Thirty years after its Tony Award-winning world premiere, Ain't Misbehavin', the electrifying musical showcase of legendary composer and performer Thomas "Fats" Waller, based on an idea by Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby, Jr., comes to Goodman Theatre in a brand new production.
Goodman Resident Director Chuck Smith's revival emphasizes Waller's rich music by expanding its platform from cabaret to concert; with set designer Linda Buchanan, Smith transforms the 856-seat Albert Ivar Goodman Theatre into a grandiose period music venue, featuring an eight-piece band led by music director Malcolm Ruhl. Five of Chicago's foremost musical theater talents including E. Faye Butler (Purlie), John Steven Crowley (Crowns), Alexis Rogers (Black Nativity), Parrish Collier and Lina Kernan present an evening of 30 foot-stomping ragtime romps, passionate ballads and outrageous songs-Your Feet's Too Big, Honeysuckle Rose and The Joint is Jumpin' among many others-that Waller composed, recorded or collaborated on.
"Ain't Misbehavin' revives the musical genius of Fats Waller-joyous music not heard everyday or found on many i-Pods-for a glorious night in the theater," said Chuck Smith. "Though this is a period piece, our production trades the traditional nightclub setting for a concert venue, complete with eye-popping visuals-a perfect backdrop for these larger-than-life musical numbers. It's a toe-tappin', finger-snappin', hand-clappin' good time!"
Born in Harlem in 1904, Thomas "Fats" Waller remains one of the most influential stride piano players, having written more than 450 songs and recorded over 500 sides during his career. He wrote his first composition at age 14, and became a professional pianist the very next year-playing with legendary artists such as Fletcher Henderson and Jack Teagarden, Alberta Hunter and Bessie Smith. He became famous performing a combination of his own music and music written by others. After Waller's death in 1943, his influence waned and his legacy faded into the historical background for over three decades. In 1978, theater artists Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby, Jr., generated renewed attention and interest in Waller with their creation Ain't Misbehavin', through which they paid tribute to Waller's contributions to American music and highlighted the best aspects of the Harlem nightclub revues of the 1920s and '30s. Ain't Misbehavin' opened first as a cabaret act, quickly followed by a Broadway run of over 1,600 performances and numerous awards.
"It's an honor for any author to have a work staged by the Goodman, a theater whose artistic resources are second to none. With Ain't Misbehavin', however, it's a special treat, because of the deep jazz heritage of Chicago and its people. I couldn't be more pleased," said co-creator Murray Horwitz, whose other theater writing credits include Broadway's Harlem Nocturne (with André De Shields) and song lyrics for The Great Gatsby (Metropolitan Opera). Horwitz is currently the Director and Chief Operating Officer of the American Film Institute (AFI) Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Afrique’s friends at Rolling Out Urbanstyle weekly and CoverGirl Queen Collection sponsored one heck of a entrepreneurial seminar for women at Chicago’s DuSable Museaum last month.
The event brought together a stellar panel of presenters, women of color and intellect sharing insights and practical knowledge supporting the seminars theme ‘Creative Success’.
The Panel included Grammy Award-winning R&B singer Rozonda ‘Chilli’ Thomas of TLC; actress Caryn Ward, CW’s ‘The Game;’ urban blog priestess Necole Bitchie, www.necolebitchie.com; advertising guru Faith Morris, owner of Owens Morris Communications; and marketing maven Roni Jackson, managing partner, Commonground Marketing.
Throughout the evening attendees who registered in advance were treated to complimentary spa style pampering sessions consisting of makeovers, and light massages and gift bags with CoverGirl Queen Collection products.
An Affiliate of Martin’s Inter-Culture, Ltd.
1325 South Wabash Avenue, #307 Chicago, IL 60605
312/427-0266 Fax: 312/427-0266 e-mail: festoflife@gmail.com
www.martinsinterculture.com
www.festivaloflife.biz
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DANCEHALL, ROOTS AND REGGAE SUPERSTARS FROM EVERY GENERATION TO ROCK INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF LIFE JULY 4th INDEPENDENCE WEEKEND
Baby Cham, Beenie Man, Junior Reid and Gregory Isaacs Headline
CHICAGO (June 10, 2008) – It will be an explosive, irie, multi-generational blow-out when veteran Reggae icons Gregory Isaacs and Junior Reid and new blood Dancehall superstars Beenie Man and Baby Cham each claim a night over the 4th of July weekend at the 16th Annual African Caribbean International Festival of Life Thursday, July 3 through Sunday, July 6 in Washington Park.
Headlining the Rev. Dr. & Mrs. Shelvin J. Hall Gospel/Educational Stage on July 5th is Lt. Stitchie, former Reggae Dancehall prince, now a converted Christian who is an international name in the Gospel arena.
Daily admission is $10 adults before 5:00 pm, $15 after 5:00 pm; $5 all day for children under 12 and seniors 65 and older; free to kids 6 and under. A $30 season pass covering all four days is also available. Tickets are now on sale at www.ticketmaster.com or 312-559-1212 and at Martin's International Culture. For more details, call 312/427-0266 or visit the website at www.festivaloflife.biz or www.martinsinterculture.com. To be a sponsor, exhibitor or to advertise in the official festival program book, call Martin’s at 312/427-0266.
To get the fireworks started Baby Cham will kick off the Independence Weekend Thursday, July 3rd with the raw uncut sounds of Kingston's dancehalls delivered in his booming baritone voice. Since the mid 1990s, Baby Cham (born Damian Beckett) has represented the best of cutting-edge dancehall reggae.
ADD 1-1-Four Generations of Reggae & Dancehall Superstars at Festival of Life
His every release seems to bring forth new sounds, new slang, and up-to-the minute ghetto news reports guaranteed to "bust the dance." Drawing inspiration from daily life in his troubled homeland, Cham and The Stranger created a dancehall masterpiece called "Ghetto Story" which hit the streets like a bomb at the end of 2005.
Blending the vivid street narrative with trenchant political analysis and Cham's emotional delivery, "Ghetto Story" became an instant classic, summing up all the pain and loss. "You can't say we're inciting violence," says Cham. "It's just a memory. If I grow up any different I would have a nicer memory."
A different kind of pyrotechnics will light up Washington Park for the 4th of July celebration when Beenie Man, the undisputed “King of The Dancehall,” takes to the stage. When it comes to chats and riddems, Beenie Man is the alpha and the omega. That is, the 33-year-old Kingston native, born Moses Davis, is the dancehall movement personified. Releasing his first record, "Too Fancy" at the tender age of 7, Beenie has not only been at the forefront of the genre ever since, but has been largely responsible for growing it into the international phenomenon it is today. Through out the mid nineties Beenie had a slew of national hits including "World Dance" and "Slam." But it was in 1997 on the strength of his crossover smash of his Grammy-nominated “Many Moods of Moses” and its single "Who Am I?" that Beenie exploded as an international superstar. And in so doing, he opened ears and doors for everyone in his genre around the world. His latest U.S. release “Undisputed” is vintage Beenie at his best with infectious choruses and unforgettable melodies.
Veteran Reggae superstar Gregory Isaacs commands the stage on Saturday, the 5th of July. One of the best loved and most durable Reggae entertainers, his career spans three decades and legions of loyal fans worldwide. Highly prolific, (he writes nearly all his material) and business savvy (he owns his own Jamaican label, African Museum), Isaacs’ delivery is marked by a combination of fire and ice rare even among soul singers – an urgent longing tempered with cool control, Although comparable to a Jamaican Al Green or Marvin Gaye, Isaacs is a completely unique stylist. His repertoire is equal parts lovers’ rock and Rasta protest.
ADD 2-2-Four Generations of Reggae & Dancehall Superstars at Festival of Life
Anointed “Cool Ruler” by critics and fans after the title of one of his albums and his cool, relaxed singing style and ease with songs about social protest, his 1988 landmark album, “Red Rose for Gregory” and the single “Rumors” brought him to worldwide prominence. His latest album, “Turn Down the Lights” brings out the essence of this veteran singer.
Junior Reid takes it all the way back to the root when he closes out the Festival on Sunday night, July 6. Recording since the age of 14, his chance of a wider audience came with the offer to replace Michael Rose in Black Uhuru. Always a strong follower of Black Uhuru, and with a similar vocal style, Junior slipped into Rose’s shoes with ease. As a solo artist, his vocals have been used in the hip hop scene, first debuting as a sample on the song “One Blood Under W” from The W album by the Wu-tang Clan. In 2006, he collaborated with West Coast hip hop artist The Game on the song “It’s okay (One Blood).” The song also samples Reid’s 1990 single “One Blood.” With his incisive, prophetic lyrics and unstinting support for the ghettoman cause, Junior Reid remains a roots artist of great power while maintaining an already burgeoning international rep.
These internationally renowned headliners will be joined by over 100 acts on two stages – the International and the Gospel/Educational stage – for the best of Reggae, Calypso, Soca, Latin, African, Haitian, Gospel, Jazz, R&B and other world-beat music. Featured performers include Chicken Chest, G.I. Aggregation, Mime, Dub Dis featuring Devon Brown, New Dynamics, Carl Brown, The Chi-Lites, PRism, D-Lux Mizik, Gypsi Fari, House music’s Farley “Jackmaster” Funk, and more. MC’s are Casper and Bernadette Stanis, ‘Thelma’ on the 70s TV series “Good Times,” who will be signing copies of her relationship book. There will also be a July 4th and 5th tribute to the late Lucky Dube who performed at the 11th International Festival of Life
More than two hundred vendors will replicate the flavors of the Caribbean and Latin America through an international food court, arts & crafts, textiles, jewelry, ceramics and other cultural items from around the world. The children’s pavilion will feature the Sprint Racing Experience, a NASCAR racing simulator comprised of four play stations with a movie viewing room. In addition, there will be an Island Hopping Pavilion featuring island representatives and everything that’s needed to plan a trip to an exotic locale.
ADD 3-3-Four Generations of Reggae & Dancehall Superstars at Festival of Life
Festival sponsors include NBC/5 Chicago, the Chicago Park District, Motorola (www.motorola.com), Sprint (www.sprint.com), Nextel and NASCAR (www.nascar.com), Gatling Community Development, Ideal Health and the Illinois Arts Council (an agency of the State of Illinois). Dedicated to Health Awareness, the theme of the festival is “Bringing Nations Together.”
PRESS CONTACT:
Barbara Kensey, 773-288-8776
Kensey & Kensey Communications
Kenseycomm@sbcglobal.net
The Gatlings have shared stages with many gospel greats includ-ing the Dixie Hummingbirds, Shirley Caesar, Albertina Walker, the Can-ton Spirituals, the Mighty Clouds of Joy and many others. Together, they organized True Gospel Produc-tions and Gospel Music Foundation which are committed to promoting and preserving the rich heritage of traditional gospel music.
Headlining on July 5th is Lt. Stitchie, former Reggae Dancehall prince, now a converted Christian who is an international name in the Gospel arena. One of Jamaica’s premier dancehall DJs, Stitchie, born Cleve Laing in Kingston, Jamaica, frequented dancehalls during his teen years, exploring deejaying throughout his high school and col-lege years. In 1983 he entered and won a major competition and made his first recording. He later worked as both a DJ and high school teacher until 1987, when his popularity as a performer led to the decision to pursue music full-time. “I realized I couldn’t be a teacher and an enter-tainer,” he says, “but I could be an entertainer and a teacher through my music”. In 2000, he released his first Christian album, “Real Power,” with Lion of Zion Entertainment.DanaDevine closes out the festival on Sunday, July 6. On-air personal-ity at WGCI-FM, Dana is an urban psalmist. Born into a musical and talented family Dana says she knew early on that her destiny was as a songwriter. Her musical studies began on the clarinet but an ear for music led Dana to the piano, which she still uses to write her songs.
“I hear the melodies first”, she says, “then the story begins”. Rooted in Gospel music, Dana has been tell-ing her stories through song for over twenty five years. With over 14 single releases (a self-described “singles release Queen”), Dana has worked with today’s hottest artists including R. Kelly, Will Smith, Billy Ocean, and some of Chicago’s fin-est producers including Hula, Mark Pichiotti, Frank Orrall and 2004 Grammy winner Maurice Joshua, who produced “Sweet 2 My Soul” on Dana’s current project.
Other performers include Gospel duo Ekklesia, high-harmony vocal group Soul Tempo, Maureen Brown and many others. In addition, a “Chi-Town Idol” Contest will be held July 3-6 at 12pm, with the elimination round on Sunday, the 6th. Catego-ries include Vocalist, Spoken Word, Dance and Rap. Contestants will compete for a trophy and the chance to perform at the 2009 Chicago Mu-sic Awards. The entry deadline for participants is Wednesday, June 25.
More than two hundredvendors will replicate theflavors of the Caribbean and Latin America through an international food court, arts & crafts, textiles, jewelry, ceramics and other cultural items from around the world.
The children’s pavilion will feature the Sprint Racing Ex-perience, a NASCAR racing simulator comprised of four play stations with a movie viewing room. In addition, there will be an Island Hop-ping Pavilion featuring island representatives and every-thing that’s needed to plan a trip to an exotic locale.
Ain’t Misbehavin’
reading of Rain, a new work by Regina Taylor. Other Chicago credits include; Ragtime with Porchlight Theatre, Black Theatre Festival’s Don’t Make Me Over: A Tribute to Dionne Warwick (Dionne Warwick) with Black Ensem-ble Theater, Jeff Award winning Seven Guitars (Ruby) with Congo Square and Trouble the Water (Odetta) with MPAACT. Understudies include Sean Blake, Donica Henderson and Monique Whittington.
The Production, Costume, Craft, and Teck geniuses
The design team and additional artists for Ain’t Misbehavin’ include Linda Buchan-an (Set), Birgit Rattenborg Wise (Cos-tumes), Robert Christen (Lighting), Josh Horvath and Ray Nardelli (Sound), Lisa Willingham-Johnson (Choreographer) and Malcolm Ruhl (Music Director).
The Bricks and Mortar People
Named the country’s Best Regional Theatre by Time magazine (2003), Goodman Theatre is a leader in the American theater, interna-tionally recognized for its artists, productions and educational programs since its found-ing in 1925. Artistic Director Robert Falls and Executive Director Roche Schulfer’s forward-thinking leadership has earned the Goodman unparalleled artistic distinction, garnered hundreds of awards-including the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional The-atre (1992)-and moved dozens of plays from Chicago to stages in New York and abroad. Central to its commitment to the reinvestiga-tion of classics and development of new plays and artists is the Goodman’s Artistic Collec-tive, including Frank Galati, Henry Godinez, Steve Scott, Chuck Smith, Regina Taylor and Mary Zimmerman. The largest not-for-profit theater in Chicago, the Goodman moved in 2000 into a brand new state-of-the-art com-plex which houses two principal theaters: the 856-seat Albert Ivar Goodman Theatre and the 400-seat flexible Owen Bruner Goodman Theatre. Board Chairman is Shawn M. Don-nelley and Alice Young Sabl
is president of the Women’s Board.
The United States Virgin Islands is nicknamed ‘America’s Caribbean’ for good reason. This group of islands is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, not far from Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands. Because the U.S. Virgin Islands are a U.S. territory, U.S. citizens may travel through the islands without a passport as they would travel through any state. Plus, English is spoken throughout the entire region. The islands offer something for all travelers, whether they are families, singles, couples or groups.
If you visit during early spring, you can catch the colorful, month-long Carnival celebration. Any time of the year, the West Indian and Caribbean dining and nightlife is a carnival experience of its own.
The three main islands of the U.S. Virgin Islands are St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John. St. Thomas is home to Charlotte Amalie, the capital city of the entire U.S. Virgin Islands. St. Thomas is also home to over 40 white sand beaches and all the opportunities for water recreation you can imagine. If you prefer to stay dry, look into the submarine cruises and glass bottom boat rides available. You may get to spot the vibrant marine life easily visible in the islands’ pristine waters. For a more face-to-face encounter with the natural ecosystem, visit the Coral World Marine Park & Observatory.
These are just a few of the many reasons to make your next exotic vacation to America’s Caribbean.
>>Saturday, June 21,2008
Universal Alley Jazz Jam, Summer 08
Music Dedicated to Healing Ourselves, Our Communities
LenoraÕs New Approach Restaurant
641 E. 47th Street, Chicago
2 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Featuring Senabella, Kent Foreman, Generations Big Band, Theopolis Reed and many others.
This Jazz Jam promises an extra special energy as it is the final date at New Approach as Lenora has decided to close her business and is retiring and pursuing her other passions (Hint: It involves service to seniors) ÒItÕs been thirty years for me, and itÕs time for me to do something different, itÕs as simple as thatÓ. Lenora added that her retirement party will last through the Jazz Jam and on until about 1 a.m. Sunday morning.
All musicians who want to perform on this show please call 312.263.1649
>> Saturday, June 21,2008
South Side YMCA
6330 S. Stony Island
10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
When actress/ wellness specialist
A.J. Johnson is not sharing the
screen with actress Julia Roberts or keeping BeyonceÕs mind and body fit with her latest wellness techniques, she is sharing her health expertise with people in the community who just like the stars she works with, want to be healthy and fit.
Explore the Flavor of Health: The Myths and Facts on Healthy Living, attendees will learn how to improve their health, while uncovering myths and facts related to nutrition, healthy living and physical activity. This interactive event will include advice from registered dietitians on portion size and how to read nutrition labels.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to taste healthy foods during a free lunch prepared by a local chef.
This free community event sponsored by alliª, the only FDA approved over-the-counter weight loss aid, and will be hosted in conjunction with local partner organizations: L.I.D.E.R.r., Namaste Charter Schools, the Metro Chicago YMCA, and Real Men Charities, Inc
>> Tuesday, June 24, 2008
2008 Race & Business Series
The Convergence of Race, Business & Politics
Reception 6 p.m. Program 7 p.m.
The Mid-America Club
200 East Randolph Drive, Chicago, IL 60601
The Chicago United Race and Business Forums feature dynamic speakers who will discuss diversity, leadership and business opportunity in America. This exciting series provides a venue for Chicago’s corporate leaders to discuss the socio-political transformation of race and business in Chicago since 1968 and gain insight as they strive to increase Chicago’s reputation as a global city.
Earl Jones, President & Market Manager Clear Channel Radio Chicago will present the final forum in the series titled, “The Corporate Experience - My Journey”. Gloria Castillo, President, Chicago United, will moderate the one-hour discussion
Seating is limited and registration is required. $35 donation required per forum.
No charge for members of Chicago United’s CEO and Leaders Councils.
For questions, contact Chicago United at 312-977-3060.
>> July 12 & 13, 2008
DuSable Museum of African American History
33rd Annual Arts & Crafts Festival Ð
740 East 56th Place, Chicago
For Artist & Vendor registration call (773) 947-0600
www.dusablemuseum.org
Current Exhibits: Soul Soldiers: African Americans and the Vietnam War
Red, White, Blue and Black: A History of Blacks in the Armed Forces
The DuSable Museum of African American History is a Chicago community institution and the first non-profit museum dedicated to the collection, documentation, preservation, study and the dissemination of the history and culture of the Africans and African Americans. As an educational institution, DuSable Museum attracts school groups from Chicago and surrounding areas. More than 100,000 visitors attend or utilize the facility yearly. Through exhibits, educational programs, the archives, and special activities, the Museum continuously explores the African American experience and accomplishments of the past and present to further advance the education of the future.
8thAnnual Movies in the Parks
Coming to a Public Park Near You!
The Chicago Park DistrictÕs eighth annual Movies in the Parks is now underway with screenings of current and classic movies in more than 155 citywide parks throughout the summer. Admission is free, and all movies begin at dusk.
“The Chicago Park District is committed to providing safe, admission-free outings for the entire family,Ó said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Timothy J. Mitchell.
ÒThe Movies in the Parks series is an opportunity for people to enjoy a great movie together at a local park.”
The Park District encourages Chicagoans to grab a picnic basket and a blanket to enjoy the Movies in the Parks program this summer. Several of the selections include screenings of Bee Movie, Transformers, and The Great Debaters and more.
