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“THANGZ-2-DO!!” (April 2012)

“THANGZ-2-DO!!” (April 2012)

Welcome to the 2012 “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 daily 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 March. This time around, “Thangz-2-Do!!” has moved from Yahoo! to G-Mail. Hopefully this will help out a lot easier for folks to view the list of events.

Also, Boston’s longest-running open mic gathering commonly known as VerBaLizAtiOn is here for National Poetry Month. The gathering is every 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month, bringing the community some more poetry and stuff. Our featured poet on April 10th will be TONI ROSE and on April 24th is an extravagant poetry cipher. Details below.

Enjoy the list and have a blessed day!!

Peace,

VCR
VCR

 

R.I.P.

LOUIS REYES RIVERA (legendary NY poet)
JIMMY ELLIS (lead singer of The Trammps, “Disco Inferno”)
TRAYVON MARTIN (17-year old murdered)
BELATED R.I.P.
ROLAND BAUTISTA (original guitarist for Earth Wind & Fire)

 

APRIL B-DAY WISHES:

Myriam Ortiz, Lisa Simmons, Desiree Rivera, Ernesto “Eroc” Arroyo,
Dana Gilmore, Elie St. Brice, Crystal Johnson, Neiel Israel, Irina Martinez,
Joanne Pena, Ramona Lisa Alexander, Djenny Lobo, Tara President,
Greta Douglas, Sherra Lodge, Sasha Smith, Tito Jackson (Boston City Council),
Michelle McGruder, Lori Caiby, Zandile Williams-Fontenot, Natasha Mason-Walker,
Pat Williams, Wyatt Jackson, Michelle “Blakxena” Cook, Scherazade Daruvalla King,
Enisoto Adkia Ekunsirinde, Justin Springer, Mawakana Onifade, Cole Rodriguez,
Big Brother Sadi, Rebecca Cornwell and Iyeoka Okoawo

 

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
April 1st – The Blue Rose Amazing Women Poetry Showcase

April 15th – Lizard Lounge Poetry Slam Team Finals

For info visit www.poetryjam.org

 

Sunday, April 1st & Friday, April 13th 2012
LOUDER THAN A BOMB!
The largest teen poetry festival/slam competition that emphasizes
self-expression and community via poetry, oral storytelling and
Hip-Hop spoken word.
Sun., April 1st – Semi-Finals
@ MIT Lecture Hall Room 32-123 (Bldg. 32)
32 Vassar St., Cambridge MA
11:00am – 1:00pm First Semi-Final Bout
2:00pm – 4:00pm Second Semi-Final Bout
Fri., April 13th – Finals
@ Villa Victoria Center for the Arts
85 West Newton St., Boston/South End
Doors open at 6:30pm
7:00pm – 7:30pm Youth Showcase featuring Performer
7:30pm – 9:30pm LTAB Massachusetts Championship Bout

Sunday, April 29th 2012

THE POET’S CORNER
Come and chill out for some live mellow music and inspirational poetry

to get you motivated for the next work week

@ Darryl’s Corner Bar & Lounge

604 Columbus Ave., Boston/South End

7:00pm – 11:00pm (open mic starts at 8:00pm)
$5.00 admission / Proper crowd only

Hosted by Iguehi and Herby F.

 

 

Every Monday Night

SoulKore Productions presents

GRAB THE MIC MONDAYS

@ Bossa Nova

290 Main St., Malden MA

(near Malden Center Station and bus routes 104, 105, 106 & 99)

6:30pm – 10:00pm / Free 2 enter

Come early for open mic sign-up

All forms of talent welcomed

Sign up early – space limited (5 minutes each)

Free parking / buffet and full menu

Hosted by Essex

Music by DJ Nomadik

For more info contact info@soulkore.com or 857-205-2706

Monday, April 2nd – Monday, April 30th 2012

C.R.A.K. POETRY: YOUTH SPEAKS

C.R.A.K. Poetry (Creativity Revolutionized Around Knowledge) brings you

a 5-week poetry program for young inspiring artists.

@ Dudley Branch Library

65 Warren St., Roxbury/Dudley Sq.

Week 1 -Mon., Apr. 2nd: Open Mic (5:30pm – 7:30pm)

Week 2 -Thurs., Apr. 5th: Workshop (5:30pm – 7:30pm)

Week 3 -Mon., Apr. 9th: Poetry Reading (5:30pm – 7:30pm)

Week 4 -Thurs., Apr. 19th: Talent Showcase (5:45pm – 7:45pm)

Week 5 -Mon., Apr. 30th: Poetry Slam (5:30pm – 7:30pm)

For more info log onto www.facebook.com/crak.poetry

 

Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday

VerBaLizAtiOn

@ Hibernian Hall

184 Dudley St., Roxbury/Dudley Sq.

(next to fire department & barber shop)

7:00pm start (doors and open mic sign-up at 6:30pm)

Free 2 The Public / All ages are welcomed

Hosted by VCR

April 10th – Toni Rose & friends

April 24th – Boston Poetry Reunion

4 more info. contact VCR at 617-480-7663 or bloodskinland@yahoo.com

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

For more info call 617-445-0900 or visit www.haleyhouse.org/cafe

Thursday, April 19th 2012
Ellite Promotions presents
POETRY COVE
Live Spoken Word by Talented Poets & Musicians
@ Byblos Lounge & Restaurant
2 Washington Sq., Worcester/Union Station
8:00pm – 11:00pm
$10.00 cover charge / 18+ mature crowd
Dress code: business casual
Live music by Be Heard
Cash bar and $1.00 garage parking available
If you are a poet or musician and are intertested in performing,
register with efua at 508-615-1149 or e-mail at elliteartistpromotions@gmail.com
* Poetry Cove is every 3rd Thursday of the month

 

Saturday, April 7th 2012
Butterfly cafe presents
STREETLIGHT
Live Talent & Art Showcase
@ Butterfly Cafe
1420 Tremont St., Roxbury
(inside MBTA Roxbury Crossings – Orange Line)
8:00pm – 11:00pm
Featuring vocals by Tavonna Miller and Hip-Hop by Arafat Akbar

 

 

COMMUNITY EVENTS:

Friday, April 6th 2012
JUSTICE FOR TRAYVON MARTIN
Community Town Hall Forum: The Attack On Black Men & Boys
History: On February 7, 2012 there was a hearing in the Joint Judiciary Committee on Senate Bill 661 (SB-661)
and House Bill 1568 (H-1568). This is a “Stand Your Ground” bill for Massachusetts – the same law in Florida that
the killer of Trayvon Martin will use for his “defense”. There is a blanket “extension order” for this bill (and many others).
@ Hibernian Hall

184 Dudley St., Roxbury/Dudley Sq.

(next to fire department & barber shop)

6:00pm – 8:00pm / Free to the public

Stop SB-661: “an act relative to the common defense”

Stop HB-1568: “an act relative to civil rights and public safety

For more info visit www.blackstonian.com

Saturday, April 7th 2012
The Institute for Pan-African Cultural Education Inc. (P.A.C.E.)
& Defensive Arts Training (D.A.T.) proudly presents
THE ANNUAL “SALUTE TO BLACK WARRIORS”
Celebrating and honoring the history and achievement of past,
present pioneers and leaders within our communities through
martial art performances and spoken word.

@ Hibernian Hall

184 Dudley St., Roxbury/Dudley Sq.

(next to fire department & barber shop)

Reception at 4:00pm – showtime at 4:30pm

$15.00 adults / $10.00 youth / Free for children under 10yrs.

Advanced VIP reception tickets – $25.00

(including food & meeting honorees)

With special guests VCR and Kilombo Novo Capoira Angola

For more info call 617-513-4114 or 617-784-0080

Also visit these websites:

www.defensiveartstrainingdat.com or www.panafricanculturaleducation.com

 

 

Sunday, April 22nd 2012

NEW ENGLAND NATURAL HAIR, HEALTH & WELLNESS COLLABORATIVE/

SPRING POT LUCK GATHERING: EVENT #10

(formerly known as Boston Natural Hair Day/Spring Pot Luck Gathering)

Purpose: As natural hair enthusiast, we are motivated to bring women together in a positive, nurturing environment to educate, enlighten, encourage and help teach them about our beauty, culture and positive attributes of good health, natural hair and overall

well-being. The event is a great opportunity to get reacquainted with old friends while meeting new ones in a relaxed casual atmosphere and create new networking opportunities – feel free to bring business cards, share healthy living and hairstyling tips, talk about the beauty of having natural hair and whatever else grabs our attention!

Since this is a pot luck gathering, we would appreciate you bringing an appetizer, entrée or non-alcoholic beverage to share.

Please bring a few extra dollars and support our Entrepreneur’s Marketplace which will feature a natural hair hairstyling booth, handmade jewelry, hair accessories/products, personal accessories, henna tattoo artist, ethnic art, travel services, head wrapping

demonstration and much more available for purchase. There will be door prize giveaways and a raffle. Don’t forget, you can alsobring your old/unwanted products to unload/trade.

Feel free to bring your little nappy head one(s) and others who are interested in natural hair or transitioning into wearing their hair naturally. The more the merrier!

@ Corcoran, Mullins & Jennison Community Building

270 Mount Vernon St., Dorchester

(nearby Bayside Expo Center)

4:00pm –9:00pm

$5.00 donation / Free for children under 5-years old

Casual dress preferred

Hosted byJacqueline Myers, Sharon Flynn and Martine Bernard

Ample free on-street parking and free parking in the lot of the St. Christopher’s Church

(directly across the street from the building)

For more info, contact nenaturalhair@yahoo.com or join our Facebook Group:

New England Natural Hair, Health and Wellness Collaborative

Or call617-549-4562

EDUCATIONAL

Every Sunday Afternoon

MEDU NETER CLASSES (later called Hieroglyphics by the Greeks)

The oldest of African languages and most sacred of languages

Reconnect with the Wisdom of our Ancestors…learn to read the writing on the wall

– Scribe/write

– Transliteration/read/translate

– Speak

– History/Culture

– Sentence Structure/Grammar

– Museum, Field trips & more

@ 53 Cedar St., Mattapan

11:30 –1:00pm (sign in at 11:00am)

To register call Dr. Nteri Nelson 617-296-7797

 

Friday, April 13 – Sunday, April 15 2012

ASTROLOGY& NETEROLOGY –

KEMETICALLY UNDERSTOOD SIDEREAL AND TROPICAL

A 2 1/2-Day Weekend Introductory Intensive

@ 53 Cedar St, Mattapan

Fri., April 13th & Sat., April 14th – 6:00pm – 9:00pm (5:30pm sign in)

Sun., April 15th 1:30pm – 4:00pm (1:00pm sign in)

Get a clear understanding of your exact sign(s) energy makeup,

your soul purpose, work, service and relationships

YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER (deadline by April 11th)

For more info call Dr. Nteri Nelson at 617-296-7797

* Both events presented by Academy of Kemetic Education

(a model of Afrikan Centered Education)

Afrikan Origin of The Ancient/Egyptian Wisdom (www.rrrk.net)

 

 

THEATRE

Sunday, April 1st – Sunday, April 8th 2012

Huntington Theatre Company presents

MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM

The powerful and moving drama by the late great August Wilson

Legendary 1920s blues singer Ma Rainey and her musicians gather in a run-down Chicago studio

to record new sides of old favorites when generational and racial tensions suddenly explode.

The Huntington completes Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner August Wilson’s Century Cycle

with this searing drama, Wilson’s first Broadway hit.

@ Avenue of the Arts/Boston University Theatre

264 Huntington Ave., Boston

For tickets, showtime and more info visit www.huntingtontheatre.org

Tuesday, April 24th – Sunday, May 6th 2012

FELA!

A triumphant tale of courage, passion and love, FELA! is the true story of Kuti,

who created a type of music, Afro-beat and mixed these pounding eclectic rhythms

(a blend of Jazz, Funk and African rhythm and harmonies) with incendiary lyrics that

openly attacked the corrupt and oppressive military dictatorships that rule Nigeria and

much of Africa. Featuring many of Fela Kuti’s most captivating songs and Bill T. Jones’s

visionary staging, FELA! reveals Kuti’s controversial life as an artist and political activist

and celebrates his pioneering music.

@ Cutler Majestic Theatre

219 Tremont St., Boston

To purchase tickets call 617-824-8400 or visit www.artsemerson.org

 

PARTIES/SOCIAL NETWORKING

Every 2nd & 3rd Thursday

TNT Thursdays presents

BATTLE OF THE ERA’S: 1970-1989 VS. 1990-2012

Not Just A DJ Battle, But A Musical Experience!!

New nightlife for the 30+ crowd

@ Slade’s Bar & Grill

958 Tremont St., Boston/South End

8:00pm – 2:00am

$5.00 per person / Ages 30 (21+ accepted with proper ID)

No dress code!

Hosted by Ms. Stefany

Featured DJs include: DJ Philly Black, DJ Dex, DJ Nyce,

DJ Smooth Bee, DJ Al Gee and DJ Moe Dee

What to expect:

Old school music, new school music, the “Original vs. Remake” hour,

the Great-ful Dead (music collage dedicsted to the late greats),

Hollywood vs. Beantown (local love for local artists),

Giveaways, in-house specials and more!!

 

 

Every Saturday night

Calloway Entertainment presents

30+ SATURDAYS – GRAND OPENING

Great Food, Music & Dance!

New nightlife for the 30+ crowd

@ Slade’s Bar & Grill

958 Tremont St., Boston/South End

10:00pm – 2:00am

$10.00 admission / 30+ proper dress

(no athletic wear, hoodies or boots – collared shirts accepted)

DJ spinning old school – 80’s, 90’s & today’s hottest music

Log-in now and receive 2 for 1 admission w/pass before 11:00pm

www.facebook.com/30plussaturdays

For more info or parking call 1-888-538-3834

 

 

 

 

COMEDY NIGHT

Every Sunday Night

Corey Manning presents

THE FUN ROOM COMEDY NIGHT

You Never Know What’s Gonna Happen or Who’s Gonna Come Through!

@ Biff’s Lounge

18 Washington St., Dorchester/Grove Hall

(downstairs from William E. Reed Auditorium/Prince Hall)

8:30pm start

Tickets can be purchased at www.coreymanning.ticketleap.com/funroomcomedy

For more info contact 617-506-FUN1 or funroomcomedy@gmail.com

 

 

Thursday, April 5th – Sunday, April 8th 2012

KEVIN HART

@ The Wilbur Theater

246 Tremont St., Boston

7:30pm showtime

Tickets available at Wilbur Box Office (noon – 6pm) or TicketMaster

Or by phone at 1-800-745-3000

For more information visit www.thewilbur.com

 

 

Saturday, April 14th 2012

BRUCE BRUCE

@ The Wilbur Theater

246 Tremont St., Boston

7:30pm showtime

Tickets available at Wilbur Box Office (noon – 6pm) or TicketMaster

Or by phone at 1-800-745-3000

For more information visit www.thewilbur.com

 

 

CULTURE/PERFORMANCES/MAJOR CONCERTS

Every Sunday Night

LIVE JAZZ AT THE POST

Jazz Music For Your Ears!

@ William E. Carter Post

American Legion Post #16

1531 Blue Hill Ave., Mattapan

6:00pm – 9:00pm

Small donation is always appreciated

For more info call Gary at 617-905-4662

 

 

Thursday, April 5th 2012

BOSTON TALENT SHOWCASE: SEASON 3 – VOL. #7

“Soundz of Spring”

Celebrating the pre-birthday of host Kool-Key

@ Slade’s Bar & Grill

958 Tremont St., Boston/South End

8:00pm – 1:30pm / $10.00 all night – official after party until 1:30pm

No Tims, hoodies or athletic gear…sneakers OK

(bouncer has right to deny entry)

Offical after-party with DJ Dex until 1:30am

(playing today’s hottest in R&B, Hip-Hop, Reggae, Top 40)

Hosted by Dee-Loopz

With performances by Toni Rose, Rey Royal, Pat G., Neiel Israel,
The Maestro Z.O.O.M., Christopher Johnson, Mykel,Neisha Mendes,
Shawn Lamour, Troy “The Electrik Kidd” Durden and Mike Biggs
Special performance by sax player Carl C.

* Boston Talent Showcase is every first Thursday of each month

Friday, April 6th 2012
AVERAGE WHITE BAND
@ Showcase Live
1 Patriot Place, Foxborough MA
Doors at 6:00pm for dinner & best seat selection/ showtime at 7:30pm
Tickets $25.00 in advance – $30.00 day of show
Free parking available
For more info visit www.showcaselive.com
Friday, April 13th 2012
Roots To Branches presents
34TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
@ Reggie Lewis Center
1350 Tremont St., Roxbury
(off Malcolm X Blvd. – across from Roxbury Community Center)
7:00pm SHARP!
Tickets $25.00 in advance / $30.00 at the door
With performances by All Rounder, The Garlic Sauce Man,
The Jah-Jah Drummers, Tony D. and Branches Steel Band
Music by DJ Love TKO & DJ Junior Rodigan
Hors d’oeuvres will be served
For tickets contact the following:
– Lane & Phyllis at 617-296-5755
– Helen Joseph at 617-298-2584
– Ali’s Roti at 617-298-9850
– Branches Steel Band at 617-364-4206
– Carl at 617-834-9614
Friday, April 20th 2012
KEITH SWEAT
@ Showcase Live
1 Patriot Place, Foxborough MA
Doors at 6:00pm / showtime at 8:00pm
Tickets $32.50 in advance – $35.00 day of show
Standing room only
Free parking available
For more info visit www.showcaselive.com
Sunday, April 22nd 2012
H2H Entertainment presents
“INCREASE THE PEACE” TOUR
Featuring Diggy Simmons
@ The Salvation Army Kroc Center
650 Dudley St., Roxbury/Dorchester
Doors open at 1:00pm – showtime at 3:00pm
$45.00 regular admission / $60.00 VIP
Also performing: CP Hill Presents Da General
Tickets available at these locations:
– The Salvation Army Kroc Center
– Studio 24 Graphix & Printing: 1182 Blue Hill Ave., Mattapan
– Mattapan’s Finest: 663 Warren St., Dorchester
For VIP tickets, group rates and more info call 781-470-0185
Sunday, April 22nd 2012
ESPERANZA SPAULDING RADIO MUSIC SOCIETY
@ Orpheum Theatre
One Hamilton Pl., Downtown Boston
(btw Tremont St. & Corner Mall)
7:30pm showtime

Thursday, April 26th 2012

Olasco Boston & Stevie Newbury presents
FUTURISTIC SOUL

@ Felt Boston
533 Washington St., Boston
Doors open at 9:00pm – showtime at 10:00pm

$15.00 at the door ($10.00 if on guest list)

21+ mature crowd / fashionably trendy
Special guest performances and DJ available

Parking available at Lafayette Parking Garage
For guest list entry and more info contact 617-297-8179

Or afrodesiacity@gmail.com / newurbanmale@hotmail.com

 

About The Author

Vernon C. Robinson is aka VCR

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