Category Archives: Entertainment

Going Out, NYC

Calendar Girls Turn NYC into A Real Hootenanny

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Last week, Hooters unveiled their 2012 calendar at their New York City location.  The restaurant best known for their wings and waitresses celebrated the 26th edition of their calendar with appearances by 2012 Poster Girl Alex Dumrauf, Centerfold Crystal Cunningham, Cover girl Lindsay Way, Miss March Liz Lugo-Caveda, Miss December Morgan Meyer, and Miss July Sarah Hinton. 

The women appearing in this year’s calendar were selected from over 20,000 Hooters Girls worldwide and were shot by photographer Dylan Melcher.  The Hooters Calendar is a best seller in its category.  And here is a sneak peek of what 2012 has to offer:

Photo: John Marshall Mantel

Video courtesy of Parenteau Guidance

Entertainment, FAME

Giving NYC Nightlife What It’s Been Missing

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As the editor of F.A.M.E NYC, I can testify that the phrase, “It’s not work when you love what you do” is true.  But I am not the only one that comprehends this sentiment. It is obvious from the picture above that Isreal Hagan (pictured left) loves his job.  Isreal is the co-founder of A-List Entertainment, a multifaceted marketing company that specializes in nightlife, fashion, nonprofit, brand endorsements, corporate liaisons and advertising.  On the company’s website Isreal says, “I honestly felt like NYC needed a facelift.”   A-List Entertainment has been injecting the life back into NYC nightlife one event at a time.  Their mission is to restore Manhattan as the place to be when it comes to partying.  Judging by the size of the crowds at their events and range of artists that they work with, it will not be long before A-List Entertainment can take their place in the pantheon of legendary promoters.  There is always pure electricity permeating through an A-List Entertainment event and Isreal is the Pied Piper in sunglasses, ensuring that each affair tops the previous one. 

Conquering the NYC party scene is not child’s play – it is a 24-hour hustle.  There is barely time for sleep, but Isreal took a moment to speak with F.A.M.E NYC and shared his thoughts with us about Manhattan nightlife, fashion and his favorite places in the city.

You stated, “I honestly felt like NYC needed a facelift.”  What prompted you to make this statement? 

New York City is supposed to be the Mecca of all things entertainment! Back in the days, way before my time, events had more meaning.  There was a hunger in the artists and the promoters to make as big of a statement as possible. I remember hearing stories of people who actually saw artists like Big Daddy Kane in a bath tub on stage and leaving with a spiritual fulfillment kind of like church [laughs].  And don’t even get me started with the party scene; people don’t even “dance” anymore.

How has A-List Entertainment assisted in giving NYC this facelift?

We are connecting the dots. Recently, we formed partnerships with CEG the company that represents the majority of Pop Culture like Jersey Shore, MTV Real World, etc. We also signed a strategic partnership deal with Buzz PR and their events are legendary! By combining our outlets and working diligently, we are bringing some of the most sought after events NYC has seen in years.

Those who know about NYC Nightlife know that the city is the main culprit in the decline of NYC nightlife.  How do you circumvent issues that some promoters and marketing companies have had with their parties and urban parties in particular?

There is no vision anymore. There are hundreds of nightlife hosts that don’t really understand what it means to host. It’s honestly the promoter’s job to make sure that people have as much fun as possible and that starts with the promoters themselves. I mean hey, take a trip to LA and then tell me what’s wrong with the promoters in NYC.  Furthermore the urban scene is tricky, as a lot of club owners don’t really want a dark crowd in their establishment.  Maybe it’s because statistically urban crowds ring higher bar numbers or maybe it’s the fashion statements they make to become trendsetters.  All jokes aside, business owners need a reality check. The year is 2011, cut the racism.   And promoters stop settling for used up venues to host your “urban event,” instead do something undeniable, contact your celebrity friends, lock in a few performances and get sponsors to back your endeavors. Keyword…sponsors.

If you could hop into a time machine and revisit any era in NYC Nightlife, which would it be?

Take me back to the days of Lotus, Tunnel, Lime-Light (House Heads) Eugene’s, the old Latin Quarters, etc. Speaking of LQs, I remember when the promoters at the time named Sergio Productions started merging crowds putting Latinos with African Americans…talk about hot.

What are the three most important components for producing a great event in Manhattan?

I could answer this question, but then I’d be giving our secrets away.  Just be very unique in your event planning, and be hands on with your Community Board.

 

A-List Entertainment also produces fashion events as well.  Do you guys have anything in the works for September?

We are in talks with a few special major brands! All I can say is Fashion’s Night Out will be a night to remember [smiles].

 Which brands/labels are essential to wear for a night out in NYC?

Well my style is a lot different from everyone else’s [laughs]. I don’t really spend money of the conventional things because I work out [smiles], so I can only suggest what I wear.  First go to American Apparel and get an assortment of deep V-necks, the more color the better, price $25. Then head over to Banana Republic and get a fresh pair of Black Chinos, price $50. Next stop is Alexander McQueen for some high-top Pumas, price $250-$300. Add a summer jacket from Zara or Kenneth Cole and your all set!  Oh and accessories are a must.

Tell me more about Prostar.

Prostar is our way of providing the lost art of A&R. Through our connections with Universal Music Group and CEG, we are able to provide artists with professional development, product endorsements, branding and PR. We also get artists booked all over the country. The harder they work, they harder we work!

What does A-List Entertainment have planned for NYC this summer?

Besides our weekly events, I have taken a special interest in Katra on Friday nights. I have the Heavy Hitter DJ Big Ben, Mickey Factz, MTV’s Charlie B and La Mega making special guest appearances. This summer will be filled with surprise performances and celebrity guest every week.  We also have our hands tied into a few concerts to benefit charities; it’s always good to give back to the community.

Give us five of your favorite places to go in NYC.  They can include restaurants, theatres, museums and places to relax.

 Pinkberry in SoHo.  Don’t knock it till you try it.

American Museum of Natural History.  By far the coolest exhibitions I’ve ever seen.

Prospect Park in Brooklyn.  Take a date here … you can thank me later. 

Dylan’s Candy Shop.  Feels like you’re in the Willy Wonka Movie; try the Ice-cream.

Del Frisco’s.   A local celeb spot with great food. 

To learn more about A-List Entertainment and their services click, http://alistentnyc.com/.

Photo courtesy of Isreal Hagan

Entertainment, Going Out

Get Foxxy This July 4th Weekend

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Hey FAMERS

Any of you looking to escape the heat, humidity and tourists of Gotham’s concrete jungle this July 4th weekend?  Well, look no further past the Hudson for sandy oasis with oceans blue, casinos and celebrities too.  This weekend join Grammy and Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx as he presents Jamie Foxx Fourth Of July Celebrity Star Studded Weekend.  The multi-talented actor is putting on a bash as electric as the lights that illuminate the boardwalk with events on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.   Below is a list of events for the weekend.

Friday July 1, 2011

Jamie Foxx Presents “Foxx Hole Comedy Jam” – 8:00pm

On Friday July 1, 2011 at 8:00pm, Academy & Grammy Award winner Jamie Foxx will host “The Foxx Hole Comedy Jam” which will take place at the Caesars Maximus located on 2100 Pacific Avenue. During this event host Jamie Foxx will hit the stage introducing some of today’s funniest comedians.

Jamie Foxx & VIBE Magazine Presents “Black Hollywood” hosted by Megan Goode & Idris Elba – 10:00pm

Jamie Foxx & Vibe Magazine present “Black Hollywood” hosted by Actress Megan Goode & Idris Elba. This event will start at 10:00pm and will take place at Caesars Pier Shops on boardwalk, located at One Atlantic.

 

Saturday July 2, 2011

Jamie Foxx & King Magazine Beach Party – 12:00pm-5:00pm

Jamie Foxx & King Magazine Present “Models & Bottles” Beach Party. The beach party will take place from 12:00pm-5:00pm at Beach at Bally’s located on Park & Boardwalk. 

Black Jack Tournament with Jamie Foxx at The Show Boat Casino – 6:00pm

Jamie Foxx will host and play at the Black Jack Tournament at the backstage gaming pit at the Show Boat Casino. Guest can stop by and watch Jamie Foxx play and participate. This event will take place at Show Boat Casino on the boardwalk – Show Boat Casino – http://www.showboatac.com/  

Jamie Foxx & The House of Blues Present – “The Return Of The Queen of Neo Soul Erykah Badu”  – 8:00pm

Erykah Badu will perform before a live audience. The event will take place at 8:00pm at The House Of Blues located at 801 Boardwalk.

Jamie Foxx Present Love & Basket Ball hosted by Amber Rose & Surprise NBA All Stars – 10:00pm

Jamie Foxx Presents Love & Basketball celebrity bash hosted by Amber Rose and Surprise NBA All Stars. This event will take start at 10:00pm at the Caesars Pier Shops on boardwalk, located at One Atlantic.

 

Sunday July 3, 2011

Jamie Foxx & Young Rich Present The Ciroc Celebrity All White Beach Party – 12:00pm-5:00pm

Jamie Foxx & Young Rich will have a star studded all white beach party courtesy of Ciroc. The beach party will take place from 12:00pm-5:00pm at Beach at Bally’s located on Park & Boardwalk. 

Jamie Foxx & Friends Live in Concert at The House Of Blues – 8:00pm

Jamie Foxx and surprise celebrity guest will perform live at the house of blues. The event will start at 8:00pm. The House Of Blues is located at 801 Boardwalk.

Jamie Foxx & Uptown Magazine Present Any Given Sunday hosted by Chad Ochocinco – 10:00pm

Jamie Foxx & Uptown Magazine presents a celebrity gala hosted by Chad Ochocinco. The event will begin at 10:00pm and will take place at The Pier Shops at Caesars located at One Atlantic.

 

 

Entertainment, NYC

NYC Gets Ready To Dance

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May in New York City brings lots of tequila on Cinco de Mayo, tons of sailors during Fleet Week and plenty of parties to mark the unofficial start of summer over Memorial Day weekend.  For the past five years, May in Gotham also sends New Yorkers dancing in the street with Dance Parade New York.  If you missed the festivities that occurred on Saturday, May 21, there is still an opportunity to get your dance on in June.   The seventh season of National Dance Week – NYC begins June 15 with a kick-off event featuring choreographer Michelle Robinson leading a routine of more than 20 dancers at Union Square.  National Dance Week – NYC is an annual 10-day festival that enlists the support of well known dance studios and fitness centers throughout New York City in an effort to commemorate the beauty and variety of dance and offers free dance, fitness and wellness classes. 

Participating studios include The Ailey Extension; American Tap Dance Foundation, Astoria Fine Arts Dance, Ballet Basics, Bridge for Dance: Brooklyn Ballet, Covenant Ballet Theatre of Brooklyn, Dance Manhattan, Dance New Amsterdam, Dhoonya Dance, Dokoudovsky New York Conservatory of Dance, Fit, Fab and Sexy, Fit, Fab, Teens, Flamenco con Magdalena, Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, Fred Astaire (West Side), The Hip-Hop Dance Conservatory, Joffrey Ballet School, Kat Wildish at The Ailey Extension, LA Dance, Mark Morris Dance Center, Marie-Christine Giordano Dance, Nika Ballet Studio, Peridance Capezio Center, Pushing Progress, The Queens Dance Project, Sandra Cameron Dance Center, STREB Extreme Action, Tropical Image NY and Yoga Works (Downtown).  To view the lists and schedules of studios, offerings and instructions, click on NDW-NYC’s website at www.ndw-nyc.org/free-classes.

The festival ends on June 26 with a special performance from Jacob Clemente who plays the lead role of Billy Elliot on Broadway. I suggest all New Yorkers put their dancing shoes on and get to stepping.  National Dance Week – NYC is a great way to experience the eclecticism of NYC’s dance scene.

Just in case you missed last month’s dance parade, check out the slideshow.

Slideshow:  Ronnie Ginnever, Brian Lin, Leonard Rosemarin and Jessica E. Stack

Arts, Entertainment

F.A.M.E NYC Remembers Sidney Lumet

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“While the goal of all movies is to entertain, the kind of film in which I believe goes one step further. It compels the spectator to examine one facet or another of his own conscience. It stimulates thought and sets the mental juices flowing.”  – Sidney Lumet  

Dog Day Afternoon…12 Angry Men…Prince of the City…Serpico…Night Falls on Manhattan…The Wiz, no other director offered as many complex stories about New York City as Sidney Lumet.  I was initially introduced to his movies when I was a child.  My mother was (and still is) a television czarina and a classic movies junkie.  AMC was the channel of choice in our household, and while I wanted to see the latest and greatest on HBO, we always ended up watching a film with an epic musical score, cast of 1,000’s and actors who were megastars before I was even thought of. 

12 Angry Men was my first Sidney Lumet film.  It was different from most of the other films I had seen.  The score was incidental; almost all the scenes took place in a stuffy jury room, but the breadth of the actors masterful command of the dialogue and emotion of the story, filled each frame to its fullest capacity.  This film left an indelible impression on me about the justice system – what the system could be when used correctly and to its maximum potential.  From then on I was hooked.  I devoured Sidney Lumet films like a kid pigging-out on penny candy.  For me his films were like partaking in a free sociology class, even before I was required to take one.  While watching a Sidney Lumet movie I learned lessons about human nature; lessons that I am still attempting to master today.

Sidney Lumet’s stories generally focused on the grittier side of the city – the side that is least attractive at the surface – but like the snip of sand that gets caught in a clam, he knew that it is from grit that a pearl is ultimately cultivated.   His movies were like deep seas pearls, oddly shaped, unique works of art that should be coveted and displayed for their beauty and preciousness. I want to thank Sidney Lumet for all the magnificent shades he painted of the Big Apple on celluloid.  In a time in which all the artisans I looked up to as a young girl seem to be crossing the great divide to the other side where spirit and body no longer coexist, his genius will surely be missed, but his movies will always serve as a reminder of what good filmmaking really is.

Entertainment, NYC

Gettin’ Muggle Wit It

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Discovery Times Square is more like a time portal than an exhibition space.  With its knack for presenting shows that flawlessly harmonize history, culture and spectacle, Discovery Times Square allows New Yorkers to walk through ancient worlds and alternate universes without ever having to step into an airport.  On April 5 the world of muggles and wizards invaded the Big Apple as Harry Potter: The Exhibition opened at Discovery Times Square, marking its final North American Stop before the train to Hogwarts goes international. 

In June 1997, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, the first in a series of seven novels written by British author J.K. Rowling, was released.  Its tremendous popularity spurred the ultimate 20th century homage – a film adaptation.  In 2001, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and the rest of the cast brought the characters to life onscreen and muggle-mania erupted.  In the last decade, fans of the series have watched these child actors grow into young adults and contributed to a franchise that is worth billions.  July 2011 signifies an end of an era as the last Harry Potter film will be released and the fates of the characters that have enraptured millions of devoted followers will be revealed.  Harry Potter: The Exhibition is an homage in its own right – a walk down memory lane, literally.

The exhibition is brought to fruition through the partnership of Global Experience Specialists (GES) and Warner Bros. Consumer Products.  GES is a leading provider of event, exhibition and retail marketing services.  Warner Bros. Consumer Products is a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Entertainment Company and is one of the foremost global merchandising and licensing organizations. In 2009, the exhibition made its world premiere in Chicago; following its debut, it travelled to Boston, Toronto and Seattle.  The timing could not be more felicitous for Harry Potter: The Exhibition to be arriving in New York City; Daniel Radcliffe is blocks away at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre playing the lead character in the 50th anniversary revival of How To Succeed In Business Without Trying.  Like the other exhibits that have passed through Discovery Times Square, Harry Potter: The Exhibition scoops the visitors up and drops them off in the magical world created by the producers, set decorators, costume, graphic, prosthetics, make-up and props designers of the Harry Potter films.  Presented in nine connecting sections, the exhibit is an intricate, multifaceted exploration into the creative nuances of moviemaking. 

The show begins with the Sorting Hat, the famed headpiece that proclaims which house the new arrivals at Hogwarts will be placed into.  Volunteers come forth, and like the movie the hat is placed on their heads, comes alive, assesses the individuals’ personality and assigns them to either Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin.  But the Sorting Hat does have a bit of assistance, before the dormant hat is placed on the volunteer’s head; the volunteer expresses which house they prefer.  Cute and witty, it is an appropriate introduction into the universe of Harry Potter and Hogwarts.  Next the group enters The Pre-Show, an eight screen montage of the Harry Potter films.  The video mosaic culminates with the whistle to the Hogwarts Express being heard and the wall of the Pre-Show rising to reveal a replica of the train that takes the students to Hogwarts. A colossal vision to behold, the replica along with the mist that accompanies it gives the audience the sense that they are about to embark on a journey of sight, sound and emotions. 

After the Pre-Show, the exhibition truly begins.  Guests are led past a gallery of portraits and the Fat Lady, the guardian of the Gryffindor area of the castle/school, into the third installment of the exhibition, the Gryffindor Common Room.   Gryffindor is the house that Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, the series principle characters, belong to.  In this area the audience views the house colors (scarlet and gold), Harry’s glasses and wand, Ron’s monogrammed sweater and the Marauder’s Map.  Past the Gryffindor Common Room are the dormitories where the visitors can view more of the wardrobe and garner an understanding of the actors’ journey growing from children to young adults as the clothing shows their physical growth from the first film to the last.  The fourth set are the classrooms – displays of the props and costumes of the Potions, Divinations, Defense Against the Dark Arts as well as a recreation of the Herbology greenhouse.  This is one of three areas in which the touching of props is encouraged – visitors can pull a squealing Mandrake from its potted roots. 

Once out of the classroom area, the tour goes outside the grounds of Hogwarts into the Forbidden Forest – the audience can get up close and personal with the Hungarian Horntail Dragon, a Centaur and a Thestral.  Also displayed are Buckbeak the Hippogriff and additional costuming from the film.  The Forbidden Forest leads to Hagrid’s Hut, which is actually located on the outskirts of the forest in the book and film series.  This oversize room contains Hagrid’s clothing, the Monster Book of Monsters as well as a mammoth chair that visitors can sit in.   Quidditch is the sport of choice for wizards and is the next section of the exhibit complete with Quidditch equipment, a Nimbus 2000 broom, the Golden Snitch used in all the movies and uniforms from the different houses.  If a guest is feeling athletic, they are invited to toss a Quaffle around and try to score a point or two. The exhibit takes a dark turn as the next segment is dedicated to the darker elements of the films.  On display are the Angel of Death Statue, robes, costumes and masks of Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters.  The tour of the enchanting world of Hogwarts and its inhabitants ends in grand fashion with the Great Hall.  The Great Hall is a setting that plays a major role in the film, visitors will view props and costumes from the Yule Ball, Professors McGonagall and Dumbledore’s costumes and wands as well as Dobby, the house elf, and Fawkes, Professor Dumbledore’s phoenix.

The exhibitions build in excitement and education with each setting seemingly more fascinating and fabulous than the previous one.   The price for admission for Harry Potter: The Exhibition is $25.00 for adults and $19.50 for children ages 4-12; an audio tour is available for $7.00.  The items of the exhibit are labeled with numbers and information about the artifact, with the audio tour the visitor can learn more information about the prop by the people that actually manufactured it.  Both the price for admission and the audio tour are worth every penny.  This exhibit is a must see for anyone that is a fan of the Harry Potter series or anyone that is a true movie buff.  I have never read J.K. Rowling’s books and I have not watched the Harry Potter film series in its entirety, but I found Harry Potter: The Exhibition to be a very enriching experience.  The concern to make these fictional characters and settings believable and the attention to the minutest detail is amazing.  When I arrived at Discovery Times Square, I was a muggle novice; I left feeling as if I had known and grown with the cast (human and non-human) as well as any Harry Potter fan and will be eagerly anticipating seeing how it all ends when the last film is released in July.   Harry Potter: The Exhibition, leaves New York City September5, go and indulge the wizard in you.

Photos courtesy of Discoverytsx.com

 

Fashion, Going Out

A Night Fit for the King

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March in New York City is known for two things, gusty winds whipping around skyscrapers and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  But on the evening of March 12th, a zephyr blew the trendy and fashionable to Millesime, located on 92 Madison Avenue, for The Luxxx Ball presented by Legendary Damon, American Apothecary and Remy Martin.  Just in case you have not heard, The Luxxx Ball is Legendary Damon’s annual birthday celebration.  And for all you FAMERS in bed by the stroke of midnight, Legendary Damon is a stylist, a high priest in the religion of fashion and the king of NYC nightlife. 

Using the Studio 54 blueprint (a well mixed masala of average Joes with celebrities du jour) Damon has had the NYC party scene on lockdown for over a decade.  His parties are as renowned as his name and this year’s The Luxxx Ball can certainly be added to the pantheon of great events.  Wall to wall there were people trying to do their best to adhere to the invitation’s request “dress to impress the king.”  The VIP was spilling over when the nightlife czar made his grand entrance complete with Kente cloth, head wrapped rose bearers sashaying to the “King’s Motorcade” from Coming to America.  Legendary Damon glittered in royal blue and canary yellow and sported a blue crown.  And who entertained the King, the Queen Bee.  Lil Kim brought the crowd to a frenzy performing her greatest hits as well as a track off her new Black Friday mixtape.  Rapper Unique and Mic Murphy from The System also serenaded sultan of style.  After observing the events of this momentous evening, I have only one comment: It is good to be the king.

Photos:  Jason Rodriguez

Entertainment, NYC

Tis the Season to Give

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The holiday season in New York City is a sparkly, spectacular time – the tree in Rockefeller Center and 5th Avenue window displays bring wonderment to the eye and can inject any Scrooge with the Christmas spirit.  But just as the holiday season is a time of celebration, it is also a time of giving.  Brooklyn’s O.D.X-treme PRAISE SHOW, a weekly internet radio show on Everyday Radio, is giving New Yorkers the opportunity to celebrate and show a little charity.  The O.D.X-treme PRAISE SHOW is having their annual Holiday Concert with a Purpose on December 10 at the Everyday Radio Station, located on 1467 Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn.    The concert/ coat and toy drive is in its second year and will include guest performers Gary Anglin, Camille Newman, Xavier Bost and many more.  In lieu of an admission fee, the O.D.X-treme PRAISE SHOW asks for audience members to donate a toy or slightly used coat which will go to New York Cares.  Come on FAMERS show the city we love how much we care.  Support this awesome event!

Entertainment, FAME

Wintuk Begins Its Final Season in Thrilling Fashion

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Right before Thanksgiving, there are some staples New Yorkers expect to see in their city – the Rockefeller Christmas tree has arrived, major department stores have unveiled their seasonal window displays and for the last four years Cirque du Soleil has provided a winter wonderland inside Madison Square Garden. 

Wintuk combines the English word “winter” with Inupiaq phonetics and was first created in 2007.   The show centers on a boy named Jaime who lives in a city that has all the characteristics of winter with the exception of one major element, snow (which may be a good thing depending on who you ask).  Jaime craves snow, so much so that he goes on a quest to find it.  He befriends a homeless woman who is actually a shaman from the mystical tundra of Wintuk and they along with Shadow Girl (another friend of Jamie) and Wimpy (a sheepish clown-like figure) begin the search to find the mythical arctic city.   During their exposition, they encounter bumbling thieves, singing lampposts, gigantic fluffy dogs, cranes,  glacier  beasts, people that seem to be constructed without bones and cops that can give T.J. Lavin a run (or should I say jump) for his money.

Cirque du Soleil intended this incarnation of their modern circus to be an introduction to families into their animated world, the success of their four year run is more than a testament to its appeal.   Wintuk is an icy extravaganza for kids of all ages; it is The Wiz on steroids providing maximum visual stimulation.  You will find your eyes and head zipping back and forth from one end of the stage to the other as you attempt to take in this spectacle in its entirety.  The show allows the daredevil in all of us to run free as we live vicariously through the performers as they execute high-flying, body twisting stunts.  It has been years since I have been to a circus, and I was extremely impressed with the sophisticated display in which Cirque du Soleil showcases typical circus acts.  Who needs lions, tigers, bears and elephants on parade when you can view beauty, grace and strength as you are swept out of your seats with amazing theatrical acrobatics? 

The Slack Wire act, completed on a clothesline, features an equilibrist who showcases concentration, form, might and agility all while comically pulling up his pants.  Walking and chewing bubble gum is beyond elementary for the young lady that fuses hip-hop choreography with juggling.  Rola-Bola is a seat cringer that showcases one of the most nimble performers I have ever seen.  Rag Doll is an illustration of what a human could do without a skeletal frame.  This super contortionist makes body twisting look like a piece of cake.  Power Track is a nothing less than electric jolts of power and precision, the tumbling sequences that are performed raises eyelids and keeps mouths on the floor.  The Aerial Straps and Hoops routines were my favorite.  Ethereal and poetic the aerosaltants ascend above the stage and perform a dexterous ballet.  The hoops act is performed by the high priestess of Wintuk.  The skill displayed as she contorts her body while managing to rotate multiple hula hoops on various body parts is the perfect combination of art and athleticism.  When Wimpy utters, “I love you,” in his high pitch tone, I think he carried the sentiment of all the men and teenage boys in the theatre.

And for those New Yorkers that miss seeing flakes fall from the atmosphere, Cirque du Soleil ends the show with a confetti snow shower that outdoes any ticker-tape parade.  The tricks, music and dancing places Wintuk in the winner column for an unconventional family outing, just make sure you remind your kids not to try anything they have seen at home.  Wintuk’s final run at the WAMU theatre at Madison Square Garden will end on January 2, and is a must see.  The smiles, laughter and memories you receive will warm your soul long after the polar production is gone.

Entertainment, NYC

Kim Fields Lends Expertise to Lens on Talent

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Kim Fields comes from an acting/directing /producing dynasty that rivals any in Hollywood.  After receiving the acting bug from her mom, seven-year-old Kim and Chip (her mother) ignited a path from their native Harlem to LA determined to find success in show business during a time when black faces on the big and small screen were a virtual paradox.  Kim’s luminous smile and personality secured her roles in commercials and eventually landed her the role of Tootie Ramsey on The Facts of Life.  Chip built a solid career as an director, consultant and dialogue coach and has appeared in numerous films, TV shows and theatre.  After 30 years in the entertainment industry, the course Kim and Chip paved allowed for countless black actors and actresses, including baby sister Alexis, to shadow their footprints.  Members of Gen X grew up with Kim, watching her on The Facts of Life.  As twenty-something’s, we watched her play bougie Regine Hunter on Living Single.  She became a part of our extended family and thanks to syndication, she is becoming known to Gen Y and future generations.  As Blondielocks, she has added another notch in her career as a poet and spoken word artist.   For the past year and a half, Kim has been the lead director for Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns and House of Payne.  This winter she will embark on the role of supervising producer and director for an upcoming Tyler Perry comedy.  Along with juggling a work schedule that must have her calendar bleeding with ink, she also balances the duties of being a wife and mother.

The elevator doors opened to Gary’s Loft, located on 28-30 West 36th Street, to expose a space almost deaf with silence –only the faint voices of Kim and young female documentary filmmaker could be heard from around the corner while the crew meticulously worked to get the interview completed in one take. The footage would be used in an upcoming episode of Lens on Talent:  A Johnson & Johnson Filmmaker’s Challenge, BET’s ground-breaking show featuring the best emerging black filmmakers and short films.  Besides making sure my platform sandals do not clunk against the wood, I became aware of the love permeating throughout the room.  As the crew watched the footage on monitors, whispered and tip-toed about and members of the media quietly waited to meet Kim, the emotion seeped into my pores and left me agog.  There were no divas on the set; everyone was devoted to the success of this project.  Just as quickly as I noticed the temper of the room, I also realized that Kim was the source behind the affection that had swept the penthouse.   She stood in a black blazer and skirt and camouflage heels, a tiny force of nature in a blonde natural updo.  She walked over to me and the other members of the press, introduced herself and shook our hands, her 10,000 watt smile beaming even brighter in person.  I chuckled inside saying, “Girl, I know who you are.”  Or maybe I did not.  Suddenly it struck me, Kim Fields is no ordinary mortal –she is a superwoman.  Not the facade illustrated in comics, but the kind women aspire to be, a woman in harmony with her feminine, spiritual and professional self.

Most people are familiar with the phrase, “Those who can – do. Those who can’t – teach.”  I believe a perfect host straddles that famous sentiment, so when BET went shopping for a new host for its second season of Lens on Talent, television legend Kim Fields was a logical, insightful choice.  “I actually was approached over the summer to do some social media hosting and my big brother Blair (Underwood) was supposed to be the host for season two,” Kim reveals, “and we did a panel discussion at NYU that Johnson and Johnson sponsored.  And Blair, as you know, is now the face of the president on The Event and wasn’t able to do both schedule wise, and they said, ‘Hey, what about you.’”  Kim was familiar with the show’s concept and admired Johnson & Johnson’s eagerness to shine a spotlight on urban talent and realizing that she had time in her schedule before she goes back to work at Tyler Perry Studios, she accepted. 

The first season of Lens on Talent was hosted by actress Sanaa Lathan and was a rousing success.  Two episodes from this season have aired and featured Precious executive producer Lisa Cortés and filmmaker Nelson George, and is already showing signs that it will be just as popular as its inaugural season.  Kim is no novice at hosting.  While attending Pepperdine University she co-created, produced and hosted the award-winning Campus Spotlight: Live with Kim Fields and when she agreed to host the BET filmmaker’s showcase, she approached the project with an open mind.  “I wasn’t really sure what to expect, so I don’t think I went into it with any expectations,” she admits.  “You know you go into something… and I thought I’m going to host.  I’m going to have a few conversations and introduce some films.  But I should’ve known I that was going to be inspired because I was inspired at the panel discussion at NYU this summer.  With each guest I’m speaking to, each filmmaker’s bio that I’m reading, I’m getting reinvigorated as a filmmaker. “

After decades of acting, Kim made the decision to start directing.  Kim always had an interest for the behind-the-scenes processes of filmmaking and describes herself as a “crew baby.”   Although she admitted that being an actor assisted in her transition, she was determined to become a well-rounded director, able to attend to the needs of the actors and the crew. Therefore, learning the technical and visual aspects of directing was equally important.  For the young filmmakers selected to be a part of Lens on Talent, the opportunity to meet and chat with an industry veteran who knows what it is like to be in front of and behind the camera must be thrilling experience.  But for the aspiring directors that will be watching the show, Kim has some advice, “You gotta learn the craft, whether you learn it in a film school, read about it online, get a book, intern at some production company or on film sets,” she says, “and then surround yourself with people who know what they are doing.  I’m a huge sports fan, and I liken what I do sports.  You don’t just have a great star player here or there, you’ve got great coaches and a coaching staff and then you’ve got the front office.  It’s really a team effort.”  Although Kim has been taking on more projects behind the camera, her love of acting has not diminished.  “I’ve not retired by any means as an actor just because I’ve been directing more,” she says.  The projects she chooses are determined by scheduling and the figures on the contract.

As the afternoon continued, Kim shared her thoughts about being a black actor in Hollywood and starring in a reality TV show – quick answer no.  Still convinced that her golden lasso and bracelets were tucked safely in loft somewhere, I inquired about how she became a flesh and blood superwoman.  Superman jumps skyscrapers with a single leap and catches bullets with his teeth, but Kim Fields acts, directs, produces, hosts, writes and performs poetry and publishes short stories all while maintaining the commitments of a family.  Kim dispensed a jewel for anyone looking to achieve an order of balance.  “Balance does not always mean fifty-fifty,” she quickly points out, “balance is a constant teeter-tottering of the scales.  So sometimes it’s a matter of if I know I’m work…work…work…work…work, then there’s time that Sebastian and I specifically have that’s mommy and Sebastian time.  Same thing with Chris, you can’t pour so much into your child that you forget you’re still a spouse and a partner and a helpmate. And sometimes you’re gonna get out of rhythm, but what you do about that I think is what’s equally as important.”   As our media round table wrapped, Kim thanked all the journalists, gave us one last peek of that effervescent smile and then it was off to do another set of interviews.  I may never know if she holds any special powers outside of the gifts she possessed and honed from birth, but after smelling the scent of soul food wafting through the loft, I know Kim does one thing that every mortal does – she eats. 

Photos courtesy of bet.com and D. Austin