Talking Arts: August 2012

Sunday, August 19, 2012

Seattle Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs

On Sunday, August 19, 2012 the Seattle Times reported the following ..."Mayor Mike McGinn announced the resignation of the city’s Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs director, Vincent Kitch..."

The mayor’s office did not say why Kitch had resigned but did say Michele Scoleri, a senior advisor to McGinn, will take over the Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs as a short-term director."

This is critical position for all supporters of the arts, especially supporters of the "Arts of the African Diaspora".

Of the many critical issues concerning the arts and arts funding that MUST BE addressed, concerns the successful continuation of "The Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center (LHPAC)."

LHPAC is the oldest and only arts institution that not only presents our art to the total community, it educates and foster the next generation of artist who will insure the culture, traditions and the Art itself exist in the future. To not successfully address its continuation speaks volumes as to how those who will decide who fills this position, view not only the "Arts of the African Diaspora", but how they view the importance of its many constituents as well.

We as a community must speak up and let those know who will be deciding on the new leadership of this crucial office know that we are as well as our ART are not to be taken for granted or ignored.

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Outspoken: An Evening of Jazz & Spoken Word

Last evening, we had the pleasure of attending a beautiful event of Jazz and Spoken Word sponsored by the James and Janie Washington Foundation & Cultural Center at the Hedreen Gallery at Seattle University. Ms. Pamela Phillips, its passionate Director, crafted a very elegant yet comfortable evening with music by the the Mount Zion Wind Ensemble, lead by Wadie Ervin. The ensemble also included Michael Yasutake, Lonnie Williams, Richard Perry and Paul Nichols.

The spoken word artist who themselves have performed around the world from South Africa to to the Caribbean to the Seattle Central Area. They included Paul Nichols, who performed an original and moving masterpiece called "Birdsong: A Tribute to Charlie Parker". Mr Nichols is not only an eloquent poet, but is himself a world class actor.

Ms Toyia Taylor, recently relocated back to Seattle from Brooklyn, NY performed a wide range of her work from an Ode to Hip Hop to a deeply felt and emotional love poem to a very critical and insightful commentary on "Seattle Blacks". Ms Taylor at one point in her life was a contestant in the Ms America Pageant.

The last spoken word artist was Delton Mosby. He is an admirer of Mr. Washington who is also being strongly influenced by many of the artist of the Harlem Renaissance. Delton is a very talented young man, who composes music and lyrics, so watch for Delton to make it big in the Seattle spoken word scene in the very near future.

A cool evening from an outstanding organization. DO NOT miss their Open House on September 8th. I will have more information very soon about the Open House, but in the mean time check out the photos below from last evening's event, "Outspoken: An Evening of Jazz & Spoken Word"