Souleo Universe

On the “A” w/Souleo… Author: admin Apr 10

Big Daddy Kane, the Soul Man?

Harlem Arts Alliance Presents: On the “A” w/Souleo

Hip-hop legend, Big Daddy Kane could spend the rest of his career performing his classic songs all over the world without switching up a single beat. Yet, Kane reveals a fearless energy as he seeks to reinvent himself as a member of Las Supper, a soul, funk and R&B collective.

The announcement shouldn’t be too surprising since in 1991 he recorded an R&B duet featuring Alyson Williams entitled, “I’m Not Ashamed” which appeared on his album Prince of Darkness. Kane’s vocal coach for that song was the legendary, Sarah Dash of Labelle. Apparently the lessons paid off. “Sarah taught me how to stay in pocket singing bass notes and that helps since with this band I am doing backgrounds,” he says.

In addition to background vocals, Kane provides rhymes that enhance the sound of his fellow members, Show Tyme and Lifted Crew. Many of Kane’s lyrics on the band’s debut album Back to the Future are socially conscious, which he hopes will bring a balance to mainstream music. “With this record I hope people see that you can say something educational to the public and make it sound cool.”

Kane isn’t the only one headed down a new path. The journey leading up to Tonya Lewis-Taylor’s debut album, Delayed but Not Denied has been filled with many detours and challenges. After years touring as a back-up singer and rejection from record labels, Lewis-Taylor became burnt out. She eventually went behind-the-scenes to open an event publicity firm with clients including Jay-Z, Kanye West and Russell Simmons. Then in 2005 she created Entertainers 4 Education Alliance, which provides support for youth to have successful academic careers. Looking back Lewis-Taylor is grateful for those experiences but believes that now is her time as a singer even though she is 41-years-old, an age that the music industry usually shuns upon for new artists. “The title song speaks to everyone who had a dream and it has been delayed but God said ‘You’re not denied from the dream,’” she reflects. “Even though things got held up and I had to make adjustments to make money—chasing dreams is expensive. But if you just step out on faith He will open the doors and make it happen for you.”

The cost of pursuing one’s dreams is something that Tenisha Percell, founder of The Skool Boye Agency knows all too well. Before launching her successful college marketing agency, the Bronx native was an intern at various record labels including Def Jam while balancing school and side jobs. Her faith has been rewarded as she recently signed a marketing deal with Epic Records to handle all college and teen marketing for their urban division, which includes acts such as Future, Sean Kingston and Ciara. The entrepreneur sees her role as encompassing more than just marketing. She wants to provide artist development in an industry that has cutback on cultivating the talents and longevity potential of recording artists. “We get to work with young new artists and create their youth marketing campaign before anything else is even decided. So we serve as the artist development for the youth market and the label uses us as an engine or resource to predict what the next move is gonna be,” she says.

There were dazzling moves on display during the Figure Skating in Harlem annual gala at Central Park’s Wollman Rink. Founded by Sharon Cohen, the organization is constantly growing to meet the needs of the girls it serves as it expands into its new Leading Edge Academic Center and plans for the creation of a home ice rink of its own in Harlem. Special guests included Tamara Tunie, Rhonda Ross, designer Vera Wang and honoree B Michael. The latter shared his enthusiasm over his current b michael AMERICA RED Collection which is available at select retailers, including Macy’s. The designer plans to expand the chic ready-to-wear pieces with next year’s launch of the b michael AMERICA BLUE collection. “With next year’s collection we want to create a lifestyle brand. So you’ll be sleeping on our sheets soon,” he says.

Since 1999, B Michael’s creations have been celebrated and worn by the likes of Halle Berry and Cicely Tyson. Still B Michael believes that he is only just beginning to tap into his full potential. “I still feel like I’m in the pioneer mode and everyday developing that business and working to leave a legacy that someday will be worthy of a museum. But now it’s about totally making it happen.”

As Kane and B Michael demonstrate you can never stop evolving.

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The Harlem Arts Alliance is a not for profit arts service organization celebrating 10 years of service to a prestigious list of members such as the Apollo Theater, the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, Columbia University, Harlem Stage (Aaron Davis Hall) and over 850 more cultural/arts institutions and individuals. The weekly column, Harlem Arts Alliance Presents: On the “A” w/Souleo, covers the intersection of the arts, culture and entertainment scene in Harlem and beyond and is written by Souleo, founder and president of event/media content production company, Souleo Enterprises, LLC.

Category: Uncategorized | Tags: b michael, big daddy kane, figure skating in harlem, harlem arts alliance, las supper, souleo, tonya lewis-taylor | Leave a Comment

Lasting Legacy: My What’s Next? Author: admin Apr 07

RSVP: info@souleouniverse.com

Lasting Legacy: My What’s Next? & Closing Reception

To inspire people 50-plus to discover their unique talents, explore new possibilities, and create lasting legacies, AARP’s exhibition features the works of celebrated and emerging artists. During this final event AARP will offer tips on how to chart a course for pursuing goals and dreams after age 50 and turning them into real possibilities. The gallery talk will be followed by a closing reception.

Date:

Wednesday, April 10

Time:

7:00 pm -9:00 pm

Location:

LeRoy Neiman Center, 2785 Frederick Douglass Boulevard @ 148th Street, New York, NY 10039

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Motown to Def Jam Author: admin Apr 07

My latest exhibition is coming soon…for details and to purchase tickets to the special ArtCrawl event please click HERE.

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On the “A” w/Souleo… Author: admin Apr 03

Producer Sidra Smith hopes Angela Davis doc will inspire

Harlem Arts Alliance Presents: On the “A” w/Souleo

When one hears the name of social justice activist, Angela Davis a litany of connotations are immediately formed whether they are accurate or not. The documentary Free Angela and All Political Prisoners aims to correct misconceptions and reveal hidden truths behind the woman who was marked a terrorist and ignited a movement for her freedom as a political prisoner. The film proved to be an engaging learning experience for its Harlem based producer Sidra Smith, the identical twin sister of actress, Tasha Smith.

“A lot of people think they know Angela Davis but they don’t. One of the things I learned is that she wasn’t a Black Panther and I was like wow. So this is a story that everyone needs to know,” says Smith.

She also believes that the Shola Lynch-directed film is relevant for its ability to inspire others to remain committed to their beliefs and goals. “Angela has always fought for what she believed in until this very day. I feel that more women need some of that energy to be more inspired and fight for what we believe in.” The film arrives in select cities on April 5.

Powerful films will also be screened during the 20^th anniversary of the New York African Film Festival at Film Society of Lincoln Center. This year’s banner theme is “Looking Back, Looking Forward” and as founder, Mahen Bonetti reflects on the festival’s past and future she remains committed to further developing and sustaining a global audience for emerging talent. “I’m most proud that we brought together a community that has supported African artists and their works. Looking forward, we are hoping that artists can find an intersection where they share ideas and create a synergy that creates a clamor for their works from audiences here and around the world.”

One of the highly anticipated films at this year’s festival is the historical two-part drama Toussaint Louverture, about the leader of the slave revolts which led to Haiti’s independence from the French. Hollywood actor, Jimmy Jean-Louis plays the title role and hopes that the film challenges audiences to think critically about Haiti’s history. “It is not normal for a country on top of its game 200 years ago to be so disastrous today,” he says. “I don’t think we understand what happened between then and now. It’s a great question and I hope more people will ask that question and try to research it as well.”

He also noted that playing the role has motivated him to continue helping to rebuild Haiti through his foundation, Hollywood Unites for Haiti. “After one year of researching and playing him there is a part of him slowly getting into my skin as well. It’s great ‘cause I am being inspired by him.”

Recognizing a need for more community oriented and affordable art galleries in Park Slope, Brooklyn has led “G-Train Salon” curators Krista Saunders and Jill Benson to team up again to launch Ground Floor Gallery. “We’re hoping to create change by introducing residents of Park Slope, and beyond to emerging, original talent they can support without breaking the bank,” says Saunders. The official opening is April 6 for the exhibition, Next Generation.

With their passion and dedication to empowering communities through their respective projects, Smith, Bonetti, Jean-Louis, Saunders and Benson are ensuring that the legacy of Davis lives on.

Honorable Mentions: Voza Rivers/New Heritage Theatre Group and the New York Academy of Medicine present Speaking in Rhythms: An Afro/Latino Music Mosaic. The series highlights performance and visual artists from East Harlem and the greater New York City community. On April 7, featured performers include the band, Nicky Laboy & His Latin Ensemble Con Licencia and special guest performers, Impact Repertory Theatre.

The City College of New York, the Japanese community and New Heritage Theatre are planning a commemorative program and installation of a reproduction of the original 1912 plaque that was installed in Harlem’s Sakura Park and is now missing. The event takes place on Saturday, April 13 at 10 am at the City College of New York, located at 160 Convent Avenue (138th Street & Convent Avenue) in Harlem.

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Category: Uncategorized | Tags: angela davis, ground floor gallery, harlem arts alliance, jimmy jean-louis, krista saunders, mahen beonetti, new york african film festival, shola lynch, sidra smith, souleo, tasha smith, voza rivers | Leave a Comment

On the “A” w/Souleo… Author: admin Mar 27

Kenneth Gamble lives the message in his music

Harlem Arts Alliance Presents: On the “A” w/Souleo

With their socially conscious message songs, Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff created the timeless Philadelphia sound of soul and now the former is bringing those messages to life with a host of philanthropic endeavors. In 1993, Gamble along with his wife, Faatimah Gamble, founded Universal Companies, a leading Philadelphia based community development and education management corporation. Since its opening the company has created great strides building over 1,500 units of housing and currently managing six charter schools in Philadelphia educating over 3,700 children. For Gamble the project is part of what he feels is his responsibility as a music icon.

“Music played a tremendous role in the civil rights struggle and it is a audiovisual world now,” he says. “African-American music has become pornographic. There is no dignity and that has an effect on our community when you see the murders and disrespect in our communities. How the society has tried to destroy the African-American has been through the media. So it will take the media and entertainment to break us out of this situation.”

For now Gamble is content to give back through direct community outreach and allow his musical legacy to inspire others. Yet if there is one voice that could bring him out of hiatus and back into the recording studio it is, Fantasia. “I’d like to work with Fantasia. I think she has one of the better voices out there now. She needs some great producers and somebody that really cares about her.”

It was all about music, dance and fashion at the Museum of the City of New York’s opening for Stephen Burrows: When Fashion Danced. As the first African-American designer to attain international stature, Burrows helped define the look of the disco era replete with bold color, his signature “lettuce” edge, red zigzag stitching, body-defining silhouettes and more. The enthusiastic attendees created a dazzling scene with their splendid looks, many of which paid homage to Burrows’ style. Guests included Debra Lee, chairman and CEO of the event’s media sponsor, BET, models Iman, Pat Cleveland, Bethann Hardison and iconic fashion designer Catherine Malandrino. The latter expressed her love for the legendary Burrows and how he influenced her outlook on fashion. “He loves life and celebrating it,” she says. “He shows that fashion is all about having fun with color and not taking it too seriously but using it more as an expression.”

For the time being nationally syndicated radio personality, Michael Baisden won’t be able to express his views on-air as his show has been cancelled following failed negotiations with his syndicator, Cumulus Media. The announcement came as a surprise to many of his over 7 million listeners. For Baisden the experience is a learning lesson and a motivation to change the inner workings of the radio industry, which he believes leave on-air talent powerless to syndicators. “The affiliates understand that the contract is with syndicator and not with the talent,” he says. “I want to change that because the talent should have a relationship with the affiliates. Never again will I allow somebody to take me off radio stations. It’s a lesson learned.”

Being that Baisden was one of the media voices willing to tackle relevant issues and had a message, likely means that Gamble hopes that he makes an on-air return soon.

Honorable Mentions: There will be plenty to learn about the remarkable life of Bessie Coleman at La Maison d’Art as the venue presents, A Dream to Fly. As part of Women’s History Month the play tells the story of Coleman, the first African-American female pilot.

On April 6 is the premiere of Celeste Bedford-Walker’s play, Camp Logan, which tells the story of the African-American decorated veterans from the 24th United States Infantry Regiment who were executed after clashing with the white townspeople, leading to the revolts of 1917 that took place in Houston, TX.

Finally, Barbara Russell curates, Under the Radar a monthly art exhibition series in conjunction with the Harlem Arts Alliance for The Physical Therapy of Harlem office. The debut, Flesh features the experiential photography work of Luis Flores with an opening reception and artist talk on April 5 from 5-7 pm at 1400 Fifth Avenue. The exhibition will run from April 5-April 30.

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Category: Uncategorized | Tags: bessie coleman, catherine malandrino, faatimah gamble, fantasia, harlem arts alliance, kenneth gamble, leon huff, michael basiden, souleo, stephen burrows | Leave a Comment

On the “A” w/Souleo… Author: admin Mar 20

Vanessa Williams, Cicely Tyson Forge a Bond on Broadway

Harlem Arts Alliance Presents: On the “A” w/Souleo

All-star cast rehearsals for a major Broadway show can be filled with pressure and anxiety. But for The Trip to Bountiful cast it’s also about style, Chipotle and history lessons. During the press conference at Sardi’s Restaurant in New York City for the revival of Horton Foote’s classic play actors Cicely Tyson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Vanessa Williams and Condola Rashad shared their rehearsal memories before the show begins previews on March 30.

In the play Williams portrays an emotionally cold daughter-in-law to Tyson’s character who sets about a journey to return to her home of Bountiful, Texas for one last time. Well it was anything but icy during rehearsals as Williams became so fond of Tyson that she bought her an expensive and stylish gift. “I came in one day with a pair of new lace-up navy high heel sneakers from Nike and Ms. Tyson commented on them. So I surprised her and gave her a pair,” says Williams.

But Tyson, a style icon, is in no rush to wear the heels. “I haven’t worn them yet. I can put those on the dresser and they will stay there and I will admire them for years before I put them on,” she says.

Williams also connected with fellow cast member, Condola Rashad as the two revealed their mutual appreciation of Chipotle for lunch. Yet what Rashad revealed that she loves more than Chipotle or acting is: music. The Tony-nominee has formed her self-titled rock band and is preparing for a tentative summer release of her debut album, Letter9. “My music is my first passion,” she notes. “It’s different music and new and what people want to hear. It’s a rock band. My mother [Phylicia Rashad] loves it though. I didn’t know she was gonna like it.”

For Gooding, acting remains his first love. The experience of preparing for this production has taught him new lessons about African-American history as the play takes place in the racially tense climate of the American South during 1953. “I haven’t been this in-depth in creating a character since Radio and Boyz N the Hood. So I’ve learned more about the civil rights movement.”

There was much to learn at the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce‘s Quarterly Sponsors Meeting, co-hosted by the Chamber and the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square. The focus was on tourism and its impact on jobs creation, business development and arts and culture. While there was great excitement shared about the economic benefits of tourism, GHCC President/CEO, Lloyd A. Williams reminded attendees not to dismiss local residents in their outreach efforts. “Most of the people who operate businesses in this community are not from this community, and they are not focused on the economic strength of Harlem residents who walk past their business on a daily basis. We spend too much time expecting outside people to support us without asking those inside to be part of it,” he advises.

With over a decade of success, one of the businesses that is catering to the community is Melba’s Restaurants founded by Melba Wilson. She confirmed plans to open another restaurant before the end of the year. “I am opening a new place in Harlem. It will not be an exact replica of Melba’s on 114^th street or Melba’s 125 but there is a common thread which is comfort and seamless service.”

It was all about the community at the opening of the exhibition, Harlem Memorabilia: Reflections in Fiber. In honor of Women’s History Month, Community Works and The Interchurch Center presented the work of 18 fabric artists led by noted Harlem artist and quilt-maker, Dindga McCannon. The exhibit which is part of the Community Matters NYC initiative includes a collection of quilts and hand-made books, created with personal mementos that tell visual stories that are part of the fabric of Harlem. “Women are usually the keepers of memorabilia and this project is about women who have some history with Harlem telling our stories. We all have a love of the Harlem that used to be, as we eye the changes that have come,” says McCannon.

One of the most touching stories to emerge from the project is the collaboration between visual artist, Shimoda and her 88-year-old mother, Izola Emanuel, a former hat maker diagnosed with dementia. During the process of helping her mother create a quilt, Shimoda witnessed how the arts can be a healer for those with the health condition. The resulting artwork by Emanuel is entitled Dominica to Harlem, a tribute to her husband of 57 years. “Art really helps to stimulate the brain and give a sense of purpose. My mother now talks about making hats again. I’m thrilled that I can give back to her what she gave me when I was young,” says Shimoda.

It may not be a long-distance journey like that of Tyson’s character in The Trip to Bountiful, but with the story of Shimoda and Emanuel we learn there’s more than one way to get back home.

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Category: Uncategorized | Tags: cicely tyson, community works, condola rashad, cuba gooding jr, dindga mccannon, greater harlem chamber of commerce, harlem, harlem arts alliance, izola emanuel, lloyd a. williams, melba wilson, shimoda, souleo, tourism, trip to bountiful, vanessa williams | Leave a Comment

On the “A” w/Souleo… Author: admin Mar 06

Avant: Why There’s No Reality TV in His Future

Harlem Arts Alliance Presents: On the “A” w/Souleo

In order to move forward R&B singer-songwriter, Avant had to go back to the sounds of Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross and Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds where he found inspiration for his latest album, Face the Music. “I sat back and paid attention to how their music made me feel,” he says. “It made me feel special. I didn’t feel angry or over aggressive like some of today’s music. So I want to give that feeling back from the old school and bring it into a 2013 format.”

In his efforts to update the classic sound of his musical influences, Avant reunited with his duet partner, Keke Wyatt on the passionate single, “You & I.” Although he appeared on an episode of Wyatt’s “R&B Divas” reality TV show, don’t expect him to further pursue such opportunities. Avant prefers an element of mystery and is only willing to reveal his personal stories through his music. “I try to keep it as private as possible and they keep telling me to open up. But with artists back in the day you didn’t always hear from them and it made you want to buy the record more. Now it’s so personal and it’s all about the image but I still wouldn’t do a reality show.”

Before reality TV was giving the public inside access to the lives of celebrities there was veteran entertainment journalist, Flo Anthony. This past Monday Anthony celebrated her birthday at Native Restaurant with an intimate group of friends including noted theatrical press agent, Irene Gandy and private chef, Loren Locke. It was an evening of great conversation, laughter and reflection as Anthony shared her thoughts on living past 50. “My dad only lived to 54. So I was always worried I wouldn’t make it much past that because his family had a history of dying early. So I am grateful to be alive at this age.” Anthony is also excited about her forthcoming book release, Deadly Stuff Players which arrives on November 19 via national bestselling author Zane’s Strebor Books/Simon and Schuster.

You can help your business come alive next week as Project Enterprise launches Entrepreneur Week with a range of events including: a keynote address from Lowell Hawthorne, CEO of Golden Krust Caribbean Grill on March 11; a panel featuring the industry’s hottest game changers in rising sectors (full disclosure: writer moderates this event) on March 12; a crowdfunding workshop for the Spanish speaking population on March 13 and much more. Project Enterprise executive director, Catherine Barnett believes that the events will be particularly informative for those in the arts and culture industry. “Turning a craft into a business is certainly a growing trend, in addition to self-funding these ventures,” she says. “Learning about general business trends and topics can only help artists apply these tools to their own endeavors.”

A group of artists that is serving as a solid model of entrepreneurship is the Washington Sculptors Group (WSG). The WSG Board of Directors and volunteer committees, along with its nearly 350 members produce exhibitions, workshops, seminars and social events for its members. This past Friday they premiered their latest exhibition, Sculpture Now 2013 at Honfleur Gallery located in Anacostia, a neighborhood in Washington D.C. The captivating exhibition features an impressive and diverse selection of sculpture work by artists including Todd Fry (winner of the Tom Rooney Prize for Excellence in Sculpture), Madeline Smith, Chris Bathgate, Harlem native Beau McCall and more. The exhibition’s curator, Florcy Morisset explained her theme of futurism as tapping into the historical significance of the word through a selection of purposeful art. “Futurism dates back to the 1900s art movement that began in Italy. It was about repurposing media and product that changes content,” she notes. “I pushed myself to find pieces that have history with the theme of life. These pieces all do have a story.”

At the Honfleur Gallery there was another story being told too and that is one of a parallel between Anacostia and Harlem. Both are rapidly gentrifying communities seeking to rebrand themselves as they emerge from a period of socioeconomic disadvantages. Social media and blogs are key tools that creative director, Beth Ferraro has encouraged the use of to demonstrate the viability of Anacostia’s arts and culture community. “In the last year more neighborhood blogs are coming up for people to have their own voice and we have created hashtags such as ‘Why I love Anacostia’ that are really encouraging.” Nikki Peele, director of marketing believes that engaging in a dialogue directly with naysayers is also essential. “I will search our neighborhood name and see people write negative things and reply back. I’ll ask them what’s so scary. When you address these things they mostly drop back because they don’t expect someone to respond. You have to address the stigma head on.”

And there you have it; from facing the music with Avant to facing the truth about arts and culture communities from Anacostia toHarlem.

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Category: Uncategorized | Tags: avant, beth ferraro, catherine barnett, flo anthony, florcy morisset, irene gandy, keke wyatt, loren locke, lowell hawthorne, nikki peele, project enterprise, washington sculptors group | Leave a Comment

On the “A” w/Souleo… Author: admin Feb 27

Raheem DeVaughn: New Music and Not Afraid of Hot Topics

Harlem Arts Alliance Presents: On the “A” w/Souleo

As the title of Raheem DeVaughn’s new single, “Love Connection” suggests he just wants to get closer with listeners for the summer release of his latest album, A Place Called Loveland. To do so he is ensuring that he makes all the right moves including: a new team in the form of Kevin Liles’ KWL Management company; a joint venture record deal with Mass Appeal Entertainment and of course solid musical material. This time around he realized he needed to open up to working with others in order to grow as an artist.

“In the past being young I might have been standoffish to working with other songwriters,” he admits. “With this album I allowed myself to creatively work with others. There are great songs out there with no one to sing them and we found them. I worked with Mario Winans, Kristal ‘Tytewriter’ Oliver and Carvin & Ivan.”

While finalizing the album, DeVaughn is also busy broadcasting The Raheem DeVaughn Show, reaching over 100 countries a week. On the show he plays a range of mainstream and independent music and even addresses controversial topics that often involve his famous peers. Yet, he aims to counter what he considers to be the sensationalist tactics of the media. “Since I am an artist I know the media can pick you apart. It’s never my goal to throw any of my peers under the bus. It is purely for fun and to expose their music.”

Although DeVaughn chose Liles as his manager he might also have been in good hands with Manny Halley. As the CEO of Imani Entertainment, Halley is a diversified businessman. Some of his current projects include managing Nicki Minaj and bringing celluloid life to Teri Woods’ bestselling books, True To The Game and Dutch. He rose to prominence as the man who helped catapult Keyshia Cole to stardom and he has learned many lessons between now and then. One of his most unorthodox pieces of advice is to fund your own projects. “I put my own money up when I have a vision and believe in something,” he says. “If you want a company to put money into something them most of the time they want to water your project down. When it’s your money it’s your vision from the beginning to the end result.”

Taking such chances hasn’t always resulted in success for Halley, especially after a failed restaurant. “I almost lost opening a fine dining restaurant because I didn’t have any partners. I used my own money and I was learning as I was drowning.” Still he has no regrets. “I built a Rolodex and now I am a restaurateur. I know the whole experience now from building safety to getting a liquor license and how to negotiate a lease.”

Learning from mistakes is what celebrity chef, Charles Mattocks a.k.a. The Poor Chef is hoping to teach diabetics. Mattocks, Shire Regenerative Medicine, and Heal2gether are hosting a one-month mobile RV tour to raise awareness of diabetes complications. With over 25 million people in the U.S. living with diabetes Mattocks knows that his tour is needed to address some major challenges related to this disease. “There is not a lot of cohesiveness with the fight against diabetes compared to something like breast cancer. Plus I am also dealing with pharmaceutical companies that have a vested interest in people continuing to be diabetic,” he says. “So the RV tour is about showing that you can live a great life with diabetes, but if you don’t do what you need to it can have some serious ramifications.” For the tour schedule please click here.

Art tours are a popular attraction during Armory Arts Week. On March 5, The West Harlem Art Fund presents a public art tour of the stained glass windows at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine with special guest: stained glass artist Ellen Mandelbaum. This event is also offering an artist portfolio review by Leanne Stella, director of Art In Flux Harlem, public artist Dianne Smith and others. Later that day join Harlem Biennale, ArtCrawl Harlem and cultural historian, collector and Harlem resident John T. Reddick for the walking tour, Ragtime Ascending to Jazz. The walking tour showcases the influences and collaborations between Black and Jewish performers, composers and musicians in Harlem.

The latter sounds like it might be a great tour for DeVaughn to join and find some additional inspiration for his forthcoming album.

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Category: Uncategorized | Tags: armory arts week, charles mattocks, diabetes, harlem arts alliance, manny halley, raheem devaughn, souleo, the poor chef | Leave a Comment

Together We Will Make History… Author: admin Feb 25

RSVP: info@souleouniverse.com

In celebration of Black History Month, AARP New York is launching its first-ever art exhibition, Lasting Legacy: The Journey of YOU, curated by Souleo. To inspire people 50-plus to discover their unique talents, explore new possibilities, and create lasting legacies, AARP will feature the works of celebrated and emerging artists along with a full roster of special events beginning February 27 through April 2013. The artists represent New York City’s rich diversity, with African American, Latino, and Asian artists displaying their works.

WHEN:

Opening Reception, Wednesday February 27, 6-9PM.

WHERE:

LeRoy Neiman Center, 2785 Frederick Douglass Boulevard @ 148th Street in Harlem.

WHO:

The exhibition includes paintings, sculpture, graffiti and mixed media art by Ademola Olugebefola, Alejandro Lopez, Beau McCall, Betty Blayton, Dan Bergman, Donna Ladson, Ibou Ndoye, Janet Goldner, Jeremiah Drake, Jerry Gant, Joyce Yamada, Juan Luna, Judy Richardson, Nic 707, Olivia Beens, Rebecca Allan, Robin Holder, Uday Dhar and Willie Cole.

WINE SPONSOR: Simone International/Papi Wines

CATERING: Bobbi Jean’s Catering by Blondie

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CALL FOR ENTRY Author: admin Feb 20

Art Enology: Philadelphia

LOCATION: Vivant Art Collection

Gallery Row at 60 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106.

DATES: April 26-May 6, 2013

CURATOR: Souleo

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 18, 2013 (midnight)

Received by info@souleouniverse.com.

ART ENOLOGY: PHILADELPHIA: e·nol·o·gy also oe·nol·o·gy (-nl-j) n. The study of wine and the making of wine; viticulture. After a successful exhibition run in New York City, Art Enology is traveling to the Philadelphia area. Curator Souleo is seeking works that transform wine bottles, their contents and/or labels into visual artistic statements.

ELIGIBILITY: The exhibition is open to artists 21 and older that currently live and/or work in the Greater Philadelphia area.

WORK TO BE CONSIDERED:

Preference is given to works that transform wine bottles into freestanding three-dimensional art.
We will also consider wall-hung and ceiling-hung work, painting, photography, new media, installation and performance. Video/Sound Artist must provide their own audio/visual equipment if selected.
Please review a sample of images from Art Enology: New York here.

ENTRY SPECIFICATIONS:

Please email your contact information, website link to portfolio and/or attach select images of your current work.
Please include a brief paragraph on how you intend to transform a wine bottle into a work of art.
Artists with current wine bottle inspired art may submit images of available work.

INSURANCE/COMMISSION: Vivant Art Collection will insure work while on site ONLY. Artists retain 60% of any sales.

CALENDAR

Monday March 18, 2013: Deadline for entries (received by midnight)
Wednesday March 20, 2013: Notification of accepted artists
Wednesday April 24, 2013: Artists deliver work to gallery.
Friday April 26, 2013: Philadelphia Wine & Cheese 4th Fridays/Time: TBD
Saturday April 27, 2013: Look Like a Collector, Drink Like a Connossieur (Gallery Talk)/Time: 2-5PM
Friday, May 3, 2013: Art Enology Philadelphia First Fridays/Gallery Reception/Time: 6-9PM
Saturday May 4, 2013: From Picasso to Pablo Neruda: Wine, Art & Poetry (Gallery Talk)/Time: 2-5PM

CURATOR: Souleo Enterprises, LLC is the umbrella company that creates and produces entertaining and informative events, media and artistic projects by founder, Souleo. This Brown University graduate and dynamic young talent’s list of journalism credits includes Newsweek, Ebony, New York Press, Black Enterprise, JET and more. Souleo’s expertise and content has been featured on CNN’s The Nancy Grace Show, MTV’s FNMTV Premieres, the New York Post, the Chicago Sun-Times, Access Hollywood, CBS’s The Insider, NPR’s News & Notes, BET.com, Match.com and in the Boston Globe. Most recently the company has formed a partnership with the prestigious non-profit arts service organization the Harlem Arts Alliance. The initial project, a weekly column entitled “Harlem Arts Alliance Presents: On the ‘A’ w/Souleo” is now syndicated online and in print via several outlets including EBONY magazine (digital), SoulTrain.com, New York Amsterdam News, Rolling Out, and more. Souleo has also launched his career as a curator with the exhibition entitled, eMerge: Danny Simmons & Artists on the Cusp. The exhibition set opening night attendance records for Strivers Gardens Gallery and has received media support from NBC, the NY Times, NY Daily News, EBONY.com and more.

Curatorial Reel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGRyXus_TBM

www.souleouniverse.com

VIVANT ART COLLECTION: Vivant Art Collection is located on Gallery Row in the heart of the Historic District of Old City, Philadelphia. Vivant features international cultural focused art from the Caribbean, Middle East, Africa, and Latin America while specializing in Haitian art. Vivant serves as consultant to numerous artists and institutions curating art exhibitions, cultural programs, and cultivating audiences within and without the gallery. The artwork, programs, and experiences are vibrant, rich, bold, and are embedded with cultural stories.

The mission of Vivant Art Collection is to educate, entertain, empower, and enlighten the public with the stories and messages of indigenous art and the people that created it. Vivant is a bridge between the art world, business sector, and the community as it is a meeting space for various social receptions, fundraisers, and lectures.

*Vivant is French word that describes the essence of the gallery, which is lively, energetic, colorful, bold, expressive, and culturally authentic. A refuge of art & culture awaits you…

www.vivantartcollection.com

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