Author Archives: Waller Curtis

The premiere for Spike Lee’s “Red Hook Summer” was this past Monday night, after the director and cast engaged in interviews throughout the day to promote the film.  Here’s a summation of the event according to his publicist, The 135th Street Agency, headed by Shante Bacon.

Spike Lee’s new film “Red Hook Summer” hits theaters on Friday.  The latest installment from his “Chronicles of Brooklyn,” it follows previous releases “She’s Gotta Have It,” “Do The Right Thing,” “Crooklyn,” “Clockers” and “He Got Game.”

What is a friend?  I’ve always said and still say that my love and friendship are eternal.  It’s just the way I’m built, the way I am, the way I was brought up.  Unfortunately not everyone holds this to be true.  Someone once said that “Friendship is the golden thread that ties the hearts of people around the world.”  According to “Google,” a friend is a person whom one knows and with whom one has a bond of mutual affection, typically exclusive of sexual or family relations.

LOL – Laughing because the first words that came to mind to begin this were “Back in… etc…” instead, I’ll start at the very beginning.

About a week ago I’m riding the subway, i-pod playing, I’m grooving to Dr. Dre, sit down and look up… it’s Jigga.. for what, Duracell batteries?

In a recent interview with Miles Davis’ son, Erin Davis, and nephew Vince Wilburn Jr., it was revealed that Antoine Fuqua is set to direct the Miles Davis biopic.  I was alerted to this fact via indiewire.com, through an interview they posted from the Wall Street Journal’s Lee Hawkins about the new Miles Davis postage stamp!

 
 
New music artists are out there, and perhaps in large numbers.  The way things are, it’s not always easy to find out about new music or talent that’s dope and worthy of praise.  Recently while browsing at Best Buy, I discovered new music from Keane and B.o.B., and remembered that I saw B.o.B. recently on some late night talk show.

About a month ago, The Museum of UnCut Funk paid a visit to the Aleem Brothers in Brooklyn.

Radio pioneer Hal Jackson will be laid to rest this Thursday, May 31st at 11am.  Services will held at the Riverside Church on Claremont Avenue at 120th street, along Riverside Drive in Harlem New York.  The wake for the legendary announcer will be the day before, Wednesday, May 30th, from 2 to 5pm and 7 to 9pm, at the Frank Campbell funeral home – 1076 Madison Avenue @ 81st Street in NYC.

It’s official, Andre 3000 of OutKast, real name Andre Benjamin has been cast to portray Jimi Hendrix in the biopic “All Is By My Side.”  Benjamin’s name was mentioned a few years ago about taking on the role, but rumors died after about a month or so.  “All Is By My Side” will be set in the 1960s just before the release of Jimi’s debut album “Are You Experienced.”

Donna Summer, Chuck Brown, Belita Woods, Robin Gibb and legendary DJ Hal Jackson have all passed away recently.  It seems like so many of our outstanding contributors in music are leaving us at a faster rate lately.  Just as soon as we’re able to take a breath from the death of an entertainer that’s beloved, we’re struck again with the sad news of another.

Seal’s new CD “SOUL 2″ is in stores.  A follow-up to his “SOUL” release, it’s a collection of covers by some of music’s greatest performers.  Although Seal has a new album out, he’s singing a different tune in regards to his marriage to fashion icon Heidi Klum.  Klium and Seal were a power couple!  Two accomplished people in their respective fields that came together by way of commonalities in their lifestyles, they had a tremendous presence.

Tyrese Gibson tweeted recently: “I have officially secured the life rights to the life story of Teddy Pendergrass, my inspiration. This movie will be made…“  People are already saying he can’t pull it off…  to those haters, there’s still hope for you I’m not even a Tyrese fan, but say CONGRATULATIONS!

It’s no secret that the MTA’s policies have been questionable at different points in time.  I must admit however, that I was very pleased to get reimbursed for metro-cards that failed me within the MTA system.  Despite all the cons of the New York City subway system, one can’t deny it’s one of the best modes of transportation in the world… when it’s working.

Complete with a lighted floor harkening back to “Saturday Night Fever”, New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom became a disco for one night only.  Hosted by the venue’s Clifton Pierce, CBS FM’s Joe Causi and Denny Terrio of “Dance Fever” were the MCs, where France Joli, Tavares, The Trammps and CHIC performed.  Led by founding member Nile Rodgers on guitar, CHIC brought the FUNK!

This past week I had the pleasure of seeing the latest revival of Jesus Christ Superstar!  This classic Andrew Lloyd Webber composition, with lyrics by Tim Rice, was first introduced as a musical recording before it hit the “Great White Way” in 1971.

Aretha Franklin celebrated her 70th birthday yesterday!  DAMN!!!  God bless her, she is truly anointed – YES!  Twas not long ago that she was very ill, and yet she’s still with us, as we continue to mourn the passing of her god-daughter Whitney Houston. Houston’s mom Cissy, sang back-up for Franklin, Mahalia Jackson and Elvis Presley, in addition to forging a solo career.  It’s sad and unfortunate when a parent has to bury a child, I sympathize with Ms. Houston for her loss.  As it’s too often it seems that our stars on earth continually fall from the sky, from grace or off the face of the planet…