New York Public Library Hosts GROWING UP GONZALEZ Pop-Up Performance Today, 6/2

The New York Public Library (NYPL) and Souleo Enterprises LLC, an event/media Production Company, have formed a partnership to provide adult library patrons with an exciting line-up of artistic/cultural, LGBT and financial literacy summer programming, beginning June 2012.

Highlighting the evolving role of libraries as educational culture hubs, programming includes improv performances by the National Comedy Theater; make-up makeovers by NYC's top drag queens such as Hedda Lettuce; a panel on LGBT hip-hop; celebrity impersonators discussing diva worship; music industry veterans Meli'sa Morgan, Full Force and Christopher "Play" Martin discussing overcoming financial struggles; a master class in career reinvention by George C. Fraser; interactive workshops featuring the iconic drag entertainer John Epperson (Lypsinka's Maid); a fashion reinvention design workshop with Beau McCall; and much more. Full program information below.

"This season of adult programs aim to present a diverse, entertaining and enriching line-up of programming that represents a range of cultures and experiences as reflected in our collections," said New York Public Library Adult Programming Specialist Kelly Yim. "These programs allow us to demonstrate to the community how libraries are transforming into educational culture hubs."

"We are thrilled to work closely with the NYPL and to have the opportunity to create and produce a part of their summer adult programming," said Souleo, Founder and President of Souleo Enterprises, LLC, who is a producer of events and content for a variety of media and nonprofit institutions. "In this digital age, libraries must continuously seek creative programming to remain relevant. We are confident that these programs will fulfill that goal and help to attract new and diverse audiences."

The ambitious series of 28 events includes "A Moment of…LOUD," pop-up performances and workshops in the normally quiet library, ranging from a lip-syncing class to a gong concert. LGBT programming will consist of a series of fun workshops and provocative panels celebrating the spirit of the community and analyzing some of its current challenges. Financial literacy presentations will work to empower individuals and communities with key tools and resources, while life stories from celebrities of triumphing over financial obstacles will aim to inspire. Events will take place in Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island from June 2 through August 25.

The New York Public Library was created in 1895 with the consolidation of the private libraries of John Jacob Astor and James Lenox with the Samuel Jones Tilden Trust. The Library provides free and open access to its physical and electronic collections and information, as well as to its services. It comprises four research centers – housed, respectively, in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building; The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts; the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture; and the Science, Industry and Business Library-and 90 locations in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. Research and circulating collections combined total more than 65 million items, including materials for the visually impaired. In addition, each year the Library presents thousands of exhibitions and public programs, which include classes in technology, literacy, and English as a second language. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and another 25 million users internationally, who access collections and services through the NYPL website, www.nypl.org.

Souleo Enterprises, LLC is the umbrella company that creates and produces entertaining and informative events, media and artistic projects by founder, Souleo. This Brown University graduate and dynamic young talent's list of journalism credits includes Newsweek, Ebony, New York Press, Black Enterprise, XXL, Sister 2 Sister, Rolling Out and more.  Souleo's expertise and content has been featured on CNN's The Nancy Grace Show, MTV's FNMTV Premieres, the New York Post, the Chicago Sun-Times, Access Hollywood, CBS's The Insider, NPR's News & Notes, BET.com, Match.com and in the Boston Globe. Most recently the company has formed a partnership with the prestigious non-profit arts service organization the Harlem Arts Alliance. The initial project, a weekly column entitled "Harlem Arts Alliance Presents: On the 'A' w/Souleo" is now syndicated online and in print via several outlets including SoulTrain.com, New York Amsterdam News, Rolling Out, and more. In addition, Souleo Enterprises, LLC is developing several special projects designed to support and empower the arts and culture community, including the youth initiative CULTURE CRASHERS.

FULL PROGRAM:

Saturday, June 2, 2:00 p.m.
A Moment of…Loud: Growing Up Gonzalez
Inwood Library, 4790 Broadway (near Dyckman St.), New York, NY
The critically acclaimed hit off-Broadway play Growing Up Gonzalez arrives at the New York Public Library for a special pop-up performance. Hailed by the New York Times and the New York Daily News, the play is a bittersweet comedy of two brothers growing up in the Puerto Rican section of the Bronx, whose coming of age is marked by the untimely death of their father. The performance will be followed by a talkback with writer, director, producer and founder of Reel Players and Poets Club, Felix Rojas and performer, Andres Chulisi Rodriguez.

Monday, June 4, 5:00 p.m.
The Last Taboo: LGBT Hip-Hop
Tompkins Square Library, 331 East 10th Street (near Avenue B), New York, NY
Cultural critic, Greg Tate, and CEO of Digiwaxx Media, Corey "CL" Llewellyn, will join LGBT talent, including award winning electro and hip-hop artist, Baron, and Baltimore's openly gay lyricist, Go DDm to discuss the challenges faced by the LGBT community as they aim to rebel against stereotypes, challenge gender norms and expand the hip-hop genre. The panel will conclude with a hip-hop freestyle presentation featuring select LGBT rappers. The performance will be recorded live and available for free download online at SouleoUniverse.com. DJ Baker, creator/producer/host of Da Doo-Dirty Show, currently the longest running LGBT-geared daily urban syndicated radio program, will moderate the conversation.

Tuesday, June 5, 6:30 p.m.
It Gets Better: Healing Through Improv
Mid-Manhattan Library, 455 Fifth Avenue (at 40th Street), New York, NY
The popular and hilarious National Comedy Theatre presents an interactive program where improvisational actors will recreate scenes from the LGBT experience based off of suggestions from library patrons. Bring your sense of humor as we give voice to a variety of LGBT experiences and inspire healing in the process through comedic moments.

Thursday, June 7, 2:00 p.m.
Styled by Literature
Seward Park Library, 192 East Broadway (at Jefferson St.), New York, NY
Literary inspired makeovers will be given by some of NYC's top drag queens including "Showbiz Spitfire" Paige Turner, Ebonee Excell and Yuhua Hamasaki, while special guest Mr. Mickey, Paper Magazine editorial director, provides expert style tips in this fun, fabulous and fierce interactive event. Raffle giveaway prizes include Sephora make-up and other gifts.

Monday, June 11, 5:00 p.m.
I Love You, Now Marry Me: Marriage in the LGBT Community
Tompkins Square Library, 331 East 10th Street (near Avenue B), New York, NY
Before you walk down the aisle heed the words of Dr. Darcy Smith Sterling, contributing writer for Psychology Today and columnist for GO Magazine. Dr. Darcy will provide patrons with expert advice on how to know when it's the right time to marry, what to prepare for and how to make it last after the honeymoon.

Tuesday, June 12, 6:30 p.m.
Love & Money
Seward Park Library, 192 East Broadway (at Jefferson St.), New York, NY
Jacquette M. Timmons, behavioral finance enthusiast and financial intimacy expert, will provide public counseling services to couples and singles dealing with financial issues that are affecting their romantic relationships or lack thereof. When it comes to love and money everyone deserves abundance, so don't shortchange yourself.

Thursday, June 14, 6:30 p.m.
It Gets Better: Healing Through Improv
Jefferson Market Library, 425 Avenue of the Americas (at 10th St.), New York, NY
The popular and hilarious National Comedy Theatre presents an interactive program where improvisational actors will recreate scenes from the LGBT experience based off of suggestions from library patrons. Bring your sense of humor as we give voice to a variety of LGBT experiences and inspire healing in the process through comedic moments.

Friday, June 15, 6:30 p.m.
Styled by Literature
Jefferson Market Library, 425 Avenue of the Americas (at 10th St.), New York, NY
Literary inspired makeovers will be given by some of NYC's top drag queens including six-time Drag Queen of the Year Award-winner (HX magazine), Hedda Lettuce, "Showbiz Spitfire" Paige Turner and Yuhua Hamasaki, while special guest Bevy Smith, social media socialite, provides expert style tips in this fun, fabulous and fierce interactive event. Raffle giveaway prizes include Sephora make-up and other gifts.

Saturday, June 16, 2:00 p.m.
The Last Taboo: LGBT Hip-Hop
Riverside Library, 127 Amsterdam Avenue (at W. 65th St.), New York, NY
VIBE Senior Editor, Clover Hope, and Kathy Iandoli (Music Editor of HipHopDX and writer for MTV, MSN Music, VIBE and The Source) will join LGBT hip-hop artists Foxxjazell and Soce The Elemental Wizard to discuss the challenges faced by the LGBT community as they aim to rebel against stereotypes, challenge gender norms and expand the hip-hop genre. The panel will conclude with a hip-hop freestyle presentation featuring select LGBT rappers. The performance will be recorded live and available for free download online at SouleoUniverse.com. DJ Baker, creator/producer/host of Da Doo-Dirty Show, currently the longest running LGBT-geared daily urban syndicated radio program, will moderate the conversation.

Saturday, June 16, 2:00 p.m.
Love Thy Diva: Madonna & Bette Midler
Tompkins Square Library, 331 East 10th St., New York, NY
Madonna impersonator, Vivian Belle, Bette Midler impersonator, The Divine Grace, and Clay Cane, radio host of Clay Cane Live on WWRL 1600AM and entertainment editor at BET.com, critique, analyze and celebrate diva worshipping in the LGBT community. Village Voice columnist and author, Michael Musto, moderates the discussion.

Tuesday, June 19th, 6:30 p.m.
Expre$$ Yourself: Reinventing Yourself for Financial Stability
Seward Park Library, 192 East Broadway (at Jefferson St.), New York, NY
It takes the skill of reinvention to stay alive financially in a city where competition is stiff. In this workshop, Roy Cohen, career coach and author of The Wall Street Professional's Survival Guide (FT Press), will help patrons discover the best ways to reinvent themselves and transfer skills into other sectors for extra income.

Wednesday, June 20, 5:30 p.m.
I Love You, Now Marry Me: Marriage in the LGBT Community
Mulberry Street Library, 10 Jersey Street (Between Lafayette & Mulberry Streets),?New York, NY
Before you walk down the aisle heed the words of Charlie The Matchmaker, Huffington Post blogger, professional matchmaker and relationship exert. Charlie The Matchmaker will provide patrons with expert advice on how to know when it's the right time to marry, what to prepare for and how to make it last after the honeymoon.

Friday, June 22nd, 5:30 p.m.
Styled by Literature
Mid-Manhattan Library, 455 Fifth Avenue (at 40th Street), New York, NY
Literary inspired makeovers will be given by some of NYC's top drag queens including "Showbiz Spitfire" Paige Turner, Yuhua Hamasaki and Miles DeNiro, while certified image consultant and owner of personal styling and shopping franchise including, Style Me ASAP, Lindsay Weiner provides expert style tips in this fun, fabulous and fierce interactive event. Raffle giveaway prizes include Sephora make-up and a private consultation from Style Me ASAP.

Saturday, June 23rd, 2:00 p.m.
Live Like a Millionaire on $7.25/Hour
St. George Library, 5 Central Avenue (near Borough Hall), Staten Island, NY
You can still live fabulously while being fabulously broke, especially in the Big Apple. Max Levitte, founder and CEO of Cheapism.com, will inform patrons on how they can get the most out of their meager wages when it comes to entertainment, shopping, travel and more. Who says living like a millionaire actually requires a million dollars in the bank?

Saturday, June 23rd, 2:00 p.m.
Love Thy Diva: Whitney Houston & Beyonce
Riverside Library, 127 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY (at W. 65th St), New York, NY
Whitney Houston impersonator, Tyra Ross, Beyonce impersonator, Charley Marie, and Edward Wyckoff Williams, political analyst (MSNBC, TheGrio.com & Huffington Post) critique, analyze and celebrate diva worshipping in the LGBT community. Clay Cane, radio host of Clay Cane Live on WWRL 1600AM and entertainment editor at BET.com, moderates the discussion.

Saturday, June 23rd, 2:00 p.m.
A Moment of…LOUD: Lip-Syncing w/John Epperson (Lypsinka's Maid)
Webster Library, 1465 York Avenue (near E. 78th St.), New York, NY
Legendary drag entertainer, John Epperson (Lypsinka's Maid), conducts a lip-syncing workshop using literary inspired music in this master class celebrating the art of lip-syncing.

Saturday, June 30th, 2:00 p.m.
A Moment of…LOUD: A Fashion Reinvention w/Beau McCall
Riverside Library, 127 Amsterdam Avenue (at W. 65th St.), New York, NY
Reinvent your old and worn T-shirts in this interactive fashion workshop led by creative artist, stylist and fashion designer, Beau McCall (featured in Women's Wear Daily). Patrons are advised to bring their favorite large sized T-shirt, a pair of scissors and a seam ripper. T-shirts will be made available for sale to those that wish to purchase ready-to-wear items.

Tuesday, July 10th, 1:00 p.m.
A Moment of…Loud: Cirque du Monde w/The POINT
Macomb's Bridge Library, 2650 Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Blvd. (between W. 152nd & 153rd Sts.), New York, NY
The circus arrives at the New York Public Library for this special outdoor workshop designed to teach circus tricks. With tight wire, diablos, juggling balls, plate spinners and more, this event promises to bring out the clown in you.

Thursday, July 12th, 11:30 a.m.
Live Like a Millionaire on $7.25/Hour
George Bruce Library, 518 West 125th Street (at Amsterdam Ave.), New York, NY
You can still live fabulously while being fabulously broke, especially in the Big Apple. Joyce Moy, award-winning financial expert, will inform patrons on how they can get the most out of their meager wages when it comes to entertainment, shopping, travel, and more. Who says living like a millionaire actually requires a million dollars in the bank?

Thursday, July 12th, 1:00 p.m.
A Moment of…Loud: Harlem Arts Alliance TBD
Countee Cullen Library, 104 West 136th Street (near Lenox Ave.), New York, NY

Saturday, July 14th, 2:00 p.m.
Financial (APP)titude
St. George Library, 5 Central Avenue (near Borough Hall), Staten Island, NY
Within the digital realm exists a wealth of financial resources that have the ability to empower individuals. In this presentation, Christen Rochon, publisher of DivasandDorks.com, will educate patrons on the most innovative and useful digital tools to budget, raise funds, stay on top of bills, and more.

Thursday, July 19th, 2:00 p.m.
Fame & (Mis)Fortune: Full Force
Mott Haven Library, 321 East 140th Street (at Alexander Ave.), Bronx, NY
Iconic production team and recording artists Full Force has received many gold and platinum record plaques resulting from their work with superstars such as Rihanna, Britney Spears, The Black Eyed Peas, and others. Still, they faced financial challenges and managed to overcome those odds. Now Full Force members Bowlegged Lou, B-Fine and Paul Anthony are ready to reveal their journey through fame and (mis)fortune. Event/media content producer and founder of Souleo Enterprises, LLC, Souleo will lead the discussion.

Tuesday, July 31st, 6:00 p.m.
Fame & (Mis)Fortune: Meli'sa Morgan & Christopher "Play" Martin
Bronx Library Center, 310 East Kingsbridge Road (at Briggs Avenue), Bronx, NY
In the 1980's/early 1990's R&B songstress, Meli'sa Morgan was on top of the charts. Simultaneously, Christopher "Play" Martin of hip-hop/comedy duo, Kid'n Play was part of successful record and film industry franchise. Still, both artists faced financial challenges and managed to overcome those odds. Now Meli'sa Morgan and Christopher "Play" Martin are ready to reveal their journey through fame and (mis)fortune. Event/media content producer and founder of Souleo Enterprises, LLC, Souleo will lead the discussion.

Thursday, August 2nd, 11:30 a.m.
Love & Money
George Bruce Library, 518 West 125th Street (at Amsterdam Ave.), New York, NY
Demetria Lucas, author and relationships/lifestyle editor (The Root, Essence.com, Clutch magazine, A Belle in Brooklyn) will provide public counseling services to couples and singles dealing with financial issues that are affecting their romantic relationships or lack thereof. When it comes to love and money everyone deserves an abundance, so don't shortchange yourself.

Tuesday, August 7th, 6:00 p.m.
Financial (APP)titude
Bronx Library Center, 310 East Kingsbridge Road (at Briggs Avenue), Bronx, NY
Within the digital realm exists a wealth of financial resources that have the ability to empower individuals. In this presentation, Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche, author of The One Week Budget, will educate patrons on the most innovative and useful digital tools to budget, raise funds, stay on top of bills, and more.

Wednesday, August 8th, 5:30 p.m.
A Moment of…Loud: From Ink to Juice w/Brandi Kowalski
Hamilton Grange Library, 503 West 145th Street, New York, NY
Take inspiration from your favorite literary works of art and transform it into refreshing summer drinks in this interactive juice-making workshop. Expert mixologist, Brandi Kowalski, leads this event where patrons will learn how to make healthy drinks. Samples of the drinks are available on a first come, first served basis.

Thursday, August 16th, 2:00 p.m.
Expre$$ Yourself: Reinventing Yourself for Financial Stability
Mott Haven Library, 321 East 140th Street (at Alexander Ave.), Bronx, NY
It takes the skill of reinvention to stay alive financially in a city where competition is stiff. In this presentation, George C. Fraser, Chairman & CEO of FraserNet, Inc. and one of the foremost authorities on networking and building effective relationships, will help patrons discover the best ways to reinvent themselves and transfer skills into other sectors for extra income.

Saturday, August 25th, 2:00 p.m.
A Moment of…Loud: Get Gong'd w/Rashu Aten
George Bruce Library, 518 West 125th Street (at Amsterdam Ave.), New York, NY
Gong master, Rashu Aten, brings this sacred instrument into the library for an interactive workshop where patrons will create their own healing sound vibrations using gongs.

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