When the word magician is mentioned, images of David Copperfield, Criss Angel and David Blaine are instantly conjured up. But in actuality, there are a crop of African-Americans who are holding it down in the world of illusion and sleight of hand. JOHN HAMILTON Some of those magicians include master illusionists John Hamilton and Kenrick “ICE” McDonald. Hamilton was the first and only Black American in 1979 to represent the United States in the World Congress of Magic in Brussels. In 1986, Hamilton, who is originally from Cleveland, created “Magic With A Message,” a school assembly program enjoyed by over two million children of all ages.
Open wide, or close up tight? When it comes to borders, that’s a question that divides countries, states and even families. It’s a question that might seem answerable with one word, either way, but it’s really not. Like everything these days, it’s complicated and contentious. And then, there are the exceptions… In the new book “In the Shadow of Freedom” by Tchicaya Missamou with Travis Sentell, you’ll read the story of one immigrant and his journey to the U.S., starting with his childhood.
Calso Mitch is a hip-hop artist from the community of Wilkinsburg. He was introduced to hip-hop when he heard Big Daddy Kane and the Wu Tang Clan. He is one of the artists that stands out in a sea of many rappers from Pittsburgh. He chooses to do things his way and his lyrical style commands attention. CALSO MITCH Mitch has a huge following in Pittsburgh and plans to take fans on a journey they will never forget. His current CD, presented by SkyZutoh Media, is called “The Real Balloons Mixtape,” which is generating a lot of buzz from the hip-hop community.
Kelly Strayhorn Theater Executive Director Janera Solomon wants Pittsburghers to step out and try something different. She is making that possible with an eclectic mix of dance, music theater and interactive events that will be featured during the theater’s 2010-11 season, which begins Sept. 18. CREATORS—Hallie Donner, left, director of the Alumni Theater Company, and Staycee Pearl, director of Staycee Pearl Dance Project, founded and lead their own companies. “We’re starting with Shristi Dances of India that was founded in Pittsburgh in 1995 and they did a lot of their shows at the Kelly Strayhorn while they were still in Pittsburgh,” Solomon said. “It’ll be great to start with them because they are an original group using the Kelly Strayhorn Theater and we wanted to bring something different but also familiar to Pittsburgh.”
This week I visited Babylon aka The Yacht Club in the Strip District, CJ’s in the Strip District, the Shadow Lounge in East Liberty and Mr. Kenny’s Place in the Hill District. My first stop was the Shadow Lounge where DJ J. Malls held his annual event called “Title Town Soul & Funk Party” featuring Gordy G. and Robert Wells (Ann Arbor Soul Club) on the 1’s and 2’s. Everyone came out to this event and it was a packed house. Birthday girl and King celebrating her birthday at Mr. Kenny’s Place in the Hill District.
Thursday 9 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.
You just couldn’t stop yourself. You knew that what you were about to do would get you into trouble. You’d never be able to talk your way out of the mess, even though you’d to try. Getting caught was a high probability, losing everything was a danger. But you just couldn’t stop yourself. In the new book “Darius Jones” by Mary B. Morrison, a young b-baller has everything he could ever want: a beautiful wife, a great career, and a healthy child. Can he stop his life from crashing?
John Koutsakis, also known as J-Kruz, was the voice of Pittsburgh urban radio at WAMO 106.7FM for several years. After the station was sold Kruz applied to Clear Channel, Radio One and anything he could find. He was sending his resume once and sometimes twice a week to different radio stations across the country and landed a job in Dallas at 97.9 The Beat as a full-time on-air radio personality. He will be starting later this month. J-KRUZ He is excited about the new opportunity ahead of him. It will be pretty similar to what he was doing here in Pittsburgh at WAMO.
This week I visited the Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum in Homewood, Melange Bristo Bar and Lounge in Downtown Pittsburgh, Robert Williams Park in the Hill District, Ava Lounge in East Liberty and Tim’s Bar in the Hill District. My first stop was at Ava Lounge in East Liberty where DJ Vex was on the 1s and 2s doing his thing. Ava is the place to be on a Friday night, so come check it out. Hill District residents getting their party on at the Terrace Village Hill District reunion at the Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum.
