Pittsburgh resident Marlene Davis chose to spend her Tuesday night seeing the production, “Distorted Love” because “it spoke to a lot of women’s situation and how you try to escape realism in those situations,” she said. “Distorted Love,” a Charlayne Henry Production in Association with A Sistas Thang Productions, centered around the all-female Cantrell family of attorneys at Whitmore, Lacey and Ditmon. Delores is a retired partner at the firm while Debora is poised to make partner at the firm.
NNPA—Dear Gwendolyn: I have been dating my boyfriend for five years. Each time I mention getting married, he changes the conversation. I must admit that I am growing tired of his seemingly “no interest” in marrying me. Last year at his family’s reunion gathering, his father told me that for the past two years he has been in love with me. He said, “I thought by now you would have married my son or the two of you would have broken the relationship.” I was rude with him at first, but now I am having second thoughts.
Thursday 8 Season opener The University of Pittsburgh Kuntu Repertory Theatre presents “Dutchman” and “The Slave” at 8 p.m. at Alumni Hall, 7th Floor Auditorium, 4227 Fifth Ave., Oakland. The two one-act plays launch the 2009-2010 season, which is dedicated to the late Rob Penny. He was the Kuntu’s playwright-in-residence for many years and a Pitt associate professor of Africana studies. Dutchman examines the possibilities of interracial relationships through an encounter on a New York subway. The flirtation between the young man and woman evolves into a serious discussion of perceptions and stereotypes that ends in tragedy. “The Slave” is a fable that looks at the revolution to overthrow the Euro-centered culture of the United States through the relationships of a divorced interracial couple and a new spouse, the ex-husband’s former mentor. The performance will run through Oct. 10. Admission is $20 for adults, $13 for senior citizens, students and children ages 4-18. For more information, call 412-624-7298.
Pittsburgh has a rich history in jazz, dance and the arts in general. This legacy was celebrated in a spectacular showcase earlier this month. The much anticipated beautiful newly opened August Wilson Center for African American Culture hosted the Multicultural Arts Initiative’s third annual celebration of diversity in the arts with “Legacy: Celebrating the Fabric of Our Culture,” a program celebrating diversity and richness of the arts and fashion. ARTIST OF THE YEAR—Sean Jones performing one of his many hits.
Aisha Kahlil is happy that fans are inspired by and enjoy Sweet Honey in the Rock’s music. “The force of healing is something that we want in our music. There’s nothing more powerful than that and hopefully we can get that in the hearts and minds of the people,” said Kahlil, who lives in Maryland. She has been a member of the group for more than 10 years. SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK
Of all the voices in jazz, soul or gospel, Ella Fitzgerald might just be the voice to end all voices. Known for the smoothness of her tones; the ability to sustain and stretch long, round notes and her ever crowd-pleasing improvisation, Fitzgerald achieved unparalleled international acclaim. On Oct. 1, Tina Fabrique, a jazz star in her own right, will bring Fitzgerald to life in the Pittsburgh Public Theater’s production of “Ella.” TINA FABRIQUE AS ELLA FITZGERALD
This week I visited the August Wilson Center for African American Culture in Downtown Pittsburgh, Tim’s Lounge in the Hill District, Capri’s Bar and Restaurante in East Liberty, CJ’s in the Strip District and St. Lawrence O’Toole’s in Garfield. My first stop was at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture in Downtown, Pittsburgh where they held the grand opening. It was a great affair where celebrities from all over came out to show love and pay tribute to the one and only August Wilson. Young and old alike came to the 3D party that was held at the new center featuring DJ Nate Da Phat Barber on the 1’s and 2’s. The 3D party was in full effect at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture in Downtown Pittsburgh.
Thursday 1 Opening performance Pittsburgh Public Theater presents Ella at 8 p.m. at the O’Reilly Theatre, 621 Penn Ave., Cultural District. This is a bio-musical of Ella Fitzgerald. It is directed by Rob Ruggiero and stars Tina Fabrique, as Ella. The show will run through Nov. 1 and tickets are $40-$60 and $15 for ages 26 and younger and students. Call 412-316-1600 or visit www.ppt.org.
Songstress Lalah Hathaway treated Pittsburghers to a variety of music that has spanned her career when she graced the August Wilson African American Cultural Center stage, Sept 10-11. Hathaway was in town to kick off the inaugural season of the center. The mission of the center is to serve and promote the history of African-Americans in western Pennsylvania. LALAH HATHAWAY
Fellow Jamaican Paula Reed said she hadn’t danced like this in years after attending the reggae concert of legendary singer Ernie Smith. Reed was visiting Pittsburgh for the second time and heard about the concert and decided to support it. ERNIE SMITH “I loved everything about it,” said Reed. “It reminded me of home.”
