Happy Summer!! Welcome to “Thangz-2-Do!!”, the monthly e-newsletter providing information of cultural arts (poetry, theatre, comedy, etc.), as well as several other info to keep people in the loop that includes a link for Black History facts (http://www.yenoba.com), R.I.P. for those that passed away and a B-Day shout-out to those born in July. We have also attached a file that include out-of-Massachusetts events for those who plan on traveling outside the state.

Also, Boston’s longest-running open mic gathering commonly known as VerBaLizAtiOn, is taking a summer break. Therefore, there will be no VerB in July and August but will return in September. Please support other open mic events during our small hiatus.

And July seems like the month for “all-white” events. Let me inform you about one boat ride event happening on July 2nd entitled “The 4th Annual All-White Escape”, brought to you by the lovely pair of Twins & Friends! Come aboard the Spirit of Boston and enjoy 4 levels of entertainment.

Please continue sending prayers to the families of murdered victims in Boston and also to the people of Haiti (we haven’t forgotten)!!

Enjoy the list and have a blessed day!!

Peace,

VCR

R.I.P.

– GERONIMO PRATT

(revolutionary/activist/former Black Panther Party member)

– CARL GARDNER

(member of Doo-Wop group The Coasters)

– MARK “DRAC” HICKS

(lead guitarist for Funk band Slave)

– CLARENCE CLEMONS

(saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen)

– J.O. PATTERSON

(first Black mayor of Memphis TN in 1982)

– LORENZO CHARLES

(NCAA & NBA player: NC State, Atlanta Hawks)

BELATED R.I.P.

– CLARICE TAYLOR

(actress – Cliff Huxtable’s mother “Anna” on “The Cosby Show”)

JULY  B-DAY  WISHES

Rico Harris, Kendra Blackett-Dibinga, Sarah Hinton, Keyona Aviles, LaTanya Maxwell, Lakisha Austin, Yienajye Nawan,

J-Simone, Tanya McClurkin, Monique Tula, Ngoma Hill,

Jake Leidolf, Era Ellis, Ibraaheem Abdullah Naazir, Salih Rowe,

Sara “Ketchup” Lawrence, Kaili Turner, Amunet Ankh-Ra,

Belinda Wise-Bey, Crystal Beck and Tomiqua Williams

POETRY/OPEN MIC EVENTS

Every Sunday Night

LIZARD LOUNGE SUNDAY NIGHT POETRY JAM

w/The Jeff Robinson Trio

@ The Lizard Lounge

1667 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge

(between Harvard Sq. & Porter Sq.)

Doors at 7:30pm – $5.00 cover

21+ w/ID required

July 10th – Toni Asante Lightfoot

July 31st – Lizard Lounge Slam Team

For info visit www.poetryjam.org

Monday, July 11th 2011

BEE-COOL POETRY MUSIC MASH-UP

Enjoy a collaboration of poets performing with live musicians!

@ The Middle East Corner

480 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge MA

8:30pm

Hosted by Toni Bee and Lee

Wednesday, July 27th 2011

POETIC ESCAPE

@ Blue Wave Bar & Lounge

343 Congress St., Boston

Doors at 8:30pm / $5.00 before 9:30pm

Proper dress required – no baseball caps or Timbs allowed

Hosted by Eli & Nuri

With guest featured poet Arthur Collins

Music by various DJs

(spinning the best of Neo-Soul, R&B, Old School and Hip-Hop)

For more info to feature or to sign-up in advance for the open mic,

E-mail poeticescape3@gmail.com or call 617-549-2700

Every Thursday Night

ART IS LIFE ITSELF

@ The Haley House Bakery & Café

12 Dade St., Roxbury/Dudley Sq.

(off Washington St . – next to Tropical Foods)

7:00pm – 10:00pm / No cover charge

Hosted by Nina LaNegra & Fulani Haynes

Every Thursday Night

REY ROYALE PRESENTS R&B THURSDAYS

A Night of R&B, Poetry and Live Performances

@ Club Choices

381 Somerville Ave., Somerville MA

8:00pm / No cover charge

Hosted by Posira Lady Rydah

Brought to you by 513 Entertainment

Saturday, July 30th 2011

POETRY IN THE PARK

Friends sharing poetic words, followed by an outdoor Jazz jam!

@ Jill Brown Rhone Park

900 Main St., Cambridge/Central Sq.

(at intersection of Mass Ave. & Main St.)

7:00pm – 9:00pm

Hosted by Toni Bee

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Thursday, July 28th –  Sunday, July 31st 2011

THE 13TH ANNUAL ROXBURY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Films Celebrating People of Color!

For years, filmmakers, distributors and film enthusiasts wondered why Boston, one of the largest metropolitan areas on the east coast, lacked a vehicle for supporting independent films by filmmakers of color or that showcased their experiences. This was the primary motivation behind the creation of the Roxbury International Film Festival (then, the Dudley Film Festival) in 1999. The other reason was our love of films. We were hungry for films by and about people of color, and we believed that there was an audience in Boston that was searching for these types of films. We were right. Now as we prepare for our 13th year, the Roxbury International Film Festival continues to showcase and honor the work of emerging and established filmmakers of color and has become the largest festival in New England dedicated to this genre. Since its inception, the festival has welcomed over 30,000 attendees, and we have screened more than 450 films by or about people of color. Our mission is to support diverse filmmakers and provide an opportunity for audiences to view the works of these filmmakers, and experience stories often overlooked in mainstream media.

The Roxbury International Film Festival takes place over four days with workshops, panel discussions and film screenings held at several locations such as the Museum of Fine Arts, Massachusetts College of Art, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Northeastern University, the Roxbury Center for the Arts at Hibernian Hall and the Coolidge Corner Theatre.

For schedule and info visit www.roxburyfilmfestival.org

PARTIES/SOCIAL NETWORKING

Every Thursday Night

Finesse Entertainment (doin’ it with ‘FINESSE!’) presents

THROWING IT BACK THURSDAYS

Live Entertainment Every Thursday

@ The Clubhouse

44 Mazzeo Drive, Randolph MA

(50 yards up – across the street from Showcase Cinema Megaplex)

Live entertainment 8:00pm – 10:00pm

DJ spinning “Old School” 10:00pm – 2:00am

Admission $5.00 before 10:00pm / $10.00 after

Hot buffet available for purchase

Schedule for July:

World Premiere, Ray Greene, Andre Ward and Leon Beal

For more info call the FINESSE hotline at 617-839-3824

Every Friday Night

Soul Cafe presents

BLUE WAVE FRIDAY NIGHTS

Voted “Best Old School Night” in the city

@ The Blue Wave

343 Congress St., Boston

9:00pm – 2:00am

$5.00 before 11:00pm w/RSVP

Proper dress required (no tennis shoes or sports gear)

Each night with a different DJ each week

Live music w/celebrity band from 9:00pm to 11:00pm

For info and RSVP contact stephenanglin_firstfridays@msn.com

Every Friday & Saturday Night

BARE YOUR SOUL WEEKENDS

We are excited to now offer enhanced entertainment for the discriminating mature professional that seeks to shake off the worries of a long week. We will now feature some of the areas best DJs and dancing weekly. Bare Your Soul will be a compilation of music to make you move!
That may be R&B, Neo Soul, Funk, Latin, Carribean, Throwbacks & Deep Soulful House!!

@ Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen
604 Columbus Ave., Boston/South End

(diagonally across from NY Pizza)
11:00pm – 2:00am
$10.00 admission / Proper dress required

Darryls is an chic quaint restaurant, bar and lounge with great quality food and people. Darryl’s will continue having a full range of live bands and dinner in the early evening.

Every Saturday Night

SoulKore Productions presents

ELECTRIC SATURDAYS

@ Dockside Rivers Edge

270 Medford St., Malden MA

(corner of Commercial St. – across from Comcast)

9:00pm – 12:00am midnight / FREE admission

Early dinner served until 11:00pm

Music by DJ Nomadik

(spinnning dance classics from the 70’s, 80’s & 90’s)

For more info contact info@soulkore.com

Friday, July 1st 2011

30+ Event presents

“THE SUMMER SERIES 2: PRE-4TH OF JULY PARTY”

A monthly meet-up for a diverse and progressive group of professional men and women seeking to socialize, mix and mingle with like-minded peers.

@ The Foundation Room at House of Blues

15 Lansdowne St., Boston

(across from Fenway Park)

Doors at 9:30pm / Band performance 10:00pm – 11:30pm

DJ performance 11:30pm – 2:00am

$20.00 admission w/RSVP

Dress code: Men – suits/blazers with dress jeans are OK. collared shirt

Women – NY chic (no casual attire)
Featuring a live music performance by the band S.O.S.

With special guest vocalist Jonathan Hoard

Music by DJ Reggie Beas

(spinning R&B, Neo-Soul, Chicago House and Old School Classics)

Saturday, July 2nd 2011

Lion Entertainment presents

THE 11TH ANNIVERSARY PEEPIN’ GLOW

Boat Ride & After Party Concert – WEAR WHITE!!

Aboard the luxurious Provincetown II

@ World Trade Center

200 Seaport Blvd., Boston

Boarding time at 7:00pm SHARP

Departure time at 8:00pm – returns at 11:00pm

$43.00 admission  (only includes admission to boatride)

NO tickets sold at the boat – absolutely NO exceptions

21+ event w/ID is a must

After party located at The Hibernian Hall

184 Dudley St., Roxbury/Dudley Sq.

(next to fire department & barber shop)

Ends at 2:00am

$10.00 advanced tickets – $15.00 at the door (limited capacity)

Music by Junior Rodigan, Sound Inc., Sound Vibration,

Gary Banton & Big Trini, Assassin, Ghetto Hype,

Sound International and Mikey Million & Shortman

Tickets available at these outlets:

– Our Neighborhood Mini Mart (Codman Sq.) at 617-265-1445

– Singh’s Restaurant (Uphams Corner) at 617-288-7977

– T&E Mini Mart (btw Four Corners & Grove Hall) at 617-265-2015

– Irie’s Restaurant (Bowdoin St. area) at 617-929-3866

– Taurus Records (Mattapan) at 617-298-2655

Saturday, July 2nd 2011

THE 2ND ANNUAL ALL-WHITE AFFAIR

@ Prince Hall

24 Washintgon St., Dorchester/Grove Hall

9:00pm – 2:00am

Tickets: $15.00 in advance – $20.00 at the door

21+ event / Proper ID required

Dress code: All white, casual dress

Music by DJ Kevin Lawyer

For tickets contact the following:

A Nu Look – 1102 Blue Hill Ave., Dorchester (617-279-7455)

Princey Hair Salon – 501 Washington St., Dorchester (617-822-1031)

Butter (617-775-3358), Ann (617-388-3859)

Saturday, July 2nd 2011

Twins & Friends presents

THE 4TH ANNUAL ALL-WHITE ESCAPE

4 Levels of Entertainment!

Aboard the Spirit of Boston

@ Seaport World Trade Center

200 Seaport Blvd., Boston

12:00 midnight – 3:30am

Advanced ticket prices: $40.00 general admission / $65.00 VIP

VIP tickets include: All access to all four floors,

complimentary hors d’oeuvres, private cash bar & bottle,

service in the VIP exclusive area, express entry, giveaways and more!

Level 1: International Room

A little bit of everything – Reggae, Soca, Zouk, Kompa

Level 2: Main Room

R&B, Hip-Hop, Reggae and Old School Hits

Level 3: V.I.P. Exclusive Area

Private cash bar overlooking the main dance floor

Level 4: Moonlight Deck – Outdoors

View of the Boston skyline

For tickets call 1-888-878-TWINS

Daniella at 617-592-8775 or Dominique at 617-438-8042

(please call to reserve tables)

Sunday, July 3rd 2011

Hot97Boston presents

“TILT THE BOAT”

Independence Weekend Boat Ride

Aboard the Provincetown II

@ The World Trade Center

200 Seaport Blvd., Boston

Boarding time at 6:00pm – departure time at 7:00pm

$45.00 advanced tickets only (including after party)

NO TICKETS WILL BE SOLD AT THE BOAT!

21+ event / Dress code: P-Diddy Hampton style

Featuring 3 Decks of Entertainment

with your favorite A-team of DJ’s

Chubby Chub, J-Kool, Al Gee, Jack Frost, B.Famous,

Moe D., Dru Nyce, Jeff 2X, Mr. Biggs, DJ Stixs,

Blackout and Powaserge

(each deck hosted by your favorite on-air personalities)

Tickets available at these outlets:

– A Nubian Notion (Roxbury/Dudley Sq.) at 617-442-2622

– Irie Restaurant (Bowdoin St., Dorchester) at 617-929-3866

– Taurus Records (Mattapan) at 617-298-2655

– Vaughan Fish & Chips (Dorchester) at 617-825-1194

– S.D.J. Custom Design (Westgate Mall – Brockton) at 617-304-9123

– Mattapan’s Finest (Dorchester/Grove Hall) at 617-904-1101

Or go online at www.ticketmaster.com & www.hot97boston.com

Saturday, July 9th 2011

New Life Productions proudly presents

THE ORIGINAL 8TH ANNUAL ALL-WHITE AFFAIR BOAT CRUISE

On board the luxurious Majesty

@ One Long Wharf Pier, Boston

Boarding time at 7:00pm / departure time at 8:00pm SHARP!

Proper dress required – prize for the Best White Outfit

(To keep the tradition alive, we are requesting that everybody

please wear all white to the event)

General admission – $30.00 in advance

(includes hot-n-cold hors d’oeuvres)

VIP tickets – $45.00 advance only

(includes express line entry on the boat, private 2nd floor deck overlooking

dance floor, full dinner and reserved seating and private cash bar)

Music by DJ Mystique

Also a top deck performance by R&B band Full Unit

Tickets are limited. Buy early…we will sell out!

Avaiable at A Nubian Notion Inc. – 57 Warren St., Roxbury, 617-442-2622

For more info or to reserve a table, call the following:

Vic at 617-719-1188, Craig at 617-347-0556 or Nikki at 617-293-9025

Saturday, July 30th 2011

Finesse Entertainment presents

THE “ALL-WHITE” AT MIDNIGHT LOVE CRUISE

The Annual All-White Affair on the Spirit of Boston!

@ World Trade Center

200 Seaport Blvd., Boston

Boarding time at 11:00pm / Sail ’til 3:00am

Tickets: $60.00 in advance – $65.00 at the boat

VIP tickets: $75.00

With a performance by R&B artist Avant

(“Read Your Mind”, “4 Minutes”, “Separated”)

Hosted by comedian Marshall Brandon

Emcee’d by TOUCH 106.1FM’s Courtney Boston

Tickets available at these locations:

A Nubian Notion Inc. at 617-442-2622

Skippy White’s Records at 617-542-4500

Order tickets online via PayPal at www.finesse-ent.com

For more info call the Finesse hotline at 617-839-3824

Be sure to wear your white!!

COMEDY NIGHTS

Every Monday Night

SoulKore Productions presents

EXPRESS YOURSELF!

New Open Mic Nite

@ 270 Medford St., Malden MA

6:30pm – 10:00pm / Free 2 enter

Come early for open mic sign-up

All forms of entertainment welcomed

Open mic slots are limited (5 minutes each)

Hosted by Bigg Nez / Music by DJ Nomadik

For more info contact info@soulkore.com

Every Wednesday Night

BLACK COMEDY EXPLOSION

@ Slade’s Bar & Grill

958 Tremont St., Boston/South End

9:00pm showtime / $15.00 admission

Hosted by Jonathon Gates

For more information contact Jonathon Gates

617-590-8334 or jgates1963@aol.com

CULTURE/PERFORMANCES

Every First & Third Thursdays

The Roxbury Center for the Arts at Hibernian Hall presents

CAFE TATANT

An Upscale Venue for Jazz, R&B and Sweet Soul Music

Come early for socializing and enjoy fine dining, dancing and the most

evocative talent around as the grand ballroom is transformed into a

relaxed listening lounge & supper club

@ Hibernian Hall

184 Dudley St., Roxbury/Dudley Sq.

(next to fire dept. and barber shop)

Drinks at 6:00pm / Dinner served at 7:00pm / Show starts at 7:30pm

Cash bar available

Dinner & show: $39.00 / $69.00 for couples

Show only: $19.00

Thurs., July 7th:

Jonathan Singleton & Quartet

Thurs., July 21st:

Larry Watson

Tickets can be purchased online at www.madison-park.org/cafetatant

Parking behind Hibernian Hall off Zeigler St.

Additional free parking available at Peking House on Harrison Ave.

For more info visit www.madison-park.org/cafe-tatant

Thursday, July 7th 2011

BOSTON TALENT SHOWCASE

Featuring the album release party for Hip-Hop artist A.M.B.

“The Greatest Unknown”

@ Slade’s Bar & Grill

958 Tremont St., Roxbury/South End

Show starts at 9:00pm

$8.00 before 9:00pm – $10,00 after

Music by DJ Dex

Hosted by D-Loops & Kool Key

Friday, July 15th 2011

AfroDesiaCity & Stevie Newbury Events presents

FUTURISTIC SOUL – COLORS

@ Milky Way Lounge /Bella Luna

284 Amory St., Jamaica Plain

(connected to Brewery complex)

Doors open at 9:00pm / Showtime at 10:00pm

$10.00 admission

21+ mature crowd / fashionably trendy / free parking

Featuring special guests and a live performance by:

Porsha-O (poet)

Troy “Electric Kidd” Durden (R&B singer)

Black El & Durkin (rapper & DJ)

Live art showcase by Mike The Airbrusher

Hosted by Herby F.

For more info contact 617-297-8179

Or e-mail afrodesiacity@gmail.com or newurbanmale@hotmail.com