Arts & Entertainment

Gifts pg 15 | Jazz pg 17 | Travel pg 19

Your Stars

Last-minute Valentine’s Day gift guide

By LAPACAZO SANDOVAL

Special to the AmNews

Valentine, who later became St. Valentine, was a priest who sent the first “valentine” greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that Valentine fell in love with a young girl who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed “From your Valentine.”

True story or not, if you are looking for interesting things to do this Valentine’s Day in

New York City and Harlem there are some interesting choices to celebrate these fallen lovers who have somehow managed to turn an incarcerated man’s pining for love into a holiday celebrated around the world.

In Ghana on Feb. 14 it’s National Chocolate Day, which was began by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority and Cocoa Processing Company, Ghana Cocoa Board, and other stakeholders in 2007.

In South Africa, most couples celebrate the day with romantic dinners, chocolates, and gifts. However, some people follow the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia, from which some historians draw links with the origin of Valentine’s Day.

In South Korea, couples celebrate the day of love on the 14th of each month. The day of roses is celebrated in May, the day of kisses in June, and the day of hugs in December. Valentine’s Day is celebrated monthly from February through April. On Feb. 14, women woo their men with chocolates, candies, and flowers. On March 14, a holiday known as White Day, men return the favor by showering their lovers with chocolates and flowers.

Here are some gift suggestions for the loved one in your life, that might have a long-lasting and practical impact.

FOR HIM & HER

The best way to a lover’s heart is through their stomach. To that end try using one of the best knives on the market—Hast— designed for modern cooking. The simple, clean, ergonomic shape is intuitive, universal, and natural. Hast knives inspire you to cook more and unleash your creativity. They are designed to create a seamless cooking experience with a long-lasting sharp blade. Plus, Hast knives are the winner of the Red Dot Design Award for combining a timeless design with improved functionality. The NEO Manual Espresso Maker is a manual espresso maker from Flair, built for beginners and those seeking convenient, affordable espresso in their homes. The secret to The NEO is its custom FlowControl Portafilter, which restricts the flow of your brew water through your coffee grounds to help ensure the proper pressure and extraction time, regardless of your beans or how well you’ve been able to dial in your grinder. The result will stay the same: delicious espresso, topped with crema, in your cup.

If you are yearning for the perfect, single-cup coffee machine that tastes like you’ve employed your very own barista, I suggest The Bruvi Bundle which makes coffee, espresso, cold brew, and more. Breakthrough guilt-free toss B-Pods. The Bruvi Bundle includes everything you need to brew better. Including the 22 B-Pods, premium water filter, and reusable Japanese knot bag.

Kenu’s Stance Compact Tripod + Bottle Opener for Smartphone—This tiny tripod has a built-in bottle opener because all those selfies can make you thirsty. Great for hands-free video chat, live streaming, and watching videos. Just plug it into your phone’s charging port (does not provide charging). Not recommended for large screen phones. *Micro-USB version does not include key ring feature. three-step routine includes rice powder cleanser, lotus enzyme exfoliator, and humidifying cream.

Telfar Dance T-Shirt—Founded by Liberian-American Telfar Clemens in 2005, Telfar is best known for its unisex handbags, but the brand also sells clothing and accessories. This T-shirt features a unique graphic depicting people dancing.

FOR HER

They say that eyes are the windows to the soul—and eyelashes certainly help to make those windows a lot more dramatic. I offer African American-owned Quon Eyes created to turn heads with minimum effort and high impact. The lashes are long-lasting and easy to apply. newest star in its universe—Angel Nova Eau de Toilette. A new captivating fragrance that brings key notes of bergamot, rose, and cedarwood. Following in the footsteps of Angel Nova Eau de Parfum, the iconic star’s pink bottle is now dressed up in new shimmering tones for Angel Nova Eau de Toilette.

Dr. Nigma’s Serum No. 1 is designed to deeply hydrate and plump all complexions. Developed with “Light Water Technology” to enhance the absorption of age-reversing plant stem cells, hyaluronic acid and marine snail peptides into the skin, this hardworking elixir instantly improves elasticity and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The handy dropper makes application a breeze.

ADORAtherapy—These are handmade, vegan aroma-perfume and body care that are uniquely formulated (organic) oils made to balance your moods and chakras.

FOR HIM

Founded by James Whitner, A Ma Maniere took over the sneaker industry in 2021. Following the release of the widely popular A Ma Maniere x Jordan 3, the brand is now releasing an Air Jordan 1. The A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 1 uses a combination of luxury accents to symbolize the resilience and beauty of the Black community.

Lyrically Correct 90s & 2000s Hip Hop/R & B Edition—Created by Tiffany Jones, Lyrically Correct is a Jeopardy-style trivia game based on all of your favorite hip hop and R&B songs from the ’90s and 2000s.

Blackstock and Weber Loafers—Founded by Chris Echevarria, Blackstock and Weber is a Brooklyn-based footwear brand that has high-quality unisex loafers if you’ve been looking for some snazzy shoes that are built to last.

Ceylon Skincare Set —A skincare regimen intended for twice-daily usage. Finish with your favorite sunscreen to achieve a smooth, even skin tone and texture. Highly effective for pigmented skin and suitable for those struggling with common skin problems.

NEO

By LINDA ARMSTRONG

Special to the AmNews

I love that the Encores! Series at the New York City Center seems to delight in presenting productions that take the audience back in time to some of the fantastic musicals we remember from our childhoods. For this past week only, performances were staged of the phenomenal, “The Tap Dance Kid.” Yes, I said “The Tap Dance Kid”—can you remember the original production? I certainly can! I was so excited just to see that it was being presented for a brief engagement this weekend—so excited! But my joy was increased ten-fold when I saw the creative team behind it: Lydia R. Diamond did the concert adaptation of the book by Charles Blackwell; there were new, dazzling tap sequences by choreographer Jared Grimes; and splendid direction by Tony award winning director Kenny Leon. The revival also had music by Henry Krieger, lyrics by Robert Lorick and guest musical direction by Joseph Joubert.

This stunning musical had the audience cheering, applauding and amazed as it told the story of Willie, a 10-yearold boy who comes from a well-off Black family and dreams of being a tap dancer like his uncle Dipsey and famous grandfather, Daddy Bates. Willie’s dream is something that his father William fights against, as he wants Willie to follow in his footsteps and become a lawyer. The dynamic of this family is quite interesting. As the father William tries to run everyone’s lives, from Willie’s to his daughter Emma’s to his wife Ginnie’s, he finds that when you run people’s lives and ignore how they feel, you run the risk of losing everything that means something to you. This musical is a tribute to the great tap dancers of our time; Bill Bojangles Robinson, the Nicholas Brothers and Sammy Davis Jr. and other tap greats were named in the show, but it was also an intoxicating, original and mesmerizing display of some of the most dynamic tap numbers you would hope to see. There is just something inspiring and uplifting about watching marvelous tap dancers who make it look effortless. The vocals were also something to write home about. Alexander Bello played the 10-year-old kid with an enormous love for tap, singing and entertaining. (You may recognize his name from his recent starring role in “Caroline, Or Change” on Broadway.) He has a splendid vocal instrument and proved to be a brilliant dancer. Shahadi Wright Joseph was absolutely phenomenal as his older sister Emma, who speaks up against the father’s tyranny and has the ability to be a fine lawyer one day. Her singing was stupendous! Adrienne Walker was stunning as Ginnie, Willie’s mother. She is a woman trying to be loyal to her husband William, despite his dictatorial tone with her and the children. Walker sang beautifully. When it came to singing however, the house came down when Joshua Henry, who played William, sang of his displeasure about his son being a dancer. Henry’s voice is so rich, so powerful, so distinctive—it just left everyone frozen, waiting to burst into uncontrollable applause! A tap dancer extraordinaire—Dewitt Fleming Jr.—commanded the role of Daddy Bates, Willie’s deceased grandfather, who had been a famous tap dancer. He did it all and with passion and extraordinary grace! Trevor Jackson gave his all as Dipsey, Willie’s uncle who is a tapper and choreographer trying to mount a musical that shows great love to this wonderful dance form. Tracee Beazer was memorable as Dipsey’s love interest and a performer in his company, Carole. Chance Smith was fine as Winslow. The Encores! Orchestra provided vibrant music and beautifully supported this fantastic work.

While the featured performers were dazzling, I can’t begin to describe the tremendous talent of the ensemble dancers. These many men and women will ensure that this incredible dance form lives on with splendor, grace and excitement!

When you hear about a production happening as part of Encores! Series at New York City Center, get your ticket! For more information, visit www.nycitycenter.org.

Alexander Bello with cast members of “The Tap Dance Kid” (Joan Marcus photo)

Harlem’s National Jazz Museum to host ‘Soul’ exhibit

Disney’s regional jazz exhibit, “The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure,” opens at The National Jazz Museum in Harlem on Feb. 10, coinciding with Black History Month. Visitors are joined by Joe Gardner—the musician, mentor and teacher from Disney and Pixar’s “Soul”—on a tour as they discover the rich and surprising history of jazz.

Disney is thrilled to partner with The National Jazz Museum to bring this experience to Harlem—a city well-known for its vibrant jazz scene, which fueled the careers of many future jazz icons. Acting as a tribute to a musical artform that was originated by African Americans, the exhibit illustrates the many different cultures and creators who influenced this evolving genre. Walt Disney Imagineering, the creative force behind Disney experiences, partnered with The National Jazz Museum to bring this story to life.

“Like the film that inspired this exhibit, ‘The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure’ is a tribute to the human experience,” said Carmen Smith, senior vice president, creative development, product/content & inclusive strategies. “It was here in Harlem that jazz not only evolved as an international sensation but a vehicle for social change. The genre’s enduring influence is a palpable example of the barriers that can be broken when ambition and artistry meet passion and purpose. We’re proud to partner with the National Jazz Museum to preserve and celebrate that special kind of magic.”

While in Harlem, the exhibit will include a unique collection of artifacts curated by The National Jazz Museum, including a player piano, a working 78rpm Victrola, and Duke Ellington’s white grand piano. Additionally, there will be maquettes of characters Joe Gardner and Dorothea Williams, and virtual experiences via the Play Disney Parks app.

“If jazz was born in New Orleans, it spent a lot of time growing up in the Harlem community, and that energy is palpable, even today,” says National Jazz Museum in Harlem Executive Director Tracy Hyter-Suffern. “Our commitment to exploring the Roots & Routes of Jazz emphasizes the ways Black music continues to shape society and global culture. Harlem is one of the world’s cultural destination points. Our partnership with Disney is a unique opportunity to celebrate Jazz, community and Harlem.”

“The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure” at The National Jazz Museum, located at 58 West 129th Street in New York, New York opens Thursday, Feb. 10, 2022. The museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 12 p.m. through 5 p.m., and masks are required. Proof of vaccination is required for visitors over 12 years old. The National Jazz Museum is currently operating on an advanced reservation system. Please visit www.jmih.org to learn more about the museum and to plan your trip.

Previously housed in New Orleans and Kansas City, the exhibit will be in Harlem until Aug. 31. To learn more about the exhibit, visit www.disneyparks.disney. go.com/blog.

The mission of the National Jazz Museum in Harlem (NJMH) is to preserve, promote and present jazz by inspiring knowledge, appreciation and the celebration of jazz locally, nationally and internationally. They tell the truth about jazz and fuel their mission through four Core Programs: Education; Jazz &… (Community Engagement & Performance); Exhibits & Collections; and Partnerships & Collaborations. Programming and their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy represent their commitment to showcasing jazz and jazz-adjacent voices and perspectives that characterize and welcome the most inclusive diversity of audiences.

NJMH invites in-person and online audiences to join the jazz in Harlem experience. Their world-renowned Artistic Directors Jon Batiste and Christian McBride contribute to the creative vision of their exhibits and outreach, and curate much of their programming. Jazz is a living, evolving organism expressed through connections with real people. Their vision is to make jazz accessible to everyone on the planet. They are a living, evolving museum for the people, center for jazz and a place in Harlem where visitors gather to enjoy history and music, and where artists come to play, rehearse, create or drop-in, even when no one else is there, just to be in the space that so many others have passed through.

The Museum offers year-round educational programs for students of all ages. Their collaborations with schools, businesses, arts and other organizations bring their innovative content to the global community.

“The Soul of Jazz: An American Adventure” will open at The National Jazz Museum in Harlem on Feb. 10, during Black History Month