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Culturally Speaking 01-31-07
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January 31, 2007 Culturally Speaking… By
Oliver Ragsdale, Jr. February 2007 It’s Black History month, so there is no shortage of events! Here are a few noteworthy happenings. Enjoy!
Throughout the month, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American
History will present a variety of special activities, but of special note
will be the Living History Reenactments. African- American history comes
to life in the galleries of the Museum’s permanent exhibition, And Still
We Rise! The stories of African American southerners migrating to
Detroit, Michigan come to life as costumed interpreters interact with guests
experiencing the exhibit And Still We Rise! Their stories
detail what it was like working at the Ford factory, living in Black Bottom and
experiencing the urban crisis of 1943. Times vary so check with the Museum at
313/494-5800. The Museum is located at 315 E. Warren in Midtown Detroit.
In the 1950s, America fell in love with the Mambo, and the best place to hear this electrifying music was at the Palladium Ballroom in New York City, which from the mid-1940s to the mid-1960s achieved mythical status as the center of Afro-Caribbean music in the United States. Machito, Tito Puente, and Tito Rodriguez were the "Big 3" bandleaders who gave the Palladium a large measure of its glory, and sold-out crowds came to see the now-legendary musical battles that took place between them. With a 23-piece orchestra comprised of many musicians from the original bands, the band explores the orchestral showpieces of Machito, the mambo of Tito Puente, and the dance rhythms of Tito Rodriguez in a way that "probably has not been so authentically expressed since the original bandleaders themselves were in their heyday." (Chicago Tribune). For tickets and info call 734/764-2538 or visit www.UMS.org. Plowshares Theatre Company PRESENTS THE DETROIT PREMIERE OF August WILSON’S KING HEDLEY II February 8 - March 4 at the City Theatre. Like Fences and The Piano Lesson before it, August Wilson's King Hedley II is a powerful and evocative look at the culture and tradition of 20th century African American life. Set in Pittsburgh in 1985, King Hedley II is an ex-convict at war with his past and his present. Wilson’s play explores King’s struggle with life, his relationships with his wife and family and the triumphs and trials of a community facing Reagan-era crime and unemployment. The Press Opening Night performance will be on Saturday, February 10, at 6:00 pm. For more information call 313.872.0279. The City Theater is located at 2301 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Michigan 48201 in Downtown Detroit.
Buku Productions Theatre Company presents the 3rd annual benefit of
the hit musical LET NOBODY TURN
ME ‘ROUND, based on Dr. King and the civil rights movement. This gospel
musical set in the 1950’s/1960’s Montgomery to Memphis features Detroit’s finest
performers, capturing Dr. King’s passion for non-violence in this high energy,
fast moving stage production fit for all ages. The show runs February The
Sphinx Organization celebrates its 10th Annual Sphinx Competition
presented by JP Morgan Chase February
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