Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Philadelphia Diary: One Day in the Life of Marvin X
Monday turned out to be Rehearsal Day. The first rehearsal was with my favorite Philly musicians, Elliott Bey and Alexander El, who performed with me on the DVD Live in Philly at Warm Daddies. Others on this DVD were the superman from Sun Ra's Arkestra, Marshall Allen, also Sun Ra strongman Danny Thompson, along with now ancestor Rufus Harley.
Elliott Bey picked me up, first, to connect with Sonia Sanchez. I lost her number so we went to her house. Her son Morani greeted me and told me Sonia was out of town but would be coming in within the hour. Her gave me her number and I departed. I knew better than to called Sonia within the hour or anytime today, let her rest. I already know she is tired--she's a workaholic and is always tired, God bless the Queen of BAM.
Since Sonia wasn't home, we made our way to Alexander El's house. "Salaam, Mo," El said to Elliott. El and I embraced, not having seen each other since the Warm Daddies's gig. We went inside and socialized. I didn't realize Alexander was a painter as well, with a room full of his paintings. After a couple of drinks, Elliott said let's do some music, so we went downstairs where is trap drums were and he and Elliott warmed up, then called on me to join in. There was a one woman audience, so I played to her. Elliott was upset because the way the piano was facing the wall, he could not see Alexander or me. I told him to be bad like Monk: turned around to face us and play the piano backwards. Marvin X you a crazy motherfucka. Felipe Luciano of the Last Poets said the same about me at NYU's tribute to ancestors Jayne Cortez and Amiri Baraka. Marvin X is a Motherfucka, he said. Kind words from a student at a theological seminary.
We started going through my poetry. Then Elliott asked me to do a story. I said, ok, motherfucka,
you want a story, huh? I got one faya ass. I looked through my Parables and Fables and found Parable of the Real Woman. I read it to Pam, our audience of one. She loved it.
It got hot in the house. The morning was cool so I had on a wool shirt. I asked Alexander if he had a shirt to fit me, since he is a tall, slim brother.He got me a shirt that I could put on but couldn't button. We continued with several more poems until we all were exhausted and I had to sit outside on the punch to cool off. It was a great rehearsal and gave me chance to see how my poetry works with their music. We were satisfied and ready to do a gig. I told them to accompany me on Thursday, May 1, at Maurice Henderson's Black Arts Week where I will be the Special Guest. Depending on his acting talent, we think a musical drama about Teddy Pendergrass starring George Foxx will be a hit. Who will write the play?
Marvin X is Special Guest at the Philadelphia Black Poetry Honors Ceremony, May 1st.
May 1st Philadelphia Black Poetry Honors Ceremony and Performance and TV taping at the Rotunda Theatre, 4014 Walnut Street on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania.
Please check to see if your name has been listed as an honoree or presenter. You should also check out the website of NATIONAL BLACK AUTHORS TOUR (www.nationalblackauthorstour.com) and if you would like to have your biography listed please email it to loismoses@yahoo.com with a subject line of "include my biography on the NBAT website."
The All ACCESS pass will also include free entrance to the Reception/party at Azure Lounge, 15th & South Street, 9pm-11pm and open bar is from 10pm - 11pm. the entrance code is Moe Reecee.
Elliott and I departed Alexander's and he took me home so I could get ready to attend another rehearsal with Alfie Pollitt, pianist who has agreed to be the BAM 27 City Tour music director. He is music director for George Fox, a singer who is doing the tunes of Teddy Pendergrass. Alfie is directing the orchestra. My host, Nisa Ra, picked up Alfie and Sam Reed, a Philly living legend, and headed to George Fox's house in a suburb of Philly. All Negores or New World Africans don't live in the ghetto.
George's house was large enough to accommodate the orchestra. Enough said. George was a big tall brother who indeed favored Teddy. And after listening to him and the band rehearse, along with the backup singers, I am convinced George will do well performing Teddy's songs, especially with his band, several of them worked with Teddy, as did Alfie. George convinced us he wouldn't let the musicians drown him out, so he and the band should have a great show for Mother's Day at the Clef Club.
Marvin X and pianist, music director Alfie Pollitt
Miles Davis - Around The Midnight (1967)
Round Midnight
Monk's gone
I ain't blue
where he's gone
I'm goin too
death is always round
tryin ta steal life
death is always round
tryin ta steal life
if it don't get the husband
it'll get the wife
Monk's gone
but I ain't blue.
--Marvin X
MALCOLM X JAZZ FESTIVAL IN HONOR OF AMIRI BARAKA, MAY 17, OAKLAND
MARVIN X WILL MC COMMEMORATION FOR HIS FRIEND AMIRI BARAKA
 THE NEW DATE FOR the AMIRI BARAKA COMMEMORATION is FRIDAY, JUNE 20th, 7pm EastSide Cultural Center 2277 International Blvd, Oakland CA 94606.  |
SAT MAY 17, 11am-6pm, San Antonio Park, Oakland
In Honor of Amiri Baraka
This year we will be celebrating Amiri Baraka
A Life of Unity & Struggle
5:00pm - 6:00pm Marvin X and The Black Arts Movement Poets Choir & Arkestra: Tacuma King,
Tarika Lewis, Mechelle LaChaux, Ayodele Nzing, Toreada Mikel, Paradise Jah Love, Genny Lim, Zena Allen, Marshall Trammell, Earl Davis, Kalamu Chache', Avotcja, Linda Johnson
6:00-6:10pm
Dance funeral dirge performed by Latayna Tigner (w/music from Black Arts Archestra)
6:10-6:30
African Dance led by Sister Linda
5:00pm - 6:00pm Marvin X and The Black Arts Movement Poets Choir & Arkestra: Tacuma King,
Tarika Lewis, Mechelle LaChaux, Ayodele Nzing, Toreada Mikel, Paradise Jah Love, Genny Lim, Zena Allen, Marshall Trammell, Earl Davis, Kalamu Chache', Avotcja, Linda Johnson
6:30-7:00
2nd line new orleans style procession
PRESS RELEASE
Eastside Arts Alliance presents the 14th Annual Malcolm X JazzArts Festival on
Sat., May 17, 2014 (11am – 7pm)
San Antonio Park, 18th Ave. & Foothill Blvd. Oakland, CA
Oakland, CA - Eastside Arts Alliance proudly presents the 14th Annual Malcolm X JazzArts Festival for free on Saturday, May 17, 2014 (11 am – 7pm) at San Antonio Park, Oakland. This unique Oakland-based festival celebrates Malcolm X’s vision to bring together communities of color to work to determine their own destiny. Now a local tradition, Malcolm X JazzArts Fest is one of the only remaining FREE outdoor festivals in Oakland providing a space for the grassroots communities of color to find common ground through a rich legacy of Black music and the evolution of Third World Arts Movements.
The festival’s intention is to bring new audiences to appreciate and support Jazz, an art form birthed out of the African American experience, but that also has resonance and deep meaning for other communities who share parallel experiences of struggle.
This year's Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival will pay special tribute to the great Afro-American revolutionary poet and activist, AMIRI BARAKA, who recently transitioned to join the ancestors. Mr. Baraka was a great friend and key advisor to EastSide Arts Alliance who over the past two decades performed, led forums, taught workshops, collaborated with musicians and other artists, and even produced and directed a jazz opera at EastSide Cultural Center (The Sisyphus Syndrome). Amiri Baraka, recognized as the Father of the Black Arts Movement in the 60s was a renowned poet and playwright who continually and fearlessly re-examined and re-invented himself. The struggle for Black liberation was at the soul of his journey, and sustained his internationalism. Amiri Baraka's personal and public changes and contributions provide many lessons for us to acknowledge our connection to the breadth of history and the fleeting mortality of our own existence, and to renew our own life's commitment to work for a more just world.
EastSide Cultural Center will present a series of events commemorating Amiri Baraka, including an exhibition on The Black Arts Movement (April-July), the Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival (May 17), and a community commemoration with performances (June 20).
EastSide Cultural Center will present a series of events commemorating Amiri Baraka, including an exhibition on The Black Arts Movement (April-July), the Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival (May 17), and a community commemoration with performances (June 20).
The day’s dynamic offerings are centered on the Jazz Main Stage with a historic and unforgettable line-up of heavyweight jazz musicians. The featured performers include:
§ The Last Poets (Umar Bin Hassan, Abiodun Oyewole, and Babatunde) with a special poetic tribute to Amiri Baraka
* Poet Marvin X and the Black Arts Movement Poet's Choir and Arkestra
§ Jazz Ensemble led by Howard Wiley & Ms. Faye Carol – performing excerpts from Amiri Baraka’s jazz opera – The Sisyphus Syndrome; also a special tribute to Abbey Lincoln; and performances from Unity Grooves, Eastside Arts Alliance’s Black Music youth ensemble
§ Dance performances by StarChild Dance – highlighting the music of the Harlem Renaissance, Kendra Kimbrough Dance Ensemble, and West African dance and drumming led by Sister Linda & Tacuma.
§ New Orleans style second line tribute procession to Amiri Baraka (the community is invited to bring umbrellas and participate).
§ Speakers, poets, community organizers sharing their thoughts on how Amiri Baraka influences their work.
Other performances and activities include: the Katherine Dunham Dance Stage featuring some of the best Bay Area dancers; the Javad Jahi Soapbox Stage, where community organizers get their message out; the DREAM Courts that features emerging youth artists; the Graf Court an all-city graffiti battle; Kids Zone with arts & crafts, games, and fun for children; Vendor Marketplace, items for sale by creative local artisans; Information Booths by local community-based organizations; and a Food Court that offers local and international cuisine.
Our programs depend on community support. People can visit our website at www.eastsideartsalliance.org to become monthly ROOTS SUPPORTERS. The festival is ALWAYS FREE but DONATIONS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME AND NEEDED!
About Eastside Arts Alliance:
EastSide Arts Alliance (ESAA) is a collective of artists and community organizers of color who live and work in the San Antonio district of East Oakland. Founded in 1999, our mission is to unite art with activism to work for community empowerment and cultural development, and to build bridges between the disenfranchised, racially and ethnically divided communities that reside in our immediate neighborhood and in the broader East Bay. The founding members of EastSide Arts Alliance have been working in the San Antonio /Fruitvale neighborhoods for over 30 years.
In 2006 ESAA closed escrow on our new and permanent home – The EastSide Cultural Center, located on International Blvd at 23rd Avenue in the heart of the San Antonio district. The center includes a 150-seat multi-use theater space, sound and visual arts studios, 16 units of affordable rental housing and storefront spaces for community-based non-profits.
Eastside Arts Alliance programs include free after-school arts workshops for youth ages 14-22 (music, dance, theater, visual arts and leadership development), public arts projects, performances, festivals, town hall forums and exhibitions. Our success has been in our longevity and our continued growth in this diverse working-class community.
For more information about the 14th Annual Malcolm X JazzArts Festival, please contact EastSide Arts Alliance at 510-533-6629 or visitwww.eastsideartsalliance.org.
###
Elena Serrano
EastSide Cultural Center
2277 International Blvd.
Oakland, CA 94606
510-533-6629
mailing address:
PO Box 17008
Oakland, CA 94601
Dear Friends of EastSide,
This year's Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival will pay special tribute to the great Afro-American revolutionary poet and activist, AMIRI BARAKA, who recently transitioned to join the ancestors. Amiri was a great friend and key advisor to the ESAA who over the past two decades performed, led forums, taught workshops, collaborated with musicians and other artists, and even produced and directed a jazz opera at EastSide Cultural Center. He was an inspirational teacher who constantly engaged us to critically analyze the function of cultural activism and the social issues of the day. He insisted that Black and all Third World self-determination required 1) a program and conscious mission, 2) organization (collectives, coalitions, united fronts), and 3) independent institution building. We strive to meet those criteria in our cultural work. Baraka, the Father of the Black Arts Movement in the 60s was already a renown poet and playwright who continually and fearlessly re-examined and re-invented himself, his philosophy and leadership role to overcome shortcomings and to move us all forward collectively. The struggle for Black liberation was at the soul of his journey, and sustained his internationalism. Amiri Baraka's personal and public changes and contributions should provide many lessons for us to acknowledge our connection to the breadth of history and the fleeting mortality of our own existence, and to renew our own life's commitment to work for a more just world.
EastSide Cultural Center will present a series of events commemorating Amiri Baraka, including a retrospective exhibition, the Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival, and a community commemoration with performances.
The BAM Poet's Choir and Arkestra is now booking for its 27 City Tour in honor of Amiri Baraka. Call 510-200 4164
Saturday, April 26, 2014
Philadelphia: Marvin X recruits dream team for the Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour
Dr. Cornel West will participate in the Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour
Umar Bin Hasan and Abiodun of the Last Poets will be part of BAM Tour
Black Panther Cub Fred Hampton, Jr. has agreed to go on BAM tour.
Long-time Marvin X associate, musician Elliot Bey will do BAM Tour
Marvin X and Alfie Pollitt at the Black Love Lives Conference, University of Penn
Temple University Professor Muhammad Ahmad
Temple University Professor Dr. Tony Montiero
Philadelphia professor, poet, editor Ewuare Osayande will be part of BAM Tour
While in Philadelphia to participate in the 60th Birthday Celebration for imprisoned radical journalist Mumia Abu Jamal, Marvin X has been busy recruiting a Dream Team of artists, activists, educators and promoters for the 27 City Black Arts Movement Tour he is organizing. The following are a few of the persons who have tentatively agreed to join the BAM Tour:
Dr. Cornel West, educator
Dr. Tony Montiero, educator
Dr. Muhammad Ahmed, educator
Fred Hampton, Jr., activist
Preston Muhammad, promoter
Alfie Pollitt, musician, arranger
Elliot Bey, musician
Pam Africa, activist
Maurice Henderson, producer
Abiodun, the Last Poets
Umar Bin Hasan, the Last Poets
Ewuare Osayande, poet, professor, editor
Billy X. Jennings, Black Panther archivist
The BAM Poet's Choir &Arkestra performed at the Black Arts Movement Conference, University of California, Merced, Feb 28 thru March 2, 2014. On May 17, the group will perform at Oakland's Malcolm X Jazz Festival. For booking nationwide: 510-200-4164/jmarvinx@yahoo.com.
Abstract for the Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour
The mission of the Black Arts Movement’s 27 City Tour is to continue the cultural revolution we initiated during the 1960s. This cultural revolution is still needed because for a variety of reasons the Black Arts Movement was aborted due to the radical nature of our task which was the liberation of our people in harmony with the political movement. Today, the need to address the political condition is critical, yes, even with the election of a non-white president, though this president has done little to address non-white issues, especially the high unemployment of youth, the high incarceration rate of 2.4 million and the deportation rate of two million so called illegal immigrants since President Obama took office.
But more than the political and economic situation is the cultural condition, the reactionary values in hip hop culture, especially unconscious rap poetry, and even the socalled conscious poetry is, in the words of my daughter, an expression of the pseudo conscious, for words are not followed by the right action. As we know, talk is cheap!
But most important is the overall lack of mental health wellness in our community nationwide, to say nothing of physical wellness. The high rate of homicide among young North American African men is symptomatic of a lack of manhood training or the infusion of traditional values that inspire and motivate people to be the best they can be, to give honor and respect to their elders and ancestors.
The 50% or more drop out rate of students in our schools is partly the result of our dire mental health condition. Alas, it is said not only is there a critical need for a positive curriculum and teachers with an undying love for our children, but the mental health condition of our children requires mental health counselors with radical values of wellness based on a holistic approach to solving our myriad psychosocial and economic issues. We are dumbfounded to learn the USA (Bush and Obama) promised the young men in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere (except in the USA) three items if they stop their violence and pledge allegiance to the constitution of their lands: education, jobs and housing. Why not offer education, jobs and housing for the boyz and girls , in the hood? The BAM tour will address some of these issues through the medium of art, i.e. poetry, drama, dance, music, graphics.
While art therapy has been used in traditional cultures, and was utilized in the Black Arts Movement, there must be a concerted effort to make use of art in the healing of our people. Throughout the years, we have seen the power of art in changing destructive personalities. We recall the production we did of Amiri Baraka’s play The Dutchman in Fresno CA. The local pimp loaned us a wig for the female character Lula. When he viewed the play and saw her stab the young North American African male, Clay, this rocked the pimp’s world and he threw in his pimping towel, joined the Nation of Islam and eventually became an imam and made his haj or pilgrimage to Mecca. Thus we see the power of art to heal broken, self destructive and economically damaged personalities.
Many times we heard Amiri Baraka speak about the need to reach our people in the 27 major cities we inhabit—to reach out and touch them with healing Black Art that can restore our mental and physical wellness. In honor of ancestor Amiri Baraka, we propose to conduct a 27 city tour with concerts and wellness workshops to aid in the recovery of ourselves. Our special focus shall be on young Black men, although we cannot and will not ignore young black women, nor will we avoid adult and parental responsibility.
We estimate the overall budget for this project will be 2.7 million dollars at $100,000 per city, including artist fees, promotion, advertisement, rental of venues, insurance, security, lodging, food and transportation. Since many of the Black Arts Movement workers are elders, the timeline would be at least three years to complete this project, including planning and production.
BAM workers in each community will be recruited to participate and we would like to establish a BAM center in each city, no matter if it is a 50 seat theatre as Amiri Baraka suggested. A staff of educators, and mental and physical health workers must be a part of this project so that we more effectively deal with our wellness in a holistic manner.
Sincerely,
Marvin X, Project Director
The Black Arts Movement 27 City Tour
Philadelphia PA
4/23/14
National Advisory Board Members (Drafted by Marvin X)
Mrs. Amina Baraka
Sonia Sanchez
Askia Toure
Haki Madhubuti
Mae Jackson
Rudolph Lewis
Maurice Henderson
Emory Douglas
Elena Seranno
Greg Morozumi
Woody King
Ted Wilson
Troy Johnson
Kalamu Ya Salaam
Eugene Redman
Kim McMillan
Ayodele Nzinga
Geoffery Grier
Nefertiti Jackmon
Muhammida El Muhajir
Jessica Care Moore
Paul Cobb
Conway Jones
John Burris
James Sweeney
Fahizah Alim
Nisa Ra
Aries Jordan
Billy X Jennings
Sam AndersonBilly X Jennings
Cities where North American Africans are in large numbers
--
muhammida el muhajir
sun in leo, inc.
718.496.2305
w: suninleo.com
f: sun in leo
t: @suninleonyc
http://about.me/muhammida
The archival global music documentary, Hip Hop: The New World Order available now www.hiphopisglobal.com
Amiri Baraka and Marvin X at the 75th birthday celebration for Amiri Baraka. Dancer Raynetta Rayzetter in a dance of praise for AB, godfather of the Black Arts Movement. Event was produced by Marvin X at the San Francisco Fillmore Jazz Heritage Center.
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