MUSIC MONDAY: “Ring of Fire” – Black Voices in Rock And Country Playlist (LISTEN)

MUSIC MONDAY: “Ring of Fire” – Black Voices in Rock And Country Playlist (LISTEN)

by Marlon West (FB: marlon.west1 Twitter: @marlonw IG: stlmarlonwest Spotify: marlonwest)

Happy Music Monday! In the weeks since Beyoncé’s recent Country releases, there’s been much debate on her Country bona fides, though the sista has never been shy about voicing her Texas pride.

From Beyoncé’s history with the genre, from the song “Daddy Lessons”, from her 2016 album Lemonade, to the Stetsons worn by Destiny’s Child, many Country devotees ignore her roots and those of other Black artists.

While talking to a good friend and colleague last week, he pointed out that it’s not musicians that draw designations often based on race, it’s the so-called fans. It is also music writers and editors who act as gatekeepers.

Ray Charles, James Brown, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King, Elvis Presley, Aerosmith, Love, Brittany Howard, Lola, Valerie June and so many others can’t be bothered. Music is music.

It has been a long-running theme of my playlist and missives here on GBN, that the roots and current impact of Black artists on Country Music and Rock ’n Roll is deep and continuing.

Rhiannon Giddens is present playing the banjo (an instrument whose roots go back to Africa), on “Texas Hold ‘Em”, and with The Carolina Chocolate Drops. As is Lil Nas X, who was also soundly rebuffed by Country music gatekeepers initially.

I’ve included The Black Pumas, TV On The Radio, Clarence Clemons, Tracy Chapman and of course Lenny Kravitz, who all reject rock music being the domain of white artists.

So, please enjoy this collection of artists that aren’t inclined to be labeled and defy labels.

And as always, stay safe, sane, and kind.

Marlon West (photo courtesy Marlon West)

* This article was originally published here

You Can Build Your Own Omakase At This Minimalist Brooklyn Restaurant

Ume is a stunning, minimalist Japanese restaurant in Williamsburg that looks like a little cottage you’d stumble upon while exploring off the beaten path.

But it’s not your typical omakase restaurant–here, you dine on the floor (literally, there are no chairs) and build your own omakase!

Build your own sushi board at Ume Williamsburg
Instagram / @ume.williamsburg

When entering you’ll wash your hands and place your shoes in a cubby before walking past the chefs preparing the omakase in front and heading out to the stunning outdoor patio where you’ll sit criss-cross applesauce on a floor cushion.

And once you’re settled the fun begins!

Ume offers a $78 pre-fixe sushi set that comes with 12 different sashimi combos, seasoned sushi rice, miso soup, nori, and flavored salts, including ghost-pepper and truffle sea salt–but it all comes deconstructed on a sushi board so you can build it yourself!

Bunch of Stuff at Ume in Williamsburg
Instagram / @ume.williamsburg

The restaurant does give diners a recommended set of instructions to follow–drink the soup first, try all the sauces individually before pairing, eat the fish from left to right, and play around with the seasonings–but you do have full reign to be the curator of your own meal and create whatever combinations you’d like!

If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at being a sushi chef, this restaurant lets you live out those dreams.

Beyond the build your own option, there’s also an à la carte menu with dishes ranging from $20 – $60, including options such as the Everything Roll, Literally Everything Don, Uni Ikura Don, and Scallop Uni Salad.

Literally Everything Don at Ume in Williamsburg
Instagram / @ume.williamsburg

You can also opt for the traditional omakase experience, where you’ll enjoy 15 pieces of sushi for $125 while seated at the restaurant’s sushi counter.

Whether your build your own omakase that looks like something a high-end spot would actually serve, or they look, well, exactly how they would if someone with little to no experience made them, we can promise two things: they’ll taste delicious either way, and you’ll have a fun experience.

Learn more about Ume and make reservations here.

📍 237 Kent Ave, Brooklyn

The post You Can Build Your Own Omakase At This Minimalist Brooklyn Restaurant appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

Mayor Adams Secures $77M For School Bus Electrification & Electric Truck Depot

The #1 source in the world for all things Harlem.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced that the city has been awarded a total of $77 million in competitive grants from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The law is geared to expand the number of electric school buses and trucks on city streets. A $61.1 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s…

The post Mayor Adams Secures $77M For School Bus Electrification & Electric Truck Depot appeared first on Harlem World Magazine.

* This article was originally published here

This Mysterious $9 Hero Is Brooklyn’s Best Kept Secret

Chicken parm, meatball parm, eggplant parm–they’re all versions of the Italian parm sandwiches that are staples in us New Yorkers’ diets. But there’s another kind of parm sandwich familiar to Brooklynites, and though up until now an air of mystery has surrounded the hero, we’re wondering if its main character moment is on the horizon.

What we’re talking about is the artichoke parm, which can be found at Mama Louisa’s Hero Shoppe.

While the exact contents of the $9 hero remains a mystery, besides the obvious ingredients–marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and artichokes on toasted Italian hero bread–we’ve heard the hero also contains bits of scrambled eggs, giving the sandwich a chewy yet creamy texture.

Menu at Mama Louisa’s Hero Shoppe
Instagram / @kc_tinari

According to Tasting Table, the tangy sandwich had actually been on the Brooklyn deli’s menu for years before it starting drawing in lines of hungry New Yorkers wanting to get one for themselves–owner Edga Luinavictoria even stated that they once sold 400 orders of the hero in one day!

And it’s easy to see why–one Instagram user stated how, after eating the sandwich cold following an 80 mile trek back to Philadelphia, it was still fantastic. “The artichokes had a little crunch to them. The cheese and eggs coated everything almost as awesome as the sauce…But my favorite part. The bread. Holy moly. The chew is literally perfect.”

The same user added in a second post about the sandwich how it was “life changing” and that they “still think about it two months later.”

Another Instagram user stated “Definitely make a special trip to [Mama Louisa’s Hero Shoppe] it is sooo worth it. We can’t wait to go back.”

Exterior of Mama Louisa’s Hero Shoppe
Instagram / @kc_tinari

While Bon Appétit writes that the artichoke parm is still a niche sandwich, “those who love it are extremely dedicated fans.” Charles Star, a fan of the sandwich who has lived near the deli since 2006, told the outlet, “The only thing really wrong with it is, you kind of want to slow down and savor, and it doesn’t really encourage that.”

If you’re interested in trying the sandwich yourself, pop on over to family-owned Mama Louisa’s Hero Shoppe in Prospect Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn. Word on the street is that you won’t be disappointed!

Plus, the deli also offers outdoor seating, so you won’t have to waste any time before digging into the sandwich.

📍 Mama Louisa’s Hero Shoppe – 609 New York Ave, Brooklyn

The post This Mysterious $9 Hero Is Brooklyn’s Best Kept Secret appeared first on Secret NYC.

* This article was originally published here

Unique And Creative Office Table Ideas For The Philippines

The #1 source in the world for all things Harlem.

In the dynamic landscape of the modern workplace, the significance of a well-designed office table cannot be overstated. Whether you’re setting up a home office or revamping a corporate workspace in the Philippines, the right office table can enhance productivity, promote organization, and create a conducive environment for innovation. From ergonomic considerations to cultural influences,…

The post Unique And Creative Office Table Ideas For The Philippines appeared first on Harlem World Magazine.

* This article was originally published here

Ben Platt will be playing a three-week residency at the renovated Palace Theater this spring

Ben Platt will be playing a three-week residency at the renovated Palace Theater this spring

To celebrate the release of his third studio album Honeymind, set to drop on May 31, Broadway darling Ben Platt will take over the refurbished Palace Theatre for a three-week residency from May 28 through June 15.

All 18 performances will be directed by Tony Award winner Michael Arden, who also collaborated with Platt on the critically acclaimed revival of Parade, for which the actor earned a Tony nomination in 2023. 

Just as exciting Platt’s actual act is the venue chosen for the residency. The Palace Theatre, located at 1564 Broadway near 47th Street, is a classic Broadway venue that began as a Vaudeville theater in 1913. It has been closed for a series of renovations and restorations since 2018; when it finally reopens, the landmarked venue will be 30 feet higher up than before, as the result of a raising project meant to add ground-floor retail space to the address.

Ben Platt residency
Rendering: Courtesy of DKC/O&M

The importance of the stage he’s going to occupy isn’t lost on Platt himself.

“It is far beyond my wildest imagination to play a residency of my own music in a house as storied as the Palace,” the 30-year-old actor said in an official statement. “I feel blessed to be part of the theater community, and to have the opportunity to perform as myself and from my own perspective on a Broadway stage is one of the greatest honors of my life. I can’t wait to introduce my new record on the beautifully revived stage. My hope is to bridge my musical theater roots that I hold so dear with the world of classic Americana songwriting that I’ve fallen so deeply in love with.”

Audience members can expect Platt to perform tracks from his upcoming album alongside selections from his 2021 collection Reverie and 2019’s Sing to Me Instead—”as well as a few surprises,” reads an official press release. (Dare we say…special guests?)

Tickets for Platt’s upcoming residency are currently available right here.

* This article was originally published here

Harlem’s Lottie Williams Actress, Singer, And Dancer, 1866 – 1929

The #1 source in the world for all things Harlem.

Charlotte Louise Johnson, known as Lottie Williams and Lottie Thompson, 1866 – March 17, 1929, was a Harlem actress, singer, and dancer.  A pioneering performer in African-American musical theater, she is best remembered for starring in several stage works with her second husband, Bert Williams, both on Broadway and in vaudeville. These included several musicals created by composer Will Marion Cook, lyricist Paul Laurence…

The post Harlem’s Lottie Williams Actress, Singer, And Dancer, 1866 – 1929 appeared first on Harlem World Magazine.

* This article was originally published here

Everything you need to know about New York’s once-in-a-lifetime 2024 solar eclipse

Everything you need to know about New York's once-in-a-lifetime 2024 solar eclipse

A spectacular solar event will grace the skies above New York this spring. Considering that the next solar eclipse over New York won’t happen for more than 50 years, you really don’t want to miss this one. 

To make the most of the experience, we broke down everything you need to know about the eclipse, like when and where it’s happening, how to be safe, and where to find some stellar events. 

RECOMMENDED: The best Solar Eclipse 2024 events in NYC

What is a solar eclipse?

During this celestial spectacle, the Moon will pass between the Sun and the Earth, completely blocking the face of the Sun, NASA explains. It’s a rare event that you won’t want to miss.

When is the 2024 solar eclipse?

The total solar eclipse is on Monday, April 8, 2024. In terms of exact timing, totality varies from place to place. For New York City, we’ll be able to see the Moon cover up to 90 percent of the Sun at 3:20pm, per the American Museum of Natural History. As for the Buffalo area, the partial eclipse will begin around 2:04pm, with totality running from 3:18pm-3:22pm. NASA’s got a chart with exact timings here.

The next time a solar eclipse with grace the skies over the continental U.S. is 2044, but the next time you’ll see a total solar eclipse in New York will be 2079. That’s why you really don’t want to miss it.

Where can I see the 2024 solar eclipse in NYC? 

If you want to experience the eclipse to its fullest, you’ll have to head outside of the city. Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse are prime viewing locations, as they’ll be in the path of totality and they’re planning lots of fun events.

New York City isn’t in the path of totality, but we’ll still see 89% coverage, per the Governor’s office. That means you’ll want to get your eclipse glasses ready and make plans for the day. Last time there was an eclipse, people gathered at Bryant Park, so we expect that will happen once again. Plus, we’ll keep you posted on eclipse events as they’re announced.

What happens during a solar eclipse?

The sky will darken like it’s dawn or dusk and cast lots of freaky shadows. It makes for a trippy few moments until the afternoon light returns once again.

During the eclipse, nocturnal wildlife sometimes wakes up, thinking that it’s nighttime, and non-nocturnal wildlife might think it’s time for sleep.

New Yorkers don their solar glasses to view the solar eclipse in Bryant Park in Manhattan
Photograph: By James Kirkikis / Shutterstock | New Yorkers don their solar glasses to view the solar eclipse in Bryant Park in Manhattan.

How can I stay safe during an eclipse?

No matter where you experience the eclipse, the most important thing is to keep your eyes safe. NASA has all the intel on exactly what you’ll need to stay safe.

Per NASA: “You must look through safe solar viewing glasses (‘eclipse glasses’) or a safe handheld solar viewer at all times. Eclipse glasses are NOT regular sunglasses; regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe for viewing the Sun.”

What events are happening for the eclipse?

Museums and cultural organizations across the city are getting on the solar spectacle with viewing parties, educational activities, and even cruises. Here’s our full guide to the best eclipse events in the city.

If you want to head outside of the city, there are several events worth driving for:

In Rochester, the Rochester Museum and Science Center is hosting ROC the Eclipse, a multi-day festival from April 6-8. Events will include hands-on activities, speakers, food, and, of course, lots of fun science. Their goal? “Making sure the eclipse is accessible and exciting to literally everyone under the sun.” 

As for Syracuse, their science museum is hosting a solar eclipse festival on April 8, complete with free eclipse glasses, activities, and food trucks.

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next time a solar eclipse with grace the skies over the continental U.S. is 2044, but the next time you’ll see a total solar eclipse in New York will be 2079. 

* This article was originally published here

March Madness features several NBA prospects. But they likely won’t get drafted among 1st few picks

basketball hoop in basketball court

Anyone watching the NCAA Tournament exclusively to get a closer look at the top prospects in the upcoming NBA draft is in for a disappointment.

Only one of the top five players in last year’s draft came directly from college, as the Charlotte Hornets took Alabama’s Brandon Miller with the second overall pick. There are similar forecasts for this year’s draft, with international players such as Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr atop most projections.

Even so, there are some players in the 68-team field who should hear their names called on draft night, even if they aren’t necessarily among the first handful of picks. Here’s a rundown of some of the most notable pro prospects seeking to make their impact on March Madness.

There’s one notable name missing from this list: Purdue center Zach Edey.

In a previous era, Edey’s status as a 7-foot-4 center and likely two-time consensus national player of the year would make him a sure top-10 pick. But he’s a big man who stays right around the basket much more often than today’s NBA centers, as evidenced by the fact he has attempted just two 3-point shots in his entire college career.

Edey has gotten better each year at Purdue and has the type of glittering resume that will get him drafted at some point, but it’s likely the players on this list will get selected before him.STEPHON CASTLE, UConn

Castle struggled with a knee injury early in his freshman season but came on strong late in the regular season while showcasing the upside that made him a top-10 recruit.

Castle had 21 points against St. John’s and Seton Hall and had a 20-point performance against Providence. He averages 10.8 points and has been named Big East freshman of the week a record 11 times. Castle’s 3-point shot needs work, but the 6-foot-6 guard has shown enough this season to merit a first-round selection if he opts to enter the draft. UConn has another potential first-round prospect in center Donovan Clingan. Although Clingan has been the more productive player this season, Castle has the greater pro upside.ROB DILLINGHAM, Kentucky

Dillingham’s speed and ability to provide instant offense should translate to the next level. The 6-3 freshman averages 15.4 points and has made nearly 45% of his 3-point attempts. His 35-point performance in a loss to Tennessee serves notice to his long-term potential. He had 27 points and seven assists in Kentucky’s SEC Tournament loss to Texas A&M.

NCAA brackets by Associated Press

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In Dillingham and Reed Sheppard, Kentucky has a pair of freshmen who should get taken in the first round if they choose to enter the draft.KYLE FILIPOWSKI, Duke

Filipowski was regarded as a likely first-round pick if he had chosen to enter last year’s draft, but the 7-footer instead decided to return for a sophomore season in which he has collected 17.1 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. Filipowski has made himself a better prospect by improving his overall and 3-point shooting percentages over his freshman performance.

He has also evolved into more of a playmaker by improving his assist totals and reducing his turnovers. Jared McCain is another Duke player who could get drafted in the first round.DALTON KNECHT, Tennessee

Knecht has made the greatest impact of any college basketball transfer this season. After beginning his career at Northeastern (Colorado) Junior College and playing two seasons at Northern Colorado, this 6-foot-6 guard has compiled 21.1 points per game as a fifth-year senior at Tennessee. He scored 40 against Kentucky, 39 each against Auburn and Florida and 37 against North Carolina.

There will be questions about whether Knecht can defend at the NBA level. He also will be 23 at the time of the draft, making him older than most prospects. But his pure scoring ability should get him taken somewhere in the first round.JA’KOBE WALTER, Baylor

This top-10 recruit is considered a quality NBA prospect because of his scoring ability. The 6-5 guard has backed that up in his freshman season by scoring 14.2 points per game. Although Walter is shooting below 40%, his profile suggests he can improve in that area.

If Walter enters the draft, he likely would become the second Baylor guard to get taken in the first round in as many years after the Utah Jazz selected Keyonte George with the 16th overall pick in 2023.CODY WILLIAMS, Colorado

Williams, the younger brother of Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams, was a top-10 recruit when he signed with Colorado. The 6-8 forward hasn’t put up overwhelming statistics his freshman year at Colorado, but he’s making over 55% of his shots and 40% of his 3-point attempts while playing exceptional defense. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Williams is the first college player drafted this year.

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The post March Madness features several NBA prospects. But they likely won’t get drafted among 1st few picks appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.

* This article was originally published here