TRENDS, TRAVEL, FILM, HISTORY and BOOKS

August 22, 2015

Business, Entertainment, Feature, Opinion, Trends

Trends, Travel, Film, History and Books provide readers with information that might be off the beaten path of their traditional news sources. Whether its innovation, unique travel, classic or new age films and documentaries, looking at history from a different perspective or discovering new and established authors, it brings a fresh look to things that are either old or new again.

SOURCE: Yoshi’s Oakland

John Santos Photo by Frank Espada

John Santos with Ernesto Oviedo

Five-time Grammy-nominated percussionist and US Artists Fontanals Fellow, John Santos, is one of the foremost exponents of Afro-Latin music in the world today. Born in San Francisco, California, November l, l955, he was raised in the Puerto Rican and Cape Verdean traditions of his family, surrounded by music. The fertile musical environment of the San Francisco Bay Area shaped his career in a unique way. His studies of Afro-Latin music have included several trips to New York, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Brazil and Colombia.He is known for his innovative use of traditional forms and instruments in combination with contemporary music, and has earned much respect and recognition as an educator, composer, and record and event producer. He’s been a prolific performer, composer, teacher, writer, radio programmer, and record/event producer whose career has spanned over 35 years. John has worked with acknowledged, multi-generational masters such as Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri, Chucho Valdes, Chocolate Armenteros, John Handy, Billy Cobham, Zakir Hussain, Pete Escovedo, Charlie Hunter, Carlos Santana and many more!

78-year young Cuban master vocalist, Ernesto Oviedo is one of the pre-eminent boleristas (singer of romantic ballads) in the world today. He is from a royal Cuban musical family of soneros – the son of pioneer tresero/composer Isaac Oviedo and older brother of Buena Vista Social Club tresero Papi Oviedo. The Cuban son runs in his veins, but it is the bolero, beloved throughout Latin America and deeply evolved in Cuba, that has become his trademark. His exquisite renditions of classic boleros from all over Latin America have put him in a unique class of traditional vocalists that few if any, can touch today.

SOURCE: SFJAZZ

SOURCE: Rhythmix Cultural Works

SOURCE: Yoshi’s Oakland

Picture Courtesy: Yoshi’s Oakland

Glenn Miller Orchestra

The world-famous Glenn Miller Orchestra is one of the greatest acts of all time. Originally formed by Glenn Miller in 1938 during the Swing era of the 1930s and 40s, they enjoyed a matchless string of hits including their signature “Moonlight Serenade,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “A String of Pearls,” “Tuxedo Junction” and of course “In The Mood.” The present Glenn Miller Orchestra was formed in 1956 with Nick Hilscher as the orchestra’s present musical director the last few years.

SOURCE: Glenn Miller

SOURCE: Wave Hill

Wave Hill’s 2015‒2016 Concert Season Opens Sunday, September 20, 2015 with Award-winning Pianist Tanya Bannister

Tanya Bannister Phot credit: Lisa Marie Mazzucco

On September 20, historic Armor Hall comes alive with a performance by award-winning pianist Tanya Bannister . Joined by a complement of gifted string players, the artist offers sublime and intimate chamber ensemble scale arrangements of masterful piano concertos by Chopin and Mozart. As a bonus, Bannister offers Chopin’s gorgeous Ballade No. 4 . Opening the 2015‒2016 concert season in Wave Hill’s Armor Hall, the hour-long performance is the first in a series of ten extraordinary concerts. Come early to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens and then settle in for an exceptional performance, starting at 2PM.

What: Tanya Bannister

Where: Armor Hall at Wave Hill,

West 249th Street & Independence Avenue

When: Sunday, September 20, 2PM

Tickets: Single Tickets: $28 general admission, $15 child (ages 8‒18); Wave Hill Member: $22 adult, $12 child

Subscriptions: Pick any 4 performances for a 15% discount

Purchase tickets online at http://www.wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. For additional information, please call 718.549.3200 x251. Ticket prices include admission to the grounds.

The Performing Arts Program is supported in part by the Cathy and Stephen Weinroth Commissioning Fund for the Arts. Wave Hill, Inc. is an independent, non-profit cultural institution governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The buildings and grounds of Wave Hill are owned by the City of New York. With the assistance of the Bronx Borough President and Bronx representatives in the City Council and State Legislature, Wave Hill’s operations are supported with public funds through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs; the Zoos, Botanical Gardens and Aquariums Grant Program administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; the National Endowment for the Arts; the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; and New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

On September 20, historic Armor Hall comes alive with a performance by award-winning pianist Tanya Bannister. Joined by a complement of gifted string players, the artist offers sublime and intimate chamber ensemble scale arrangements of masterful piano concertos by Chopin and Mozart. As a bonus, Bannister offers Chopin’s gorgeous Ballade No. 4. Opening the 2015‒2016 concert season in Wave Hill’s Armor Hall, the hour-long performance is the first in a series of ten extraordinary concerts. Come early to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens and then settle in for an exceptional performance, starting at 2PM.

SOURCE: elonpia

Photo Courtesy: OWN / Oprah’s Book Club 2.0

SOURCE: Oprah’s Book Club 2.0

Kick Back With These
Brilliant Books
Read these on a lounger or with a glass of lemonade on a hammock. They’re light, inexpensive—and perfect for passing on to friends.

SOURCE: Blacknews.com

AUTHOR SHEDS LIGHT ON MENTAL ILLNESS PROBLEM IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS — TURNS CHILDHOOD TRAGEDY INTO TRIUMPH

Orlando, FL (BlackNews.com) — Yassin Hall is on a mission to end the stigma of mental illness among disenfranchised families in urban communities in the United States and in the United States Virgin Islands. A native of St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. who resides in Orlando, Florida has outlined her struggles as a result of the impact of mental illness in her personal memoir.

Journey Untold Twisted Love: My Mothers Struggle with Mental Illnesses, which relayed the story of the internal torment, bullying and shame she endured from a child, into an inspiring journey to fulfilling her dreams. Hall shares her personal pain of growing up on a small island with a mother whose mental illness was publicly known, yet left untreated.

The Governor of the United States Virgin Islands, Honorable Kenneth Mapp stated in his State of the Territory Address on January 27th, 2015: It is no secret that this territory has taken a backward step on the issue of mental health,

Photo Courtesy: Yassin Hall, author of “Journey Untold”

leaving those who need care to walk the streets, languish in our prisons, or enter the revolving door of a criminal justice system that is ill-prepared to address their needs. As a community, we have earned an “F-” in the care and services we provide to the mentally ill. This is a sad and hard pill to swallow for Americas Paradise, but an undeniable truth.

Millions of Americans struggle with varying types of mental illness and/or mental health problems. These illnesses include social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, drug addiction, personality disorders, etc. In many instances, these conditions go undiagnosed and/or untreated resulting in the destruction of families; homelessness; infant mortality; loss of employment; incarceration, isolation and in some grave situations, death.

The U.S.V.I. although considered a picturesque destination of sunbathing and frolicking, it harbors a secret that has permeated society causing irreversible consequences. These consequences are evidenced in the lives of many Virgin Islanders. Contributing factors to this pandemic is the adverse economic conditions resulting from inflation and lack of employment in a struggling economy. Like in years past, the state of mental health in the territory of the U.S.V.I. is dismal. The mentally ill are ridiculed and left untreated as a result of limited resources and unskilled personnel. These individuals become permanent fixtures on streets and neighboring parks. While this should pos a grave concern to the people, mentally ill individuals have become invisible.

Journey Untold is written in a first person account about Yassins childhood in the Virgin Islands and her life as an adult. Yassins mother struggled from clinical depression (undiagnosed) unbeknownst to the family (due to lack of resources) which ultimately led to schizophrenia. As a result, Yassins mother became delusional which evolved in violence behavior including trying to kill Yassin. The paranoia further caused her to take residence on the streets. Her ultimate demise was he succumbing to cancer. For years Yassin carried this silent trauma as a child and it affected her well into adulthood. Her mom received minimal help, she suffered in silence and there was no awareness or treatment on Yassins behalf from her teachers, counselors or the mental health professionals.

Today, similar struggles continue for thousands of Virgin Island children and adults living in dysfunctional and abusive situations.

This transformative book grips readers from the beginning and takes you on an emotional ride through the eyes of a child as she matures into womanhood. Hall is traveling to the U.S.VI in October and using her platform #endthestigmaUSVI to improve the care system for the mentally ill in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She has plans to expand on the Journey Untold series with other books in the future. Journey Untold is available for purchase in print, e-book, Kindle, Google Play, Nook and sold on Amazon.com. It is also distributed in the U.S. Virgin Islands in the following locations: St. Thomas – The Owl and Seahorse Bookstore; St. Croix Undercover Books; St. John The Pink Papaya Shop.

SOURCE: Houston Style Magazine

SOURCE: International Black Film Festival

THE INTERNATIONAL BLACK FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES 2015 FESTIVAL

Nashville, TN – The International Black Film Festival (IBFF) is excited to announce that the 2015 Festival, slated for October 1-4, 2015, will be hosted at the state of the art Cal Turner Family Center for Student Education on the campus of Meharry Medical College. IBFF is also honored to welcome the esteemed Meharry Medical College as an official sponsor for this year’s event.

Throughout the 3½ day event, the festival will serve the full spectrum of the industry by providing a venue to showcase the work of filmmakers from around the globe. Patrons will have the opportunity to view “unreleased,” independent and studio films, participate in awesome industry level workshops, master classes, industry parties, and high-profile red carpet events with celebrity appearances.

Robert Poole, Senior Vice President of Division of Institutional Advancement at Meharry Medical College says, “It is notable and laudable that IBFF has selected a site in North Nashville on the Meharry campus which is at the heart of dynamic education, healthcare, culture, and research. This area is anchored by thriving institutions and organizations such as Meharry Medical College, Nashville General Hospital, Fisk University, Tennessee State University, Citizens Bank, The Tennessee Tribune, and Matthew Walker Community Health Center. Poole also says, “We are also proud to have a sponsorship role for this important cultural, educational, and community event that will bring much attention to Nashville and its creative sector”.

IBFF will also open Early Bird ticket sales from August 17-24, 2015. Festival Passes will be available for just $89.00.

“As Nashville continues to live up to its name as the new “It” city, the energy and excitement for this year’s festival is high,” said Founder and Chair Hazel Joyner-Smith. “It is also an exciting time for Meharry, the city of Nashville and our academic community, as they recently celebrated the arrival of their new President, Dr. James E.K. Hildreth. On behalf of our Board of Directors and the IBFF team, we are simply honored to have Meharry, one of the nation’s oldest and largest historically black health science centers, believe in our mission and further support as a marquee sponsor this year.”

Please visit our website at www.ibffnashville.com for event details. Click Here for a virtual tour of the Cal Turner Family Event Center.

About International Black Film Festival

Through the art of film, the International Black Film Festival of Nashville (IBFFN) celebrates rich, diverse and creative storytelling for the cultural enrichment, progress and education of communities worldwide. Established in 2006, IBFFN is a collaboration of dedicated professionals who support the need for a community effort to bring African-American and other communities together to showcase their work as emerging and skilled independent filmmakers, actors, composers, screenwriters, directors and other film industry professionals. With “Defining Our Stories, Transforming the Image” as its organizational theme, IBFFN strives to ensure culturally accurate depictions in film with special emphasis on providing a forum for unheard, unseen and unknown viewpoints, and showcasing the multitude of experiences presented in local, national and international communities of color.

With the support of our sponsors, corporate partners, the community, the International Black Film Festival maintains its relevance to the creative, educational, and socially conscious communities around the globe.

About Meharry Medical College

Meharry Medical College, founded in 1876, is the nation’s largest private, independent historically black academic health sciences center dedicated to educating minority and other health professionals. True to its heritage, it is a United Methodist Church affiliated institution. The College is particularly well-known for its uniquely nurturing, highly effective educational programs; emerging preeminence in health disparities research; culturally sensitive, evidence-based health services and significant contribution to the diversity of the nation’s health professions workforce. Meharry is a leading national educator of African-Americans with M.D. and D.D.S. degrees and Ph.D. degrees in the biomedical sciences.

SOURCE: Blacknews.com

12-YEAR OLD HIP-HOP SENSATION FRANKIE V KICKS OFF BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON WITH NEW LATE SUMMER RELEASE, “SAY SOMETHING!”

New York City, NY — Hip-Hop Recording Artist, Frankie V is currently on a summer promotional campaign for his official solo debut and summer music release, Say Something!, released by DH Entertainment. The single is marketed, manufactured and distributed by GMUSIC… Powered by a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment and is available now through Apple Music, Google Play Music, Amazon Music, and other major digital stores.

“Say Something!” ties in to Frankie Vs Back to School Campaign centered on inspiring other kids to study hard and get an education. Frankie Vs summer release is coordinated by Guion Partners, Inc. (GPI), a Los Angeles based management firm lead by Lindsay Guion, an industry professional best known for his work with Grammy award-winning and multi-Platinum recording artists Ginuwine, Mya and DAngelo.

We at GPI are excited to work with Frankie V. It’s rare to find a young artist with the next-level- performance of this special talent. We look forward to continuing work with him as he grows in all aspects, says Lindsay Guion.

Frankie V is a 12-year old Hip-Hop sensation and versatile talent on the rise. As a Hip-Hop recording artist, he is poised with character, exciting delivery and swagger. He focuses on lyrics with a positive message in the world of Hip-Hop. His influences include Meek Mill, the Game and TI. Frankie V embraces his education as a top priority, and fueled by his mother and father’s demand for excellence.

With his parents, family and friends encouragement and his own perseverance, Frankie V is moving steadily and rapidly growing his fan-base as one of Hip Hops brightest and entertaining New Young Stars. As a gifted recording artist, Frankie V has worked both live and in studio with top musical artists. He has opened for celebrity artists such as: Rick Ross, YG, French Montana, Kid Ink and Yo Gotti.

“Say Something!” is available now on Apple Music, Google Play Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, and other worldwide digital outlets.

SOURCE: MIAMI DADE BOOK FAIR

WHAT’S YOUR STORY?

#MiamiWrites This Fall

Tom Swick Picture Courtesy: MDC Book Fair

Fall creative writing classes are now open for registration. This term The Center is offering a variety of writing genres. All courses are held at the MDC Wolfson Campus in Downtown Miami. For specifics,visit the class that sounds most appealing and register.

One of our classes this term focuses on Travel Writing with one of the country’s most celebrated travel authors Tom Swick. In this class, you will learn how to transform your travels into publishable stories. Mr. Swick will teach you the 7 key elements to bringing your travel memories to the page: a personal voice, a point of view, imagination, insight, humor, people, dialogue – and how best to incorporate them into your stories.

When: Tuesdays, September 8 (through September 29)| 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: MDC Wolfson Campus, 300 N.E. 2nd Ave., Downtown Miami Dade College
Fee: $100
This is a Community Education (non-credit) course.

Want to register? Click here for instructions and registration form.