Page 4. Portland Observer, August 3, 1988
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ENTERTAINMENT
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by Garland Lee Thompson
M
usical Director and pianist,
Janice Scroggins performed
fully with jazz saxman, Bobby Bry­
ant Jr. and blues singer Curtis
Salgado at the weekend Cathe­
dral Park Jazz Festival, while
“ bicycling” back and forth to
rehearsals of “ Simply Heavenly.”
The Broadway musical by Lang­
ston Hughes, opens Thursday,
August 18th, 1988, 8:00 p.m. at
Lincoln Hall Theatre, Portland
State University. Scroggins is
coaching the singers and musi­
cians for the show, such as Neal
Thom as, in the title role,
“ Simple,” with Denise Williams,
as his girlfriend, “ Joyce,” and
Jean ett R ussell Brown, as
“ Zarita,” his “ other woman.”
“ Simply Heavenly,” runs Thurs­
day through Saturday, 8:00 p.m.,
Sunday, 3:00 p.m., until Septem­
ber 4th, 1988. The box office at
PSU is 464-4440.
NEW YORK BLACK THEATRE
DIRECTOR, DUANE JONES, DIES
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The Artistic Director of the
Richard Allen Center for Culture
and Art of New York City, died
last Friday, July 22nd, 1988.
Jones, also an actor and teacher
as well as having been the former
executive director for the Black
Theatre Alliance of New York
(now defuncted) before becoming
the Artistic Director for the
Richard Allen Center (RACCA),
where he directed among others,
an A u d e lc o A w a rd -w in n in g
production of “ Simply Heavenly,”
a few seasons ago in New York.
At his death, Jones was direct­
ing a production of Kathleen Col­
lins’ new play, “ The Brothers,”
(postponed) at the Westbeth
Theatre Center, for RACCA in
New York. It is a great loss for the
theatre and myself, a friend of his,
while I founded and was Director
of the Frank Silvera Writers' Work­
shop for thirteen years, a mem­
ber-company of the BTA in New
York. “ Ciao,” Duane, we’ll miss
you. RACCA is looking for his
successor, joining the Frank
Silvera Writers' Workshop, which
is also seeking a new Executive
Director for the 1988-89 season.
It’s a new era now!
POETRY FESTIVAL DEDICATED
TO LANGSTON HUGHES
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1005 W Burnside, features Native
American poets, Dian Million and
Elizabeth Woody of Portland, P.Y.
Minthorn of Cayuse, on the Uma­
tilla Reservation, and Chrystos of
Bainbridge Island, Wash., author
of “ Not Vanishing.”
A reading by Oregon’s Poet
Laureate, William Stafford of Lake
Oswego, will complete the even­
ing. Other readings will be held at
the Northwest Service Center,
1819 N.W. Everett, featuring W.S.
Merwin, August 13th, at 8:00 p.m.
The Festival’s final event, August
14th, is scheduled for Noon to
4:30 p.m. in the Washington Park
Amphitheatre, featuring Naomi
Shihab Nye, Yusef Komanydaa,
Olga Broumas and Ishmael Reed,
all nationally-acclaimed poets.
WHAT ABOUT THE SEASON,
1987-88?
I opened the season with
“ Ishi,” in “ Wild Indian,” at the
IFCC Theatre and the black South
African play, “ Homeland,” follow­
ed. Shabaka, the black actor, star­
red in the “ The life of Galileo”
(New Rose Theatre), after “ Woza
Albert,” the powerful South Afri­
can two-character play with ac­
tors Rick Jones and Anthony
Armstrong, packed the Winn-
ingstad Theatre at the Performing
Art Center. We had “ Tea,” at the
IFCC, a play about Japanese war-
brides, by Velina Houston, an
Afro-Asian woman playwright
from Los Angeles, Ca. All of this
and the impressive and “ Joe
Turner’s Come and G one” ),
“ Sarafina,” the black South
African musical, and "Check­
mates,” by Ron Milner, due to
open Thursday, August 4th, 1988,
on Broadway at the 46th Street
Theatre in New York (starring
Ruby Dee, Denzel Washington
and Paul Winfield).
Controversial Movie
Attracts Mixed
Reactions
N ASH VILLE (UMNS) — The
scheduled release in late Septem­
ber of a controversial film entitled
"The Last Temptation of Christ”
has attracted a boycott threat
from one United Methodist, and
warnings against censorship
from denominational communica­
tions leaders.
The Rev. Donald Wildmon, Tu­
pelo, Miss., who heads the Ameri­
can Family Association, de­
scribes the movie as a “ blas­
phemous evil attack on the
church and the cause of Christ.”
Mr. W ildmon’s organization is en­
couraging opposition to release
and showing of the production
and, if that is not successful, a
boycott of businesses operated
by the corporation that owns
Universal Studios.
Nelson Price, head of United
Methodist Communication’s Pub­
lic Media Division, said he has not
seen the film which speculates
on the humanity of Jesus and his
struggle with his mission as
Messiah, but the UMCom execu­
tive called any boycott by United
M ethodists “ prem ature” and
equated such a move with “ a call
for ce rn so rsh ip ” w hich the
General Conference has opposed
in statements in 1984 and 1988.
The Rev. William Fore, a United
Methodist who heads the Nation­
al Council of Churches’ com­
munications unit, said the film is
"consistent with an important
stream of Christian theology” by
making Christ’s divinity depen­
dent on an act of will.
THE IFCC IS AT IT AGAIN!
In co lla b o ra tio n w ith the
University of Portland’s Japan
Studies Program, the Japanese
A m e rica n C itiz e n ’s League
(JACL), and the NW Asian Ameri­
can Theatre (NWAAT), the IFCC is
presenting “ Miss Minidoka 1943,”
by Gary Iwamoto, directed by
Stan Asis, at the Mago Hunt
Theatre, University of Portland, on
August 26th, 27th and 28th, 1988,
Friday, Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and
Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
“ M is s
M in id o k a
1 9 4 3 ,“
searches the confines of a World
War II internment camp for “ the
id e a l
J a p a n e s e -A m e ric a n
woman.” The contest, a brain­
child of camp reporter, Eppie, is
first threatened by convincing
camp lawyer Shifty and then
almost torpedoed by Japanese-
culture purist Matsutake man,
w ild m ushroom hunter. But
despite everything, justice and
fair play prevail as the residents
hustle to hold their beauty con­
test; to create their “ own slice of
the American pie.”
“ Miss Minidoka 1943,” is a gen­
tle and subtly homorous musical
about judging people only at
“ face value.” For information, call
Roberta Wong at IFCC, 243-7930.
l
B
by Stephen McPherson
Perkins, the newly appointed
Chief
Executive Officer of the
he 900 member Urban League
Portland
Urban League. Mr.
of Portland filled the main
Perkins
began
his discourse by
ballroom at the Jantzen Beach
regognizing
the
monolithic nature
Red Lion Inn for their annual din­
of
the
Black
community
in that
ner last Thursday. The league,
what
affects
one
Black
person
in
founded in Portland right after the
Chicago
or
New
York
soon
will
af­
war in 1945 is long experienced in
fect the Black population in Port­
feting such a gala event. Present
land. He further observed that
were representatives of every
there
was something fundemen-
political, social and financial
tally
wrong
in a system where
community of the entire state.
Black
people
are only 1.5% of the
Prior to the dinner the guests
population,
yet
represent 20% of
mingled in the spacious outer lob­
the
prison
population.
"And while
by or out on the deck facing the
Portland
accepts
great
accolades
Willamette River where a very
for
being
one
of
the
nation’s
most
clear sky gave a panoramic view
livable
cities,
it
has
yet
to
ac­
of both Mt. Hood and Mt. St.
knowledge
fully
the
debilitating
Helen’s. An assortment of hors
environmental conditions that ex­
d’oeuvres was complemented by
ist inside its communities. In­
each person's favorite drink.
stead
it begins to become en­
Once inside the, Ron Steen
amoured
with its Camelot image
Trio, featuring Shirley Nanette
as
things
continue to deteriorate
belted out a set of grand old
slowly.”
favorites that tickled the toes and
T
made the heart beat just a little
faster. By the time the Street Cor­
ner Singers mounted the stage to
give a very special rendition of
“ Lift Every Voice and Sing” the
dinners could scan any small seg­
ment of the room and know that
Black people were marching on to
victory in this our adopted coun­
try. Each set of dignitaries paid a
special tribute to the process, in­
cluding Mayor Bud Clark's home-
spun version of the Declaration of
Independence.
Ken Boddie of KOIN-TV nar­
rated a moving pictorial docu­
mentary of the progress Black
people have made in the struggle
for social, political and economic
justice.
The hallmark of the evening
was the keynote address of Useni
Mr. Perkins went on to enum­
erate a number of areas in which
the Urban League has taken an
active part in bringing about
social change and p o litic a l
awareness within the Black com­
munity. One aspect of that surge
has been the creation of the Coal­
ition of Black Men w hich1 has
made its presence felt in a num­
ber of circles. They are continuing
to direct their efforts toward
redirecting our youth toward
more meaningful and positive
activities.
A Black Health coalition has
been formed to direct its atten­
tion to the special needs of Black
people.
The theme of the dinner was
"How To Build Community Em-
Unity o f Love
Beauty Salon
—
H O W TO DO A CO LD W AVE
If you ladies are still wearing curls--Your late. To
wear just a curl isn’t enough. Sometimes your hair
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You say your tired of the curl, but what will you do?
If you change over — your hair will fall out — not true.
Not with the Ocean Wave or Jajie line. You can
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6720 N.E. Union • Portland, Oregon
(503) 283-5440
HOURS: Thursday thru Saturday - 8:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
A re Y ou A R apper ?
Sign Up Now For “ Feeling It Jam ’88” Rap-Off
Auditions — August 20th - 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
North Portland Library - 512 N. Killingsworth St.
You Can Register By Call 283-5520 (Leave Message)
Or 234-9436 — Ask For Danny Or Terri.
Cleo’S
Monday — Performer's Showcase - Open Mike
Downstairs - Playback Theatre 99«
Tuesday — Lynn Neil & Conover Gilpin
Wednesday — Steve Hettum & Friends
Thursday — Margo Tufo’s Blues Review
Downstairs - Triple Threat Jam
Friday — Jane & His Wife
Downstairs - Dub Squad
Saturday — Napoleon's Mistress
Downstairs - Zoomorphics
Self Control Center
8888 Canyon Rd #105
Portland • Beaverton OR
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1st Prize - Trophy and Feature Article in ’ Portland Observer'
300 N.W. 10th
Portland, Oregon
227-1991
• No special foods • No signup fees
• Low cost • Easy • Different from any
other program available
Hypnotherapy. Dr Spicer s NutriWheat &
Nutridrink,
Appetite control patch or mist
powerment.” He invoked the prin­
ciple of UJIMA which is a west
African expression for collective
work and responsibility. A third
example of the League's involve­
ment is a collaborative effort with
Mercy Corp to provide jobs and
homes for the homeless.
The evening ended with a re­
sounding group of old spirituals
that have kept Black people striv­
ing to achieve in this strange new
world for more than 300 years. It
was quite surprising and a bit sad
to this writer to observe how
many Black people under the age
of 40 were not able to participate
when the audience was invited to
join in the singing. We lose some­
thing special from our own cul­
ture when we forget how to “ Lift
Every Voice and Sing.”
gospel, Patti’s was tagged for the
lead in “ The Mahalia Jackson
Story,” but there’s one hitch.
MCA's Jheryl Busby, who has
now taking the reins at Motown,
was to be executive producer on
the project. Meanwhile, Prince
plunked down $1 million for living
quarters in Paris, overlooking the
Seine. Talk is he may have it
redecorated in purple.
Anita Baker is rushing to finish
her latest album in the hopes it
will be released by the end of the
summer. Others in the studio in­
clude Barry White with his sec­
ond A&M LP, and Teena Marie,
who is looking to dump CBS.
A Michael Jackson TV Special
thanks to Friday Night Video.
Jackson retained total control of
the project, containing footage
from his current world tour,—
both on and offstasge. It was
aired July 30, at 11:30 p.m. Says
co-producer Dick Ebersol, " it ’s a
side of him you don’t often see.”
The singer, currently performing
in London, will return to the
states in September for the sec­
ond leg of his USA tour, starting
in Pittsburgh. It was announced
earlier that proceeds from his
Oct. 24, Detroit concert w ill go to
the Motown Museum Historical
Foundation located at the com­
pany’s original studios, called
“ Hitsville,” U.S.A..
September 10th is set as the
date ter the “ Bishop Tutu” World
Peace Concert,” at the Los An­
geles Coliseum. The eleven hour­
long concert will star Eddie Mur­
phy, Harry Belafonte, Vanessa
Williams, Kool & The Gang, Mor­
ris Day, Oprah Winfrey, Steel
Pulse, Morgan Fairchild, Kurtis
Blow, and Anita Baker. The show
will be televised as well as radio
broadcast and will be produced
by Mike Mitchell. Mitchell, who
coordinated the 1985 success of
"Live Ad,” will use this project to
enlighten its audience to the in­
justices of apartheid. There is talk
of a simultaneous concert at
Madison Square Garden.
Mosley Turns A Profit: Magnum
P.l. may be cancelled, but Roger
Mosley won’t be hightailing it
back to the states. Fact is,
Mosley, who fell in love with
Hawaii, after moving there to do
the show, opened a lucrative res­
taurant called “ Reni’s,” and has
no plans of giving up his
residence in Hawaii.
★ FEELING IT JAM ’88 RAP CONTEST ★
THE LONG
GOODBYE
UNIQUE WEIGHT
LOSS PROGRAM
Call fo r free consultation
k
(505)292 3955
ack Together Again: “ It’s
_I fantastic — like a big whirl­
wind. We are doing it again,” were
the words of Joyce Vincent-Wil­
son, excited about the reunion of
Tony Orlando & Dawn. It was two
months ago that Telma Hopkins,
who co-starred with Neil Carter in
“ Gimme A Break,” got a call from
Orlando, out of the blue. The two
had broken off communication
when in 1977, some felt Orlando
faked a mental breakdown on
stage in Cohasset, Massachu­
setts in order to dump his famed
backup team. (He began appear­
ing solo in Vegas shortly after­
ward). Both Hopkins & Joyce
Vincent-Wilson (who make up
Dawn), have buried the hatchett
with Orlando, and are presently
rehearsing for a tour that begins
in Atlantic City on July 26, almost
11 years to the day since the
group — that garnered a hit TV
show and sold in excess of 25
million records, including “ Tie A
Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole
Oak Tree,” — last perform ed
together.
All Burned Out: A recent
episode of “ Sonny Spoon,”
united Mario Van Peebles with
former Dynasty co-star Troy Beyer
(she played Diahann Carroll’s
daughter), and if you thought you
saw sparks, that flame has long
since been put out. At least, for
her. The two dated on and off for a
couple of years ... And while on
the subject of dating, Robert
DeNiro’s No. 1 these days is
Toukie Smith, sister of the late
black designer W illi Smith.
Prince & Patti together? That’s
Patti Labelle, and her upcoming
album features songs written
especially for her by none other
than the “ Prince” himself. He will
also perform on the two tracks,
one of which deals with child
abuse and the other — a rock/
gospel number? And speaking of
Useni Perkins Addresses 825 Guests
At Urban League Dinner
$10 o ff Stop Smoking
or Stress Control
$25 o ff Stop Smokin
complete program (
sessions)
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The 1988 Portland Poetry Festi­
val, August 11 th-14th, will be high­
lighted with a dramatic portrayal
of the life and works of Langston
Hughes and readings by nation-
ally-prominent poets. Thursday,
August 11th, Herb Cawthorne,
former head of the Urban League
of Portland, w ill appear as
“ Langston Hughes,” weaving the
Harlem Renaissance w rite r’s
poems and other writings into a
n a rra tive at the In te rs ta te
Firehouse Cultural Center, 5340
N. Interstate.
The Friday, A u g u st 12th
readings at Anne Hughes Coffee
Room at Powell's Book Store,
SUM [ ] » » § ©t^Kl S3
A Musical Director And
Pianist “For All Seasons”
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