“THANGZ-2-DO!!” (August 2013)
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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 daily Black History facts. (http://www.yenoba.com)
and R.I.P. for those that passed away.
Also, Boston’s longest-running open mic gathering commonly known as
VerBaLizAtiOn is still on a summer break. We will return in September
with a new line-up of artists…stay tuned. On another note, I will be
performing at the Lizard Lounge on August 11th for the 10-year anniversary of
my CD that was released back in 2003.
Lastly, the youth showcase “Young, Gifted & Black” returns for the 13th time at
Hibernian Hall on August 18th. Please check below for more info on all events.
Please mention my name to the promoter of any of these events listed below if
and when you do attend one or more.
Enjoy the list and have a blessed day!!
Peace,
VCR
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R.I.P.
– WILLIE REED (key witness in Emmett Till murder trial)
– GEORGE “BOOMER” SCOTT (first baseman/slugger, Boston Red Sox)
BELATED R.I.P.
– JIM KELLY (martial artist/actor – “Enter The Dragon”)
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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
2013 Lizard Lounge Slam Team: August 4th
(Janae Johnson, Rudy Rudacious, NeielIsrael, Harlym & Porsha-O)
VCR’S 10-Year Anniversary CD Re-Released Show: August 11th
For info visit www.poetryjam.org
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Every Thursday Night
SoulKore Productions presents
GRAB THE MIC THURSDAYS
@ Pearl St. Station Restaurant
53 Summer St.,MaldenMA
(2 minute walk from MBTA Malden Center Station – Orange Line)
7:30pm – 10:30pm / $5.00 cover
All ages, plus raffles and more!
Come early for open mic sign-up
All forms of talent welcomed
Sign up early – space limited (5 minutes per artist)
Free parking / food & drink specials
Hosted by DJ Nomadik & Essex
For more info contact info@soulkore.com
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Sunday, August 11th 2013
VCR’S 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY CD RE-RELEASED SHOW
The 10-year celebration of the 2003 CD “Poetic Insanity”
Starring featured poet VCR (Vernon C. Robinson)
@ The Lizard Lounge
1667 Massachusetts Ave.,Cambridge(between Harvard Sq. & Porter Sq.)
Doors at 7:30pm – $5.00 cover
21+ w/ID required
Sunday night poetry jam w/The Jeff Robinson Trio
With guest artists Art Collins, Eli “Lady Enchantress” Pabon and Mwalim
For info visit www.poetryjam.org
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Monday, August 12th – Saturday, August 17th 2013
2013 NATIONAL POETRY SLAM
After the unprecedented success of the locally-hosted 2011 National Poetry Slam,
the popularweek-long festival returns toCambridge,BostonandSomerville. The event
will welcome 72 teams of poets from all over theU.S.andCanada
Monday, August 12th: Gala Opening Show
@ Cambridge YMCA Theater -820 Massachusetts Ave.,Cambridge
8:00pm – 10:00pm
Tuesday, August 13th – Thursday, August 15th: Preliminary Competition
Friday, August 16th: Semi-Finals (3 venues)
- CambridgeCollege-1000 Massachusetts Ave.,Cambridge
- Cambridge YMCA Theater -820 Massachusetts Ave.,Cambridge
- Middle EastRock Club – 476 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge/Central Sq.
8:00pm start (doors at 7:30pm)
Also a variety of daytime showcase events including youth-dedicated workshops
& shows and a series of rowdy late-night poetry parties
Saturday, August 17th: National Poetry Slam Finals
@BerkleePerformanceCenter–136 Massachusetts Ave.,Boston
7:00pm – 10:00pm / $30.00 general admission
For festival passes, tickets and more info visit http://nps2013.poetryslam.com
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Saturday, August 3rd 2013
Pharoah On Top Enterprise & SolEssence Enterprise presents
IT’S BIGGER THAN HIP-HOP COOKOUT
Home Presentation: Volume 4
Featuring A.M.B.
@ Mama A.M.B.’s House/Fountain Hill Condos
45BCircuit St., Roxbury
2:00pm – 7:00pm / $5.00 admission & tickets
“All you can eat” and vendors available
With performances by D.Ruff, Zacari The Poet, Sublime Luv, Jo’Re,
Big Khar, Tha God Mizzeba, Rey Royale, Hot Mizz and more!
Hosted by Selectah Daz One
Tickets must be presented before entrance
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Saturday, August 3rd 2013
R.O.Y. (RECLAIMING OUR YOUTH)
Celebrating Health, Wellness, Fitness and Fun!
Join us as we reclaim the days of fun in the sun with
other adults and members of our local communities.
Bring the kids too; we’ll have lots of activities for the
entire family
@ Ellicott Dale atFranklin Park
(near theShattuckHospitalarea)
12:00pm – 6:00pm / $5.00 donation
Featuring kickball, tug-of-war, face-painting,
cookout, ultimate Frisbee, obstacle courses and more.
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Saturday, August 17th 2013
BOSTONNAACP YOUTHSUMMIT
It’s time for the next generation to take control of our
situation and our culture. We start today!
@ Mass Parks
Melena A. Cass Recreation Complex,Boston
(near Malcolm X Park)
10:00am – 3:00pm
Issues that are impacting youth:
- – no jobs
- – violence
- – drugs
- – teen pregnancy
- – education
- – crime
Featuring spoken word, live performances, giveaways,
youth speakers and celebrities
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Saturday, August 24th 2013
BOSTONCARIBBEANCARNIVAL 2013 (J’OUVERT/PARADE)
The Boston Caribbean Carnival is a Trinidad-style carnival and one of the most fun
events inBostonof the year. At this annual carnival/festival,Bostonvisitors and residents
don a costume and dance to intoxicating sounds of Soca, Calypso and steel bands on the
streets ofBoston. Come and savor culinary treasures prepared by some of theCaribbean’s
finest, and spend the entire day soaking upCaribbeanculture at this spectacular Street Art Festival.
- 1. J’ouvert is a large street party celebrated inTrinidad and Tobagoand many of the
otherCaribbeanislands. It starts well before dawn and usually peaks a few hours
after sunrise.
Begins at the corner of Blue Hill Ave. & Morton St, Mattapan
Early 6:00am start
- 2.The Parade moves alongBlue Hill Avenueand culminates in front of Franklin Park
Zoo a distance of about 1.5 miles. Masqueraders gather about three hours prior to
start of the parade. The food court is located in front of the Zoo, which features many
different Caribbean & American cuisines. Arts & crafts, music & video CDs and other
items are also available.
1:00pm start
For further info visit www.bostoncarnival.org
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THEATRE
Thursday, August 1st – Saturday, August 17th 2013
Company One presents
“HOW WE GOT ON”
A Theatrical Mix-Tape of Fresh Rhymes and Dope Beats”
Written by Idris Goodwin / directed by Summer L. Williams
It’s 1988. Hank, Julian and Luann have each finally found the beats and dubs
that make the suburbs bearable but they need each other more than they know.
Rap battles and poetry in parking lots lead to dreams of something more, as a
DJ takes us to the flipside, loops us into the remix and breaks it down. Spoken
word poet and Hip-Hop playwright Goodwin emcee’s a theatrical coming-of-age
mix tape about how we become the people we’re meant to be, flowing and
rhyming our way to adulthood.
@BostonCenterfor the Arts – Plaza Theatre
539 Tremont St.,Boston/South End
Starring Kadahj Bennett, Jared Brown, Cloteal Horne and Miranda Craigwell
For tickets and more info visit www.companyone.org
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EDUCATIONAL/HEALTH
Every Saturday Morning
Operation B-Fit (in collaboration w/The Franklin Park Coalition) presents
ORGANIZED CHAOS
A conditioning program that is guaranteed to improve stamina,
endurance and strength. This is not your average boot camp! Muscles and
cardio confusion is the main focus. Continuous change guarantee results.
@ Franklin Park
Williams St. entrance, Boston
9:00am session / Free to the public
For more info contact Michelle Cook at 857-264-1893
Or email her at operationbfit@gmail.com
Or visit www.operationbfit.com
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Saturday, August 10th & Saturday, August 17th 2013
Facing Love, The Boston Society of Vulcans
and members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. presents
“KNOW THYSELF”
A 6-week educational detoxification process for Black high
school boys age 14-18). This is a SOCIETAL and CULTURAL
course. Religion is not a major focus. “Education is the Key”
must be taken out of the realm of self-appeasing cliché and
activated into a potential and relevant program specifically
designed to edify the Black student. Knowing what kind of
education one is receiving, as well as its origin and objective,
is as important as receiving ANY education at all.
@ShelburneCommunity Center
2730 Washington St., Roxbury
10:30am start
The program will be taking a maximum of 20 boys
To register and for more info contact info@facinglove.com
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Every Sunday Morning
KaAbBa: BUILDING THE LIGHTED TEMPLE/TREE OF LIFE KEYS
Awakening Consciousness 1st Degree Educational Model
Advanced education for all in fields of service (counselors, educators, human service providers,
practitioners and those who like to deepen their cultural competency)
Orientation for Fall program
@AcademyofKemeticEducation
53 Cedar St., Mattapan
10:30am
Presented by Dr. Nteri Nelson
(Academy co-founder/educator/clinician/metaphycian/African Studies professor – UMass Boston)
- – Psychological, Stages of Consciousness, Character, Human Development
- – History of Ancient Africa/Egypt/Kemet and the Diaspora
- – Self-Knowledge, Healing, Health and Cultural Competency
- – Learn Tree of Life, Afrikan Science of Mind, Body & Soul
- – Anatomy of the Soul and its Journey
- – Practice Afrikan Wisdom in Modern Daily Living
- – Behavioral/Mental Health/Social Worker (2011 approved for 64 CEC’s)
- – Summer Travel toAfrica
To register please visit www.rrrk.net or www.akew.org
Or call Dr. Nteri Nelson 617-296-7797
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LECTURE
N/A
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COMEDY
Saturday, August 17th & Sunday, August 18th 2013
KATT WILLIAMS
@ TheWilbur Theater
246 Tremont St.,Boston
Both nights 7:00pm & 9:45pm
For tix and more info visit www.thewilburtheatre.com
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PARTIES/SOCIAL NETWORKING/DANCE
Every Friday & Saturday Night
Upper Echelon Events & DowntimeBoston.Com presents
HANG SUITE
The Nightclub Alternative
Some ofBoston’s hottest DJ’s spinning the best in
classic R&B, Hip-Hop and Soul grooves
@ Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen
604 Columbus Ave., Boston/South End
11:00pm – 2:00am / $10.00 cover / 21+ event
For more info contact sekoud@gmail.com or dariusm@downtimeboston.com
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CULTURAL PERFORMANCES/MAJOR CONCERTS
Every Monday Night
MOTIVATED MONDAY
@ ChurchBoston
69 Kilmarnock St.,Boston
Doors open at 8:00pm – showtime at 9:00pm
$5.00 ladies – $10.00 fellas / 21+ with ID required
Hosted by Mark Merren
Free parking in rear
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Every Wednesday Night (except the last of the month)
THE AUTHENTIC LOUNGE
An Evening of Live Soul, Reggae & Hip-Hop
Live band / featured performers / DJ’s
@ Midway Cafe
3496Washington St.,JamaicaPlain
8:30pm – 2:00am / $5.00 cover / 21+ event
Ladies FREE before 11:00pm
Cash bar only / no dress code
9:00pm – 11:00pm Live music w/Carl Eisman & Friends
11:00pm – 2:00am AfterParty w/special guest DJs
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Thursday, August 1st 2013
Playmakers Entertainment & Stae Tru presents
BOSTONTALENT SHOWCASE: SOUNDZ FROM THE CITY
@ Slade’s Bar & Grill
958 Tremont St.,Boston
Doors at 8:00pm – showtime’s at 9:15pm
$10.00 at the door / 21+ event
Relaxed dress code: no Tims, hoodies or athletic gear!
(sneakers OK – bouncer has right to deny entry)
With performances by L.U.C.C.I., Zayne Starx, SincereBoston,
Lizanna, Jazmin Yvonne, Efficial Dudley and more
Hosted by Dee Loopz and Kool Key
After party w/DJ Dru Nyce
(playing today’s hottest in R&B, Hip-Hop, Reggae and more)
* BTS is every first Thursday of each month
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Sunday, August 4th 2013
GOSPELFEST
Featuring Fred Hammond
@BostonCityHallPlaza
One City Hall Sq.,Boston
5:00pm – 8:00pm / Free & open to the public
Also featuring Berklee College of Music Gospel & Roots Choir,
Refined 313, Anointed Biblical Scriptures, E2VG and more
For more info visit www.cityofboston.gov/arts or call 617-635-3911
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Sunday, August 4th 2013
JAZZ AT THE FORT
@ Marcella Park
260 Highland St., Roxbury
5:00pm start / Free & open to the public
Featuring Diane Richardson & Friends
Rain location:RoxburyCommunity College
MediaArtsCenter- Mainstage Theatre
For more info call 617-747-8786
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Sunday, August 11th 2013
GOT JAZZ?
A benefit concert for the film “Escapement”
@ NAGA Lounge
450 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge/Central Sq.
5:00pm – 8:00pm / $20.00 admission
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Saturday, August 17th 2013
Pharoah On Top Enterprise, Kulturez Dynasty
& Lawanda Monique presents
IT’S BIGGER THAN HIP-HOP TAKEOVER 4
10-Year Anniversary of A.M.B. (African Man Born)
“The M.C. 2 (Rhythm & Poetry)” Album Release Party
@ Kulturez – The Garage
36 JFK St.2nd floor, Cambridge/Harvard Sq.
4:00pm – 9:00pm / Free event
Hosted by David Wylen
Music by DJ Bobby Bangerz
With performances by O.F.A.T.S., Rey Royale, Iyadonna, Aztech,
Dezi Leon, Mark Merren, Genius and Latrell James
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Saturday, August 17th 2013
NDN SOUL FESTIVAL
The Soul Music of NativeAmerica
@Cape CodCommunityMediaCenter
17 Shad Hole Rd., Dennis Port MA
7:00pm start (doors open at 6:30pm)
Featuring Raphael Deas – 2013 NAMA winner
Phillip Aaron – 2010 NEUMA nominee
The Groovalottos – internationally celebrated NDN Soul/Funk band
For more info call 508-394-2388
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Sunday, August 18th 2013
YOUNG, GIFTED & BLACK: THE 13TH REVOLUTION
A youth explosion showcasing cultural artistry that include
poetry, rhyme, song, dance, etc.
@ Hibernian Hall
184 Dudley St., Roxbury/Dudley Sq.
(next to fire dept. & barber shop)
4:00pm – 7:00pm (doors at 3:30pm)
$5.00 admission – FREE for children 12yrs & under
Featuring Larisa Osorio, SankofaAcademyof Wellness (P.A.C.E.),
Aminata Keita, D’Wreckin’ Crew, Ketchup, Catch Wreck, RiP,
AlleyWay, #ScopeEast and more!
For more info contact VCR at 617-480-7663 or bloodskinland@yahoo.com
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Friday, August 23rd & Saturday, August 24th 2013
OLETAADAMS
@ Scullers Jazz Club
Doubletree Suites
400 Soldiers Field Rd., Boston/Cambridge
8:00pm & 10:00pm showtimes
$40.00 show / $80.00 dinner & show
For more info visit www.scullersjazz.com
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Wednesday, August 28th 2013
ROBERTA FLACK
@BostonCityHallPlaza
One City Hall Square,Boston
7:00pm showtime / Free to the public
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Thursday, August 29th 2013
DAMIEN “JR. GONG” MARLEY & STEPHEN “RAGGA” MARLEY
@ House of Blues
15 Lansdowne St.,Boston
8:00pm showtime (doors open at 7:00pm)
$35.00 tickets
For more info visit www.houseofblues.com
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