Jazzmobile Summerfest Continues This Friday
by Stephi Wild - Aug 13, 2024
In celebration of Max Roach 100, the legendary late jazz drummer, composer, bandleader, activist, will be honored with a performance by M’BOOM + HORNS, in Marcus Garvey Park on August 16, starting at 7:00 pm.
Interview: CHOREOGRAPHERS ELLENORE SCOTT & AYODELE CASEL GIVE FUNNY GIRL'S SAGA FLAIR, FUN & FINESSE
by Valerie-Jean Miller - May 28, 2024
VJM: Thank you both for giving of your time to answer my questions. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of two Choreographers being hired for the same Broadway show, not even a revival, that I can think of. How did that come about for both of you?
Ellenore Scott: Funny Girl was my Broadway debut as a choreographer. I was so happy when I got a call from Michael Mayer (the director) asking me to work on this revival with him. He knew I was NOT a tap dancer and was aware of the multiple tap routines in the show and asked if I would be down to share the billing with Ayodele Casel. Ayo is an extraordinary artist so I was thrilled to be by her side as she made her Broadway debut as well. Michael first met me initially at Head Over Heels on Broadway where I was an associate choreographer to Spencer Liff. In 2019, he asked if I would choreograph the Off-Broadway revival of Little Shop of Horrors and we opened the show October 17th, 2019. I have loved working with Michael and feel as though he keeps his people close and I’m grateful he thought of me for this historic revival.
Ayodele Casel: I met Michael Mayer in 2016 when he directed a New York City Center Encores! show I performed in. Later that fall he invited me to perform that piece in a Broadway for Hillary fundraiser he was also directing. We'd kept in touch over the years and in 2019, after seeing a show I’d premiered at The Joyce Theater, he asked if I would be interested in providing the Tap choreography for a revival he was working on. Like Ellenore shared, Michael wanted to work with us both to deliver the full choreographic vision of the show. I believe it was a very progressive vision on his part and I’m really thankful that I was able to make my Broadway debut with this team.
Gil Gutiérrez Trio Comes to Birdland NYC This Month
by Stephi Wild - May 9, 2024
See the gifted Gil Gutiérrez Trio at Birdland NYC on Friday, May 17, Saturday May 18 and Sunday, May 19, showtimes are 7:00pm and 9:30pm and doors open half hour before showtime.
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Performs Mother's Day Weekend at NJPAC
by Stephi Wild - Apr 17, 2024
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will complete its 65th anniversary coast-to-coastUnited States tour to 21 cities at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND with performances Friday, May 10 at 8pm, Saturday, May 11th at 8pm and Sunday, May 12 at 3pm.