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THE NEW YORK AMSTERDAM NEWS & E N T E R T A I N
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December 23, 2021 - December 29, 2021 • 21
50 BLACK WOMEN, ISHMAEL REED, IRBY CHRISTMAS
The phrase “writin’ is fightin’” was coined by playwright, author, poet and satirist Ishmael Reed. For over five decades, his writings have represented the crown of thorns upon America’s distorted head which continues its deliberant attempts to bamboozle people of color. The word warrior continues his fight in 2021, as he calls the New York City art world to the stand with “The Slave Who Loved Caviar.” It examines the chaotic life and career of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. The two-act play, direct-
(Shan Wallace photo)
Music writer and journalist Jordannah Elizabeth has written the perfect music book for young people, “She Raised Her Voice! 50 Black Women Who Sang Their Way into Music History,” illustrated by Briana Dengoue (Running Press Kids/ Hachette Book Group). “Through my years of music journalism, research and documentaries of Black women in music, I wanted to share with the world and give the next generation a chance to know these women, and continue their legacy,” said Elizabeth. Her in-depth research and years of writing on Black women in music serve as an encyclopedic source for all ages. The 50 Black women covered reflect a multiplicity of music genres from Sister Rosetta Tharpe (Godmother of Rock and Roll) who stated, “Can’t no man play like me, I play better than a man,” to Memphis Minnie, Poly Styrene, Skin, Leontyne Price, Nina Simone, Jill Scott, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Ella Fitzgerald, and Lena Horne, who worked with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to enact laws to stop Black people from being lynched. The colors of Dengoue’s illustrations are so vibrant they jump right out and speak in the name of each woman. “This book also serves as a source to help update music history and all the contributions of Black women,” stated Elizabeth during a phone interview. “I always wanted to write text books for music history with my Black feminist works,” she stated. “She Raised her Voice” gives young ladies an inside perspective about various genres of music making. Giving them the deliberate option to pursue any music road for self-expression. The music was grown from the seed of Africa and transformed through its many travels into the Black music family which includes many sisters and brothers from hip hop, jazz, gospel, blues, opera, rock and roll. This book is just as important to men in a music world that remains a male-dominated fortress. Elizabeth’s offering of this female awareness is a certified effort in the ongoing struggle for female equality. This is the perfect holiday gift that will forever inspire aspirations.
the relationship Manuel Miranda” (which extended three between Basquiat times). His most noted works for me inand Andy Warhol. clude “Mumbo Jumbo” (1972), “Yellow It questions why Back Radio Broke-Down” (1969), Flight seemingly racist to Canada (1976), and one of his recent tactics toward books “Barack Obama and the Jim Crow Basquiat were al- Media: The Return of the Nigger Breaklowed to mas- ers” (2010). All of his works swing like an querade as “Art avant garde orchestra, always in motion Criticism” and ex- hitting spirited notes. plores how BasFor information and tickets call 212quiat’s treatment 254-1109. implicates the New York City art Saxophonist and composer Sherman world. “This kid Irby, long-time member of the Jazz at was destroyed by Lincoln Center Orchestra, will come fanatics, he did all to Dizzy’s in a smaller configuration to the way and they celebrate “A Very Irby Christmas” Dec. looked the other 21-24. His band will include fellow orway when he was chestra mate and trombonist Vincent doing cocaine, Gardner, pianist Isaiah J. Thompson, he was treat- bassist Gerald Cannon, drummer Willie ed like a slave,” Jones III and special guest vocalist CaReed stated. “Real mille Thurman (she was an extremenames and inci- ly impressive saxophonist sitting in dents are brought as a member of the JLCO). Two shows to life through vig- each evening at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. orous research.” (except Dec. 24 one show only at 7 p.m.). Reed, a MacAr- For tickets and reservations visit jazz. thur Genius Fel- org/dizzys or 212-490-3460. lowship winner, is ed by Carla Blank, will run Dec. 23-Jan. no stranger to NYC’s Lower Eastside; he Enjoy your holidays. Thank you so 9 (Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m. and premiered multiple plays at the Nuyor- much for reading this column and of Sunday 3 p.m. matinee), at the Theater ican Poets Cafe, including “Life Among course the support of this historical pubfor the New City (155 First Avenue (be- the Aryans,” “Body Parts,” and the sold- lication. Stay safe and wear that mask, tween 9th and 10th Streets). out 2019 run of “The Haunting of Lin- keep the groove. We remain family. The cast will include Jesse Bueno, Maurice Carlton, AUDELCO award winners Roz Fox and Robert Turner, Laura Roberts, Monisha Shiva, Brain Simmons and Raul Diaz (as Baron De Witt). The playwright Reed appeared as Baron De Witt, the son of Dracula, in the play’s live-stream reading that took place last March during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when all theaters were closed down. Since the reading, the production has been somewhat revised, noted Reed. “The monologues have been turned into dialogue and the comic relief remains. I also composed and performed the music [playing piano] which will be released as a CD at some point.” Reed’s idea for the play is a result of his viewing Julian Schnabel’s film “Basquiat” (1996). “I was offended by the film and began researching Basquiat’s work and realized I had dismissed him as just a graffiti artist, but his range and focus was much more significant,” Reed said during a phone SHARON D CLARKE interview. “The Slave Who Loved Caviar” uncovers the racism directed at Basquiat, and the ways that Andy Warhol, the art establishment and the Book and Lyrics by TONY KUSHNER Music by JEANINE TESORI fashion industry exploited and profChoreographed by ANN YEE ited from Basquiat’s artistry. During Directed by MICHAEL LONGHURST the 1950s Black recording artists were given expensive cars for their talent. But years later the artist Basquiat was Studio 54 rewarded with green cash but at what 254 West 54th Street price, serving as a slave to the industry WITH CODE 212.719.1300 that discovered him? roundabouttheatre.org This is the theatrical investigation into
THE ACCLAIMED MUSICAL TRIUMPH IS NOW ON BROADWAY.
TICKETS FROM $49 COCAM
