Independent Powerhouse Codeblack Entertainment Enters Multi-Year Distribution Deal With AMC Theatres®
T.D. Jakes' "Woman Thou Art Loosed!: On The 7th Day" to be first film released under new partnership
February 2012
AMC Theatres®, the second-largest motion picture exhibitor in North America, and Codeblack Entertainment, a leading new media and film company helmed by Jeff Clanagan, today announced a multi-year partnership to exclusively release films at select AMC locations.
T.D Jakes' "Woman Thou Art Loosed!: On The 7th Day," is the first film to roll out under this new multi-year agreement. Starring Blair Underwood ("LA Law," "The Event"), Sharon Leal ("Dreamgirls"," Why Did I Get Married?"), Pam Grier ("Jackie Brown"), and Nicole Beharie ("American Violet"," Sins of the Mother"), "Woman Thou Art Loosed!: On The 7th Day" is the second project in T.D. Jakes' eponymous "Woman Thou Art Loosed!" franchise. The film will be released on April 13, 2012 at AMC locations nationwide as a part of the company's "AMC independent™" program.
Directed by Neema Barnette, an Emmy Award™-winning television director, "Woman Thou Art Loosed!: On The 7th Day" tells a story of secrets, lies and deception. In this dramatic thriller, shot on location in New Orleans, a husband (Underwood) and wife (Leal) find themselves in the midst of a crisis after their young daughter is kidnapped. The couple must race against time to find their child, who is believed to have been abducted by a serial killer that murders his victims 'on the seventh day.' During their desperate search, a series of deep, dark, damaging secrets unveil a troubling past, putting the marriage and their futures in jeopardy.
Written by Cory Tynan and inspired by T. D. Jakes, "Woman Thou Art Loosed!: On The 7th Day" is a universal story about the power of love and faith.
"The partnership with Codeblack will bring needed exposure to films like "Woman Thou Art Loosed!: On The 7th Day" that reach a key demographic among our guests," said Nikkole Denson-Randolph, vice president, Specialty & Alternative Content of AMC Theatres. "We look forward to expanding on this already successful collaboration."
"Woman Thou Art Loosed!: On The 7th Day" is produced and distributed by Codeblack Entertainment and executive produced by T.D. Jakes for T.D.J. Enterprises.
Theatre Events 2012
Footlosse
Presented by Boston Children’s Theatre at Governor Dummer Academy
Circa’s “Circa”
Boston Debut!
Presented by Celebrity Series of Boston at paramount Theatre
February 29 12 –
March 4, 12
Independent Designer’s Market
Presented by Independent Designer’s Market
GAMES, CD AND BOOKS AVAILABLE
PARENTING MAGAZINES AVAILABLE
BOOKS AVAILABLE
Black History Quote
I had no idea that history was being made. I was just tired of giving up.
~Rosa Parks
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The Shocking True Story of a Deadly Black/Indian Alliance in the Old West - New Novel Uncovers the Fascinating Tale
February 2012
In the summer of 1895, terror gripped the Indian Territories (today's Oklahoma). The youthful, multi-racial Rufus Buck gang was on the rampage. Their goal: to reclaim Indian lands from US encroachment. A new novel by Leonce Gaiter entitled "I Dreamt I Was in Heaven - The Rampage of the Rufus Buck Gang" (http://www.buckrampage.com) explores the true story of the Buck gang rampage amidst the surprising rainbow of ethnicities on both sides of the law, and a young America's political ambitions in the lawless Indian Territory.
Harvard Magazine will feature the book in its spring issue, and the premier site for African-American literature, AALBC.com, called the novel "a page-turning delight."
Gang leader Rufus Buck was half-black and half Creek Indian. One African-American and three full-blooded Creeks completed the gang. The idea of young blacks and Indians banding together in 1895 to expel whites from Indian lands may seem strange, but turn-of-the-century Indian Territory was not only violent and politically volatile, but astonishingly multi-racial.
"I had first read about the gang almost twenty years ago," says author Gaiter, whose novel Bourbon Street was published by Carroll & Graf and whose nonfiction has appeared in publications from "The New York Times" to "The Huffington Post." "The story immediately grabbed me. The novelty of a 19th century multi-racial gang of teens and near teens determined to reclaim Indian lands was irresistible. They were fighting back, but like children would -- children who'd learned lessons in brutality, perhaps from those they sought to expel. You don't hear many stories in American history of the black and brown victims fighting back."
Even more remarkable was the gang's involvement with iconic real-life western characters, like legendary "Hanging Judge" Isaac Parker and notorious half-black, half-Cherokee outlaw Cherokee Bill. "This was a multi-racial gang of teens who innocently, foolishly and often viciously sought to right a wrong." In the novel, Rufus Buck's personal story and his zeal to reclaim Indian lands with the tool he knows -- violence --plays against the social and political machinations surrounding America's grasp for land. The result is a rich historical tapestry, a shocking story of violence and innocence, love and betrayal, butchery and grace.
Gaiter hopes that the novel will expand African-Americans' view of their own history. "We've fallen into this ditch in which our history is limited to views of us as saints and victims. We are infinitely more than that. The Buck Gang was a product of its time, and they were no saints. They are, however, a great piece of history and a fantastic window onto an incredibly compelling and tragic American era."
If you'd like more information, please contact Legba Books, bookinfo@buckrampage.com, or call 916.687.8905.
NEO-SOUL ARTIST LADYBOSS RESPONDS TO DEGRADING REMARKS MADE ABOUT BLACK WOMEN
-- Boss saddened over public comments made about black women post Michael Jordan engagement --
Neo-soul artist, LadyBoss
February 2012
BlackNews.com
The recent announcement of Michael Jordanís engagement to a Cuban female has thousands of people talking. It appears that wealthy black men who marry women from other races continue to stir controversy, particularly among people who are hell-bent on demeaning a black womanís beauty and character based on black male celebrities interracial relationships.
Neo-soul artist LadyBoss recently voiced her concern after a friend referred her to a series of electronic media websites immediately following the Michael Jordan engagement announcement. For example, Yahoo News had well over 6,000 respondents to the news, many of whom said distasteful comments about black women. One respondent commented that "black men don't date and marry black women because they are fat, loud, obnoxious, angry and smelly." Other respondents, who claimed they were white women, believed they had greater appeal and more to offer black men than a black woman. Another commenter claimed that interracial relationships were more prevalent among black men than black women, because men from other cultures do not find black women appealing. And furthermore, once a black man attains wealth, he no longer wants to be seen with a black woman.
So what is behind all the hate-bashing of black women?
"This is extremely disturbing," says the beautiful, sexy and talented 55-year-old Boss who recently launched her first LP Epiphany of a Lady and single Still Sexy. Boss says she is sick-and-tired of the mainstream media perpetuating negative stereotypes, allowing racist comments about black women based on a personís right to free speech.
"It seems to have gotten worse since the induction of our first black President," says Boss. "Our beautiful and extremely smart first lady - a black woman - has also caused quite a stir, leaving many envious of her exquisiteness," Boss added.
"Michelle Obama is the norm among black women - we are beautiful, highly educated, self-sufficient, and strong individuals." Boss noted that although comments were made by some black women expressing their dismay about Jordan's engagement, she, herself, could care less that Jordan and some black men choose to marry outside their race. Boss who lives in Oregon says she increases her dating options by dating men from a variety of cultures although she prefers black men, who by far prefer black women. These are the facts despite perceptions to the contrary.
"The mainstream media rarely show black couples especially wealthy ones," says Boss. "They also rarely show beautiful black women with men other than black men. Thatís because we live in a country where beauty is judged based on how white your skin is," Boss adds.
Boss referenced a comment made by co-host Sherry Shepherd on the ABC daytime show The View a couple of months ago, stating that men from other cultures do not date black women. The comment was made in context of a discussion The View co-hosts were having regarding a controversial survey commissioned by a psychiatry association which made claims that men found black women unattractive, therefore, chose not to date them.
Boss says she could not fathom why the organization would commission such a survey. "Not only was the intent behind the survey quite suspicious, it was far from true," says Boss. "I can guess who the respondents were."
Boss says that from her own personal experiences men from other cultures deem black women as exquisite and exotic. She says that in many parts of Europe black women are viewed as a prime catch. Boss also says that in this country many high profile men love black women. On the west coast many black women date and marry particularly white men. Boss says she has a friend in Atlanta who noted that interracial dating is up among black women there.
Boss insists that 2012 be the year that black women be given the respect enjoyed by women of other races. And that black women not be ridiculed nor be made to feel inferior because some black men choose to love elsewhere.
MAKE YOUR MARK ON MRT HELP RENOVATE LIBERTY HALL & NAME YOUR SEAT
February 2012
Merrimack Repertory Theatre is proud to announce as part of the Campaign to Renovate Liberty Hall, MRT supporters will be able to name seats in the newly renovated theatre. So far, over 125 seats have already been claimed, leaving only 175 seats left to be named. Donors can take advantage of this historic opportunity for as little as $500 per year for three years ($1,500). To make a pledge in any amount or for more information, contact Jeffrey Prescott, Development Associate at 978-654-7552 or visit MerrimackRep.org
Funded by generous grant from Kresge Foundation, facility fees collected from the sale of tickets by the City of Lowell, and contributions from MRT’s donors, the renovation of Liberty Hall will take place in the summer of 2012, beginning immediately after the close of Ghost-Writer in May. As part of the campaign, the seating in Liberty Hall will be completely replaced, and sections of the balcony will be reoriented so that every seat faces the stage. The new seats will have more hip and leg room, providing a much more comfortable viewing experience for the audience. The box office will also be moved from the basement to the main level. The lobby will be completely remodeled and will include a new, glass wall acknowledging all of our donors who help make these much-needed improvements possible. The renovation will be completed in advance of MRT’s first production of the 2012-2013 season.
Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s 2011-2012 Season is sponsored by Lowell Cooperative Bank. Merrimack Repertory Theatre is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
TICKETS: Tickets to all productions in the 2011-2012 Season go on sale on now. Tickets begin at $24. Discounts are available for students, seniors and groups. Tickets may be purchased online at merrimackrep.org or by calling the Box Office at 978-654-4MRT (4678). Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s Box Office is located at 50 E. Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Don’t miss a single show! Subscription packages are now on sale to Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s 2011-2012 Season. All subscriptions include exclusive subscriber-only benefits, including free parking, restaurant and theatre discounts, lost ticket insurance and free, unlimited ticket exchanges. For season or subscription information, call
978-654-4MRT (4678), or visit merrimackrep.org.
MERRIMACK REPERTORY THEATER’S 2011-2012 SEASON
Reduced Shakespeare Company ® in The Ultimate Christmas Show (abridged) by Reed Martin and Austin Tichenor, Now – December 18, 2011
The Voice of the Turtle by John Van Druten,
January 5 – January 29, 2012
Daddy Long Legs - book by John Caird, music and lyrics by Paul Gordon, based on the novel by Jean Webster,
February 9 – March 4, 2012
Mrs. Whitney by John Kolvenbach,
March 15 – April 8, 2012
Ghost-Writer by Michael Hollinger,
April 19 – May 13, 2012.
The Unicorn Will be Swaying to the Beat with Rhythm and Roots Band, The Tarbox Ramblers
February 2012
Berkshire Theatre Group is excited to host the down home rhythm and roots band that bursts with the unexpected, The Tarbox Ramblers, at The Unicorn Theatre, 6 East St. Stockbridge, MA 01262, on February, 18 at 8pm.
Tickets to The Tarbox Ramblers are $20. Tickets may be purchased in person at The Colonial Theatre Ticket Office at 111 South Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 or by calling (413) 997-4444 or online at www.TheColonialTheatre.org. The Ticket Office is open Monday-Friday 10am–5pm, Saturdays 10am–2pm or on any performance day from 10am until intermission. Tickets may also be purchased with cash at the Unicorn Theatre prior to the performance. The Unicorn Theatre Box office will open one hour prior to the performance the day of the show and tickets are subject to availability.
With the Ramblers a lot can happen quickly: at any given Tarbox show the audience is likely to hear thickets of gorgeous backwater guitar, followed by fierce waves of percussion in call-and response drum-and-vocal songs, followed in turn by timeless lightning-in-a-bottle laments. From a whisper to a roar—with what led The Washington Post to describe them as "a force of nature"—The Tarbox Ramblers’ astonishing inventiveness keeps their music vital even as it continues to evolve.
Taking listeners to a place where Appalachian music, ancient blues and gospel come together in powerful, unexpected combinations, The Tarbox Ramblers are left-field traditionalists whose roughhewn, direct sound has drawn raves from Rolling Stone, All Things Considered, The New Yorker and many more. Playing with the ease and familiarity of musicians who understand each other's deepest impulses, these gifted interpreters of traditional music also continue to write a growing number of original songs.
The Ramblers, string bassist Scott McEwen, drummer Robby Cosenza and guitarist Michael Tarbox, have played their old-soul music to considerable effect, making converts of audiences at clubs and festivals throughout the US and Canada. In fact, Robert Plant caught the group’s live show and right on the spot asked them to open his tour dates; Plant later tapped them as backing band for a set with Alison Krauss at The Rock Hall of Fame’s Leadbelly Tribute.
A night of blues, rock and the unexpected, the Unicorn will be swayin’ and the audience will fall in love with all that is The Tarbox Ramblers.
The Duke’s Men of Yale Return to Berkshire Theatre Group to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
February 2012
Berkshire Theatre Group is proud to announce that The Duke’s Men of Yale, a world class collegiate a capella group, will be returning to Stockbridge at The Unicorn Theatre, 6 East St. Stockbridge, MA 01262, on February, 11 at 8pm for a Valentine’s Day concert.
Tickets to The Duke’s Men of Yale are $20 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets may be purchased in person at The Colonial Theatre Ticket Office at 111 South Street Pittsfield, MA 01201 or by calling (413) 997-4444 or online at www.TheColonialTheatre.org. The Ticket Office is open Monday-Friday 10am–5pm, Saturdays 10am–2pm or on any performance day from 10am until intermission. Tickets may also be purchased with cash at the Unicorn Theatre prior to the performance. The Unicorn Theatre Box office will open one hour prior to the performance the day of the show and tickets are subject to availability.
With six decades of history and numerous recent accolades celebrating its musicality and performance, The Duke’s Men of Yale offer a refreshing take on a cappella music. Since 1952, audiences worldwide have been raving about The Duke’s Men of Yale for their brilliant musicianship and keen ability to balance a down-to-earth sense of humor with a strong sense of professionalism. With an expansive repertoire and knack for high energy performances, that set them apart from their contemporaries, “Da Doox” consistently impress. They have performed for former President Bill Clinton, multinational corporations such as Google, world-class hotels and restaurants, local businesses and schools throughout the world.
Coming off an impressive 2010-2011 season, The Duke’s released their newest album, The Chase, in 2010 to universal acclaim. They were also selected for the prestigious Best of College A Cappella and SING compilation albums, and the Contemporary A Cappella Society named The Duke’s Men one of the top five male collegiate groups in the country. As one of the most beloved collegiate groups in the country, The Duke’s Men have performed everywhere from The White House to Lincoln Center, and recently headlined a concert with Glee’s very own Darren Criss.
The Duke’s are thrilled to return to the Berkshires after their nearly sold out performance last summer. In honor of Valentine’s Day, they will perform classic love songs by such artists as Chaka Kahn, Billy Joel, Sam Cooke, and the Jackson 5, along with newer songs by Adele and Rihanna. You can’t go wrong with Da Doox!
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