaranteed to keep you Out and About. Continue reading

9/28/19 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Motown Returns to The Apollo (1985)

Motown Returns to The Apollo (1985) a star studded celebration of the 50th anniversary and re-opening of The Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York. Proceeds from the concert went to the Africare/Ethiopian Relief Fund. The program received a 1985 for Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Program. Continue reading

8/19/19 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Rufus Jones For President (1933) Featuring Sammy Davis, Jr and Ethel Waters

Rufus Jones For President (1933) starring Ethel Waters, Hamtree Harrington, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dusty Fletcher, Edgar Connor, The Will Vodery Girls, The Russell Wooding Jubilee Singers.  Continue reading