Events and Happenings in NYC for June-July 2007

[Kala]

Great Things Happ'nin'

June, July 2007

Editor: Louis Reyes Rivera

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Contents



Part I: Upcoming Events

1. NWU NY Forum: Writing to Make Money, with Jonathan Maberry
2. Healing Drums Series
3. 1st & 3rd Saturdays Writers Workshop
4. Ahmed Abdullah's Diaspora @ Sweet Rhythms
5. Wednesdays & Thursdays Open Mic @ Folukie's
6. Words Without Borders



Part II: News & Newsworthy
7. Visual Arts Administrator Sought

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Part I: Upcoming Events
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1. NWU NY Forum: Writing to Make Money, with Jonathan Maberry

Wed., June 20, 2007, from 6 to 8pm

Jefferson Market Library
Sixth Avenue (at West 10th St.), Manhattan

The New York Chapter of the National Writers Union will host Turning Words Into Gold, with freelance writer Jonathan Maberry. NWUer Jonathan Maberry is an accomplished freelance writer who has developed the skill of taking the same article and gearing it towards several venues. Topics to be explored include: turning one story (article) into ten and selling them all; when and how to write query letters; converting articles into book proposals; protecting your reprint rights in today's marketplace. For more information, contact NWU/NY Chapter at timsheard@optonline.net or Louisreyesrivera@aol.com.

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2. Healing Drums Series
Sun., June 24, from 3pm to 5pm
Sistas' Place
456 Nostrand Avenue (at Jefferson), Brooklyn
For information: 718.398.1766

Dance Giant Steps, publisher of ATTITUDE: The Dancers' Magazine, presents the third installment of its annual Healing Drums Series with Kevin Nathaniel Hylton, a renown musical accompanist and founding member of the Spirit Ensemble and Heritage OP. Mr. Hylton, who has recorded and performed with Thomas Mapfumo, Alice Walker, Ephat Mujuru, among others, will discuss and demonstrate the playing of Mbiras and Thumb Pianos. Suggested donation is $10.00.

The Healing Drums Series was established in 1991 as a means by which to explore and compare the historical and spiritual use of drums as power tools for health and wellness by indigenous peoples worldwide. Throughout time, geographical areas and racial groupings, drums have been used for communication. They relay feelings, replicate spoken language, signal danger and oncoming emergencies, and provide a way to touch everyone with healing aural vibrations.
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3. 1st & 3rd Saturdays Writers Workshop Schedule
Sistas' Place
456 Nostrand Ave. (at Jefferson Ave.), Brooklyn
Saturday, June 30, 2007, at noon
Saturday, July 7, 2007, at noon
Saturday, July 21, 2007, at noon with Sonia Sanchez

The Louis Reyes Rivera 1st & 3rd Saturday Writers' Workshop at Sistas' Place will close out its sixth consecutive year with the following three workshops: Saturday, June 30, Saturday, July 7, with readings from workshop participants. On Saturday, July 21, we will host a special session with Sister Sonia Sanchez as guest curator, discussing all aspects of writing, and drawing from her prolific experiences as both writer and educator.

We cover all aspects of writing, for beginners and advanced writers alike: poetry, fiction, non-fiction, journalism, essays, et al. For information, contact: Louisreyesrivera@aol.com.
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4. Ahmed Abdullah's Diaspora @ Sweet Rhythms
Sweet Rhythms
88 Seventh Avenue South (near Bleecker St., Manhattan)
Friday, Saturday, June 29, 30
Three sets: 8pm; 10pm; 12midnight.

Featuring Ahmed Abdullah, Miles Griffith, Alex Harding, D.D. Jackson, Brandon Lewis, Monique Ngozi Nri, Radu, Louis Reyes Rivera, Salim Washington.

Trumpeter, composer, bandleader Ahmed Abdullah makes a rare engagement at Manhattan's premiere Jazz club with his band, Diaspora, reconvening music of the African Diaspora along with Sun Ra compositions and rarely heard originals intertwined with lyrics and poetry.

What critics have said:

"Long-time Sun Ra trumpeter Ahmed Abdullah [has] surrounded himself with some fierce musicians... To do justice to some of Ra’s vast catalog. The result does for Sun Ra’s songs what the Mingus Big Band has done for that great composer’s work."

"Abdullah’s group presents the rich, elegant Ra — almost Elingtonian in its warmth —swinging exultantly."

"These are moving, breathing works-in-progress by a forward-moving band. Poet (and WBAI radio host) Louis Reyes Rivera adds a paean of human possibility. [He] and vocalist/poet Monique Ngozi Nri complement the music and ride the rhythms masterfully."

"Abdullah and Co. Have that something extra: zeal. That’s something that can’t be faked."

"This is music that conveys a deep sincerity. Bands like this one might well be able to keep not only Sun Ra’s memory — but all that is good about Jazz — alive." ___________________________________________
5. Wednesdays & Thursdays Open Mic @ Folukie's
1168 Bedford Ave.
(between Putnam & Madison, Brooklyn)



Every Wednesday night Atiba Kwabena and his (B4) Befo' Quotet hosts an open mic at Folukie's Restaurant, from 7:30 to 10:30pm. This is followed every Thursday night with an open mic hosted by Abu Muhammad's The Poets' Convention. Dinners available. $7.00 suggested donation. Come ready to read and listen up within good vibes, good food.
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6. Words Without Borders
Carlito's Cafe
1701 Lexington Ave. (btwn E. 106 & E. 107 St., Manhattan)
212.534.7168

Bobby Gonzalez continues hosting Words Without Borders Open Mic poetry sessions every Monday evening at Carlito's Cafe, East Harlem's new hot spot. Starting time is 7pm. Number 6 train to 103rd Street station.



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Part II: News & Newsworthy
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7. Visual Arts Administrator Sought



The Harlem School of the Arts is now looking for someone to head its Visual Arts Program. Work week is said to run from Tuesdays through Saturdays with a salary range in the low 40ks. Interested parties should contact Aminisha Black parentsnotebook@yahoo.com for

more details and deadlines.

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8. Junior Scholars Program at Schomburg Center

The Schomburg Center's Junior Scholars Program, entering its 6th year, is accepting applications from youth, ages 11-17, for its dynamic Saturday school geared towards students of African descent throughout the New York Metropolitan area. Its primary goal is to ground young people in the histories and cultures of the African Diaspora. The program is an intensive, 26-week series of Saturday sessions, from 10 a.m. To 3 p.m., designed to prepare them for intellectual and entrepreneurial careers.

Junior Scholars have access to the extensive resources at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. It is expected that Junior Scholars will expand their knowledge of whom they are as intellectuals and artistic beings and will continue on the path prepared by their prolific and trailblazing ancestors.

Application deadline is September 30, 2007. For applications or more information about the Junior Scholars Program, please check out the Schomburg Center website at www.schomburgcenter.org or contact Deirdre L. Hollman, Associate Director, at either 212.491.2234 or dhollman@nypl.org.

Deirdre Hollman, Associate Director, Junior Scholars Program, The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, 515 Malcolm X Blvd., 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10037.