Harlem Stage Announces Their Fall 2010 Season

Harlem Stage, one of the country's leading producers and presenters of performances by artists of color, announced today its Fall 2010 lineup including a diverse array of film, music and theater events.

Collaborative programs, a Harlem Stage staple, continue this fall including a film series with the Black Documentary Collective, a free community concert series with Carnegie Hall, and programs with The Jazz Gallery and the NYC Hip-Hop Theater Festival. Harlem Stage continues its wildly successful new music program Uptown Nights, which enters its second year presenting cutting-edge live music in a vibrant club setting that revives the days when Harlem was the place to see innovative, hip new music. The new Uptown Nights schedule includes Grammy-winning talent, including singer/songwriters Eric Roberson and Gordon Chambers, and groundbreaking rock band Living Colour's lead singer Corey Glover.

Among the highlights of the fall season is the world premiere of a new dance/theater work commemorating the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the New York premiere of international hip-hop performance project Don't Hit Mama's Dance Party, and Craig Harris' God's Trombones, an update and retelling of James WelDon Johnson's 1927 folk sermons that returns to Harlem Stage after a sold-out run two years ago.

"This culturally rich season truly features something for everyone," says Patricia Cruz, Executive Director of Harlem Stage. "Through a range of performance and educational programming this fall, we offer a window into some of most important moments in Black history, as well as a good look at the finest artists of color, both today and tomorrow."

TICKETS
Tickets prices for Harlem Stage performances range from free to $35. Most are $20 or less. Seats at free performances must be reserved in advance. Ticket purchases and reservations can be made online at www.HarlemStage.org or by calling the box office at 212-281-9240, ext. 19 or 20.

The Harlem Stage Fall 2010 season was developed by Director of Programming Brad Learmonth. The full season is listed below -- presented by discipline and by date. For more information, visit www.HarlemStage.org.

SEASON DETAILS (Arranged by discipline, then by date.)

FILM

Wed., September 15, 2010
I Remember Harlem; Bill Miles, director
7:30 pm at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue (W. 135th St @ Convent Ave)
Tickets: $10
This 60-minute compilation of a four-hour documentary tracing 350 years of Harlem's history highlights one of Oscar nominee Bill Miles' most stunning achievements. A discussion with the filmmaker and a reception follows the screening. Part of the Harlem Stage on Screen series; co-presented by Black Documentary Collective and sponsored by HBO.

Wed., October 6, 2010
Freedom Riders; Stanley Nelson, producer/director; Laurens Grant, producer
7:30 pm at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue (W. 135th St @ Convent Ave)
Free - RSVP required
Award-winning filmmaker Stanley Nelson's latest documentary tells the powerful, harrowing, and ultimately inspirational story of six months in 1961, when more than 400 black and white Americans risked their lives simply by traveling together on buses and trains through the Deep South. The journey changed America forever. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the filmmaker and a reception. Part of the Harlem Stage on Screen series; co-presented by Black Documentary Collective and sponsored by HBO.

Mon., October 25, 2010
Bilal's Stand; Sultan Sharrief, director
7:30 pm at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue (W. 135th St @ Convent Ave)
Tickets: $10
Based on a true story, the film focuses on a Detroit high-school senior and his family's taxi stand. "The Stand," as they call it, has been the source of all activity and income for the family for the last 60 years. It appears as though Bilal will be next to carry the torch. However, after secretly submitting a college application and taking up ice carving in order to win a scholarship, he is forced to decide between working at "The Stand" - the only life he's ever known - or taking a chance at social mobility. The film will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmaker and a reception. Part of the Harlem Stage on Screen series; sponsored by HBO.

Wed., November 10, 2010
Full Disclosure; Brian Palmer, director
7:30 pm at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue (W. 135th St @ Convent Ave)
Tickets: $10
Based on embeds in Iraq, this film focuses on the revolving-door deployments to Iraq made by one U.S. Marine combat unit. Full Disclosure considers the dire consequences of America's improvisation in Iraq, even as our attention turns to Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the global economic crisis. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the filmmaker and a reception. Part of the Harlem Stage on Screen series; co-presented by Black Documentary Collective and sponsored by HBO.

Wed., December 1, 2010
Shungu; Saki Mafundikwa, director; Karen Mafundikwa, producer
7:30 pm at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue (W. 135th St @ Convent Ave)
Tickets: $10
Shungu is a compelling narrative about the strategies ordinary people use to survive in Zimbabwe today. The filmmaker takes viewers on a lyrically photographed personal journey, offering rare, intimate insights as the country experiences political turmoil, economic meltdown, and health care collapse. Interwoven throughout is the tumultuous political power struggle and eventual reconciliation between President Robert Mugabe and his nemesis, opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. The screening will be followed by a discussion with the filmmaker and a reception. Part of the Harlem Stage on Screen series; co-presented by Black Documentary Collective and sponsored by HBO.

MUSIC

Sat., September 25, 2010
WeDaPeoples Cabaret, curated by Carl Hancock Rux
9:30 pm at Aaron Davis Hall, Convent Avenue between W. 133rd and W. 135th streets
Tickets: $25
In the spirit of Max Roach and Abbey Lincoln's We Insist!, Rux creates a raucous night of art and activism featuring Toshi Reagon, Queen Esther, Helga Davis, Marcelle Lashley, Gordon Chambers, Roger C. Jeffreys, Greg Tate, DJ Phonozone, and more. Part of the Uptown Nights at Harlem Stage music series.

Thu., October 14, 2010 - Sat., October 16, 2010
Don't Hit Mama's Dance Party, Nita Liem, choreographer
7:30 pm at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue (W. 135th St @ Convent Ave)
Tickets: $20
This New York premiere explodes onstage with a mash-up of NYC's hottest dancers and DJs as they smash the barrier between artists and audience in a unique international collaboration between a Dutch dance company and some of NYC's most celebrated local talent. A special closing night presentation celebrates the end of the 10th NYC Hip-Hop Theater Festival with special DJ sets and an all-out party! Co-presented with the Hip-Hop Theater Festival; part of the Uptown Nights at Harlem Stage series.

Tue., October 19, 2010
Namaskar, by Sameer Gupta
7:30 pm at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue (W. 135th St @ Convent Ave)
FREE - RSVP Required
A fresh and innovative approach to jazz, Indian and soul music, "Namaskar" is both the name of percussionist Sameer Gupta latest release and this evening's live jam. Gupta plays alongside his associate pianist Marc Cary and an ensemble of elder Indian classical musicians. Presented in collaboration with the Neighborhood Concert Series of the Weill Music Institute at Carnegie Hall

Sat., Nov. 13, 2010
Soul Music with Eric Roberson, featuring guest artists and DJ Reborn
7:30 pm at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue (W. 135th St @ Convent Ave)
Tickets: $25
Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Eric Roberson comes to Harlem with an incredible evening of soul. Singing works from classic albums, as well as his latest release, "Music Fan First," Roberson proves why many consider him to be the face of independent soul. Attendees will feel blessed by DJ Reborn, who spins her own blend of infectious soul for the evening. Part of the Uptown Nights at Harlem Stage series.

Sat., December 11, 2010
Off The Wall: A Tribute To Michael Jackson
7:30 pm at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue (W. 135th St @ Convent Ave)
Tickets: $25
This live music celebration of Michael Jackson's legacy features Grammy Award winner Corey Glover with Renee Neufville, Chilean songstress Claudia Acuña, Thelonious Monk Competition winner Gretchen Parlato, newcomer Saunders Sermons who has toured with Maxwell, and surprise guests. For more than four decades Jackson and his music moved generations across the globe. His accomplishments as an entertainer were unprecedented, as he embodied the definition of superstar. DJ Cosi ensures that people don't stop ‘til they get enough. Part of the Uptown Nights at Harlem Stage series.

Wed.-Sun., December 15-18, 2010 7:30 pm
Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010 3:00 pm
Craig Harris' God's Trombones
Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue (W. 135th St @ Convent Ave)
Tickets: $35
God's Trombones returns to Harlem Stage after a sold out run in 2009. This musical interpretation of James WelDon Johnsons' 1927 classic collection of poems refigures inspirational sermons by traveling African-American preachers. Harris' interpretation transcends the sectarian roots of the sermons and focuses on their universal spirituality, reinterpreting them for a contemporary audience. Part of Harlem Stage's Harlem Stride series.

THEATRE

Thu.-Sat., September 23- 25, 2010, 7:30 pm; Sun., September 26, 2010, 3 pm
Blood Dazzler
Based on poetry by Patricia Smith; conceived and created by Paloma and Patricia McGregor
At Harlem Stage Gatehouse, 150 Convent Avenue (W. 135th St @ Convent Ave)
Tickets: $20
A unique convergence of verse, dance, theatre, and multimedia unearths the deeper truths of Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. Based on poet Patricia Smith's award-winning book, Blood Dazzler embodies Katrina as a troubled, otherworldly woman hungry for fame, destruction, and revelation. Co-presented with Angela's Pulse. Part of Harlem Stage's E-Moves series.

SUPPORTERS AND PARTNERS
Harlem Stage gratefully acknowledges support from the following sponsors: Harlem Stage on Screen series receives major support from HBO. The Harlem Stage Partners program receives leadership support from Deutsche Bank and public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts. The Inside/Out program receives leadership support from the Ford Foundation. Time Warner is the Lead Sponsor of WaterWorks, which also has received major support from The Nathan Cummings Foundation. The Harlem Stage Family Series receives major support from the MetLife Foundation. JPMorgan Chase is the Lead Sponsor for Harlem Stage Education Program, which also receives support from Consolidated Edison, the Jean and Louis Dreyfus Foundation, and The New York Times Company Foundation.

2010 Season partners include Black Documentary Collective, The Jazz Gallery and The NYC Hip-Hop Theater Festival.