Pursuit of the American Dream combined with catchy songs and moving rhythms made “In The Heights” at the Benedum theater an outstanding production. That’s also why Rogelio Douglas Jr., decided to audition for the role of Benny, a worker at Rosario’s Car Service, who dreams of owning his own car business. “I grew up a young inner- city teen and I considered myself weird because I liked everything from hip-hop to alternative rock and I loved musicals too like ‘Cats’ and ‘Les Miserables.’ I wanted to help bring musical theater to a new generation. That’s what attracted me to the role,” said Douglas, who hails from New York. “I thought of how Benny grew up not knowing his dad too well and I threw myself into the role.” ROGELIO DOUGLAS JR.
What do you think the future will be like? Will we drive cars that float so we can zip above traffic jams? Will you go to school at night and sleep during the day? Do you think there will be cities on the moon or beneath the sea? And where will you be in the future? What do you imagine you’ll be doing when you grow up? In the new book “Who Will I Be, Lord?” by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, illustrated by Sean Qualls, a little girl wonders that same thing…
This week I visited Billy’s Gold Door in Homewood, the Miller Street Church of God in Christ in the Hill District, Matrix in Station Square, CJ’s in the Strip District, Shadow Lounge in East Liberty and the Red Onion in the Hill District. My first stop was at Billy’s Gold Door where everyone came out to hear great music and enjoy delicious food. I have to shout out Webb, Eric and Pooder for always holding it down at the Gold Door. T. Brown and the ladies at Pharoah’s Night Club in the Strip District.
(NNPA)—Dear Gwendolyn: I have been divorced for five years. While married, I started a relationship with a lady who worked at the same company with me. Two months after my divorce I moved in with her. Everything was great until the issue of my children.
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra welcomed Black History Month early through music with its fourth annual “Tribute: A Symphonic Celebration of African American Culture.” SEAN JONES WITH PITTSBURGH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The Jan. 26 spectacular at Heinz Hall featured renowned jazz recording artist Sean Jones, Duquesne University professor and director of the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra. First, the PSO, under the direction of resident conductor, Lawrence Loh, performed a medley of Duke Ellington hits in addition to composer and professor, Adolphus Hailstork’s PHD, Third Symphony.
If music by Jazz greats Dizzy Gillespie, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane or Charlie Parker makes you tap your toes and pop your fingers, then “The Jazz Revue Mixed with Gospel and Negro Spirituals featuring Levi Barcourt,” a concert being presented by New Horizon Theater, Inc. is the event for you. LEVI BARCOURT “The audience can expect a high energy performance with a lot of great music and a full rhythm section. There will also be two fabulous singers,” explained Pianist and producer Levi Barcourt. “We will be doing what we love doing, which is to share the talent God gave us. Hopefully the audience will be blessed.
New York, N.Y.—January 18—Award-winning production, “Black Angels Over Tuskegee” premieres off-Broadway at St. Luke’s Theater featuring The Black Gents of Hollywood. The historic drama, written and directed by Layon Gray, premiered in an open-ended run Jan. 2 following a successful Los Angeles preview. The narrative depicts the lives of six men who struggle through the Jim Crow era and emerge with distinction as the first African-American pilots in the U.S. LAMMAN RUCKER
This week I visited the new hot spot called FATE in the Strip District, The August Wilson Center in Downtown Pittsburgh, St. Lawrence O’Toole in Garfield, Kelly’s in East Liberty and the Red Onion in the Hill District. My first stop was at the St. Lawrence O’ Toole where John “Ringo” Saunders celebrated 16 years clean and sober and there was a big celebration in his honor. Congratulations to you and keep up the great work. The one and only hip-hop legends X-CLAN featuring Paradise “The Arkichect” Gray and Grand Verbalizer.
