(NNPA)—Dear Gwendolyn: What happened to family love? This is my problem: I am 24 years old and have six children. My first child was born when I was 15 and my last child born is only 11 months old. Last month I asked my mother to take my children. She is 56. She refused. Then, I asked my grandmother to take them and she said no. My grandmother is 77.
by Kevin AmosFor New Pittsburgh Courier Tuesday evening at the Benedum Auditorium a class was indeed in session and the “students” were the audience in Pittsburgh as they got schooled by Billy Cox, Ernie Isley, Living Colour, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Brad Whitford. Pittsburgh was the kickoff location for the second part of the Experience Hendrix Tour. The former Stanley Theater became a classroom and Rock church for this sold out concert. The Experience Hendrix tour crisscrossed the country this past March for a string of concerts and returned with a new set of U.S. and Canadian dates for October and November. The tour offers multiple opportunities for performers and audiences to witness unique collaborations. ERNIE ISLEY
This week I visited Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Oakland, Games N’At on the South Side, The Corner Café on the South Side, CJ’s in the Strip District, Ace and Deuces Lounge in the Hill District and The Shadow Lounge in East Liberty. My first stop was at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Oakland where gospel legend Vickie Winans performed her gospel hits for her fans and everyone got their praise on. I have to shout out Dorian for putting together a great event. Fletcher Jones and 1st place winner Purpose at the Corner Café on the South Side.
Thursday 4 Soul Garden Charismatic Nightlife and the August Wilson Center presents The Soul Garden featuring N’Dambi at 7:30 p.m. at AWC, 980 Liberty Ave., Cultural District. This signature Soul Music Showcase features recording artist N’Dambi. There will be a happy hour. For more information, call 412-338-8742.
One of the region’s premiere jazz events celebrates 40 years this November, as the University of Pittsburgh hosts its annual 2010 Pitt Jazz Seminar and Concert Nov. 4-6. Founded in 1971 by Pitt Jazz Studies Program Director Nathan Davis as the first academic jazz seminar of its kind in the country, the event features international artists connecting with aspiring students in a lecture format, then performing together as an ensemble. JON FADDIS Over four decades, the Pitt Jazz Seminar and Concert has played host to some of the greatest names in American jazz history, including saxophonists Grover Washington Jr. and Sonny Stitt, drummer and bandleader Art Blakey, trumpet master Dizzy Gillespie and pianist Billy Taylor.
Your parents gave up a lot for you over the years. From the start, your mother gave her body over to you and nurtured you. Your father taught you, mom guided you (and vice versa). They put a roof over your head, food in your belly, toys on the floor and memories in your heart. Author Condoleezza Rice’s parents did that and more. In the new book “Extraordinary, Ordinary People,” you’ll read about how they instilled a love of learning in their daughter’s life. The descendant of slaves but possessing Italian lineage, Rice was born in Alabama, well before the Civil Rights Movement.
(NNPA)—Dear Gwendolyn: Last month I broke off with my girlfriend. I could not explain to her why. This is the problem: Since age 16 I have always dated older women. Now that I am in college and about to graduate, I decided to date girls more my age. I am totally confused as to why I cannot seem to keep an attraction to younger women. Do you have any advice to give me? I was 16 and the lady I became involved with was 36. We dated for three years, but never in public. The next lady I dated was 28 years my senior and recently dated a lady who was 30 years my senior.
On Oct. 30, former sitcom star, TV trailblazer and best-selling author Bill Cosby will come to Pittsburgh for a comedic performance at Heinz Hall. Well known for his controversial critiques of the African-American community, Cosby’s performance will throw seriousness aside for a night of laughs. NIGHT OF A THOUSAND LAUGHS—On Oct. 30 at 5:30 p.m., Bill Cosby will take the stage at Heinz Hall. (Photo by Erinn Chalene Cosby) “What value is a Black human being in his or her own neighborhood? People say ‘don’t say that; that’s dirty laundry,’ but we’re trying to save beautiful Black lives. We’re talking about your children, your beautiful Black children,” said Cosby in an exclusive interview with the New Pittsburgh Courier. “Of course, I’m not going to talk about that at Heinz Hall. We’re going to laugh. We’re going to close the doors and we’re going to laugh. We’re going to have a good time.”
This week I visited the Flamingo Lounge in the Hill District, a mansion in Mt. Washington, The Shadow Lounge in East Liberty and the K. Leroy Irvis Towers. My first stop was at a mansion in Mt. Washington where Distinct Sophistication held their annual event called “Elegant in Black II” featuring actor Lamman Rucker. This event has been called the party of the year by those who attended. I have to shout out Tee Jay and Terrance Brown of Distinct Sophistication for doing it up big. The city of Pittsburgh dressed to impress in black attire. The ladies of SteelCityLive.com at the Elegant In Black II in Mt. Washington.
Thursday 28 Jazz revue New Horizon Theater Inc. presents The Jazz Revue, Other Special Selections and Storytelling featuring Levi Barcourt at 7:30 p.m. at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater, 5941 Penn Ave., East Liberty. Barcourt has worked with several musical greats and will perform through Oct. 31. General admission is $20 and students and seniors are $15. For more information, call 412-431-0773.
