THE ENSEMBLE THEATRE IS SERVING UP THE FLAVOR WITH ‘CLYDE’S!’

By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

made and move forward, in whatever way they can.

“By setting up a conflict between a tyrannical, mercenary, abusive boss and a group of struggling kitchen workers — in this case, former felons — who are constantly stymied in their attempts to do their best and most original creative work, Nottage really is going after the forces that control Broadway and the upper echelons of the other branches of showbiz. This shrewdest of American playwrights is tacitly accusing them of a lack of imagination, unkindness toward vulnerable workers, the propagation of unsafe work environments and a determination to play to the lowest common denominator when it comes to the tastes of customers who would prefer better quality fare, if only they were offered such a menu.” -Chis Jones, Chicago Tribune

Adding to the impact of female creative talent, The Ensemble Theatre has collaborated with Shirley Jo Finney to direct ‘CLYDE’S.’ Shirley Jo, who has worked with The Ensemble Theatre previously (her last creative partnership with The Ensemble Theatre was as Director of ‘The Green Book’), is a well-known Actress and Director, having a career that dates back to 1977. Best known for her acting roles (which includes appearances on ‘Lou Grant’, ‘Hill Street Blues’ and ‘Amen’, to name a few), Shirley Jo Finney has also directed episodes of popular TV show

‘Moesha’ and travels across the world directing plays. Shirley Jo Finney is an award-winning international director of theater, television and films, and has most recently directed a revised, surrealist version of ‘Pippin’ for Dartmouth College. Shirley Jo has worn her director’s hat in some of the most respected regional theater houses across the country including The McCarter Theatre, The Pasadena Playhouse, The Goodman Theater, the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, The Cleveland Play house, The Fountain Theater, LA Theater Works, The Crossroads Theater Company, Actors Theater of Louisville Humana Festival, the Sundance Theater Workshop ,The Mark Taper Forum, Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts and the State Theater Opera House in Pretoria ,South Africa. Read more at:

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MEMORIAL PARK

S. PICNIC LOOP

MARCH 24-26 2023

FRIDAY - SUNDAY

10 AM TO 6 PM

FEATURED ARTIST DEWEY JAMES

■ 300 National & International Artists

■ 19 Disciplines of Art

■ 2 Entertainment Stages

■ Active Imagination Zone

■ Craft Beer & Wine Garden

■ Art Installations & Exhibits

■ Food Truck Park

■ VIP Hospitality Lounge

HBun B’s 50th Birthday Party

Houston, rapper Bun B celebrated the BIG 5-0 over the weekend with members of his family and friends. Diageo and its brands hosted the affair, which featured special guests throughout the evening. The UGK rapper celebrated 50 years of life and #HipHop50 anniversary by toasting with CÎROC – the official vodka of Hip Hop 50 – and Crown Royal and Tequila

Don Julio cocktails. Guests were treated to a special performance by Bun B while dancing to H-Town classics spun by DJ Mr. Rogers, and enjoying Bun B’s signature Trill Burgers. To add to the celebrations, Bun B also marked 20 years of marriage with his wife, Angela "Queenie" Walls, and surprised guests with a vow renewal. Among those in attendance were H-Town’s own LeToya Luckett, J Prince, and more.

H Tequila Don Julio Celebrate Latino Excellence H

Tequila Don Julio hosted an intimate dinner with Mexican-American photographer, Carlos Eric Lopez, writer Gloria Calderón Kellett, and singer and actor Michael Cimino for Latino talent and high-level executives in Austin, Texas. It was a magical evening connecting the community and celebrating Latino excellence across a variety of industries. Among the attendees were leading artists, entrepreneurs, grassroots organizers, and industry executives. Notable guests included: Julio Macias (Promised Land, Selena the Series), Diego Tinoco (On My Block), Danay Garcia (Fear the Walking Dead), Michael Cimino (Love Victor), Natalia Del Reigo (Hail Mary, which premiered during SXSW), Veronica and Miguel Garza (Siete Foods co-founders).

Grammy Award winning trumpeter, composer, and POPS fan favorite Chris Botti returns to the Jones Hall stage to join Principal POPS Conductor Steven Reineke and the Houston Symphony for three special performances April 14-16. Botti and the Symphony conjure a passionate ambience with enthralling and romantic pieces such as Hallelujah and You Don’t Know What Love Is from Keep ‘Em Flying, When I Fall in Love from One Minute to Zero, and many more. Fans

JONES HALL, APRIL 14-16

Kathleen Coleman, Arts Editor

Chris

will have the opportunity to livestream the performance on Saturday, April 15 at 8 p.m. This performance is part of the Bank of America POPS Series.

Over three decades, Chris Botti has amassed an impressive variety of honors, including four #1 jazz albums, multiple Gold and Platinum albums and the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Album for Impressions (2012). Botti has recorded and performed with the best in music, including legends such as Sting, Barbra Streisand, Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Joni Mitchell, Yo-Yo Ma, Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon, and

Andrea Bocelli. Performing worldwide and selling more than four million albums, Botti has become the largest-selling instrumental artist in the nation and has thoroughly established himself as one of most innovative figures of the contemporary music world. Guests can enjoy a Chris Botti themed cocktail, The Chris Botti Rickey made with gin, lime and club soda, in the Jones Hall lobby. For tickets and more information, call 713.224.7575 or visit houstonsymphony.org/chrisbotti.

Houston Symphony Presents

CHRIS BOTTI

Friday & Saturday, April 14 & 15 at 8 p.m.

Livestream available Saturday, April 15 at 8 p.m. Sunday, April 16 at 2:30 p.m. Jones Hall for the Performing Arts

Steven Reineke, conductor Chris Botti, trumpet

HNNPA State of the Black Press H

NNPA hosted a very successful “State of the Black Press” luncheon at the National Press Club in Washington, DC, March 17th, 2023. In addition, those present were able to visit the White House at the invitation of President Biden’s press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre.

HRun Sister Run Women's History Brunch H

Run Sister Run PAC celebrated five years of supporting and electing women candidates at their Annual Women’s History Brunch. Mary Morrison was the recipient of the Community Impact Award. State Rep. Ann Johnson was honored with the Strong Award. State Rep. Alma Allen received the Barbara Jordan Award. State Rep. Ron Reynolds brought remarks and presented the organization a proclamation. Others in attendance were RSR Co-founder Nicole DeLoach, RSR Co-founder Tonya, Amanda K. Edwards, Shekira Dennia, Audrie Lawton Evans, and more.