Hey Good Folks.

I am still blown away by the Homegoing Service of Whitney Houston. It was intimate and heartfelt experience to glimpse into Whitney’s church roots and to see the people that she touched with her gift. 

Now, I am a person that believes that everything happens for a reason, but I kept feeling that Whitney’s death was premature and it just shouldn’t have happened.  

As I pondered the age-old question of why bad things happen, I received my email subscription from Joel Osteen.  And it really helped me put some things in perspective.  He stated that we all go through disappointments, setbacks and things that we don’t understand.   All we can do is release it. Let it go. Don’t dwell on it anymore or it will lead to bitterness, resentment and self-pity. We may not understand what happened. It may not have been fair. But when we release it, it’s an act of your faith.  A loved one didn’t get well.  You worked hard for a promotion, but didn’t get it. Or a relationship didn’t work out.   And even though it didn’t work out our way, we know that,  ‘All things are going to work together for my good.’ So we must believe we still have something good in our future.

Hello Good Folks!

TGIF!

Love is in the air for ThatKellieGirl.  I am happy to announce that my Honey proposed to me on Valentine’s Day!  I have been on cloud 9 ever since.  It was truly one of the happiest days in my life.  And what makes it even more special is the overwhelming response of love and support from family and friends.  I truly feel blessed. 

However, what is so interesting to me, is that as I make this transition to “become one” with the love of my life,  I find it even more important to have a stronger relationship with my family and friends.  I know a lot of people enter into a relationship with a ”bonnie and clyde”  or “us against the world” type of mentality.  And  I guess that makes the relationship stronger.  However, I prefer to use love as the foundation of this marriage (and really ALL my relationships).  

 I also am  understanding the importance of  the village or  a support system.  Not only do you need a village to raise a child, but to raise a family.  I believe that marriages are at a dismal low because society celebrates the self, the ego more than the family.  The single person is supposedly happier than the married couple.  This might be true, but I tend to think it just depends on the person.   Yet, the barrage of messages and lack of examples makes it challenging to enter and maintain a relationship, let alone a marriage.  I believe a married person can be just as fulfilled as a single person.  The variable is the willingness of the person, single or married, to work at it.  

My village is  my family.  They  provide the most support to me.  And as I have matured, I find that a support system is more about learning and giving than receiving.  At times, we don’t nurture our relationships, and wonder why we have drifted from friends and family.  Or the relationship is one-sided.  We only reach out when we need something or to vent instead of consistently connecting to learn, love and encourage each other.  So as I move into marriage, I am humble because I have so much to learn and improve upon.  I can admit that I don’t know everything, but I do know that I want to be the best that I can be.   

So as I grow through his journey, I will be sharing my musings and experiences with you. I want to share and learn, so please comment. Let me know your thoughts or experiences about love, marriage or anything else in between.

In the meantime, enjoy the long weekend.

Peace and Blessings, ThatKellieGirl  

DJ SPINNA returns to DC at U Street Music Hall along with Chris Burns and DJ Cortega.

Friday, February 17

U Street Music Hall

1115 U Street NW

10PM-3:30AM

Free before 11pm for 21+/$5 after/$5 advance for 18+

Get tickets here

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Come out to break a sweat this President’s Day Weekend at Queen Makeda with DJ Kayo and DJ Kyotey Grey rockin the 1’s and 2’s. They’ll be bangin out various genres from the old school, new school and beyond.

Friday, February 17

Queen Makeda

1917 7t St NW

10PM-3AM

FREE

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The Black Power Mixtape 1967–1975 is a documentary about the Black Power movement features Angela Davis, Bobby Seale, Stokely Carmichael, and a stellar soundtrack. National Museum of American History curator Fath Davis Ruffins introduces the film.

Saturday, February 18

National Portrait Gallery- McEvoy Auditorium (enter from G Street)

800 F Street, NW

1PM

FREE

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Distinguished Men Cookin’ with the Deltas is an annual community fundraiser, showcasing the culinary skills of home-grown amateur chefs, the District’s finest skilled chefs and renowned distinguished professionals. The 8th annual fundraiser benefits community outreach and service programs; provides college scholarships; and funds year round mentorship and academic enrichment programs. The community is invited to bundle up, come out and taste sample dishes prepared by our Distinguished Men while contributing to the success of a worthwhile cause. The men contend for the coveted People’s Choice award, aim to take home fabulous prizes in three different categories, and enjoy a friendly afternoon of competition. Distinguished Men, delectable sample sized dishes and door prizes, all culminate to create a great dining and entertainment affair that is sure to please!

Saturday, February 18

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Come feel the energy at  AXÉ (ah-SHAY)! Featuring a majestic fusion of music and dance from Brazil and the African World.

Saturday, February 18

Fiesta Lounge

1327 Connecticut Ave NW

8PM-3AM

FREE Hot Food Buffet from 8pm – until supplies last

FREE Afro-Brazilian Dance Class at 9pm

FILHOS DE AXÉ – Live Brazilian Percussion

DJ UNDERDOG -Spinning Brazilian sounds and African rhythms

DJ BERIMBAU -Spinning fresh tracks from Brazil

SAMBA SHOW! -Special dance performances

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Lincoln Returns with its soon-to-be-famous Annual President’s Day Brunch!  The best mix of food and music for the celebrated holiday weekend in February. Music by DJ Adrian Loving + Guests

Sunday, February 19

11am-6pm

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Join us as we celebrate the music and life of James “Jay Dee/J Dilla” Yancey at the 7th Annual DC Loves Dilla event. Hosted by Grap Luva with live artwork by Aniekan Udofia.  Special invited guest Maureen “Ma Dukes” Yancey.  Featured DJs: Book, Roddy Rod, RBI, Pudge, Quartermaine, Stylus, Mimms, Harvey Dent, Cuzzin B, and 2-Tone Jones.

Sunday, February 19

U Street Music Hall

1115 U Street, NW

9PM

10 bucks

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Daylight seems like the perfect place to celebrate the life of “Soul Train” host Don Cornelius, who died this month, and, after last Saturday, Whitney Houston.Sunday, February 19

Liv

2001 11th Street NW

8PM-2AM

10 bucks

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Join us in celebration of Black History. On President’s Day, plan on doing a flash mob dance and soul train line. If you love to dance join us. If you just want to watch, join us. This is our month. Let’s pay tribute to those who came before us.  Click here for the MJ routine.

Monday, February 20

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial

1964 Independence Ave., SW

2PM

For those who want to practice, there will be a practice session on Saturday at 1:00pm on Oklahoma Ave NE at the greens between 22nd and 23rd St NE. This is by the parking lots for RFK Stadium.

For updates, click here

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Don’t miss Yasiin Bey performing at the 9:30 Club.

Monday, February 20

9:30 Club

815 V St. NW

Get tickets here

Clive Davis and a youthful Whitney (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

My favorite Whitney album. So glad to have it in my collection.

I Wanna Dance with Somebody! I always loved this video and the 80s hair! It was so much fun.

 

 

 

 

 

Whitney Houston and her Parents John and Cissy Houston (Richard Corkery /New York Daily News)

 

 

Whitney, ex-husband Bobby Brown and Daughter Bobbi Christina (Lucy Nicholson/Getty Images)

 

Whitney and her Daughter Bobbi Christina (Jason Merritt /Getty Images)

 

 

Our angel Whitney (Kevin Mazur /Wire Images)

 

Like everyone this weekend, I was shocked and in disbelief to hear about the passing of Whitney Houston.   As a young girl, Whitney Houston rocked my world when she came onto the scene.  She was soulful, yet sexy and sophisticated which is why my favorite album is Whitney Houston.  I was mesmerized by her voice on “You Give Good Love” (my favorite Whitney song).  She was beautiful AND talented.

 

The Whitney Houston album had so many hits…”Saving All My Love For You”, “How Will I Know”, “Hold Me” featuring Teddy Pendergrass, and ”Nobody Loves Me Like You Do” featuring Jermaine Jackson.  And the talent show favorite,  ”The Greatest Love of All“.  As far as I’m concerned this song could be a national anthem for the black community.  When I was a kid, a teacher made us memorize the lyrics to this song.   Her album, Whitney, is a close second favorite for me. 

 

In the beginning of her career, before she became the diva, Whitney showed me that black girls could have fun too.  I loved how playful, energetic, fun and flirty Whitney was in her videos “How Will I Know” and ”I Wanna Dance with Somebody”.    Her Whitney album brought us the “bring-down-the-house” ballads we came to love and crave from Whitney– “Didn’t We Almost Have It All” and “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”.

 

We all know about her struggles behind the scenes, but we shouldn’t allow it to overshadow the gift that she brought to this world.  Let’s remember her for how she made us feel when you sang and bringing us closer to someone we loved.

 

 Peace and Blessings, ThatKellieGirl

 

Hey Good Folks!

ThatKellieGirl has the flu bug!

I’ve been trying to fight it off all week, but it finally shut me down.  That’s ok though.  I just need to relax to get better.

I am shut down this weekend, but I hope you aren’t.  So go catch the 30 Americans exhibit at the Corcoran Gallery before it closes this weekend.

Other than that, I am out!

Peace, Love and Blessings,

ThatKellieGirl

The DC area’s hottest fashion SHOW and high-end bargain trunk SALE returns to Crystal City. Crystal Couture – Show & Sale brings over 40 of the metropolitan area’s most stylish boutiques and designers all under one roof. The one-stop shopping experience lets guests browse discounted offerings on the rack AND on the runway as models showcase offerings of participating boutiques. Shoppers will also enjoy sips from the bar, free make-up and hair makeovers, chats with fashion consultants, music from DJ Neekola, and experience the one-of-a-kind ambiance that is Crystal Couture!

February 7 to February 11

Crystal Couture

1750 Crystal Drive, Arlington VA 22202

6PM-10PM

Get schedule here

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Mike Epps has generated an extraordinary amount of buzz for being one of the funniest comic actors toe emerge in the Hollywood scene.

Friday February 10

DAR Constitution Hall

18th & D Streets, NW

Get tickets here.

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The crazy “Joe Cleezy” will be back in DC to stake his comedy claim as one of DC’s best Hollywood exports .

Friday February 10

Riot Act

801 E St NW

Get times and tickets here

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Join DJs Jahsonic and Bill Source for a celebration of the life and legacy Don Cornelius.

Friday February 10

Liv 2001 11th St

10PM-3AM

FREE

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James Terrell and the Color of Sound brings it on home debuting the blues, some soul and some new songs.  Also introducing special guest vocalist sister Mariessa.

Saturday February 11

Optimism

3301 12th St NE

7:30PM- 12AM

FREE

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You may have heard Christie Dashiell with Afro Blue last season on the Sing Off were  she was regularly heralded by the judges as a wonder. Come see for yourself. She takes the stage at Bohemian Caverns for one night only.

Saturday February 11

Bohemian Caverns

2001 11t St NW

8:30PM

10:30PM

Get tickets here

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DC’s best (only) record show returns to a new (great) venue in Penn Quarter. Free street parking (Sunday) and easy Metro access (Gallery Place). Add over 40 record dealers from all over the East Coast, great lighting, DJs, bloody marys, and food, and you have a great place to spend a (most likely) cold February afternoon!

Sunday February 12

11-12 Noon – $5 Early Bird Admission
12-4:30PM – $2 Admission

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The US Air Force band kicks off the first installment of the Guest Artist Series featuring true legend and seven-time GRAMMY award-winning vocalist Al Jarreau.  This multi-faceted performer has earned the highest honors in the industry for his work in jazz, R&B and pop styles, including a star on the Hollywood “walk of fame.” A native of Milwaukee, Wis., Jarreau’s career breakthrough came in 1977 when Warner Brothers Records released Look to the Rainbow , his live double album, which was culled from his first world tour from that same year, and earned the vocalist his first Grammy(r) for Best Jazz Vocal Performance.

Sunday February 12

DAR Constitution Hall

18th & D Streets, NW

3PM

FREE

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Celebrate Frederick Douglass’ 193rd Birthday and his contribution to the Women’s Rights Movement with music, presentations, programs on the history of Anacostia, Children’s activities, and lots of talk about the books he wrote, the books he read, and how reading and writing can change the world.

Happy Hump Day Good Folks!

It’s a laid back Wednesday for me.  So to complement my mood, here is a fantastic MidWeek Mixx from Terrence Lathan who puts two of my favorite soul singers back to back, Chaka and Erykah.

Download, listen and enjoy here or here.

1) Stay – Erykah Badu
2) Stay – Chaka Khan
3) Gone Baby, Don’t Be Long – Erykah Badu
4) Sweet Thing – Chaka Khan
5) Otherside of the Game (Live on VH1 Soul) Erykah Badu
6) Pack’d My Bags – Chaka Khan
7) Hollywood – Erykah Badu
8) Hollywood – Chaka Khan
9) Catch A Four Leaf Clover – Erykah Badu
10) Please Pardon Me – Chaka Khan
11) Kiss Me On My Neck (Hesi) – Erykah Badu
12) Message In The Middle of The Bottom – Chaka Khan
13) Back in the Day – Erykah Badu
14) What Cha’ Gonna Do For Me – Chaka Khan
15) Umm Hmm – Erykah Badu
16) Smokin Room – Chaka Khan
17) Window Seat – Erykah Badu

Gregory Porter and ThatKellieGirl

Hello Good Folks!

So for those of you who follow ThatKellieGirl, you know that last year I developed a HUGE musical crush on Gregory Porter.  So when I found out that he was performing at the Kennedy Center, I was ecstatic.  And  let me tell you his performance did not disappoint.

When I arrived at my seat, I was glad to know I wasn’t the only person anticipating his performance.  We all laughed about our “stalkerish” tendencies by anxiously awaiting to hear (and feel) the soulful sounds of Gregory Porter.  So when he hit the stage, we warmly welcomed him to DC.

Born in Los Angeles, raised in Bakersfield, like many soul-singers, Porter began developing his craft when singing “A & B” selections in his mother’s storefront church.   He spoke about how his mother sought out those in the community who needed the most help, and his fond memories of the many characters in his mother’s church.  Porter’s childhood also was heavily influenced by Nat King Cole.  Without a father growing up, Porter imagined that Nat King Cole was his father because of the joy and pain he heard when listening to his mother’s Nat King Cole records.  His experience was actually developed into a play, “Nat King Cole and Me” and performed at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts and has since traveled to Houston.   All of these experiences is what makes Porter such a dynamic performer.  He can sing the sweet jazz ballads. Or he can be powerful and explosive in his gospel-infused singing.  For me, Gregory Porter is the epitome of a soul-singer.

On top of his show-stopping vocals, Porter also is an outstanding lyricist.  His gift for storytelling helped earn him a Grammy nomination for his album “Water”.

 

He begins the song:

 
I’ve been searchin all the corners of my room

 sweeping dust and memories under the carpet that we purchased

 somewhere on some cool retreat, somewhere in Africa somewhere

And my favorite verse:

Like bare feet on hot concrete, we have come to some division

 based on pain from bare decisions

 just like clothespins snapped by wild winds

 sometimes you can’t hold on to love that never dies

And finishing the song with:

I’ve been trying to find reality

 

a grip on the illusion that I lost you

when you left me

 

There wasn’t a dry eye or lump in the throat after he sang this song.

 

 

Porter also sang several songs from his soon-to-be-released album ”Be  Good.”  I loved the beautiful song he wrote for his mother, ”Mother’s Song”, and the down-home “Work Song”.  However, my favorite is “Real Good Hands” which sets the scene of a man reassuring the parents of his love interest that she  is in “real good hands, because he’s a real good man.”  That line right there totally makes me smile.  The songs offers an intimate glimpse into a man’s thoughts about love, dating and wanting to start a family.  And it’s quite refreshing.

 

 

And he could not leave the stage without performing the song “1960 What?” which has gained immense popularity on the house and dance scene due to several remixes.

 

All I can say is that I don’t think my crush is waning anytime soon.  So on Valentine’s Day, purchase a copy of Gregory Porter’s “Be Good” album.  I promise you, you will not be disappointed.

 
 

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As always, I have to make the hard decision of which events I should attend for the weekend.  As my Honey says, you can’t do everything.  Yet, the one thing the Honey and I had to attend was the opening of Aniekan Udofia‘s The Village B-Boy at Lamont Bishop Gallery.

So after the Gregory Porter concert, we rushed to see this amazing show.  The exhibition of over 20 images captures the impact of hip hop, the United States’ most significant musical export since jazz,  on Udofia’s hometown in Nigeria.  Udofia is a masterful artist using graphite, acrylic, spray paint and stencils to instantly transport the viewer into the hip-hop culture of his youth in Uyo, Nigeria.

The exhibition runs until March 3rd, so make sure to check it out.

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Happy Monday Everyone!

Last week, the official video for Esperanza Spalding’s newest single “Black Gold” featuring Algebra Blessett befittingly premiered on the first day of Black History Month.  This is her first single from her new album Radio Music Society, out on March 20th.  Esperanza is coming strong on Radio Music Society with  top-notch guest musicians and collaborators such as jazz legends Jack DeJohnette and Billy Hart; guitar heroes Jef Lee Johnson and Lionel Loueke; an array of master vocalists including Algebra Blessett, Lalah Hathaway, Gretchen Parlato, Leni Stern and Becca Stevens; hip-hop giant Q-Tip (who performs on and co-produced two tracks); and two Portland-based musicians, Janice Scroggins and Dr. Thara Memory, who provided essential mentorship in Spalding’s youth.

So until March 20th, get a taste of Radio Music Society with “Black Gold”.   Receive a Free Audio Download Of  “City Of Roses” From Esperanza here.  Enjoy!

And for Monday,

The DC Public Library is hosting an all-star evening of music and art. The Herman Burney Trio, with special guest Akua Allrich, will perform music by female African-American jazz greats. And we’ll have the opening reception of Body and Soul: Paintings by J’Nell Jordan and Desiree Sterbini.

Monday, February 6

Martin Luther King Library

901 G St NW

6PM

FREE

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And TONIGHT check out one of my fav DJs, DJ Spinna at the Main Ingredient.  So get to Marvin early!

Monday, February 6

Marvin

2007 14th St NW

9PM

FREE

]]> http://thatkelliegirl.com/2012/02/06/music-monday-40/feed/ 0 ThatKellieGirl esperanza-black-gold Black_History_Month_rotator spinner http://thatkelliegirl.com/2012/02/03/freedom-friday-the-ground-hog-edition/ http://thatkelliegirl.com/2012/02/03/freedom-friday-the-ground-hog-edition/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:51:38 +0000 ThatKellieGirl http://thatkelliegirl.com/?p=5499 ]]>

Hello Lovelies!

Believe it or not, I want it to snow right now.  I understand folks are enjoying the unseasonably warm weather, but it just doesn’t sit right with me.  We need some snow!  Something just doesn’t feel right in the world if there aren’t any snowmen, snowball fights or snow angels.  So, I am glad that Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow yesterday.  Now, will there actually be six more weeks of winter?  We will see, but I welcome it.

So before the snow hits, enjoy the weather.  There are some great events going on this weekend.  For Black History Month events, click here for a whole list of events at the Smithsonian.

Enjoy the weekend!

Peace, Love and Blessings,

ThatKellieGirl

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Come out and join us as we launch DC’s newest throwback party Fever First Friday. All classics all nite! Kicking it off will be DC’s number one DJ: The Supa FunkRegulata DJ Celo. Those of you who listened to him on WPGC and WKYS back in the day know how he gets down.

Friday, February 3

The Bebop Cafe (currently HR-57)

816 H Street NE

9PM-2AM

Get there before 10 for free admission. Only $10 after. 21 and up please

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Spinning Hip Hop, Underground and Soulful House

Friday, February 3

Red Lounge

2013 14th St NW

9PM-3AM

Free b4 10:00pm, $5 until 11pm, $10 after

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Celebrate Black History Month this February with DC’s own Step Afrika! as they pay tribute to African-American culture and its ties to the continent of Africa.

Febraury 3 & 4

Sidney Harman Hall

610 F Street, NW

8PM

Click here for tickets

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DC Shorts Laughs showcases of DC Shorts’s top laugh-out-loud comedies and Riot Act comedians. Each 2-hour showcase features 6-8 films and 2 stand-up routines. Friday we have the hilarious Abe Barth & Mike Storck. Saturday, the indominable Tim Miller & Jimmy Meritt will grace us with their precense. See one — or all — 5 different showtimes to experience the 38 short films and 4 hilarious comics over two days.

Februar 3 & 4

Riot Act

801 E Street NW

Click here for schedule and tickets

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Celebrate the start of Black History Month with a day of craft activities and live music for the whole family. Join us for a day of music, dance, a special tour of the related exhibition, and hands-on activities.

Saturday February 4

National Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum- Kogod Courtyard

800 F Street, NW

11:30AM-3PM

FREE

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Liberated Muse Arts, in association with Soul Pixie Productions and the DC Public Library, presents “In Her Words,” a performance celebrating the lives of African-American women. Join us for a theatrical musical presentation,  examining the lives of artists Lena Horne, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Zora Neale Hurston and Lucille Clifton–creative women who used their artistic prowess to ignite and support social and political movements. Enjoy music and spoken monologue from the legendary women, culled from transcripts of speeches, autobiographical excerpts and interviews. Written and directed by playwright Khadijah Ali-Coleman, and featuring Quineice, Naomi Rose, Tracy Chiles McGhee, Anisha  Newbill, Nia Simmons and Colie Williams as poet Lucille Clifton.

Saturday, February 4

MLK Library

901 G St NW

1PM

FREE

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In celebration of Black History Month, check out the film Good Hair where Chris Rock examines hairstyles, attitudes, and a global growth industry.

Saturday, February 4

National Portrait Gallery- McEvoy Auditorium (enter from G Street)

800 F Street, NW

3:30PM

FREE

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Chicava will get your creative juices flowing with sensuality, creativity, humor and hotness! Easy to follow burlesque movement with influences from around the world. Exercises using the great Toni Elling’s 3P’s – Parade, Pose, Peel will bring out your elegance!

Satuday, February 4

MamaSita Studios

6906 4th St NW

11AM-12:30PM

Click here to register

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The Village B-Boy is destined for 10 story walls in Aniekan Uyo, Udoifa’s hometown in Nigeria, where its true audience will participate, remember and enjoy. The exhibition of over 20 images captures… the exuberance of the United States’ most significant musical export since jazz.

Saturday, February 4

Lamont Bishop Gallery

1314 9th St NW

7-10PM

FREE

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This Saturday, a collection of unique promoters (BBE, Cheeky Sasso, Urbane and Usual Suspectz) with a mature clientele, bring you ‘A Tribe Called Best’ at Muse Lounge. Two floors (1st floor classic hip-hop, R&B and reggae and 2nd floor today’s music) with DJ Lil Mic and DJ Cuzzin B. Join us this Saturday.

Saturday, February 4

Muse Lounge

717 6th St NW

RSVP here

Must RSVP by 3pm on Saturday for complimentary admission before 11pm for gentlemen; before 12am for ladies.

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Meet a Civil Rights activist in 1960, just after the Greensboro student sit-in began. Take part in a training session based on an actual 1960s manual and prepare for your first sit-in. Would you have the courage to fight for justice during the Civil Rights movement? These 15- to 20-minute performances reveal the people behind the objects on view and the emotion in their stories.

Sunday, February 4

Smithsonian Institution- Museum of American History -2nd Floor, East Wing

14th St. & Constitution Avenue, NW

11:30AM-5PM

FREE

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Enjoy the Super Bowl!

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Behold a Dandy Lion

Last night, ThatKellieGirl attended the opening reception of the Dandy Lion: Articulating a Re(de)fined Black Masculine Identity at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.  It was a wonderful evening honoring the style and sophistication of black men.  Emerging photographers and filmmakers presented refreshing images of young black men who challenge popular notions of urban black masculinity. 

This exhibition defies the negative image of the black male as a “thug” and explores contemporary expressions of the Black Dandy, the sophisticated urban gentleman whose swagger embodies African aesthetics, elements of European fashion, and variety of other personal influences.

The curator for the exhibit Shantrelle P. Lewis, a native of New Orleans and a Howard alum, is passionate about telling the stories of people from the African diaspora.  This exhibit views black masculinity through a new lens, as it suggests alternative styles of dress and lifestyle.

“Juxtaposed against an urban backdrop where the clothing of choice for many black men consists of a pair of sagging pants, exposed boxers and white tees, the ‘hip-hop’ generation has produced another phenomenon of style – the New Age dandy,” states Lewis.

Dr. Michelle Joan Wilkinson, director of collections and exhibitions at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum notes, “Curator Shantrelle P. Lewis shines a new light on traditions of self-fashioning that have been a core part of black cultural expression. Her focus is not only ‘dandy’ aesthetics, but also on showing black men as ‘lions’ who stand proud, regal, and in command of their domain.”

This exhibition debuted at Society HAE in Harlem, then traveled to Amsterdam, the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Art (MoCADA) in Brooklyn, and most recently to Newark’s Aljira, A Center for Contemporary Art, before coming to the Reginald F. Lewis Museum. Since its inaugural showing, Dandy Lion has grown in breadth and scope, and the Baltimore installation features the most comprehensive list of photographers of all venues.

The talented photographers and filmmakers featured are:

Hanif Abdur-Rahim

Kwesi Abbensetts

Laylah Amatullah Barrayn

Kia Chenelle

Bouba Dola

Delphine Fawundu-Buford

Russsell K. Frederick

Cassi Amanda Gibson

Akintola Hanif

Jamala Johns

Caroline W. Kaminju

Phillis Kwentoh

Jati Lindsay

Lafotographeuse (née Amanda Adams-Louis)

Ray Llanos

Devin Mays

Terence Nance

Brandi Pettijohn

Radcliffe Roye

Nyugen E. Smith

This is a worthwhile exhibit to visit. The exhibit runs until May13th. Check it out.

And look for a follow-up feature on this event!

Hello Good Folks!

Black History Month is starting off strong with some fabulous events kicking off today.

This evening is the opening reception of the Dandy Lion: Articulating a Re(de)fined Black Masculine Identity.  The exibition will be on view at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore from January 29 – May 13, 2012.  Curated by Shantrelle P. Lewis the exibit features photography and films by:

Hanif Abdur-Rahim
Kwesi Abbensetts
Laylah Amatullah Barrayn
Kia Chenelle
Bouba Dola
Delphine Fawundu-Buford
Russsell K. Frederick
Cassi Amanda Gibson
Akintola Hanif
Jamala Johns
Caroline W. Kaminju
Phillis Kwentoh
Jati Lindsay
Lafotographeuse (née Amanda Adams-Louis)
Ray Llanos
Devin Mays
Terence Nance
Brandi Pettijohn
Radcliffe Roye
Nyugen E. Smith

January 29 – May 13

Reginald F. Lewis Museum

830 E Pratt St Baltimore, MD 21202

Opening Reception- February 2

6-8PM

RSVP required. Call 443-263-1854.

Leave your name and the total number of people in your party.

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The Smithsonian National Museum of African Art presents African Art House Film Festival every Thursday in February.

Landmark E Street Cinema

555 11th Street NW

6:30PM

First-come, first-served tickets available at theater box office day of screening

Limit of 4 passes per person

February 2

Man On Ground          U.S. premiere!

Dir. Akin Omotoso. South Africa 2011. 90 min, English with Yoruba, Sotho, Zulu.

An indie thriller that portrays the rising xenophobia against Nigerian immigrants in South Africa.

Q & A with director Akin Omotoso and actor Hakeem Kae Kazim

February 9

Touki Bouki

Dir. Djibril Diop Mambety. Senegal 1973. 85 min., Wolof, Arabic, French with English subtitles.

This classic road movie from Senegal follows two young lovers living in Dakar who long for Paris and concoct schemes to pay their way.

Q & A with film historian Françoise Pfaff (Howard University)

February 16

Aristotle’s Plot

Dir. Jean-Pierre Bekolo. Zimbabwe /Cameroon 1996. 71 min.

With a heavy dose of satire, this postmodern film questions if Africans prefer high art festival films or American action flicks.

Q & A with film historian Mbye Cham (Howard University)

February 23

The Nine Muses

Dir. John Akomfrah. Alaska and archival material, 2011. 94 min.

This beautiful and enigmatic documentary film mixes archival material and original scenes, and considers mass migration to post-war Britain from 1949 to 1970 as a parallel to Homer’s The Odyssey.

Q & A with director John Akomfrah