Alicia Keys 'Piano & I' Live at The Beacon Theatre

Many artist today would be afraid to take the risk of performing live without bringing in the use of a backing track, live band and backup vocalist. Yet Alicia Keys has taken it upon herself to show that she doesn't need a band or backup vocalist for effect, as she performed with just a specially designed Yahama piano during her 'Piano & I' concert at New York City's Beacon Theatre to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the release of her debut album 2001's 'Songs in a Minor'.

Keys opened the show with a piano prelude leading into the Beatles 1968 song 'Blackbird', signifying that Keys would be paying homage to her inspirations, as well as doing something unique by bridging classical music forms with classic R&B and neo-soul.

Before performing a cover of Mary J Blige's breakout 1992 hit 'Real Love', Keys reflected on how growing up in the early 90's in a gritty urban environment seeing Mary J Blige's style, she could relate and use what Blige represented in crafting her own style. Keys also took the audition back to the seventies with a rendition of Marvin Gayes'1972 song 'Trouble Man' before bringing things back to her time with performances of Brian McKnight's 'Never Felt This Way' and Prince's 'How Come You Don't Call Me' which she herself remade on her debut 'Songs In a Minor', which also made a transition into Keys beginning to focus on performing songs from her own catalog of music.

The songs from 'Songs in a Minor' may have been written in a pre-9/11, pre-war world, but yet have still managed to connect with fans 10 years later.

Fans in the nearly 3,000 seat Beacon Theatre or watching the live stream from AOL watched, listened and at times were asked to participate and sing along as Keys moved through classic tracks from each of her four studio albums: Songs in A Minor, The Diary of Alicia Keys, As I Am, and The Element of Freedom.

Without the backing vocals and other instrumentation on songs such as 'Fallin' and without the male vocals on a song like 'Diary', Keys has the freedom to fully convey the power and emotion in her voice, compared to when she performed the same songs with instrumentation and backing vocals on her 'Elements of Freedom Tour'.

Keys also uniquely used Billy Joel's 'New York State of Mind' as a segue into her own 2010' Empire State of Mind', again mixing sounds from different eras with the present, at the same time possibly introducing younger audiences to Joel's version which came long before Key's recorded her own. In closing her show Keys chose to perform one of her biggest hits 'No One'.

The size of the venue definitely aided in creating an intimate feel, provide a certain degree of acoustics adding to the sound quality, as well as made it easier for audience participation, and allowed Keys to better interact with the audience. In adding to the intimate environment Keys' decorated the stage with numerous candles, which symbolically stood for how music crosses boundaries and can 'brighten up' someone's life.

If one could name a modern day Nina Simone Alicia Keys would definitely be it.

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Actor Michael K. Williams Talks About Working on "Brooklyn's Finest"

By: Kadeem Lundy

Many of you may know Michael K. Williams for his breakout role as Omar Little in the hit HBO show "The Wire". I recently interviewed Williams about what it was like working on-set during the filming of the new movie "Brooklyn's Finest" as well as some of his future projects. In the film Williams plays a drug dealer by the name of Red who will do anything in his power to become the new kingpin.

KL: What inspired you to want to take part in the film "Brooklyn's Finest"?

MKW: First of all when I heard two of my mentors were gonna be in this Don Cheadle and Wesley Snipes, and then directed by Fuqua that was the main draw for me, first you know real big attraction. Then adding having read the script, being that the storyline was shot in Brooklyn- the streets are arrogant, I felt entitled to the role. Having been born and raised in Brooklyn, in the hood, East Flatbush, Brooklyn. It was a number of things those were pretty much it.

KL: So now, you said that you grew up in Brooklyn, were you able to use some of your experiences growing up, in portraying your character Red in the film?

MKW: Oh absolutely not only was I born and raised in Brooklyn- I grew up in that time the 80’s,I believe in the mid to late 80’s maybe even possibly some of the early 90’s and you know Brooklyn was on fire it was a war zone and I grew up in the middle of a lot of that stuff. Not that I took part in it,but I was there I was definitely there on the sidelines watching what was going down. The story is set in East New York, I believe The Pink Houses specifically, that was one of the worst areas in Brooklyn, you didn’t play when you went out there. You didn’t go out there unless you had to or unless you had the chops to go out there because it was no joke. So I definitely pulled a lot from my childhood.

KL: Now we know you have been in many different television shows such as "The Wire" and many different films,so what did you find most interesting about working on this film?

MKW: I loved the fact they didn’t try to shoot Brooklyn. I love the fact that we actually went to Brooklyn in the hood, and took camera crews and everything into a real project and shot this. I have so much respect for Fuqua even though a lot of times Hollywood would have been a little intimidated by that. But he didn’t play he was in the hood doing that. I got to see some old friends, everyone was coming out to my trailer saying, "Yo whatsup, didn't know you was in this!” and that was a good feeling and just the love we got from the community.That day we shot the scene when Wesley's character gets shot, we tried to kill him in the street, the entire Livonia Avenue came outside,and gave us so much love, to the point where my team had to get me out of there- the love was just so intense. It felt good, it felt real good. I love the fact that we shot in Brooklyn.

KL: Are you working on any other films? Also what other projects do you have in the works?

MKW: I’m not working on any films right now.I'm on a television show, but the only other film I have coming out right now that's in the can is the Cookout 2, that Flavor Unit had produced, they produced the Cookout 1. I believe it's coming out this summer. I'm coming back to HBO- I'm taping a new show called Boardwalk Empire due out in September it's based in Atlantic City and set in the 1920's.

KL: Thank you for your time Michael.

MKW: Thank you

I Can Do Bad All By Myself Review

Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself Movie Review
By: Kadeem Lundy

Tyler Perry is back with his latest film I Can Do Bad All By Myself. The film, which bears the title of Perry's play stars Academy Award nominated actress Taraji P. Henson in the lead role, Adam Rodriguez, Brian White, Tyler Perry as Madea and newcomer Hope Olaide Wilson. The film also features performances from Grammy Award winning singers Gladys Knight and Mary J. Blige along with Pastor Marvin Winans.
In I Can Do Bad All By Myself, the storyline revolves around a young woman named April (Henson), a nightclub performer whose past problems have led her to become a stubborn, selfish, alcoholic; who feels the need to depend on her married boyfriend (White). However when April unexpectedly becomes the caretaker of her orphaned niece and nephews, she must find it in herself to change her selfish ways and open up her heart. However April is not alone on her journey to change which is sparked when she meets Mexican immigrant Sandino(Rodriguez), who moves into her home, and provides her with the love and friendship which allows her to open up her heart.
What is different about this film than Perry's previous films is for one the musical numbers and performances in the film are used not only to uplift the audience,but to help April examine her life, and find out who she is. In the film April's no nonsense best friend Tanya is portrayed by none other than Grammy Award winning singer Mary J. Blige, who delivers the title track of the film as a means of sending a message to April that she can do so much better in life. In portraying Tanya, Blige approaches the character in making her not only a friend to April but also a mentor. Blige's character dishes out blunt, straight to the point advice, which provides wisdom. Blige stated that she drew upon her own life experiences to bring the character to life on the big screen.
Another memorable performance in the film is given by Gladys Knight, who plays Wilma, a church going woman who had a close relationship with April's family. Ms. Knight balances her character in the film through soulful gospel numbers as well as the motherly advice she gives to April. Ms. Knight stated that the character was very much like herself, which helped her in portraying her character.
Taraji P. Henson gives a great performance as usual in the film. In portraying April, Henson goes from making the character a misunderstood,selfish woman, to someone the viewers can identify with, and learn to accept. Perry uses the character April to convey the theme of learning to love ones self before fully being able to love others.
On another note, Perry's beloved character Madea appears in this film,however she has far less screen time than in previous films. Yet the scenes with Madea serve it's purpose in using Madea to teach people about how to love and respect themselves.
But with every hero, and motherly figure there comes a villain,which Brian White plays very convincing, as the non- likeable Randy. From the minute Randy steps on screen the audience is made to dislike his character, and it seems as if the character never changes but gets worse as the film progresses.
Overall I would highly recommend this film, due to how it's theme pertaining to the importance of family is portrayed (Hope Olaide Wilson makes the audience feel for her character Jennifer by giving a convincing portrayal of what it feels like to be abandoned), character depictions, as well as character development. On a last note the film is more along the lines of a musical drama rather than a comedy

I Can Do Bad All By Myself hits theaters on Friday, September 11, 2009.
4 stars

TYLER PERRY'S I Can Do Bad All By Myself Red Carpet Premiere by: Kadeem Lundy

On Tuesday, September 8,2009 Lionsgate Films and Tyler Perry Pictures premiered their newest film I Can Do Bad All By Myself at the School of Visual Arts Theater in New York City. The film which bears the title of Perry's play stars Academy Award nominated actress Taraji P. Henson in the lead role, Adam Rodriguez,Brian White, newcomer Hope Olaide Wilson, Pastor Marvin Winans, as well as Grammy Award winning singers Gladys Knight and Mary J. Blige. All of the film's leads made appearances at the premiere as well as many other celebrities who came out to show their support for Perry and his work;some of which being Gayle King, Wendy Williams, and AJ and Free of 106 and Park fame.

In Perry's latest film his focus is on a new character named April, a nightclub singer who unexpectingly becomes caretaker for her deceased sister's children, while learning how to open her heart, after a young man named Sandino comes into her life.

When I asked Ms. Gladys Knight ,who plays Wilma in the film about her role in the film, Ms. Knight stated, "She was me,she is very maternal, and like Wilma I too worry about people and their spiritual growth."

I Can Do Bad All By Myself opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, September 11, 2009

Beyonce Kicks Off Show Your Helping Hands Campaign

By: Kadeem Lundy

Beyonce recently partnered with General Mills to help promote their feed The Hungry Campaign. Beyonce made a live annoucement stating her involvement with the campaign before her show, during her latest I Am.. Tour at Madison Square Garden on Monday. This is what Beyonce said in regards to her part in the campaign,“Through the work I do with my Survivor Foundation, I’ve been committed to helping families get back on their feet in difficult times,”.“That’s why I’m excited to get involved in this effort to help Feeding America deliver more than 3.5 million meals to local food banks. If we all show a helping hand, together we can make a difference in the fight against hunger.”
Before Monday's show fans were given the opportunity to participate in the campaign, learn more about Beyonce as well as win prizes. General Mills also had volunteers on hand to serve samples of Hamburger Helper to the public.Fans will have the opportunity to donate non-perishable food items at various locations on the tour. For more information please visit http://www.showyourhelpinghand.com/

Dance Flick Movie Review:by Kadeem Lundy

The Wayans Brothers are back in their new comedy Dance Flick. Dance Flick which is a spoof of such dance films such as Save The Last Dance, Stomp the Yard, You Got Served and Step Up stars Damon Wayans Jr. as Thomas Uncles a young man from the inner city, who connects with a woman named Megan White played by Shoshana Bush in which they are brought together by their love of dancing. in the mix the Wayans, incorporate sendoffs of films such as Twilight into the film.
From the start it's obvious to tell that the characters of Thomas and megan are based on Sean Patrick Thomas and Julia Stiles characters in Save The Last Dance, in which the plot is basically the storyline from Save The Last Dance and You Got Served. However in typical Wayans fashion the jokes and gimmicks are over the top, often times resulting in serious injury or death of a character in the film.
What is different this time around is that the elder Wayans:Marlon, Shawn and Keenan step back and let the younger Wayans take over the direction of the film in which the younger do an impressive job of carrying the film. However the scenes in which the elder Wayans such as Marlon and Shawn appear do hold weight in the film.
Eventhough at times the dialogue was predictable the energy and wittiness of the characters keeps the film going along with the dance numbers. Another interesting thing is about how the Wayans are able to get away with teetering on the brink of an R rated film, but still managing to keep the film PG-13, in which Marlon Wayans would describe as a marketing strategy to legitamately sell to the teen audience.

Interview with Playwright David Lamb

By: Kadeem Lundy

Playwright and author of the book "Do Platanos Go With Collard Greens", discusses his plays "Platanos and Collard Greens" & "Auction Block To Hip Hop", along with politics,and race.

1.What inspired you to become a playwright?
(Photo of David Lamb:Courtesy of Doolee.com)
That's a good question. Initially I was looking for someone else to adapt the book into a play. I was approached by a Columbia graduate who wanted to do it, but what really happened was when I would speak at schools the students were like you should adapt this to a play and I was like yeah whatever. As time went on that planted a seed in my head. I guess I had been thinking about it for so long when I did it wasn't really hard. The one piece of advice that I had gotten from a playwright that turned out to be very helpful till today. "The play has to be much smaller in terms of characters and ideas you were trying to deal with the book." I decided to focus on Hunter, and their relationship. I think that worked out really well. I guess I'm a chicken as a writer; you can write a play that is straight serious and people can like it, but you don't know if they like it because they are not reacting. My own fears make me add a lot of humor even when I write about serious stuff so I can tell if they are liking it, but I think it works out well because its very funny even though it's serious. I updated it and added a lot of poetry some of it is in the book.

2.How did you come up with the name “Platanos and Collard Greens for your first play?



The name came as a flash of inspiration. It is a metaphor for the cultural history and interaction between the two groups.

3.So you previously wrote a book titled, Do Platanos Go With Collard Green, which served as the basis for your play “Platanos and Collard Greens which explores racial stereotypes, and race relations right? How did you go about researching material in order to write the book ?



It was a mix of life experiences. I also interviewed couples. I did a lot of research into the history of the Dominican Republic and Haiti, in the form of viewing documentaries, reading books,and watching certain movies.

4. In your play "Platanos and Collard Greens” the storyline is centered around the relationship between two Hunter College students, a African American male and a Dominican woman and how they struggle to understand each other’s cultures, and working against racial stereotypes. Were you able to incorporate any of your own experiences as a college student into the play?



The play grew out of my experiences growing up in New York City. I grew up in Astoria Queens in Astoria Housing Projects, which was a mixed African American and Puerto Rican community. My high school was also very mixed, African American and Latino, and as a student at New York University (NYU) School of Law, the Black Law Student Association and the Latino Law Student Association had very close relations. Also I worked as an intern for Assemblyman, now Congressman, Jose Serrano, in my last semester of college. Also the play takes place at a college in NYC and I attended Hunter College.

5. Now you have showcased “Platanos and Collard Greens at colleges around the US, why did you feel it was necessary to reach the college audience?



When I would tour colleges speaking about the book, it was actually the college students who suggested that I turn the book into a play. They wanted to see it enacted on stage.

6. What message would you like the audience to receive from your play “Platanos and Collard Greens?


The play especially touches African Americans, Caribbean folks, and Latinos, and appeals to every generation, from grandmothers to granddaughters from mothers to sons, plus its a great date play. And women really relate to the strong female characters, including the intelligent and beautiful black woman. I hope it makes our audiences laugh, makes them think and inspires them all at the same time.

7. You also have a play called “Auction Block To Hip Hop”, can you tell us a little more about it?



Auction Block to Hip Hop is foremost a love story between Black men and women. It is an in-your-face, hysterical, hip hop love story between a conscious and beautiful filmmaker and a hip hop mogul. With timeless lessons Auction Block will make you laugh and stand up and cheer.
On the night Hip Hop mogul -- "Set Fo' Life" wins numerous awards for his multi-platinum album 'Pimpin' Ain't Easy' three ancestors pay him an unexpected and unwelcome visit that will change his life. Sit back and join him on this journey from slave rebellions to Black Panthers to Barack Obama. From conscious Hip Hop to Gangsta' Rap, from b-boys breakdancing in the streets to owning our own record labels, from Queens to Video Girls its all here.
In the end Set must choose between redemption and damnation, between selling out or being true to the woman he loves and the legacy of his heroic ancestors.

8. In your plays you explore stereotypes in relation to African Americans as well as other cultures, so now that Barack Obama is in office how do you feel his presidency will influence how African Americans are portrayed in the media?



I think that the image of Michelle and Barack is extremely powerful. But we have to be very careful not to be deluded into thinking that our struggle is over.

9. What can we expect from you in the future?

A continued evermore successful run of the show!