Interview: Tap Dancer/Musician Omar Edwards at MINTONS PLAYHOUSE on 12/2

Tap Dancer/Musician, Broadway's Omar Edwards, will be bringing his special brand of music (Music from my heart and soul, rather heart and sole) to the legendary Minton's Playhouse as part of the Harlem Late Night Jazz Series on Saturday, December 2, 2017. Accompanied by his band, Full Moon (Floyd King on sax), Edwards will do what he does best, MOVE... music. Those who witnessed Edward's performances as "The Sandman" from his days of hosting NBC's LIVE AT THE APOLLO with Monique will be satiated. Those who have never seen Mr. Edwards perform, will see a style of tap dancing that they may not have ever seen before. (The Tap Dancer leads the band in a spiritual journey.) There will be three sets between the hours of 11PM and 4AM. Edward's appearance on December 2, is part of his "SMALL CIRCLE INITIATIVE": Engaging small groups of people in the oxygen of life- Music!

Broadwayworld.com had the pleasure of interviewing Omar Edwards about his background and his career.

Omar Edwards is an award winning tap dancer/entertainer/musician who has been involved with tap dancing since he was 12 years old. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Omar's dancing has been shaped by Jimmy Slyde, Marie Brooks and his legendary cousin, Savion Glover. A self-proclaimed Tap Musician, music being the oxygen of his life), Omar has danced at music festivals all over the world including France, Germany, Japan and the Philippines. In his travels, he has shared the stage with jazz musicians the likes of Grammy winner Gregory Porter, and jazz greats flautist Ragan Whiteside and vocalist Jazzmia Horn. In addition to Omar's performance in Bring in da Noise, Bring in da Funk on Broadway, Omar is known to NY audiences for his featured role as the Sandman in NBC's Showtime at the Apollo. Edwards, who originated the role of the Tap Griot in FLY (Trey Ellis and Ricardo Khan's play about the famed Tuskegee Airmen of WWII) was nominated for a BESSIE Award for his performance at the New Victory Theater, NYC and a Broadway.com LA Award for Best Featured Actor in a Local Production for his performance at the Pasadena Playhouse/CA.

Tell us about the very first time you ever performed.

Music is the oxygen of life. It's in you. Watch small children when they are in a space where music is being played. They stop what they are doing and start moving to the beat. They clap their hands, move their feet and some even do that Egyptian side to side neck thing.

IT ALL BEGAN WHEN I WAS TEN.

I lost my parents very early in life and as a result, I was raised by my grandmother in Far Rockaway, NY. It was from my grandmother that I learned that the 11-year Tap-dancer featured in TAP was my cousin, Savion Glover. It was a eureka moment for me. I was already pounding out rhythms in my head and on table tops. Never, ever did I think I could do it with my feet. But here was living proof. ...someone black like me, and my cousin to boot was doing it. That was my invitation.

When and where did I first perform? In the hallways of the Nordek housing complex in Far Rockaway, NY (until the neighbors complained). Then I moved, into the laundry room. My first performance with an actual audience was in a school talent show.

What challenges have you faced as a professional tap dancer?

All of them, and then some. Tap dancing is dying art... then comes along someone like me, who defines tap dancing as music. (More of a hurdle) I have found that I have to show people. To the end, I am creating some of my own projects. My manager shared a story with me about her son, 35, who she had been trying to get out to see one of my small circle events. In her words, "It was like pulling teeth". However when he got there, he was blown away. It was he who coined the phrase "Omar Edwards Moves Music." I believe in this journey and I am grateful.

I'd love to know more about your musical inspirations. Do tell.

Re: Musical Inspiration, Olu Dara and Bob Marley. They taught me how to reach. Their music is spiritual, organic...from the heart! The rhythm of their words and sounds move you through time and space and back again.

One of my contemporary favorites is Grammy Award winning jazz vocalist Gregory Porter.

What would you like our readers to know about your style of dance?

My style is organic. "I am you, you are me" the taps of my shoes speak, sing, recite poetry, just like you. It's a spiritual experience.

I know you have performed worldwide. Do you have any favorite places to travel?

New Zealand. The people have a great vibe. They are very receptive to my art form. It's like going home for Thanksgiving.

What advice can you give to aspiring young dancers?

Live, live, live! Create, create, create! Create something new everyday. Build, build, build! Perfect and build on what you have. Knowledge is empowering. Study the history of music and dance.

Tell us a little about the upcoming show at Minton's Playhouse and what audiences can expect.

Audiences can expect a Homecoming Party. Minions/Harlem is the birthplace of Beebop. The late great Baby Lawrence and others played this historic venue. I will do what people say I do best, MOVE MUSIC (accompanied by my band Full Moon, featuring Floyd King on sax).

*Tap Dancers are encouraged to bring their shoes, musicians, and their instruments.

Anything else, absolutely anything you want Broadwayworld.com readers to know.

I am a tap lover. Dancing if done right is something beyond the visual. It is the music of the heart. Tap dancing is MUSIC!

PS, it's important to me the people know the history, significance of tap dancing America.

Minton's Playhouse is located at 206 W 118th Street, New York, NY 10026

There is NO COVER CHARGE, but there is a two-drink minimum. For more information, visit: http://mintonsharlem.com/.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Omar Edwards

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