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Tuesday, October 29, 2013

The Trials of Muhammad Ali

Tonight I went to an advanced screening of the documentary film The Trials of Muhammad Ali at The DuSable Museum of African American History. The film stands out from other documentary films on the legendary boxer by focusing on Ali's life outside of the boxing ring. From joining the Nation of Islam and changing his name from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali, to his refusal to serve in the Vietnam War in the name of protesting racial inequality, to his global humanitarian work, Ali remains an inspiring, passionate, and controversial figure. Directed by Academy Award-nominated director Bill Siegel, The Trials of Muhammad Ali shows the courage and conviction of a true hero.
Playing from November 8th-14th at Music Box Theater (3733 N. Southport Ave), Ice Lawndale 10 (3330 W. Roosevelt Rd.), and Chatham 14 (210 W. 87th St.) There will also be in person appearances by Khalilah Camacho-Ali (former wife of Muhammad Ali), the filmmakers, and Athletes United for Peace.

Source: www.thetrialsofali.com

Monday, October 21, 2013

I'm In Love With A Church Girl

I'm in love with a Church Girl, is the true story of a man finding love and a newfound faith in God. The movie stars Jeff 'Ja Rule' Atkins as Miles Montego, a once hustler who is trying to stay on the straight and narrow, Adrienne Bailon as Vanessa Leon, the sweet and loveable church girl who catches Miles' heart, and Stephen Baldwin as Jason McDaniels, the DEA agent who is determined to find any dirt he can on Miles. An enjoyable movie that stresses that God always has the upperhand and a plan for your life, comes highly recommended. In theaters now!

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

12 Years A Slave







Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending an advanced screening of 12 Years A Slave, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor based on the incredible true story of a man's fight for survival and freedom. Ejiofor plays Solomon Northup,  a free black man from upstate NewYork, pre-Civil War, who is abducted and sold into slavery. With captivating performances from a stellar cast, and a story that is an unforgettable reality of this country's history, there is no dismissing this movie. Directed by Steve McQueen and Produced by Brad Pitt 12 Years A Slave is released this Friday, October 18th.

Source: IMBD





Monday, March 5, 2012

Review: Dream Girls Chicago






Saturday, March 3rd was the second performance for the John Ruffin Production of Dream Girls at the Harold Washington Cultural Center, located at 4701 Martin Luther King Dr. The theater was filled to the balcony while stragglers walked in as Ruffin addressed the crowd. I have seen the film and theater adaptation of this classic musical, but my expectations for this production were neutral. However, this was a well done presentation. There was perfect casting for the lead players consisting of Opal Nesbitt as "Deena Jones," China Stewart as "Effie White," KC Lee as "Curtis Taylor Jr.," and Mark Smith as "James Thunder Early" (Jimmy). Each one carried their own. Of course there were definitely the stand out characters such as "Jimmy," and  "Effie White." Smith was a great Jimmy and gave Eddie Murphy a run for his money. Some highlights of the musical were a tap dance routine that was added to the "Stepping To The Bad Side" number. Also there was a modern dance routine added to the song "I Am Changing." Of course the show stopper of Effie singing, "I Am Telling You" is always a crowd pleaser. Stewart's performance was very emotional and left many people standing on their feet in applause at the end. The only cons about the performance were the microphones. Through the entire performance there were late cues on the mics, as if someone wasn't paying attention to their job. It was very distracting, needless to say. Also the microphones weren't of the highest quality. There was a lot of distortion when Stewart and others in the cast hit high notes. However, the show is in the beginning performances so hopefully any glitches can be fixed by the end of it's stint. If you are a lover of Dream Girls you will surely appreciate this Southside showing of a Broadway Musical. Dream Girls is running every Friday-Sunday until March 31st.


Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Davy Jones dies of heart attack

Davy Jones, lead singer of 60's group the Monkees, died Wednesday morning in Florida of a heart attack. He was 66. Davy last performed on February 19th in Oklahoma and appeared to be in good spirits and health. Jones joined The Monkees in 1965 along with Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith and Peter Tork. The group was initially cast by television producers for a scripted series about the adventures of an actual Rock 'N' band. However the cast became a popular band in their on right releasing several hits including, "Daydream Believer, "Last Train to Clarksville" and "I'm a Believer." Jones is survived by his wife Jessica and four daughters from previous marriages. Check out this performance of "Nice To Be With You" filmed on Feb. 18th as well as some vintage Monkees footage.
Source: TMZ


Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Dream Girls Chicago coming to the Harold Washington Cultural Center


The hit Broadway musical and movie Dream Girls is coming to the Harold Washington Cultural Center located on 4701 S. King Drive. The limited engagement starts March 2nd and is running every weekend thereafter until March 31st. The cast includes singer and actress Opal Staples-Nesbitt as Deena Jones; singer Tatanisa Wilson, who was one of the American Idol top 24, as Lorell Robinson; 19 year-old singer China Stewart as Effie White, and actor and singer Mark Smith as  James (Jimmy) “Thunder.” Tickets are between $40.00-60.00,  but Groupon does have a discount offering two V.I.P tickets for $66 which includes a meet and greet with the cast. Tickets can also be purchased at ticketweb.com or at the Harold Washington Cultural Center box office.

Today in Black History: Michael Jackson wins a record breaking eight Grammy Awards


 
On February 28, 1984, legendary singer and performer Michael Jackson won an outstanding eight Grammy Awards for his album Thriller. Jackson worked with producer Quincy Jones and penned four out of the nine songs on the album. Thriller has been recognized as the world's best-selling album by the Guiness Book of World Records. It is one of only three albums to remain in the top ten of the Billboard 200 for a full year, and spent 37 weeks at number one out of the 80 consecutive weeks it was in the top ten. The album was also the first of three to have seven Billboard Hot 100 top ten singles, and was the only album to be the best-seller of two years (1983–1984) in the US. Jackson also broke racial barriers becoming the first black artist to air a video on MTV with his song Billie Jean.

Source: Wikipedia