Monday night, September 27, 2021, will go down in infamy as in The Metropolitan Opera’s 138-year history that a Black composer debut an opera about Black people. The multiple Grammy-winning musician and composer Terence Blanchard’s “Fire Shut Up In My Bones” not only was the Opening Night program of the 2021-22 season, it was also the first time that the Met had opened a season with a work by a living composer since 1966. This was a grand night at the opera all around with guests dressed to impress in chic black tie attire as they strolled about the fountain outside Lincoln Center before entering the beautiful opera house.

The bar was set high and Blanchard’s opera soared. The celebrated composer leaped over all barriers to see his narrative come to fruition. And he left no one out. While nearly 4,000 people had tickets to watch the performance at Lincoln Center, hundreds were able to catch a free livestream of the event at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem and Times Square.

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Yannick Nézet-Séguin had the distinction of conducting Blanchard’s operatic adaptation of Charles M. Blow’s moving memoir. The masterwork, which featured a libretto by filmmaker Kasi Lemmons, tells a tragic and reflective story about a young man’s journey to overcome a life of trauma and hardship. James Robinson and Camille A. Brown—two of the creators of the Met’s sensational recent production of Porgy and Bess—co-direct this new staging. Brown, who is also the production’s choreographer, becomes the first Black director to create a mainstage Met production. Baritone Will Liverman, one of opera’s most exciting young artists, stars as Charles, alongside soprano Angel Blue as Destiny/Loneliness/Greta, soprano Latonia Moore as Billie, and Walter Russell III as Char’es-Baby.

Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation, which helped underwrite “Fire” with a $1.25 million grant, said the opera was a reminder of the importance of presenting a diverse array of artists. The foundation is also supporting the Met premiere of Anthony Davis’s “X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X” in 2023. “What we saw Monday night is what happens in America when diversity is unleashed, when we see creativity that we’ve not been able to see,” Walker said. “If opera is to thrive in the future as an art form in America, productions like this can’t be exceptions outside the mainstream canon.”

Blanchard has high hopes that this event will bring more people to the stage. “These young, African American singers are here. They’re just not being covered,” Blanchard said.

SYNOPSIS: The opera takes place in and around the small and poor town of Gibsland, in northwestern Louisiana, as well as at Blow’s alma mater, Grambling State University. The time ranges from Charles’s childhood in the 1970s to his adulthood in the 1990s.

ASSETS: Terence Blanchard (b. 1962) is a celebrated composer whose many works express his roots in jazz but defy further categorization. A prolific creator in a wide variety of forms and genres, he is especially celebrated for his close collaboration with director Spike Lee and his accomplishments as an award-winning composer of more than 60 film scores. Charles M. Blow (b. 1970) is a noted journalist and commentator. He is a regularly featured op-ed columnist for The New York Times and an anchor for the Black News Channel. The libretto for “Fire Shut Up in My Bones” marks the first foray into opera for Kasi Lemmons (b. 1961), a noted writer, actress, and director.

CREATIVE TEAM: Conductor: Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Directors: James Robinson, Camille A. Brown. Set Designer: Allen Moyer. Costume Designer: Paul Tazewell. Lighting Designer: Christopher Akerlind. Projection Designer: Greg Emetaz. Choreographer: Camille A. Brown.

CREDITS: Baritone Will Liverman, one of opera’s most exciting young artists, stars as Charles, alongside soprano Angel Blue as Destiny/Loneliness/Greta, soprano Latonia Moore as Billie, and Walter Russell III as Char’es-Baby. (Photos: Ken Howard for the Met) 

Iconic Black designer dresses Bon Appetit’s Editor-in-Chief Dawn Davis

By Audrey J. Bernard

  Shame on the folks behind the Met Gala for never extending an invitation to top Black Fashion Designer B Michael to attend fashion’s biggest night out! Oh, the hypocrisy of it all especially in light of this year’s theme “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.” The black-tie extravaganza honored the 75th anniversary of the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and was Part One of a two-part mega-show marking the relevancy and power of American Fashion. “It was an American theme and my expectation was there would be more Americans participating, but that’s subjective,” said B Michael who has dressed the who’s who of Black Elegance including his beloved friend and muse Cicely Tyson.

 The gala has become an exclusive showcase for select designers and a playground for the richly famous oftentimes eluding the participation of young Black and Brown designers. “Many of the young designers reweaving the fabric of American fashion could not afford to compete on the Met’s red carpet platform either, which speaks to how much work needs to be done, and is being done on the financial side thanks to James and her 15 Percent Pledge, the Black in Fashion Council and other new initiatives,” expressed B Michael.

Michael, who has never been invited to show at the event, was contacted by Bon Appetit’s editor-in-chief Dawn Davis to design an outfit for the occasion. Michael was honored by the request and the two collaborated to design a two-piece gold metallic top and trumpet skirt whereupon the designer took this pivotal fashion moment to pay homage to several American Black fashion designers “who contributed to the tapestry of American fashion.”

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  Michael designed Davis’s masterpiece look in gold to symbolize luxury, achievement, accomplishment and triumph. He then did something very unselfish and charismatic. Knowing that many of his fellow Black designers have also been shunned by this event, he decided to share this opportunity afforded him to include them. So he embroidered their names at the rim of the skirt. “As Dawn Davis ascends the steps of the Met Gala, Elizabeth Keckley, Anne Lowe, Arthur McGee, Willi Smith, Patrick Kelly, Scott Barrie, Jay Jaxon and B Michael will make fashion history together,” Michael divulged with pride.

  Details: 2-piece Evening Masterpiece, fabricated in gold-metallic silk lame completely embroidered with gold paillettes; top with collar-draped cap-sleeve, matching trumpet-skirt bordered with brightly colored embroidery of the names of Iconic Black American Fashion Designers: Elizabeth Keckley, Scott Barrie, Ann Lowe, Arthur McGee, Willi Smith, Patrick Kelly, & Jay Jaxon. Accessories: Earrings: diamond and gemstone sunburst. Bracelet: wave cuff in yellow gold and pave diamonds. Ring: daisy ring in yellow gold and white diamonds. All jewelry created by Black American Fine Jewelry Designer, Sheryl Jones. @sheryljonesjewelry.

  Handbag: “The Rodeo” designed by Emm Kuo @emmkuony. Shoes: Satin burgundy sling back by Chanel. Make-up: Theo Kogan using Pat McGrath Labs. Hair: David Kemp.

  B Michael and his husband Mark-Anthony Edwards Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO of B Michael Global are grateful to Dawn Davis for this tremendous opportunity to share the fashion stage at the Met Gala with seven-fashion industry trailblazers. (Photo Credit: Getty Images

By Audrey J. Bernard

The Disney people are singing a happy tune with the celebrated release of its bigger than life “Jungle Cruise” which cruised to the top of the weekend box office opening with $34.2M at the domestic box office and a worldwide box office debut of $61.8M making the action packed adventure King of the jungle.

“Jungle Cruise” is an epic success for the behemoth film company and the year-long wait was worth it as fan favorites Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson delivered the goods. The dynamic twosome was irresistibly charming and fun to watch. Their chemistry was magical and effortless which made the fun movie a joyful experience.

There is something for everyone in this thrilling escapade. Blunt and Johnson are the new couple to watch. They play off each other like kids in the sandbox delivering lots of laughs along the way. This is a great family movie and the wild and crazy antics will endear you to the entire cast. ”Jungle Cruise” rocks!

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Director Jaume Collet-Serra delivered a wildly venturesome movie wringing in fantasy. In celebration Disney hosted a grand world premiere screening on Saturday, July24, 2021, at Disneyland in Anaheim, California for the cast who were dressed to the nines. The star-studded celebration was epic in every way.

SYNOPSIS: Join fan favorites Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt for the adventure of a lifetime on Disney’s “Jungle Cruise,” a rollicking thrill-ride down the Amazon with wisecracking skipper Frank Wolff and intrepid researcher Dr. Lily Houghton. Lily travels from London, England to the Amazon jungle and enlists Frank’s questionable services to guide her downriver on La Quila—his ramshackle-but-charming boat. Lily is determined to uncover an ancient tree with unparalleled healing abilities—possessing the power to change the future of medicine. Thrust on this epic quest together, the unlikely duo encounters innumerable dangers and supernatural forces, all lurking in the deceptive beauty of the lush rainforest. But as the secrets of the lost tree unfold, the stakes reach even higher for Lily and Frank and their fate— and mankind’s—hangs in the balance.

CREDITS: Jaume Collet-Serra directs the film, which stars Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Edgar Ramírez and Jack Whitehall, with Jesse Plemons, and Paul Giamatti. John Davis, John Fox, Dwayne Johnson, Hiram Garcia, Dany Garcia and Beau Flynn are the producers, with Scott Sheldon and Doug Merrifield serving as executive producers. The story is by Glenn Ficarra & John Requa and Michael Green, and the screenplay is by Glenn Ficarra & John Requa. Disney’s “Jungle Cruise” was released in U.S. theaters on Friday, July 30, 2021 to great reviews. (Photo by  Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Disney)

  There is no stopping 42-year-old singer, songwriter and entertainer Usher who worked a sold-out crowd of 4,300 that attended the 90-minute opening night show of his Las Vegas Residence at Caesars Palace Friday, July 16, 2021, into a fever pitch of enthusiasm. This was the first show at Caesars’ largest showroom since the coronavirus pandemic closed the Entertainment Capital of the World. And “Mr. Wonderful” was ready and energized from start to finish performing more than 20 of his singles, including There Goes My Baby,” “Without You,” “Lovers & Friends,” “Caught Up,” “Burn,” “Confessions,” “Don’t Waste My Time,” “I Don’t Mind,” “Bad Girl,” “Good Kisser” and “Back to Sleep.” “Yeah! Yeah! Usher was on fire! In addition to electrifying dance numbers including Usher strapping up his roller skates for a stunning skating party performance which had all the high rollers in the house shouting for more.

  In homage to his strip club fans where he’s known to make it rain, during a segment of the show he made it rain from the Colosseum’s upper area with drops of thousands of the infamous “Usher Bucks” — novelty dollar bills imprinted with his profile — to the audience below creating pandemonium. Also adding fuel to the fire and steaming up the scene were several dancers showing off their snaky moves on stripper poles. A-mazing!

   Always dapper, he did not hold back in the fashion department and had as many changes as Diana Ross — Usher in blue sequins. Usher in a gold-beaded, black T-shirt with a matching Atlanta Braves ball cap. Usher in black leather on roller skates. Usher in all silver. Usher in pink.

 He performed “Without You” for his finale song and the crowd went ballistic. The raucous applause was deafening. Then, surrounded by his band, dancers and members of his family Usher said, “Man, this feels so good I don’t want to close this curtain and stop,” he told the crowd just before exiting the stage for the night.

  Off stage he said, “We managed to put together a show that I think has definitely made a lot of people happy and more than anything it’s a pleasure and a continuum of my passion because I love this.” He added, “I think this pandemic gave us an opportunity to really value the things and people around us, to see each other, and in that moment, that’s what I felt.”

By Audrey J. Bernard

Here’s a history question for New Yorkers. Did you know that the Gracie Mansion Conservancy was established to preserve, maintain, enhance and enliven Gracie Mansion where sitting mayors of New York City and their families have called home since 1942. It is still one of the oldest surviving wood structures in Manhattan and the home for NYC mayors. The first sitting Mayor to call it home was Mayor LaGuardia and his family. Home sweet home.

On Wednesday, June 30, 2021, the stewards of The People’s House presented its 2021 Virtual Gala at Gracie Mansion at 6:00 PM ET which was hosted by Tony Award Nominee Sheryl Lee Ralph. This one-of-a-kind evening – themed “Raising the Curtain: Theater Is Back!” – was a fabulous celebration of Broadway, the heartbeat of New York City. Yes, baby – Broadway is Back and Bigger, Better and more Beautiful than ever!

The 2021 Gracie Mansion Conservancy Gala, hosted by Broadway’s original Deena Jones from Dreamgirls, Tony Award nominee, producer, and AIDS activist, Ms. Sheryl Lee Ralph (in the 40th Anniversary year of Dreamgirls), featured premiere performances and appearances from the upcoming Thoughts of a Colored Man from playwright Keenan Scott II and director Steve H. Broadnax III; the Co-Chair of the American Theatre Wing, Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, three-time Obie Award winner, and three-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, David Henry Hwang; from the upcoming much-anticipated revival of Company, Bobby Conte Thornton; from the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Dear Evan Hansen, Jessica Phillips; and from the brand-new musical Swept Away, having its premiere at Berkeley Rep next year, John Gallagher, Jr.; and Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, the composer of the longest-running show in Broadway history.

During the jubilant celebration, Tony Award winner Brian Stokes Mitchell was presented the Key to the City for his work as Chairman of The Actors Fund which has raised over $22 million to support over 40,000 out-of-work theater and entertainment professionals during the COVID pandemic. In addition, a silent auction featured artists exhibited in the Gracie Mansion public rooms since 2019 in the shows She Persists: A Century of Women Artists in New York, 1919-2019 and CATALYST: Art and Social Justice. Proceeds of the evening will benefit the Gracie Mansion Conservancy and The Actors Fund.

The 2021 Virtual Gala creative team included Paul McGill, (Director) Harry McFann (Director of Photography), Eliza Anastasio (original music), and Rick Miramontez and Matthew Troillett (Producers). Susan Goulet served as Production

    Taraji P. Henson hosted the 2021 BET Awards show on Sunday, June 27, 2021, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles and had more changes than Diana Ross!  Ironically, Ross was the first look she imitated in her tribute to Black women who’ve inspired her including Erykah Badu, Betty Boop (who is Black), H.E.R. and Tina Turner.  Henson nailed each look!

    The “Power” star entered the room looking like a boss diva lowered onstage from above on a swing.  “This is how a bitch is supposed to enter a room,” she said to the roar of the crowd who were all vaccinated before entering the venue.  This was the first live show since the pandemic began and folks were happy to be out and see each other.  Attendees were dressed to the nines.

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    The women looked stunning and the men were handsome; and everyone came to have a good time and party.  And no one held their joy back!  “Celebrating Black women isn’t a fad or a trend it’s a forever mood” Henson said, opening up the show. “There is more than enough room for all of us to thrive, because can’t nobody be like me and can’t nobody be you like you.” 

 There were several joyful outbursts during this exquisite celebration of Black Culture.  Cardi B.’s captivating performance onstage with Migos bared her baby bump in a blinged-out cutout bodysuit by Dolce & Gabbana revealing that she and husband Offset are expecting their second child was received with thunderous applause.

    But the act which had everyone clutching their pearls was Lil Nas X who ended his Egyptian-themed rendition of “Montero” with a steamy kiss with one of his male backup dancers.  It rocked the audience and several audience members gave him a standing ovation.  Black Twitter went wild!  He even received a Tweet from Diddy who wrote, “Be Fearless!”

Hip Hop History was made with the tribute to rap legend DMX by Swizz Beatz, the Lox, Busta Rhymes, Method Man and several Ruff Ryder OGs who performed in a stunning tribute to him featuring Griselda and Michael K. Williams.

    Lastly, Queen Latifah was honored with the 2021 BET Lifetime Achievement Award for her “amazing success” throughout her decades-long career.  Rap Royalty Lil Kim, Rapsody, MC Lyte and Monie Love performed some of her hits before she was joined on stage by her father, Lancelot Owens, Sr. to accept the honor.  Queen Latifah held a photo of her late mother Rita while giving her speech and expressing her gratitude. “I want to thank BET for creating an outlet for beautiful Blackness to thrive, to shine,” Queen Latifah said.  “When we couldn’t get played on the radio in other places, we couldn’t get our videos played in other places, there was BET that allowed us to be in our fullness.”  For a list of winners go to BET Awards.com.  (Photos by Getty Images)