JUNE 2011 THANGZ-2-DO!!

JUNE 2011 THANGZ-2-DO!!

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 June. We have also attached a file that include out-of-Massachusetts events for those who plan on traveling outside the state.

Also, please come out to Boston’s longest-running open mic gathering, commonly known as VerBaLizAtiOn every second and fourth Tuesday at the Hibernian Hall. We will celebrate Black Music Month by featuring
singer/poet Simone Iman on June 14th, as well as celebrating the life of
the late great poet Gil Scott-Heron on June 28th.

Lastly, I wanna wish a Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful and supportive fathers out there. Prayers and blessings go out to those whose fathers are not present physically but here spiritually. Let’s show our love to our dads everyday, if possible!!

Please continue sending prayers to the families of murdered victims in Boston and also to the people of Haiti!!

Enjoy the list and have a blessed day!!

Peace,

VCR

R.I.P.

– CORNELL DUPREE

(Jazz and R&B guitarist/founder of group Stuff)

– ROBERT “TRACTOR” TRAYLOR

(NBA player: Bucks, Cavaliers & Hornets)

– M-BONE

(rapper & member of Cali Swag District – “Teach Me How To Dougie”)

– RON SPRINGS

(NFL player: Cowboys & Buccaneers)

– GIL SCOTT-HERON

(legendary poet – “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”)

– WILL “DA REAL ONE” BELL

(poet – HBO’s “Def Poetry” & BET’s “Lyric Cafe”)

– ANTHONY “TONY” SMITH

(brother of Boston resident Queen Vivian)

JUNE  B-DAY  WISHES

Natalie Gill, Terri Brown, Mwalim, Carmen Blyden,

Nakita Bowman, Rebecca Auguste, D-Cross,

RaShawn Seams, Courtney Boston, Eddie Hegeman,

Omekongo Dibinga, Porsha-O, Julia John, Teresa Valentine,

Adilson Barros, Kwesi Johnson, Cindy Diggs, Nancy Rousseau,

Amina Shaw, Cara Lisa Berg Powers, Hood Louis, Shana Turner,

Fulani Haynes, Shilo Kuriakose, Toni Asante Lightfoot, Abria Smith,

Alexandria Webb, Melonie Turner, DJ JonJack, Deborah Shariff,

Shanelle Gabriel, Liz Miranda, Mariama White-Hammond, Walnut,

Seth Flint and Toussaint LaCoste

JUNETEENTH

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States . From its Galveston , Texas origin in 1865, the observance of June 19th as the African American Emancipation Day has spread across the United States and beyond.

Today Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. Its growing popularity signifies a level of maturity and dignity in America long over due. In cities across the country, people of all races, nationalities and religions are joining hands to truthfully acknowledge a period in our history that shaped and continues to influence our society today. Sensitized to the conditions and experiences of others, only then can we make significant and lasting improvements in our society.

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

June 5th – Harlym 1-Two-5

For info visit www.poetryjam.org

Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday

VerBaLizAtiOn

@ Roxbury Center for Arts at Hibernian Hall

184 Dudley St., Roxbury/Dudley Sq.

(across from the fire dept. and barber shop)

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

Free 2 The Public – All ages welcomed

(parental discretion suggested)

Hosted by VCR

Simone Iman: June 14th

Gil Scott-Heron Tribute: June 28th

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

Wednesday, June 22nd 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

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

Wednesday, June 29th 2011

Social Mixxer presents

JUSSLISSEN BOSTON VOLUME 2

Live Music + Spoken Word

@ Club Felt

533 Washintgon St., Downtown Boston

(next to the Opera House)

7:00pm – 11:00pm / $10.00 before 9:00pm

Spoken word by:

Ashley Rose, Johnny D., Nuri and 3rd Knowledge

Live music by Joy Daniels featuring The Fresh Kids

Music by DJ Bruno (Utopia Boston)

For more info visit www.socialmixxer.com

THEATRE

Thursday, June 2nd 2011

Huntington Theatre Co.’s Dept. of Education and Community presents

“KNOW THE LAW!”

A Play Written  and Performed by Boston Teenagers

Directed by Naheem Garcia

Designed specifically for a young urban audience, Know The Law! is a

40-minute play of interwoven dramas about teenagers in trouble. Teen

actors present authentic scenes in an effort to teach their peers how a

better understanding of Massachusetts law can help them make informed

choices and stay out of trouble. A discussion between the actors, the audience and a Boston Police Officer follows each performance.

@ The Strand Theatre

543 Columbia Rd., Dorchester/Uphams Corner

11:00am & 7:00pm / Free and open to the public

No RSVPs required. However, school groups may contact

Meg Wieder for 11am student matinee reservations

For more info please contact Meg Wieder (Education Dept. Manager)

at 617-273-1558 or mwieder@huntingtontheatre.bu.edu

Friday, June 17th 2011

Soca Productions presents

“FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE

WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUF”

@ Roxbury Center for Arts at Hibernian Hall

184 Dudley St., Roxbury/Dudley Sq.

(next to fire department & barber shop)

8:00pm – 10:00pm / $15.00 tickets

Starring Boston poet Ashley Rose

With very special guest Ntozake Shange

(author/poet/playwright of the play)

For more info visit www.madison-park.org

COMMUNITY EVENTS
Saturday, June 4th 2011
TOUCH 106.1FM and Mass. Dept. of Children & Families presents
FATHERS FAMILIES FUN DAY
Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities, Uplifting Fathers
& Putting Fathers Back Into Families!
The purpose of the event is to affirm the importance of fathers in families
and the lives of their children & to provide information for fathers dealing
with situations that prevent them from being present.
@ Harambe Park (Franklin Field)
59 Talbot Ave., Dorchester
12:00pm – 4:00pm
Hosted by Jonathon Gates (of TOUCH’s “The Cookout”)
Also featuring “Funky Fresh Radio”
(presenting the Battle of the Old School/New School DJs)
Minister Don Muhammad will lead off the event with prayer as well as to answer the question “what does responsible fatherhood mean to our community?”
Invited guests include Gov. Deval Patrick, Mayor Thomas Menino
and other special guest speakers
This is an event for the whole family. Come for a day of socialization and support. Fathers can help and encourage other fathers to support their children and their community.
For more info contact John Laing at 617-288-2030

Saturday, June 18th 2011

JUNETEENTH DAY COOKOUT

@ Franklin Park – by Playstead Park

(near White Stadium)

1:30pm – 7:30pm

Families, friends, food, music and fun!!

PARTIES/SOCIAL NETWORKING

Every Friday Night

Soul Cafe presents

GROWN & CLASSY FRIDAY

Voted “Best Old School Night” in the city

@ The Blue Wave

343 Congress St., Boston

9:00pm – 2:00am

$5.00 before 10pm / $10.00 until 11pm w/RSVP

Proper dress required

Each night with a different DJ each week

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

Tuesday, June 7th 2011

SoulKore Productions & SoulPowerGeneration presents

A CELEBRATION OF PRINCE AND HIS MUSIC

@ Club Choices

381 Somerville Ave., Somerville MA

8:00pm – 12:00am midnight / 21+ event

Featuring DJs, Live Acts, Contests and more!!

For tickets visit www.soulkore.com

For more info contact info@soulkore.com

Saturday, June 11th 2011

Jonathon Gates (in conjunction  with TOUCH 106.1FM) presents

THE PINK & WHITE AFFAIR 2011 – PARTY WITH A PURPOSE

In loving memory of Jonathon Gates’ mother Maggie Mae Gates Waltower

who passed away (06/26/2006) from breast cancer

@ Russell Auditorium

70 Talbot Ave., Dorchester

(across from Franklin Field)

9:00pm – 2:00am

Music by 5 of Boston ’s best DJs:

DJ Tee Lawson, DJ Philly Black,

DJ Wade, DJ Dru Nyce and DJ Saki

Plus live entertainment with special guest host!

All proceeds to benefit the Codman Square Health Center

Cancer Care & Research

Tickets available at these locations:

Mattapan’s Finest Barbers (Grove Hall) at 617-904-1101

Skippy White’s (Egleston Sq.) at 617-524-4500

Studio 24 Graphix (corner of Morton & Blue Hill Ave. ) at 617-296-2058

Love Lee Creations at 617-249-3772

For advanced tickets or make a donation via PayPal,

contact Jonathon Gates at 617-590-8334 or jgates1963@aol.com

Saturday, June 18th 2011

30+ Event presents

“I WANT TO GET TO KNOW YOU!”

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. After a long drawn out winter, everyone is now ready to come out of hibernation and see old friends, as well as making new ones in time for the summer!

@ The Foundation Room at House of Blues

15 Lansdowne St., Boston

(across from Fenway Park)

9:30pm – 2:00am
Featuring a live band playing Jazz and R&B

With special guest vocalist Lisa Bello

Music by DJ Reggie Beas

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

Thursday, June 23rd 2011

FULANI HAYNES BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Come celebrate the birthday of amazing Jazz vocalist/poet/storyteller

Fulani “JazzVoc” Haynes with a red hot affair dance party. Learn how to Swing and Zumba. We can together!!

@ Roxbury Center for Arts at Hibernian Hall

184 Dudley St., Roxbury/Dudley Sq.

(next to fire department & barber shop)

6:30pm start / Free admission

Featuring live Jazz band, entertainment & full meal

With a special performance by

Fulani “Jazz Voc” Haynes & the Jazz Collaboration Band
Music by DJ Marion
Visit www.jazzvoc.com for more info

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

Monday, June 11th 2011

Edubl Productions and Ray Entertainment presents

PRE-FATHER’S DAY COMEDY JAM

Starring comedian Red Grant

@ The Strand Theatre

543 Columbia Rd., Dorchester/Uphams Corner

Doors open at 7:30pm – show starts at 8:30pm

Ticket prices: $35.00, $30.00, $25.00 & $20.00

This is a 21+ event!

Hosted by Kool Key & Dee Loopz

With special guests Rip Michaels, Lav Luv and Frank Casseus

(as seen on BET’s Comic View & P-Diddy’s Bad Boys of Comedy)

Musical performances by Strobe & Aural  Essex Are I.W.

And special performances from the Boston Talent Showcase

Music provided by DJ Reggie Beas

For more info  visit www.playmakersent.com or www.staetru.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., June 2nd:

Jonathan Singleton & Quartet

Thurs., June 16th:

Larry Watson

(plus scenes from “Rachel & Sybil at the Stonewall Inn”)

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

Friday, June 10th 2011

AfroDesiaCity & Stevie Newbury Events presents

FUTURISTIC SOUL – “NOVACANE”

@ The Brewery Complex

Milky Way/Bella Luna Restaurant & Lounge

284 Amory St., Jamaica Plain

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

$10.00 admission

21+ mature crowd / fashionably trendy / free parking

Featuring special guest and a live performance by:

The Voltik Project (NYC Eletric Renaissance),

Agari Crew (Boston Soul Movement) and Melissa Green (poetress)

Live art showcase by Mike The AirBrusher

For more info contact 617-297-8179

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

Friday, June 17th 2011

The Shack & Lady G. presents

A BLAST FROM THE PAST – THE SUGAR SHACK REUNION

Featuring R&B/Soul band Rose Royce (“Car Wash”, “I’m Going Down”)

and classic Soul group The Delfonics

(“La La Means I Love You”, “Hey Love”, “Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind)”)

@ William E. Reed Auditorium

24 Washington St., Dorchester/Grove Hall

9:00pm – 2:00am

Tickets $25.00 in advance – $30.00 at the door

RSVP: VIP seats early – tickets limited

$40.00 in advance – $45.00 at the door

Dress to impress (no sneakers or jeans allowed)

Free hors d’oeuvres/free buffet!

For tickets contact Theresa Kelley or Gloria Avila

at 857-753-5974 or 857-753-5844

Saturday, June 18th 2011

Kulturez Dynasty & Acoma Art Gallery presents

WU-TANG AT THE GALLERY

@ Acoma Art Gallery

24 Spice St., Charlestown MA

(across from MBTA Sullivan Station – Orange Line)

8:00pm – 1:00am / $10.00 entrance fee ($5.00 w/Wu-Tang apparel)

Opening art exhibition 8:00pm – 10:00pm

Featuring artists like Amuse, Chepelena, Acoma ,

Hans-1, Raodee Rekloos, Barrington Edwards, H.R.O. and more!

Live performance by Strobe & Essex and Vendetta

Music by DJ Mechaniks and more TBA

Friday, June 24th 2011
Junior Rodigan & Big Up Media presents
THE CLASSIC
“We Takin’ It Back To 1991!!”
Starring Naughty By Nature
(“O.P.P.”, “Hip-Hop Horray”, “Uptown’s Anthem”)
@ Wonderland Ballroom (formerly Club Lido)
1290 North Shore Rd., Revere MA
(next to MBTA Wonderland Station – Blue Line)
Doors open at 9:30pm
Showtime at 11:30pm – ends at 1:00am
$25.00 limited tickets / 21+ event
Also featuring Boston’s own Edo.G & Da Bulldogs
Music by DJ Dex and DJ Philly Black
Tickets available at these outlets:
A Nubian Notion (Dudley Sq.), Mattapan’s Finest Barbers (Grove Hall),
Irie Jamaican Restaurant (Bowdoin Ave.) and Club Lido Box Office
Visit www.ticketmaster.com for online tickets
For VIP booths text 617-435-3402
Saturday, June 25th 2011
WALNUT DA LYRICAL GENI’S ALBUM RELEASE PARTY
Come celebrate with us as we introduce the new album release by Walnut Da Lyrical Geni entitled “Love Is In Your Face”. This 21 track album features over 30 artist of various musical backgrounds from Folk to Rock and all in-between. We are also celebrating the birthday of those who were born in June. So June babies…come on down!! This is not your ordinary Hip-Hop show. We will embark upon Hip-Hop fused with ol’ school and true school. Hip-Hop is a culture so we are here to demonstrate, educate, set it straight and rejuvenate! We bring you socially conscious Hip-Hop…thought provoking Hip Hop! If you are all about mind stimulation and progressive motivation, then you have chosen the right show.
@ LynnArts (Neal Rantoul Black Box Theater)
25 Exchange St., Lynn, MA
6:00pm – 10:00pm
Tickets $8.00 in advance / $12.00 at the door
With special guest performances by Elizabeth McKim (poet)
Philly’s own Gretchen Elise (singer/songwriter)
D-Mo (poet/MC)
K-Unit (poet/MC)
MC-D. (Hip-Hop artist)
Dorren Murray (singer/songwriter) and more TBA!!
To buy tickets visit www.brownpapertickets.com