Nathaniel Stampley, will lead the national tour of the musical "Porgy and Bess," that kicks off a 14-state tour this weekend in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Richards Associates) The national tour schedule for "The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess" 11/10-12/8: San Francisco, The Golden Gate Theatre 12/10-12/22: Dallas, The Winspear Opera House 12/25-12/29: Washington, D.C., The National Theatre
VILLAIN 151 Pittsburgh has born its share of successful rappers. From Wiz Khalifa to Mac Miller, in the last decade the Steel City has become a reputable hip-hop city. Anthony “Villain 151” Sisco, 30, released his last album, “The Long Road Home,” on Nov. 5. “The Long Road Home” is an understatement, for it took Villain 151 two years to complete the project. In 2011, when he initially began recording the album, Villain 151 was depressed upon returning home from a Washington D.C relocation. Self-medicating with alcohol to cope with his reluctant return, Villain 151 realized he had to cease production, so he could create the album with a clear mind. “I was depressed when I wrote the first half of this album and you can actually hear it in some of the songs,” said the Pittsburgh rapper.
by Terri SchlichenmeyerFor New Pittsburgh CourierYour best friend knows everything she needs to know. She knows your secrets, and the dreams you hold. She chases away your insecurities, your sorrows are her burdens, your joy is her triumph. Your best friend knows your heart, and loves you better for it. And in the new book “The Sweetest Hallelujah” by Elaine Hussey, a friendship that starts with a secret ends with a forever bond.
ALMA GILL Dear Alma, I was married for 20 years and have two grown children. I met my husband when he was best friends with a male cousin of mine. After we graduated high school, my cousin left to join the Army. We called and stayed in touch at first, but later the calls were fewer and fewer. Over the years, life took over and time passed; we’d see each other only at a few family gatherings. My husband and I grew apart and are now divorced. My cousin is retired now and living in another state. His wife recently died and I traveled to attend her funeral. Since the funeral, my cousin and I have been talking on the phone, texting and emailing each other, promising to stay in touch and become close like we were before. I don’t know why or how, but I have very strong feelings for him. I know he doesn’t feel the same way that I do, and I feel terrible about this, but I can’t get him off my mind. We understand each other, and he is exactly what I’ve always looked for in a man. It seems we fit like a puzzle. Can you fall in love with your cousin?—Wanda
RANDY WESTON National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Randy Weston performed in Pittsburgh on Oct. 26, in the fall installment of Kente Arts Alliance’s Africa Calling Series. Weston appeared with his African Rhythms Quintet featuring: Randy Weston (piano); TK Blue (reeds & flute); Alex Blake (bass); Neil Clarke (percussion) and Robert Trowers (trombone). This much anticipated concert took place at the New Hazlett Theater, on the North Side.
This film image released by The Weinstein Company shows Robin Williams as Dwight Eisenhower, left, and Forest Whitaker as Cecil Gaines in a scene from "Lee Daniels' The Butler." (AP Photo/The Weinstein Company, Anne Marie Fox) by Jake CoyleAP Film Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Oprah Winfrey has heard this story before. A wave of high-profile films about Black people receives accolades. A heart-warming trend of greater on-screen equality is declared. Hollywood basks in its multiculturalism — and then returns to business as usual.
Thursday 7 Jazz Jam CJ’s Restaurant & Lounge presents “The Roger Humphries & RH Factor Jazz Jam Session” at 8 p.m. at 2901-2911 Penn Ave., Strip District. There will be live jazz and fun every Thursday night. Must be 30 years or older and there is a dress code that will be enforced. No tennis shoes, sweats, or athletic gear. For more information, call 412-642-2377.
TLC THE MOVIE VH1’s CrazySexyCool: The TLC Story, the No. 1 trending topic on social sites during its premiere Monday night, reignited the buzz and fan-based admiration for the Grammy award winning trio. The movie covers a lot of the backstage occurrences that we never saw like Left Eye’s father’s murder, Chili’s chilling abortion, and T-Boz’s unexpected diagnosis of sickle cell anemia. For 150 minutes, viewers also enjoyed the great moments like when the girls heard their song on the radio for the first time or their very first tour with MC Hammer and Jodeci.
From left, musicians Jackie Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, Marlon Jackson and Tito Jackson attend the Ebony Power 100 Gala, on Monday, Nov. 4, 2013, in New York. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP) by Nekesa Mumbi MoodyAP Entertainment Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Motown founder Berry Gordy recalls that when he first signed The Jackson 5, he sent them to live in a house in California — and the rowdy kids ended up getting kicked out and had to move in with him. Joked Gordy: "Be careful what you wish for." On Monday, Marlon Jackson thanked Gordy for "letting us come to your house and tear it up," as well as for putting them on the path to a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame career in a tribute to Gordy at the Ebony Power 100 gala.
