Atlanta Host Advance Screening of #KEANU
This week Atlanta hosted an advance screening of Warner Bros and New Line Cinema new film KEANU. Cast Members Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Method Man and Jason Mitchell were in attendance. The private event was hosted by Atlanta rapper T.I at Regal Cinemas Atlantic Station.
The action comedy tells the tale of two cousins (Clarence and Rell) who must put movie learned street-smarts to the test when Rell's cute kitty is stolen by the local gang. The two are on a quest to survive a weekend full of shenanigans. Actors Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele are most known as Key & Peele from their Comedy Central series. Hollywood favorites Nia Long, Will Forte, and Luis Guzman make appearances in the film.
The movie is definitely laugh out loud funny. Visit keanumovie.com to see a trailer of the film and go see it on April 29.
Top 5 Ways to Support Your Local Library
This week is National Library Week. The theme is Libraries Transform and graphic novelist Gene Luen Yang serves as the honorary chair. National Library Week is a time to celebrate the contributions of libraries and librarians nationwide and to promote library use and support. Themed celebration days include National Library Workers Day (April 12) and National Bookmobile Day (April 13). National Library Week is sponsored by the American Library Association. In light of the observance, I've listed five easy ways for you to support your local library.
- Visit - Plain and simple right. Go to your local library and see everything that they have to offer. Today libraries are more that just places to check out old books. Most libraries offer a list of services such as computer classes, testing centers, and language services.
- Volunteer - Did you promise to get more involved and serve the community this year? Well you can definitely volunteer your time at the library. Become a children's aide or computer lab specialist. A few years ago I had the opportunity to be a Literacy Tutor. It was really fulfilling to help another adult expand their skills and develop a love of books like myself.
- Donate - Another super easy one. Write a check to help maintain the services that your local library provides. Most libraries accept online giving as well.
- Use Resources - Let your local library know they are still needed. Check out the latest books and use the e-resources. Some libraries offer continuing education classes and continuing education certificate programs. One of my favorite resources is the ebook downloads. Its a easy way to fill your e-reader or tablet with new reads without spending a lot of money.
- Buy Books - See if your local library has monthly book sales.
Please share how you can support your library this week and the rest of the year.
Alliance Theatre Stage Blessed By Bebe Winans - Sneak Peek of 'Born for This'
Last night I had the pleasure of attending a special sneak preview of Born for This - The Bebe Winanas Story. The new musical about Bebe's journey of self-discovery will premiere on the Alliance Theatre stage in April. The event included a conversation between six time Grammy Award winner Bebe Winans, Broadway Director Charles Randolph-Wright, and award winning recording artist and producer Donald Lawrence. The conversation was facilitated by Alliance Theatre Artistic Director Susan Booth.
BEHIND THE MUSICAL
The event included a performance of the title track Born for This by Bebe Winans that was wonderful. He also performed a duet with the character Penny and a song with a choir. The panel also took questions from the audience.
Rehearsals began this week for the musical that details the story of BeBe Winans and his start with his sister CeCe Winans on the Praise The Lord (PTL) show back in 1983. Of course PTL was a Christian television program hosted by evangelist Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. Donald Lawrence also worked with the PTL program early in his career so it was only fitting that Bebe Winans asked him to serve as the Musical Supervisor for Born for This. And ironically Director Charles Randolph-Wright grew up in the Pineville, NC area where PTL was filmed.
And in true 'keep it in the family' Winans way, the roles of Cece and Bebe Winans will be played by Bebe's niece and nephew. Donald Lawrence shared that the story is really about never giving up on your dreams. He said some things are just in your DNA. The director encouraged the audience to bring young people to the performance and commented that this type of art can change people which is really needed during the current climate of the nation. The musical will run from April 13 - May 15. Tickets can be purchased here.
Five Hip-Hop Artist I Would Like To See Perform At The Kennedy Center
Yesterday The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced that Hip-Hop artist Q-Tip will be the new (and first) Artistic Director of Hip Hop Culture. Of course Q-Tip is best known for being a member of the hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest. According to The Kennedy Center the new program will stretch across all disciplines showcasing the transformative power of Hip-Hop. Q-Tip expressed that he is excited to began his role at The Kennedy Center. He recognized that Hip-Hop is the prevailing energy of culture around the world. So below I have outlined five music artist I would like to see grace the stage.
D'Angelo - Mr. Brown Sugar himself is technically a R&B singer but apart of the Hip-Hop culture nonetheless. He is coming off two Grammy wins and a small tour following his Black Messiah album. Imagine D' Angelo and his guitar hitting the stage with The Vanguard performing Really Love. Of course Questlove would be there too. Dope right!?
J Cole - So this only seems right, right? Kendrick Lamar performed last year with the National Symphony Orchestra and friends look out out for friends. Easy.
Outkast - Dirty South royalty is a must. I would actually like to see a full Organized Noize curated show complete with Goodie MOB and other Dungeon Family members.
Janelle Monae - Yes, she has performed at The Kennedy Center before as apart of The Kennedy Center Honors, but you can never have enough girl power. And instead of bringing the Wondaland crew she could share the stage with Missy Ellliott. Electric Ladies.
Robert Glasper - True, another artist who has performed at The Kennedy Center. But this time bringing along Hip-Hop artist like Pusha T and Anderson .Paak. Perfect blend of jazz and Hip-Hop.
Who would you like to see Q-Tip bring to the Kennedy Center for the 2016-2017 season?