Harlem Stage Kicks Off Third Season of Uptown Nights 9/25

An evening of searing spoken-word performances and protest songs organized by playwright/hip-hop artist Carl Hancock Rux; the New York premiere of the vibrant Hip-Hop Theater Festival's dance/music mash-up "Don't Hit Mama's Dance Party"; a soulful night with 2010 Grammy nominee Eric Roberson; and a tribute to Michael Jackson headlined by Living Colour frontman Corey Glover: There's something for everyone in the Fall 2010 season of Harlem Stage's hugely-popular Uptown Nights at Harlem Stage, which begins September 25.

The series, whose first year of performances featured sell-out crowds, reaches back to the time when Harlem was the place to seek out the next big thing in music, and to hear top artists in settings where socializing, and community building, was paramount. Events occur monthly, with dynamic performers who represent the full gamut of African-American artistry.

"Our Uptown Nights series has brought an edgy club vibe to the Harlem entertainment landscape," says Pat Cruz, Executive Director of Harlem Stage. "The events reinforce Harlem's legacy as a musical incubator and are reaching younger audiences looking for a new hot spot to gather, dance, and expand the options in New York's bristling nightlife."

All Uptown Nights at Harlem Stage events take place at the Harlem Stage Gatehouse (150 Convent Avenue at West 135th Street) except Rux's WeDaPeoples Cabaret at nearby Aaron Davis Hall. Tickets are $20-$25, available online at www.HarlemStage.org or by phone, 212-281-9240, ext. 19 or 20. A full listing of series events is below.

Sat., September 25, 2010
WeDaPeoples Cabaret
curated by Carl Hancock Rux
9:30 pm at Aaron Davis Hall, Convent Avenue between W. 133rd and W. 135th streets
Tickets: $25
In the spirit of Max Roach and the recently deceased Abbey Lincoln's landmark recording, We Insist!-Freedom Now Suite, Rux creates a raucous night of art and activism inspired by Sekou Sundiata and featuring writer/singer/producer Toshi Reagon, Queen Esther, Helga Davis, Marcelle Lashley, Gordon Chambers, Roger C. Jeffreys, Greg Tate, DJ Phonozone, and more. Co-presented with the Center for Jazz Studies at Columbia University and the Columbia/Harlem Jazz Project.

Thu., October 14, 2010 - Sat., October 16, 2010
Don't Hit Mama's Dance Party (New York City Premiere!)
Nita Liem, choreographer
7:30 pm at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue (W. 135th St @ Convent Ave)
Tickets: $20
This New York premiere explodes onstage with a mash-up of NYC's hottest dancers and DJs who smash the barrier between artists and audience in a unique international collaboration between a Dutch dance company and celebrated local talent. This special presentation is co-presented with - and celebrates the closing night of - the 10th NYC Hip-Hop Theater Festival.

Sat., Nov. 13, 2010
Soul Music with Eric Roberson, featuring DJ Reborn and guest artists
7:30 pm at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue (W. 135th St @ Convent Ave)
Tickets: $25
Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Eric Roberson comes to Harlem with an incredible evening of soul. Singing works from classic albums, as well as his latest release, "Music Fan First," Roberson proves why many consider him to be the face of independent soul. Attendees will feel blessed by DJ Reborn, who spins her own blend of infectious soul for the evening.

Sat., December 11, 2010
Off The Wall: A Tribute To Michael Jackson
7:30 pm at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue (W. 135th St @ Convent Ave)
Tickets: $25
This live music celebration of Michael Jackson's legacy features Grammy Award winner Corey Glover (of the ground-breaking rock band Living Colour) with Renee Neufville, Chilean songstress Claudia Acuña, Thelonious Monk Competition winner Gretchen Parlato, newcomer Saunders Sermons (who has toured with Maxwell), and other surprise guests. For more than four decades Jackson and his music moved generations across the globe. His unprecedented entertainment accomplishments embodied the definition of a superstar. Featured performer DJ Cosi ensures that people don't stop ‘til they get enough.

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