This wonderful series presented by Community Works continues with an exhibition and symposium on June 29 at the Museum of the City of New York.  The exhibition begins at 6:30 p.m and examines jazz, blues, R&B, hip hop, rap, gospel, classical, Latin-Caribbean and fusion. There will be musician honorees, noted journalists and special guests appearances.  The symposium will be moderated by WHCR FM’s Flo Wiley of Black Beat New York.  Admission is complimentary but you must RSVP at 212-459-1854.

The Museum of the City of New York
1220 5th Avenue at 103rd Street

June 29
6:30 PM Exhibition viewing
7:00 PM Symposium

Also taking place at the Museum of the City of New York is WHITE, BLACK & BLUES presented by the Roger Furman Reading Series and Voza Rivers/New Heritage Theatre Group.  This work in progress musical presentation will be performed by Harlemwood recording artists Lainie Cooke and Paulette McWilliams, freaturing Nat Adderley, Jr., Vincent Herring, Matt Clohesy and Joris Dudli.  Complimentary admission.  RSVP 212-926-2550 or visit the official website of the New Heritage Theatre.

The Museum of the City of New York
1220 5th Avenue at 103rd Street

June 30
7:00 PM

• Raheem Devaughn tonight at the Apollo [website]
• Urbanworld Film Festival tonight: Opening night gala Documentary The Last Days of Left Eye
  
• Francina Conners Trio at Butterfly Blue June 22 8:00 p.m.
• Nefertari Bey at the Harlem Tea Room June 23 8:00 p.m.  $10
• Spanky’s Pop - June 25 at 6 p.m. Dinner Theater at Uptown Renaissance
  
• Harlem Bridal Show June 25 from 1-6 pm at Tribal Spears Gallery and Cafe
  
• Where there is space, there is a cook out in Harlem [New York Times]
• As per Chowhound Maria, who recommends the croissants, check out the O.C. Bakery and Cafe at 159th Street and Edgecombe.
  

 
Need a last minute gift for dear old Dad this Sunday?  Visit one of the shops mentioned here. Your best bets are Nubian Heritage or Carol’s Daughter which both sell products geared towards men in earthy scents like sandalwood and patchouli.

If you are looking for something to do with Dad this weekend check the June Events Vol. 2 and Vol. 3.

Best bet?  Take Dad to see the final weekend of The Winter View which is the perfect Father’s Day play. The story is about a father and daughter trying to cope after the loss of the family matriarch.  Surprisingly funny and perfect for all ages it has received the praises of the Harlem community press. The New York Beacon says "The Winter View is a must see!" The Amsterdam News admonishes "Don’t Miss It!"

After the show you can stroll across the street to The Harlem Grill for dinner or dine alfresco.

For more information about the show go here.

THE WINTER VIEW
H.A.D.L.E.Y. Players Theater
Saint Philips Community Center
207 West 133 Street/Seventh Avenue
Runs through June 18th
 

Related: Dance Theater of Harlem Spring Performance

Magic Johnson’s 9 screen theater has been the only functioning movie house in Harlem since 2000.  That will change with the arrival of Imagenation’s Soul Cinema which plans to be operational by the end of 2007.  Imagenation plans to open an independent 3 screen art house cinema with a cafe in the new Kalahari development on 116th Street between Fifth and Lenox Avenues. Although the theater will not be in the prime foot traffic heavy 125th Street corridor, the Kalahari will offer a custom designed, state-of-the-art facility with the added bonus of eliminating the headache of bidding for space in the historic Loews Victoria 5 Theatre.

Established in 1997 by Moikgantsi Kgama and Gregory Gates, Imagenation has actively promoted independent black films through screenings, film festivals and most recently the Revolution Awards.  This year’s awards were part of an effort help raise $1 million towards the new cinema tentatively called the Micheaux Film Center.  Oscar Micheaux, for whom the center is named, is known in film circles as the founding father of independent black cinema.

Business and marriage partners, Kgama and Gates have envisioned this project since they started Imagenation almost 10 years ago. They promoted their vision through community events and poety readings, hosted by Gates, throughout New York.  Within the last few years they have been responsible for organizing a successful film festival that is now an integral part of Harlem Week.

Unlike the Magic Johnson Theaters, Imagenation will not focus on blockbuster hits like the recent Mission Impossible 3 premiere. Instead their mission is to "counteract negative images and stereotypes that are propagated about people of color, through mass media; and, to establish a chain of independent art-house cinemas dedicated to cinema of the African Diaspora."  With the support of grassroots artists including Erykah Badu, Chuck D, India.Arie, Dead Prez, Roger Guenveur Smith, Talib Kweli, Malik Yoba and Dream Hampton, their mission is definitely possible.

Related: Allhiphop.com :: Imagenation :: Hollywood Reporter :: NY1 ::

 
Swing uptown to see the opening of “The Winter View.”  It is the last completed work of acclaimed playwright Martha J. Thomas and it will be staged at the H.A.D.L.E.Y. Players Theatre founded by the legendary Gertrude Jeannette.

Synopsis:  This romantic comedy opens on the day of the funeral of Amos’ wife of 40 years.  Word has gotten out that there is a new widower on the scene and the women in town start their pursuit.  Amos’ only child, Samantha, tries to protect her father from the attention of the women but has her own set of problems to deal with.

Eventually Amos finds love in the most unexpected of places.

Thomas’ plays are known for the ability to tap into the human spirit, tugging at your heart strings one minute and leaving you in tears of joy the next. The Winter View is a performance sure to be enjoyed by young and old so bring your whole family out to see it.

This weekend ONLY is a free will offering/pay as you wish Friday and Saturday.  There are two performances on Saturday.  The matinee is at 2:30 p.m. and the evening performance is at 7:30 p.m.

The play runs from May 26 through June 16.  A special GALA Dinner will be on Sunday, May 28 at 2:30 pm.  Tickets for the Gala dinner are $40 and includes a full meal followed by the performance. The honoree will be Rev. Victor T. Hall of Calvary Baptist Church in Jamaica, Queens.  Previous attendees of the Gala Dinner have included notables such as Rudy Dee, Woody King, Jr. and Miki Grant.

Ticket prices for Sunday’s performance without the dinner are $15.00 general, $12.00 for seniors and groups of 20 or more and $8 for children under 12 years of age. 

The H.A.D.L.E.Y. Players is located at 207 West 133rd Street (btwn. Adam Clayton Powell and Frederick Douglas) in the St. Philips Community Center.

For more information call 212-368-9314 or 212-926-0281

Related: NPR Interview with Gertrude Jeannette 

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The Tony award winning, R&B/Gospel musical set in the slick Motown era of the 1960s.The musical follows the rags to riches journey of three African American women whose professional and personal lives in some ways parallels that of Diana Ross and the Supremes. Spectacular costumes, ingenious sets and a talented cast make DREAMGIRLS a breathtaking evening in the theatre.

Music by Henry Krieger Lyrics and Book by Tom Even

Aaron Davis Hall – Theatre B

June 23, 24, 30, July 7,8,14,15,21,22, @ 7:00 PM,
August 6, 13 @ 3:00 PM.

Official Website: Harlem Rep. Theatre 

Closing:

LEVY LEE SIMON’S
"Caseload"
Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.
April 28th through May 20th
Opens Monday May 1st.
The WORKSHOP THEATER COMPANY
For reservations please call 212-695-4173
The WORKSHOP THEATER |312 West 36th Street, on the Fourth floor
(Between Eighth and Ninth Avenues)

Opening:

"Waiting for Godot"
May 19 - June 25, 2006
Wednesday - Saturdays at 8pm
Sundays at 3pm
The HSA Theatre
645 St. Nicholas Ave @ 141st Street
(212) 868-4444

"The Winter View"
H.A.D.L.E.Y. Players Theater
Saint Philips Community Center
207 West 133 Street/Seventh Avenue
212-368-9314/212-926-0281
Runs May 26 through June 18