Sheila E Rockin Out at Lehman Center

By Deardra Shuler

This writer traveled down memory lane recently with singer/percussionist Sheila E. We talked about her family, career, Prince, and her upcoming show at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, located at 250 Bedford Park Blvd West in the Bronx, NY. Sponsored by Lehman Center and Goya Foods the concert is on Saturday, October 13^th at 8:00 pm when Sheila will join Deniece Williams and trio Tony! Toni! Tone! for a fabulous R&B, Pop and Soul concert.

“I grew up in the Bay Area where I heard a lot of music. I constantly listened to my father Pete Escovedo, who is a musician and artist. He also drew and painted. His first instrument was saxophone. He claims he heard saxophonists got all the beautiful women so took it up. However, he later ended up playing percussion. I constantly had music in my home. My uncles, and cousins played instruments. We had jam sessions. There were musicians who came to my home, artists like Mongo Santamaria, Ray Barretto, Lou Rawls, the Whisperers and my Godfather Tito Puente,” stated Sheila.

Sheila E. (Escovedo) joined her father's band who at the time was signed to Clive Davis at CBS Records. They toured opening for artists like The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and Earth, Wind & Fire. Her career took off and she never looked back. Escoveda performed with Lionel Ritchie, Herbie Hancock and Diana Ross. She joined Marvin Gaye's Midnight Love Tour as a percussionist and the next year recorded “The Glamorous Life,” and “A Love Bizarre,” which became one of her signature songs, with Prince. The video for The Glamorous Life” song resulted in 3 MTV Award nominations for Best Female Video, Best New Artist and Best Choreography. She also received 2 Grammy Award nominations for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Female and Best New Artist.

“When I met Prince he and his bass player Andre Cymone attended one of my shows. Prince was not as blown up then as he was after the Purple Rain movie. He wanted to know my fee and was not sure at that time he could afford me. Although, I was willing to work something out. Prince also mentioned that he and Andre were fighting over which one of them would be first to be my husband.” recalled the singer-songwriter who reflected on her years of friendship with Prince up unto his death.

While her contemporary Deniece Williams had a program entitled Kids Of Promise which exposed kids to music and musical instruments, Sheila also co-founded her own intiative with Lynn Mabry called “Elevate Hope” which they installed in the Oakland area primarily as well as in various cities.

“We ask local artists to go into classrooms and educate kids on music and the arts. A lot of the arts are being taken out of the classrooms due to budget cuts so we are attempting to raise money to make sure we can bring art back into schools,” explained the author of her memoir “Beat of my Own Drum.” A new book is forthcoming.

Sheila performed three stints as one of the members of "Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band, in 2001, 2003, and 2006.

“I was one of those folks who screamed their head off when the Beatles first appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. Ringo is an amazing drummer and it was great to be in the position to hear some of the stories he told about the Beatles touring experiences. Never did I think I would ever meet Ringo let alone perform with his All-Starr Band. That time was phenomenal.”

Tickets to the upcoming concert that features Sheila E, Deniece Williams and Tony! Toni! Tone! at Lehman Center for the Performing Art on Saturday, Oct 13th at 8:00 pm can be gained by calling the Lehman Center Box Office at 718-960-8833 and/or on line at www.lehmancenter.org. VIP tickets are available which entitle the ticket holder to a 6:30 pm reception of wine and hors d'oeuvres and the best seats in the house.

To learn more information about Sheila E, visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/blakeradio/2018/10/03/topically-yours--drummer-singer-sheila-e

A Matter "In White America"

Quick Silver Theater Company is Proof Diversity Works

Producer Elizabeth Van Dyke thought I might want to take a look at the Quick Silver Theater Company whom she felt was doing some great work. So I decided to see the "PROOF" for myself. I checked out a production starring Lolita Foster, Count Stovall, Alejandro Rodriquez and Nafeesa Monroe under the directorship of Johanna Day. Indeed there was the "Proof" wholeheartedly supported by the cast and definitely an interesting concept put forth under the pen of David Auburn.

Since the goal of my visit was to learn more about the Quick Silver Theatre group (QST) I seized the occasion and took the opportunity to talk with co-founder Tyrone Mitchell Henderson who co-founded the QST with Lizan Mitchell.

I found when speaking with Tyrone that the mission of Quick Silver Theater Company is to educate, as well as inspire conversation that invigorates the importance of theater and the vital role theater plays in communities throughout the world.

"We believe that an audience arrives at the theater to view a moment in time, moments as viewed by the playwright; a universal storytelling focused on the human experience. Quick Silver Theater Co., through our productions will challenge the audience to view characters as people who "just happen to be" of color, disabled, et al." explained the co-founder.

It seems the aim of QST is to attract diverse audiences while shattering the norm and questioning what is presented as truths or to encourage audiences to look deeper at the intricacies of life, far beyond the surface.

Based on my conversation with the theater administration, I understand the company is presently showcasing a production entitled, "Proof," at 83 E 4th St, NYC, 7:30 pm, running Wed.-Sunday and being presented at the 4th Street Theater until Sunday, September 13. I can only say given their roster of productions, there is definite Proof that the Quick Silver Theater Company is well on its way to proving their credo through their dynamic and classic works, diverse productions and outstanding cast members.




Photo of the Quick Silver Theater staff, cast and company members.

JALC Opens its 28th Season Honoring Bassist Carlos Henriquez at Lehman Center

By Deardra Shuler

Photos: Frank Stewart and Joe Martinez

Bassist Carlos Henriquez had just returned from Cleveland having worked with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in collaboration with the Cleveland Orchestra having performed Wynton Marsalis's composition “Swing Symphony” when we talked.

A member of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis (JALC) for the last 13 years, the Bronx native discussed his entry into the music genre. “My parents played music so it was a natural introduction for me. When I was young there were music programs for kids. It's a shame there aren't more of these types of programs in the school curriculum today. My parents were great and encouraged me. I was accepted into the Music Advancement Program at Juilliard, a program that helped me and gave lots of inner city kids an opportunity. Through their workshops and various programs, I began to see a future in music and met others who held the same ambitions in music as me. I started with guitar and became good at it. But then I fell in love with the bass. I learned the bass at Juilliard from my teacher John Schaeffer. Later other bassists took me under their wing and taught me even more,” remarked Henriquez, who performed with the likes of Latin greats such as Tito Puente, Eddie Palmieri and Celia Cruz since the age of 14.

Henriquez went on to explain about his relationship with Wynton Marsalis and his musical choices. “I had an in depth one-on-one classical teacher who taught me for 13 years before I began playing with Wynton and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. I am heavily into jazz, Afro Cuban and classical music. I love Brazilian music and listen to music from all over the world. However, at this time, I focus mostly on the genre of jazz and Afro Cuban jazz,” remarked the bassist.

“I met Wynton through a trumpeter friend named Steven. Steven invited me to a JALC orchestra rehearsal. I was playing acoustically but it blew my mind when I heard them playing music for Alvin Ailey. They were doing Sweet Release and Ghost Stories. I was hooked. Once I met Wynton I started hanging out with him and the orchestra. I went to their rehearsals and then Wynton started calling me to play gigs. I got to meet so many people like Shirley Horn, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, James Taylor, Paul Simon, Lenny Kravitz and Stevie Wonder through a JALC collaboration. I owe Wynton a lot for helping me and making me part of the JALC Orchestra. He could have hired someone else with more experience but he helped me and I am so grateful to him. Wynton does a lot of good things. He helps promote young musicians. I was 17 when I met Wynton and he has given me several opportunities to grow. He asked me to be the music director when we went to Cuba in 2010. It was a great learning experience for Cuba, for me and JALC” recalled Carlos.

Bronx born, Mr. Henriquez will return to the Bronx on Saturday, September 12^th at 8:00 pm as part of Jazz at Lincoln Center's opening night and efforts to reach out to the boroughs. The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis will debut new compositions and arrangements by Carlos Henriquez as part of the veteran bassist's return home to honor his musical roots. The orchestra will also be joined by special guests percussionists Bobby Allende and Marc Quiñones in honor of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 28th season. Entitled “Carlos Henriquez: Back in the Bronx,” Jazz at Lincoln Center will open their season at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, located at 250 Bedford Park Blvd West in the Bronx. Interested parties can purchase tickets via jazz.org or through CenterCharge at 212-721-6500, from 10am to 9pm. Tickets can also be purchased at the Jazz at Lincoln Center Box Office, located on Broadway at 60^th Street, on the ground floor, within the Time Warner Center Mall.

Carlos is about to release his first CD on September 18^th, via the Blue Engine Records label entitled “The Bronx Pyramid” with the JALC Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis featuring the vocals of Ruben Blades on the tune “Descarga Entre Amigos.” The CD can be pre-ordered on Itunes and Amazon. For further information go to Blueengine.org, jazz.org and/or on Carlos Henriquez's Facebook page.

“ My mother died 8 years ago. I lost her to cancer so this album is a tribute to her; therefore, I'm especially pleased the CD will be released on my mother's birthday, September 18^th. My dad is a hard worker and my brother, who is a great dancer, have been wonderful influences in my life. It took me a while to do my album. The 10 tunes on “The Bronx Pyramid” highlight my life experiences.

Wynton was instrumental in making me the poster child for the CD, “The Bronx Pyramid.” He graciously gave me the opportunity to do my music on the September 12^th show at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts. Marsalis centered the show around me entitling it Carlos Henriquez Back in the Bronx featuring the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis,” emphasized the bassist who promises Jazz at Lincoln Center's 28^th season opening at Lehman Center's Bronx venue will be a night to remember.

For further info visit http://www.blogtalkradio.com/blakeradio/2015/08/31/topically-yours--bassist-carlos-henriquez-jazz-at-lincoln-center

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The Celtic Tenors Perform St Patrick's Day Weekend

By Deardra Shuler

St Patrick’s Day will be celebrated this year at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, located at 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West in the Bronx, on Saturday, March 16^th at 8:00 pm, when it invites The Celtic Tenors to perform their eclectic music. The Celtic Tenors are comprised of Matthew Gilsenan, Daryl Simpson and James Nelson, and includes their musical director and pianist, Colm Rogan.

I was able to talk with tenor Matthew Gilsenan of The Celtic Tenors, who mentioned that The Celtic Tenors hold the distinction of being one of the first Irish acts to mix classical with traditional music and Irish drinking songs.

“We basically pick songs we like whether it’s a song like Whiskey in a Jar or Danny Boy,” explained Gilsenan.  “We are always expanding our music from Italian songs right through to Roy Orbison and Bob Dillion songs.  Our show is a relaxed fun show.  It’s not a very high brow tenor show in that sense. We are just three normal guys.”    

Presently on tour, The Celtic Tenors have performed in central and western Canada, traveling on to Kansas and Minnesota.  “We are doing an all-stops tour of America right now.  We love being in America.  There is a similarity between America and Ireland, although the size and diversity within America is different than in Ireland,” remarked Matthew who is from North Meath.  “I come from farming stock which is 40 miles north of Dublin.  For my part, I bring traditional music. Daryl Simpson is from Northern Ireland and loves opera, jazz and pop. James Nelson is into choral music.  All of us are classically trained and harmony driven.  What we really like doing when we travel around the world, is spreading good news about Ireland.  Our group is comprised of mixed faiths.  I am Catholic.  The other tenors are Presbyterian and Protestant.  30 years ago we could not have stood on the stage together due to all the fighting between Catholics and Protestants.  Our country is now more peaceful. We love to spread the news Ireland is not so much at war these days.  Britain was the ruling class in Ireland at one time but things are beginning to change.  Did you know the tune Danny Boy was written by a British person who never once set foot in Ireland although it’s a quintessential Irish song,” remarked Matthew of the traditional Irish song.

The Celtic Tenors’ latest CD is called “Feels Like Home” which can be found on Amazon and Itunes.  Interested parties can even get the CD at the Lehman Center show.  “The theme of the album is home” said the talented tenor.  “There is an event in Ireland this year called “The Gathering.”  It’s a year long party to remember home.  Ireland invites folks to come to Ireland and get involved in the party this year,” said Matthew who explained that The Celtic Tenors spend 6-8 months on the road. “We have been in Australia, New Zealand, Holland, Germany, England and China.  So we are away from home a lot.  Thus, “home” is always very close to our hearts.”

The Celtic Tenors are filled with national pride thus seek to preserve their native tongue.  Therefore, some of the songs they sing feature Irish language.  Their debut album shot to #1 in the classical charts, was well received in the pop charts and became ‘the first Christmas #1 Classical album of the New Millenium’ in Ireland. They were invited to sing for former US President Bill Clinton during his visit to Dublin Castle, and later in a private audience for the Secretary General of the United Nations. 

“We all studied at the College of Music.”  I was studying engineering and then took a 6 month break to sing. I met James Nelson and we started singing together.  We eventually got a record deal.  After that, The Celtic Tenors took off.  We got on the Billboard charts in America and sold over a million records.  The Celtic Tenors see themselves as a live act that is not driven by records but rather by doing live shows.  Our music is not stuffy and boring.  We sing songs we think are fun and emotional.  We have songs that are sad, happy and ones you can clap too.  We do ballads and pop songs.”

The Celtic Tenors are peace ambassadors but also humanitarians.  James Nelson is involved with Cheryl’s Children, a project that builds orphanages in Nairobi.  He gives a large part of his life to this project.  “We’ve all gotten involved in this project and it’s one of the most fulfilling things we’ve done.  In 1998, Daryl Simpson was in the street the day there was a car bombing.  Several people were killed including some of Daryl’s friends.  He saw a lot of carnage.  He realized something had to be done to stop the perpetuation of hatred and strife between Catholics and Protestants on both sides of the community in the North of Ireland.  He saw the anger, hatred and nonsense being passed down from parents to their children.  Daryl, who is known for hitting the high notes, said we are not accepting this any more.  So he established a children’s choir comprised of 50% Catholic and 50% Protestant, giving a strong message from the children its time for peace in our country.  These days, we invite people to visit Ireland.  Check out Dublin, County Cork.  See the Giant Causeway and the Irish coastline.  There is an incredible pub culture where you will find traditional music and dance.  Ireland is a place where everyone feels welcome,” says Matthew.

For tickets to see The Celtic Tenors call the Lehman CenterBox Office at 718-960-8833 or on line at www.LehmanCenter.org and on www.theceltictenors.com and http://www.blogtalkradio.com/blakeradio/2013/03/07/topically-yours.

“Circumstances” A Play About Choices

By Deardra Shuler

Photos by Don Small

“Circumstances,” a play written by Roger Parris, is being presented at the Harlem School of the Arts, located at 647 St. Nicholas Avenue in Manhattan (142^nd Street).  A Hadley Players production, “Circumstances” takes form under the directorship of veteran director and performer, Arthur French, Gertrude Jeannette, Hadley Players’ Founder/CEO Emeritus; CEO, Voza Rivers, and Artistic Director, Ward Nixon.  “Circumstances” runs until Sunday, January 20^th.

The play takes place at a predominantly white New England university during the 1960s, a time when the Civil Rights Movement was at the fore and many socially conscious individuals of all races traveled to the south to aid voter registration.  Given the violence by whites and the life threatening circumstances facing black people, only the bravest of souls traveled south to fight for change and greater freedom for Black people.

The storyline of this drama centers around two young African American college roommates who have little in common outside of their 4.0 grade average.  Both brilliant, they come from socially and economically diverse backgrounds.  The more worldly Timothy (Curtis Williams), who was raised by his number-running grandmother, Mama Dee (Louise Mike), who’s wish for her grandson, was to make a difference in the world via obtaining his degree and using his brains over his fists.  Afrocentric in his thinking and impatient to change the circumstances of black people in America, particularly as the Civil Rights Movement began to demand that black people be allowed to exercise their rights to vote which was opposed throughout the racist south, Timothy was anxious to get involved in voter registration down south, even if it meant foregoing his education. 

18-year old Robert Hudson played by Matthew Murumba, on the other hand, was raised in a protective environment and had very little exposure to the world at large, let alone to the plight of other members of his race.  A studious sort, Robert kept his nose to the grindstone in an effort to live up to his father’s expectations of him.  Unfortunately, Robert’s father, Dr. Hudson, (Leopold Lowe) spent more time with his medical practice than with his son.  Dr. Hudson had already decided what Robert’s future would be.  In fact, so adamant was Dr. Hudson in his resolve, it never occurred to Robert to question his father’s goals for him.  Rather cold in his demeanor, Dr. Hudson (Leopold Lowe) rarely showed up for any of his son’s social activities and behaved more in the capacity of disciplinarian than caring father. 

A maverick in his behavior and rather anti-social toward his fellow students, Timothy loved to break all the college rules – occasionally sneaking guests such as town local, Mr. Ellis (Albert Eggleston), into his pigsty of a room, smoking herb and drinking with him.  This behavior brought him under the watchful eye of one of the few African American deans on campus (played by Allie Woods).  Dean Hendricks impressed by Timothy’s brilliance sought to alter Timothy’s defiant behavior by assigning the well-behaved Robert to Timothy’s room, hoping Robert’s conformity would rub off on Timothy. Also since there were few African Americans attending the university, the Dean had a special interest in presenting the few African Americans in attendance as model citizens.  The two boys clashed from the start.  It wasn’t until the boys had several fights and Robert demonstrated he had some knowledge of black history that Timothy warmed toward him.  Timothy agreed to introduce the virginal and inexperienced Robert to girls, in particular Pepper, played by Staxx Cadero, who introduces Robert to the more romantic side of life.  Before long, Robert was sampling liquor, weed and getting a taste of life.  This led to both boys getting in trouble and a disciplinarian board which only served to solidify and deepen their friendship.

The audience becomes engaged as the stellar cast leads the viewer to its thought provoking conclusion.  “Circumstances” is a poignant and riveting play.  A play about choices and circumstances that make men out of boys, setting them on a course that alters their individual life for the rest of their lives.  I recommend going to see it before it closes.  It’s a play that stays with you long after the curtain drops.

Upcoming Hadley plays are: a comedy entitled “Benefits” by Martha J. Thomas.  The third production for the season will be a drama, the title yet to be announced.

Doo-wop Here and Now

 

By Deardra Shuler

Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, located at 250 Bedford Park Blvd West in the Bronx, kicks off the New Year bringing in acts such as Barbara Harris and the Toys, Herbie Cox and the Cleftones, Kenny Vance and The Planotones: Cleveland Still and The Dubs, and Maurice Williams and The Zodiacs as part of their Unforgettable Doo-wop program at 8:00 p.m. on January 19^th.  

The melding of rock ‘n roll and street corner music known as doo-wop, captivated a generation in the 1950s and early ‘60s, continuing around the world to this day.  People watched American Bandstand where kids danced to the music of live performers.  For example, Cleveland Still and The Dubs, initially a Harlem-based group comprised of singers Bill Carlisle, Tom Grate and Jim Miller, founded by the late Richard Blandon in 1957, put out Top 40 Doo-Wop classics such as “Don’t Ask Me To Be Lonely,”  “Be Sure My Love,” “Could This Be Magic,” and “Chapel of Dreams.”  Who can forget enduring classics such as “Little Darlin,” “Stay” and “Return,” by Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs or the excitement that “A Lover’s Concerto,” and “Attack” caused when the girl group Barbara Harris and the Toys released their hit songs.  The tradition continued with Kenny Vance who has been singing with the Planotones first formed in 1978.  The group released CDs featuring “Teenage Jazz,” “Out of This World,” and “Looking for An Echo,” among others.

Recently, I had the opportunity to talk to two stars among the Lehman Center doo-wop show lineup, Herbie Cox who with the Cleftones recorded “Heart and Soul,” “Little Girl of Mine and “Your So Fine,” and eclectic singer Barbara Harris (Toys).

 “I am excited about the show at Lehman.  It gives me a chance to see some of the other groups whose music I admire but haven’t seen in a while.  I think it’s a great lineup of performers,” said Herbie Cox, the lead singer for the Cleftones.  “You know, I believe at this point, what we term as Rock ‘n Roll and doo wop, have merged into one thing. I am happy about that.  We’re all busy. We have been all over the world – Italy, UK, and Barcelona.  We’ve played everywhere. And this music is still popular.  We had a crowd of 4,000 in Italy and a similar crowd in the UK.  We have been traveling overseas about 9 years but it’s always good to return home,” said Herbie.

“I used to be a New Yorker but live in Atlanta, Ga now.  However, I am always in NY and am still a Yankee and Giant fan.  I was a student in Jamaica, Queens when the group got started.  We were all young 16 and 17 year old students.  Some kids who never won an election thought it would be a good idea if we wrote a campaign song for them.  In those days, it was against the rules in our school to play rock ‘n roll music.  So, we took a rock ‘n rock song and guised it as the campaign song.  It went over big and won the election for the students who had engaged us,” chuckled Cox. 

 “I was 16 when I joined the Cleftones and now this year makes our 58^th consecutive year of performing.  We’ve had a long stretch.  Oh yes, there have been plenty of barren times but we have always had something to do… like nightclubs, touring or making records etc.  In the early stages of our career back in the 1950s, we did get our education, that was important, but The Cleftones spent several years criss-crossing across the country working with folks like Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Jackie Wilson, and Laverne Baker who used to watch over us like a mother.  As kids we were just happy to have our records played on the radio.  We started off as the Silvertones but decided the name was not right for us so we became the Cleftones.  The original group consisted of Warren Corbin (bass), Charles McGhee James, Berman Patterson, and William McClane (one of the founding members).  Later, Gene Pearson and Pat Spann joined us.  Pat was our only female member,” recalled the charming Mr. Cox.

“I started out in church. Our family came to NY where I went to school in Queens.  While there, I met the other two Toys.  We started making the rounds looking for background work and eventually met Eddie Chase who said he was going to make us stars.  “We began to record songs and “A Lover’s Concerto,” took off in 6 weeks.  It took us all over the world. A Lover’s Concerto was taken from Bach’s Minuet in G.  The writers put a Motown beat to it.  “Attack was also another concerto piece.  We later left Bob Crew’s label and signed with Musicore, where we put out “Sealed With A Kiss,” explained R&B singer Barbara Harris who released her first CD, “Barbara Now.”   “I am very proud of “Barbara Now,” it represents all the music I love to sing.  In fact, I am presently back in the studio working on an additional CD.  I hope folks will flock to Lehman Center because all the groups are wonderful and if you are a lover of Doo-wop you will not be disappointed.”

Tickets for Unforgettable Doo-wop can be purchased on line at www.Lehmancenter.org or by calling 718-960-8833.