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NEW JAZZ ROOM/CABARET/THEATER & THE ANNUAL WATTS
FESTIVAL
By Dee Dee McNeil
There’s a new club in Los Angeles that’s brings a touch of
antiquity and a splash of theater to the community. Located on
the corner of 10 th and Washington Street, with plenty of free
parking, you will enjoy Vintage Hollywood. It’s a combination
restaurant, nightclub and theater. The ambience brings back
memories of speakeasies and cabaret clubs. The photos on the
wall celebrate the history of Jazz, Blues and R&B, along
with some of our great musical geniuses like Paul Robeson and
Josephine Baker. Speaking of which, I was there to enjoy a play
titled “Bananas: A Day in the Life of Josephine
Baker”. The play is written and performed by Sloan Robinson, a
New York dancer/actress whose credits include receiving the
2001 NAACP Theater Award for Best Female Performer in her
one‐woman portrayal of Dorothy Dandridge. Well, she’s doing it
again with her amazing tribute to Josephine Baker.
La Baker left this country to become the toast of France and an
acclaimed legendary entertainer.
Sloan Robinson is totally believable as the little twelve year
old child who runs away from her St. Louis home to become a
maid for Blues legend Bessie Smith. Then this talented actress
introduces us to the seasoned diva, as a Josephine Baker who
performed at Carnegie Hall, married four times and stood next
to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr on the steps of Lincoln Memorial
to support Civil Rights. Sloan tells us about Baker’s inability
to bear children and how she adopts a baker’s dozen of
multi‐cultural little
ones. Robinson personifies Josephine’s great love of humanity.
She transmits that spirit of love to her audience in
monologues, dance, song and using a multitude of fascinating
costume changes. Executive Producer, Leroy Richardson III, is a
pioneer film enthusiast and is dedicated to the preservation
and sale of original Afro‐American Hollywood Memorabilia. You
will see a bit of this memorabilia in the
lobby of Vintage Hollywood. Some of his vintage Dorothy
Dandridge photos were used when Halle Berry starred in the HBO
Dandridge biographical movie. He’s not only the designer of the
La Baker stage set, he also provided the incredibly beautiful
wardrobe that had the audience gasping. It is well‐worth the
twenty dollar fee to enjoy two hours with Sloan Robinson. She
reminds us of Baker’s great talent, as
well as her struggle against racism and inhumanity on all
fronts. At the same time, this dynamic actress shows us Baker’s
vulnerability and tenderness. Portraying Josephine speaking to
a photograph of her deceased mother, we, the audience, become
Baker’s extended family. We sit in her bedroom, on the edge of
our seats as she shares her story with us. The play runs every
Sunday at 3pm. Brunch is available. For reservations call (323)
812‐0447. www.myspace.com/sloanrobinson
On September 19th, a new evening production titled Paul
Robeson: Speak of Me As I Am begins it’s run starring KB
Solomon at 8pm. Vintage Hollywood offers dinner and a full bar.
This theatrical club deserves solid community support.
This weekend, September 27th and 28th , don’t miss the grand
opening of the Charles Mingus Youth Arts Center at the Watts
Towers. Once again, it’s time for the Annual Watts Towers Day
of the Drum Festival and the 32 nd Annual Simon Rodia Watts
Towers Jazz Festival. The line‐up is incredible. They offer
something to entertain the whole family. At the Charles Mingus
Youth Arts Center on Satruday there will be plenty of dancing
and non‐stop percussive excellence. From 1pm to 2:30pm Giant
Puppets will recreate the art of celebration. You can enjoy
interactive circle drumming for all ages. Masters of Ceremonies
Ndugu Chancler & James Janisse invite your attendance.
On
Sunday come celebrate a tribute to Charles Mingus: Past,
Present & Future. Be there for a Yoruba ground blessing by
Alaadun. Enjoy the Grammy Award winning quartet and singing of
‘Soul Seekers’. At noon the LA Multi School Jazz Alumni Band
will play and poet Laureate, Jerry Quickley will speak his
words of wisdom. Billy Mitchell is guaranteed to bring high
energy to the bandstand. Ray Bailey & Friends (featuring
bassist Kevin Brandon) come next. Then Nedra Wheeler’s Bass
Choir with
arrangements by James Leary will ‘wow’ the crowd. At 5pm enjoy
the JMP Orchestra conducted by Patrice Rushen & Buddy
Collette. They will present the final tribute to Charles
Mingus. For more
information call:
213‐847‐4646. All that and it’s FREE!
Dee Dee McNeil
October 2008
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