Alliance Theatre Stage Blessed By Bebe Winans - Sneak Peek of 'Born for This'

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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

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

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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? 

Georgia State University presents 'Living in the Jim Crow South'

Just in time for Black History Month, Georgia State University's Center for Collaborative and International Arts (CENCIA) is kicking off its annual Southern Writers Onstage production.  This season the theme is Living in the Jim Crow South.  The first performance will feature Booker T. Washington by Eric Moore on February 2, 2016.  Other writers highlighted will include W.E.B DuBois, Richard Wright, and Ernest J. Gaines. All productions will be at the Balzer Theater at noon.

Southern Writers Onstage is produced in conjunction with Theatrical Outfit and the Georgia State University Department of English.  Last season Southern Writers Onstage presented works by Zora Neale Hurston and Alice Walker.  CENCIA 's mission is to enrich the campus and community life through engagement in the arts.  Georgia State University is located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia.

All performances are free and open to the public.  For a complete list of events, please visit here.