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Ailey II new season celebrates a homecoming

By ZITA ALLEN

Special to the AmNews

Think of it as a celebratory homecoming. For two weeks beginning March 23, Ailey II, the exciting 12member company of young, gifted and talented dancers that is the second company to the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, presents its spring season at The Ailey Citigroup Theater, LIVE. Yes, Live.

Simply walking through the revolving doors into the AAADT building at the corner of 55th Street and Ninth Avenue and standing in the shadow of the towering portrait of Alvin Ailey himself after all these months is bound to feel special. That feeling promises to intensify once seated inside the jewel box theater viewing the dynamic program that features works by AAADT Artistic Director Robert Battle, William Forsythe, Ailey II Artistic Director Francesca Harper and Ailey company member Yannick Lebrun, and the talented Andrea Miller. The fact that it’s Harper’s inaugural season as head of this amazingly singular second company makes it even more of a homecoming than usual.

Universally renowned, since Ailey founded the troupe in 1974 as a showcase for merging the spirit and energy of the best young talent destined to tower over tomorrow’s dance landscape, with today’s phenomenal choreographers, Ailey II’s seasons always provide an exciting glimpse into the future of dance. That future will shine this season with programs that promise to bring audiences to the edge of both excitement and wonder with physicality that moves beyond its familiar limits, to insistent, complex rhythms.

Programs include AAADT’s Robert Battle’s “The Hunt,” “Takademe,” and the New York premiere of “Searchlight,” inspired by the relationship of Ailey II Artistic Director Harper and her late mother Denise Jefferson, as well as an excerpt of his company premiere “Alleluia,” which combines the foot stomping and hand gestures of the Baptist church with classical Baroque idioms. As Harper enhances the spirit of homecoming by bringing together works that speak to her own life’s journey, another company premiere includes William Forsythe’s “Enemy in the Figure (excerpt).” Originally created for his Ensemble Ballet Frankfurt, “Enemy,” the intensely propulsive central section of a work of the same name, oozes energy with a percussive and rhythmically driving electronic score by Thom Willem. The season also examines dance under a fresh and intimate lens in works such as Andrea Miller’s “Psūkhe” (pronounced ‘pSEEhee’) with its vigorous physicality, and Yannick Lebrun's poetic ode to French Guiana in “Saa Magn,” or Francesca Harper’s elliptical galaxy in an excerpt of her Freedom Series, titled “Fly.”

Audiences will also be treated to Harper’s full Freedom Series, which takes us on a journey through a landscape of memories with a series of vignettes that embody and imagine a hybrid world where memory strives to influence the future. Harper describes her work as a collaboration with the Ailey II dancers “that allowed me to get to know them as well as giving them a chance to know me.” It is also a process through which she examines identity and community using a process that honors the past while envisioning a better future. In many ways it sounds like a testament to a creative style that is in the Ailey tradition, but how could it be otherwise.

Harper has the Ailey spirit in her bones. Not only was her late mother, educator Denise Jefferson, director of the Ailey School from 1984-2010 and creator of the AileyFordham BFA Program, but Harper’s first creative home was the Ailey organization before she went on to a stellar professional career. “I think that the fact that I came back to Ailey and have such a longstanding relationship was a catalyst for a lot of creativity,” Harper says pointing to both her own work and to Battle’s Searchlight, not to mention the work of Andrea Miller, the other woman on this season’s roster of choreographic risk takers whose bold innovative voices inevitably produce stimulating programs. Risk taking is also in Harper’s DNA. It has taken her from a professional career that began with the Dance Theater of Harlem and spanned the globe to include Forsythe’s Ballet Frankfurt (1991-1999), Broadway, Hollywood acting, writing, acting, producing, composing and more. Now, coming full circle, in a homecoming that brings her back to Ailey II while also bringing audiences, happily, back to in person performances at the Ailey Citygroup Theater.

“It is a privilege to return to the home that shaped me as an artist to accept the honor of leading Ailey II next era," said Harper. “Ailey II’s mission lies in generating space for human narratives expressed through the strength, grace, and versatility of the next generation of gifted young dancers. As exemplified in this year’s diverse repertory, I am looking forward to bringing in new choreographic voices and programming works that further an ongoing cultural dialogue and contribute to social transformation.”

Ailey II, with Artistic Director Francesca Harper and Rehearsal Director Lakey Evans-Peña (Nir Arieli photo)

Carnegie Hall presents new event, ‘Journey Into AfroCosmicMelatopia’

By JORDANNAH ELIZABETH

Special to the AmNews

The world-renowned New York City concert hall Carnegie Hall is continuing to host the month-long, expansive Afrofuturism Festival. Along with the incredible lineup of artists and musicians including Sun Ra Arkestra, Moor Mother and Flying Lotus (the nephew of Alice Coltrane), there is a desirable and interesting event taking place March 25 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

“Journey Into AfroCosmicMelatopia” is “an immersive Afrofuturist experience and party designed and envisioned by artists and creators from the Weill Music Institute community,” says a press release. DJ Reborn and DJ mOma will perform live musical sets and the event promises a unique futuristic experience that includes visual art and dance installations which were curated by Ytasha L. Womack. “This cosmic event is designed by the creative studio Intelligent Mischief and Wakanda Dream Lab.”

This experiential journey is meant to cater to the senses, causing attendees to engage with an “augmented reality” based on Afrofuturistic artistic styles that promote the advancement of the artistic medium that spans across literature, music, theater, as well as visual art.

This offering to the Black community and beyond promises to create a realm of Black discovery and speculative awareness of what life can be through the lens of otherworldly expression.

Make sure you put this event on your calendars and enjoy a fun and immersive party. Attendees must be 21 and over.

A purchased ticket will include light food and beverages. For tickets, visit https:// www.carnegiehall.org/.

Malik Yoba and the Rev. Al Sharpton talk about Mr. Belafonte’s legacy.

Sweet Honey in the Rock

Gina Beafonte, daughter of the actor/singer/civil rights icon Harry Belafonte, on stage at Town Hall during Mr. Belafonte’s 95th birthday celebration (Linda Armstrong photos)

By LINDA ARMSTRONG Special to the AmNews

Tuesday, March 1 was an evening to remember as actor/ singer/civil rights icon and legendary humanitarian, Harry Belafonte celebrated his 95th birthday on West 43rd Street. It was a gathering of the adoring public and some of the biggest and most diverse groups of celebrities. Belafonte’s life and legacy were shared and saluted by the likes of Laurence Fishburne, Spike Lee, Alfre Woodward, Alicia Keys, Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Doug E. Fresh, Tim Robbins, the Rev. Al Sharpton, Michael Moore, John Legend, Common, Sean Combs, Malik Yoba, Lenny Kravitz, Q-Tip, Norman Lear, Bryan Stevenson, Jesse Williams, Aloe Blacc, Bill T. Jones, Sweet Honey in the Rock, with music by The Belafonte Alumni Band. While Belafonte watched live on remote from his home, many of those who honored him were physically at the theater while others came in remotely.

It also marked the 10th year anniversary of Sankofa.org, a nonprofit organization founded in 2012 by Belafonte, his daughter Gina Belafonte and Raoul Roach. The organization has an incredible mission, seeking to educate, motivate and activate artists and allies in service of grassroots movements and equitable change. It focuses on issues of injustice that disproportionately affect the disenfranchised, the oppressed and the underserved. Sankofa.org deals with immigration, criminal justice, income disparity and violence. To recognize the importance of Sankofa. org, the inaugural Harry Belafonte Social Justice Awards were given to eight individuals who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice: Angela Davis, Rashad Robinson, Kimberle Crenshaw, Dr. Cornel West, Darren Walker, Hank Willis Thomas, former Attorney General Eric Holder and Congresswoman Barbara Lee.

The wonderful evening began with members of The Harry Belafonte Alumni Band playing the drums and getting the crowd to feel the warmth and the love that this evening was about to bring. Danny Glover and Alfre Woodard took the stage and spoke of being there to honor Harry Belafonte, who takes on the plight of disenfranchised communities. Black and white video footage and photos showed a younger Belafonte and captured some of his professional work as an actor. You also see him being interviewed and talking about meeting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and realizing that he would always be by his side. Belafonte talks about his part in the Civil Rights Movement, alongside footage of his continuing his activism and speaking to young people today. He talks about being a part of their history. “All I can do is leave behind the crumbs of my experience. If you find value, pick it up and if you don’t bring something better,” Belafonte said.

His daughter Gina came out several times that evening to address the audience. She started by asking everyone to have a moment of silence for those who are captured as political prisoners. Along with marking Sankofa.org’s 10th anniversary, the evening’s event also served as a fundraiser for the organization. Throughout the evening the audience learned of the many programs that Sankofa.org runs.

Artists were referred to as “a society’s moral compass…the truth tellers.” Belafonte says people ask, “What can I do?” His response was, “What are you willing to do? What are you willing to sacrifice?” Sankofa. org held a two-day music festival, with a focus on mass incarceration. Statistics were shared that the U.S. has the largest prison population with 60% of those released ending up back in prison. The organization uses a virtual reality program to help inmates transition out.

Throughout the tribute at Town Hall, numerous clips were shown of Belafonte in some of his best known film roles and co-starring with his best friend, the late Sidney Poitier. The entire evening was filled with wonderful moments of not only watching Belafonte’s screen work, but there were several interviews played of him telling the story of special moments in his life and it felt like he was sharing directly with the audience. There were incredible musical performances by Sweet Honey in the Rock and John Legend. Alicia Keys came on stage and shared, “We want to acknowledge our love for our royalty, which is Harry Belafonte.” She recited a poem and told an adorable story of Belafonte and his wife coming to her home and spending the day with her and her son Egypt. She witnessed an immediate and special connection that Egypt had with Mr. Belafonte. She made everyone smile as she said that upon Mr. Belafonte getting in his car to leave, her 4-year-old son said, “Bye, Mr. Ellafonte.” Throughout the evening messages flashed on a screen with sentiments like “Free All Political Prisoners.”

Celebrities who came out to honor Belafonte such as Malik Yoba and the Rev. Al Sharpton talked to the audience about the importance of passing the Voting Rights Act and about people getting involved in community organizing, demonstrations and marching and even engaging in boycotts. “Become civically engaged with the world around you,” Yoba exclaimed. Sankofa. org offers a Civic Series, an explanation of the voting process written and shared by young people using graphics and poetry.

One entertaining moment in the evening was Aloe Blacc singing, “That’s Right, The

(Bill Moore photos)

Aja Burrell Wood, Brandee Younger, Melba Joyce, Robin Bell-Stevens, Cynthia, and Toshi Reagon

Performances by Bertha Hope (piano), Mimi Jones (bass) and Lucianna Padmore (drums)

Mimi Jones, Bertha Hope, and Lucianna Padmore

The Schomburg Center’s annual Women’s Jazz Festival (WJF) celebrated 30 years of centering Black women in the field of jazz. The Women’s Jazz Festival was founded in 1992 by jazz vocalist and then-Harlem resident Melba Joyce (pictured here in red). Year after year, the festival and its curators have brought together musicians, dancers, and a melding of musical genres to deliver an exciting series of concerts featuring some of the best-known and emerging talent by women in jazz today.

Joyce, this year’s curator, was joined onstage by past curators Aja Burrell Wood; Brandee Younger; moderator Robin Bell-Stevens; Cynthia; and Toshi Reagon. Music included performances by Bertha Hope (piano), Mimi Jones (bass) and Lucianna Padmore (drums).

“THIS PRODUCTION IS MEANT FOR RIGHT NOW.

It’s exciting to me to place a Black family at the center of this massive, epic journey that asks us to trust and hope in each other as we move forward.”

–Lileana Blain-Cruz, Director

BY THORNTON WILDER DIRECTED BY LILEANA BLAIN-CRUZ

Gabby Beans Paige Gilbert Priscilla Lopez James Vincent Meredith

Julian Robertson Roslyn Ruff

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