Keanu: A Murderous Comedy

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele in Keanu (2016)[/caption] By Dontré L. Conerly Anyone who says a dog is man’s best friend, has clearly never met Keanu. This cute calico kitten is a feline Helen of Troy, capable of launching a thousand bullets and leaving in his wake a dizzying body count which rivals even the bloodiest battle at Troy. Continue reading

Ailey 2015: Activism Through Art

[caption id="attachment_56805" align="aligncenter" width="678"] Jeroboam Bozeman and Chalvar Monteiro in Rennie Harris' 'Exodus.' Photo by Paul Kolnik[/caption] By Dontré L. Conerly Like so many others responding to the current tensions in our country, the Alvin Ailey company added its voice to the swell of voices demanding #BlackLivesMatter.Continue reading

“Love” A New Season Of Complexions Contemporary Ballet

[caption id="attachment_56193" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Terk Waters in Strum
Photo credit: Nina Wurtzel[/caption] By Dontré Conerly In its 21st season, dubbed “Beyond 20,” Complexions has crafted an impressive dance program built entirely on love; and their two-hour high-octane program is a kinetic tour de force which explores the full range of the amorous emotion.Continue reading

Sherri Shepherd Hosts “Children of Promise” In Harlem

[caption id="attachment_49930" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Sherri Shepherd Hosts CPNYC's Expansion Photo Credit: Sheila D's Photography[/caption] By Dontré L. Conerly

Bolstered by their success in Brooklyn, and an overwhelming need of their services in Harlem, Children of Promise, NYC tapped TV personality, Sherri Shepherd, to announce the non-profit’s expansion into Harlem, in a fundraising gala which attracted Harlem’s most well-heeled donors.Continue reading

Invisible Life: The Close of A Chapter

[caption id="attachment_45712" align="aligncenter" width="199"] Proteus Spann[/caption] Published in 1994, E. Lynn Harris’s Invisible Life was listed by the Los Angeles Times as one of the top 20 “classic works of gay literature.” The book’s success launched a prolific writing career for Harris, which garnered numerous awards and pushed 10 of his novels onto the New York Times Bestseller’s List. Harris died in July 2009; he’s considered one of the most successful African American or gay authors of his time. By:Dontré Conerly When the cast of Invisible Life takes its final bow tonight, the largest bow will be one of gratitude from the show’s co-writer and director, Proteus Spann, who has had to overcome Herculean odds to bring the work to the stage. Continue reading

Latest Chef to Harlem Takes Top Honors

[caption id="attachment_45119" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] A baby black piano is the "piece de resistance" at Chéri's.
Photo: Will Vault Photography[/caption] By Dontré Conerly Among its many attractions, food (great food!) draws busloads to Harlem; the restaurant culture here is prolific. Continue reading

NY1’s Cheryl Wills and Gospel Icon Donnie McClurkin Honored In Family Affair

[caption id="attachment_44806" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Honorees Donnie McClurkin and Cheryl Wills
Photo credit: Zo Photography[/caption]  By Dontré Conerly In a fun-filled, lively ceremony held at Studio XXI in Chelsea, two of New York’s very own were the latest to receive honors this week from the Inspired in New York Series for their many years as innovators and trendsetters in the music and media industries. Continue reading

Public Advocate Kicks off Black Gay Pride in Harlem

[caption id="attachment_44628" align="aligncenter" width="383"] Public Advocate, Letitia James, rouses the crowd in Harlem for Pride.[/caption] As gay pride celebrations kick off around the country (June is National Pride Month), Harlem held its own Pride kick-off, Monday night, at Hyacinth’s Haven.  Sponsored by the city’s Public Advocate, Leticia James, this was her first Black gay Pride kick-off, which she hopes to make an annual event. Continue reading