Uptown Music Theatre Summer Season Begins

NEW ORLEANS -- Uptown Music Theatre (UMT) founded by Delfeayo Marsalis is holding its 2015 summer theatre camp between June 8th and July 24th, 2015 with performances set for July 25th and 26th, 2015.  

A theatrical training program, which prepares aspiring young actors and actresses for the professional world of theatre.  Attendees receive vocal, acting and dance training by top-notch industry veterans, emerging as seasoned performers with discipline, confidence and production skills. 

Great training and lots of fun --  it's not too late! Enrollment is still open; see below for more information:

New Orleans Cultural Icon: Big Chief "Bo" Dies at 71

Hundreds gather to pay tribute and honor the legend.

New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian nations assemble outside Xavier University's Convocation Center, the site of
Wild Magnolias Big Chief Theodore "Bo" Dollis' funeral on Saturday,  February 31, 2015.

_______________________________________________________________________________

By Rhodesia J. Douglas,

Writer

---

Voice as smooth as Sam Cooke, but rough and streetwise with a signature edge that came from the depths of his soul. 

---

XAVIER UNIVERSITY, NEW ORLEANS -- That's what was said in the program obituary of Big Chief Theodore "Bo" Dollis who led the Wild Magnolias Mardi Gras Indian Tribe for 50 years.

His tribe produced such classic carnival hits as "Handa Wanda," "Hey Pocky Way," "Fire Water" and "New Suit." 

By the mammoth size of his funeral, anyone present could tell that he was a great man: the mayor, U.S. congressman, council and jazz & heritage festival producer attesting to his importance.  

Three white doves were released at start of the second-line procession.  

Experiencing the feathers is a moving experience.  

Indians, all nations, all colors, mourned.

A pink spy boy clearing openings through the crowd, made way for Big Chief's soul to go forth.  

Karen Celestan, fellow writer, journalist, communications practitioner, teacher, described it best:

 "This is spiritual."

Razzle and dazzle. 

The observer is just smitten by the craftsmanship --and then, moved by the chants, tambourine and drums.  

Indians are undeniably the most beautiful sight to behold. Long live the tradition; and so, too, the spirit of Big Chief "Bo" Dollis.

Below is a link to some of the great music:

http://youtu.be/CHCKAKoA4Ys

Kickin' back at the 2014 LA Cajun-Zydeco Festival

The Lost Bayou Ramblers perform onstage Sunday, June 15, 2014, during the 8th Annual LA Cajun-Zydeco Festival in Louis Armstrong Park.

By Rhodesia J. Douglas,
Writer

LOUIS ARMSTRONG PARK, NEW ORLEANS --- What else would it be at a Zydeco fest, but a good time?

Father's Day

A crowd of several hundred revelers were out and about at the 8th Annual LA Cajun-Zydeco Festival, a free, two-day event hosted by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

At 3 p.m., the weather, for this time of year, couldn't have been more perfect:  A clear, cloud-covered sky that kept the sun and humidity at bay. 

The crowd was comfortable and laid back with people scattered throughout the park. 

Some people sat watching from the hilly banks of the park's winding bayou-like pond and one even dosed in his hammock setup between the trees.  

Others gathered at the music stage to two-step to the zydeco grooves. Still, others grabbed a bite from the food stands or checked out the artisans lined along each side of the Hollywood palm-arched  entrance. 

So stunning. And glamorous. Who would have known posing for a picture would invite photo bombing. 

But I want you to know that this article is biased: I love Zydeco. 

It has a special place in my heart because Acadiana, the heart of Cajun Country, became my place of exile.

Flashback

Wondering why the storm had blown me deeper into this swampy region, I was glad to still be close to home. 

The warmth and love of these French-speaking people with their good cooking, zydeco music and amusing jokes, it got me through. 

Keith Frank, who by the way was not in the stellar lineup, even had a song for the likes of us, we can weather the storm. 

Hearing that, while I traveled back and forth into New Orleans to prepare my family's return, brought me great comfort just as much as corn and crab bisque soup from Prejeans. 

Arts & Craft Vendor featuring iconic
New Orleans  food, architecture
and musicians. 

Cajuns were different enough yet vaguely similar enough for me to feel at home.  They were distant relatives and we had come home to visit our roots; I had a great grand mother who had traveled from this place. 

The origins of so much of our culture were based there - the language and the strange enunciation of words like sink (zink) and corner (cornder).

I am forever grateful to this culture for taking us in until we could finally come back home. 

Theatre Fun for Kids!

By Rhodesia J. Douglas,

Writer

NEW ORLEANS -- Summer's here and if you haven't decided what to do with the kids, then Uptown Music Theatre (UMT) is a program that's worth your consideration. 

UMT welcomes kids 8 to 14 years old to its 2014 Theatre Camp on June 9th until July 25th at Andrew H. Wilson Charter School with culminating performances of the Broadway hit Annie on July 25th, 26th and 27th.   

Take to the Stage  

Who hasn't entertained the notion of acting and performing on stage or starring in a movie or commercial? Most folks have, particularly children who have great imaginations and less inhibitions.

"What makes UMT special is that we accept all kids interested in any aspect of musical theatre --singing, dancing, acting or visual arts -- and train them on a professional level," stated Mr. Delfeayo Marsalis, UMT Founder/Executive Director. "Kids have a great time living the dream, and being on stage gives them a great boost in confidence." 

Stars are Made

It's important for parents to develop their child's talents, continued Mr. Marsalis.  "If they did not know that their child could sing," he added, "then they will find out what vocal training and coaching do."  

For this precise reason, Mr. Marsalis founded UMT in 2000, to bring to provide New Orleans youth with professional theatrical training in first-class productions. Moreover, this offers kids a wonderful entrée into show business. 

According to Mr. Marsalis, "Our students have performed in motion pictures, attended the Julliard School of Drama and most continue their studies on the college level." 

Corporations can sign on

For socially responsible corporations, this summer season offers a wonderful opportunity to sponsor a scholarship for disadvantaged families.  

By exposing youth to the arts, this fosters discipline, confidence, team work, and sharpens thinking, verbal communication and listening skills that will help them to be successful.

Contact Today!

Enrollment is open now!  For more information about registration, tuition or underwriting a scholarship, email Dianne Ricks at info@umtno.org.

100 Media Spokesman Aaron Jackson Talks About RIVERJAM

To purchase tickets, clink link to riverjam.eventbrite.com:  riverjam.eventbrite.com

100 Black Men and Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman Unveil Thanksgiving Day Giveaway Today!

 

Media Contact:

Gregory Douglas

gkdoug@oecommunications.com

C: 504.258.8987

MEDIA ADVISORY

100 BLACK MEN PLAYS PIVOTAL ROLE IN THANKSGIVING DAY GIVEAWAY WITH SHERIFF MARLIN N. GUSMAN

WHO:             100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans Inc. is holding a press conference in
                      conjunction with New Orleans Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman to make a special
                      announce regarding participation in this year's Thanksgiving Day Feast.

What:           Press Conference

When:           Tuesday, November 26th, 2013

                       1:30 PM

Where:         3000 Perdido Street - New Orleans

                       2nd Floor

Photo/

Interview

Opps:               100 Black Men Media Spokesman Aaron Jackson,                           

                       Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman, Congressman Cedric Richmond.  

                       Give-a-way Unveiling.

About the 100

100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans Inc. (100) is a coalition of influential men organized to empower the City's challenged community. 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans Inc. channels educational and economic resources toward students and future leaders as well as operates community-based programs that inspire its students and their families to achieve academic and professional excellence.

For more information, contact Gregory at 504.258.8987.

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RIVERJAM Tickets Are Hot!

The boat's filling up fast!  Don't miss out on a jammin' good time: 

Music, Food, Drink | Silent Auction & Door Prizes.  

Music Headliner: Tank and the Bangas.

Proceeds to benefit 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans Inc.'s Scholarship Fund. 

To purchase tickets, click below to riverjam.eventbrite.com:

 http://riverjam.eventbrite.com/

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