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Thats Whats Up
By Shellie R. Warren
Columnist
Well, lets see. This week weve got a play, a party, a performance and
(my personal favorite), real reindeer for the younguns. Whoever said
Nashville aint eclectic obviously doesnt know whats up!
From December 16-19, Amun Ra Theatre will be presenting a
holiday production of Langston Hughes play Black Nativity. Let me say
this: if youre looking for a calm and conservative retelling of the birth
of Christ, look elsewhere. Not only does this production promise singing,
dancing and acting, it also incorporates various genres of music and
performances from some of Nashvilles best, including Shonka Dukare,
Shirley Cody, Tim Dillinger, Delali Potakey, Todd Suttles and the
reigning Miss Fisk University, Akua Taylor.
" This is a great way to get into the holiday spirit, because it
looks at the true reason for the season in a creative way, " says
jeff obafemi carr, ARTs founding artistic director and the director of
this production. " People will get a joyous mix of spiritual and
cultural history through the performances of American musical culture,
from Negro spirituals to blues, jazz and hip-hop. Add to this a live band,
and you have a unique opportunity to have an artistic feast at a famine
price. "
Performances are at 8pm Thu., Fri. and Sat., Dec. 16-18, and 2:30pm
Sun., Dec. 19, at the Performing Arts Center at TSU. Tickets are $12
adults, $8 kids 13 and under, and group rates are available. For more
information, call 506-5988.
WFSKs own Robert Luke celebrates his second year on the
air with his smooth jazz-formatted radio show Smooth Side Up. With
complimentary champagne, guest performances and even a stand-up comedy
routine by the host himself (Robert Luke Off The Air!), its sure to be a
memorable evening.
" This is a party celebrating two, count em two, years of the new
morning show being on the block, and its my way of saying thank you to all
of the people who have not only tuned in, but have also encouraged others
to do the same, " says Robert.
The event takes place Thu., Dec. 9, at The Basement (1604 Eighth Ave.
S). Its free to listeners of the show, but RSVPs are requested. For more
information, call 329-8757 or 298-4669.
If youve missed singer-songwriter Mieka Pauley in her previous
visits to 3rd & Lindsley (818 Third Ave. S.), shame on you! I first
heard her at Dancin In The District last year, and she was hot!
Describing her sound as " somewhere between Patty Griffin, Ben
Harper and Martin Sexton, " Pauley says shes elevated in her craft
since her last local performance. " Im starting to play with a band
back home in Boston and New York, and that has benefited my solo acoustic
show as it relates to the arrangements and vocal style. And Ive been
writing a lot, so there will be new songs, as well. "
Mieka performs at 7pm Sun., Dec. 12, at 3rd & Lindsley. Griffin
House and Butterfly Boucher perform later that evening. For more
information call 259-9891 or visit www.mieka.com.
Chances are youve already run into at least one Santa while shopping,
but how many of you can say youve seen one of his reindeer? If you wanna
check em out, Borders Cool Springs (and radio station 92.9 FM) will be
hosting Santa and his friends Fri., Dec. 10, from 3:30-6:30pm.
" (They) will be in the Thoroughbred Village area all week, but
we are so excited to have them here at our store, " says Jeff
Jacobs, district marketing manager. " Its nice to see kids and their
families come out and enjoy their love for Christmastime as well as
reading. It makes for great memories. "
Santa and his reindeer will be on hand for giveaways and pictures. For
more information, call 771-2870.
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