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

2/7/23 O&A NYC INSPIRATION TUESDAY: Maya Angelou- Still I Rise

“You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I’ll rise.” – Maya Angelou Continue reading

2/12/20 O&A NYC WILDIN OUT WEDNESDAY: Richard Pryor Live and Smoking 1971

Richard Pryor: Live & Smokin’ is a 1971 American stand-up comedy concert film starring and written by Richard Pryor and directed by Michael Blum, who also cinematographer and producer.  Continue reading