Out & About

A. Philip Randolph Senior Center hosts Senior Renaissance art show

A. Philip Randolph Senior Center hosted their “Senior Renaissance,” an exhibition of artworks by artists from the center. For more than 30 years the artists from the center have combined creativity and community. The artists would like to thank Fern Hertzberg the executive director, and Site Director Richard Allman. Bob Gumbs and Harold Thomas were the curators. They also want to give thanks to the Hon. Bill Perkins, the Hon. Mark Levin, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, and the Department of Aging. The Senior Center is located at 146th Street in Harlem.

(Bill Moore photos)

Nightlife

Written by David Goodson

H.E.R. is an Apollo superstar again

How many remember when the comedian Capone uttered, “This little baby sent her tape to our P.O Box and we fell in love with her and you’re going to love her as well. Our Apollo Kid Star of Tomorrow, give it up Apollo for 10-year-old Gabi Wilson!” Turns out he was dead right. The operative word in that introduction, unbeknownst to everyone was her!! While the live and viewing audience of the syndicated series “Showtime At The Apollo” audience took a liking to the young Gabi, a little more than a decade later Gabi Wilson, under a new stage moniker H.E.R. has the adulation of millions of fans globally. Last week, marking the first time performing a full concert since her televised debut in the venue, SiriusXM and Pandora in association with the world-famous Apollo Theater in Harlem, presented a special invitation-only concert for SiriusXM subscribers and Pandora listeners. The exclusive concert featured H.E.R. performing music from her recently released RIAA-certified Gold album, “Back Of My Mind.” This stop comes amid her Back of My Mind Tour, giving subscribers and listeners a chance to see H.E.R. in an intimate setting.

Ironically, within a two-week span, H.E.R will once more have a major impact on a special night in the venue as she, an Academy and Grammy Award Winner, looks to add to her trophy case, as she leads the 2021 Soul Train Awards nominees with eight nods. Chris Brown and Jazmine Sullivan follow behind closely with six nominations each.

Wiz Kid and TEMS are the third highest with five nods each, followed by Blxst with four nods. Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic, Doja Cat, and Yung Bleu each have three nods.

The top awards of the night will go to respective NY natives; threetime GRAMMY award-winning singer-songwriter and producer Maxwell who will receive the ‘Legend’ award and multiplatinum singer/ songwriter, actor, entrepreneur, and author Ashanti who will be the recipient of the ‘Lady of Soul’ honor.

“It’s an honor to be presented with the Legend award by a community that’s been growing with me throughout my career,” said Maxwell. “I’m so grateful to be sharing this moment with everyone and returning to the Apollo for an evening of excellence.”

“I’m honored to be recognized as this year’s ‘Lady of Soul’ honoree,” said Ashanti. “This is a full circle moment for me because I received the ‘Aretha Franklin Entertainer of the Year’ Award at the Lady of Soul Awards in 2002. As we commemorate 50 years of Soul Train, I’m proud to be a part of this legacy and to return to the Apollo to celebrate.”

Dynamic best-friend duo Tisha Campbell and Tichina Arnold will return as co-hosts of the 2021 “Soul Train Awards,” bringing their irreplaceable energy and hilarious comedic talents to this year’s show.

“We are thrilled to welcome back the incomparable pair, Tisha Campbell and Tichina Arnold, to host the ‘Soul Train Awards’ for a legendary night in Harlem at the World-Famous Apollo,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy. “Their energy, like that of the Awards, remains unparalleled. Our hosts are a great complement to this year’s special event, celebrating the legacy of Soul Train with electrifying performances that will keep everyone buzzing.”

“Producing and hosting the Soul Train Awards for the last three years with my childhood friend has truly been one of the high points of my life,” said 2021 “Soul Train Awards” co-host Tisha Campbell. “Yet, upon hearing Tichina and I would be filming at the World-Famous Apollo this year, we literally lost our minds with excitement. It is already an extreme honor to be synonymous with Don Cornelius’s legacy, and now, to also walk in the footsteps of the multitude of African American talent that graced the Apollo stage is mind-blowing to both of us!”

“Returning to my hometown where it all began for us as young girls and hosting the iconic ‘Soul Train Awards’ at the Apollo is a truly a childhood dream come true,” said 2021 “Soul Train Awards” co-host Tichina Arnold. “I’m honored to stand beside Tisha and take our place in history hosting and creatively producing such an iconic show.”

The 2021 “Soul Train Awards” premieres Sunday, Nov. 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and BET Her.

Over and out ya’ll. Holla next week. Til then, enjoy the nightlife.