Those in the know, know that the artist, Artis Lane, is one of North America’s best kept secrets. Her extensive career over 50+ years has covered periods in Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, Puerto Rico, Mexico City and back to LA, where she currently lives and works.  Dedicated to the spiritual path since her mid-thirties, Lane’s exquisite sculpture work examines the metaphysical path of the human journey from matter into spirit.  Lane is also known for her portrait work which includes commissioned bronzes and paintings of Rosa Parks (housed in the Smithsonian), Magic Johnson, Carey Grant, Oprah Winfrey, Cathy Hughes, Tamia, and may more…Below are the sculptures, ”Emerging First Man” Current Installation at the California African American Museum (left) with Artis Lane, and a 12′ 4″ ”Emerging First Man” (right) commissioned by Le Jardin Estates in Atlanta. 

There will be a retrospective of her work, A Woman’s Journey: The Life and Work of Artis Lane, at CAAM in Los Angeles from 9/27/07 – 3/2/07 during which time she will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the museum’s annual gala in October.

Artis Lane website

Dissident Display Multimedia Studio and Gallery is hosting the next leg of WILDSTYLE: The Exhibition – an exclusive showing of photos by Charlie Ahearn. Based in Washington DC, The Dissident Display Gallery show will feature an exclusive Dissident Display video, Wildstyle: Backstage at Summerstage, featuring interviews with legendary Hip Hop culture aficionados: Ahearn, Busy Bee, ‘Lil’ Markey C, Prince Whipper Whip and, Sara Rosen of Miss Rosen Editions/Powerhouse Books (publisher of the book Wildstyle: The Sampler).  In the video Ahearn discusses the use of photographs in shaping scenes in the film Wildstyle and, how Hip Hop became an alternative to joining the military for young men in the late 70′s. The show  was on view in July at Powerhouse Arena in Brooklyn. Opening Night in DC is September 14th, 7pm – midnight…if you’re in town stop by the party….if you’re not, click here to WATCH THE VIDEO! 

Sophia and Hazel photographed by SpyCat.

First off I want to just say, what is going on with the British Invasion?!  Some of you probably know of JUST JACK, but damn! This is taking me back to English Beat and The Pet Shop Boys. Finally some decent pop music, the US better wake up…Speaking of music from abroad, I also had a chance to see my favorite Venezuelans, Los Amigos Invisibles, give a non-stop body-rockin’ performance on the water at 14th street in Manhattan. Zap Mama took over the stage at Central Park for a global eclectic musically satisfying Sunday afternoon.  And, Benji B hopped across the pond from London for a DJ set hosted by Giant Step.

StoneBrown Studio backyard BBQ - Sat, August 4

Nothing like a backyard BBQ in BK (a.k.a. Brooklyn). This one, hosted at StoneBrown‘s Brownstone, included intimate live performances for a crowd of about 75. Grammy winner Gordon Chambers sang a couple songs from his latest album, and everyone agreed there was an R&B/pop star in the making on site, Plushus…  

Metaphysical Arts Conference at the United Nations – Thurs, August 16

200 guests, including myself, attended the Conference on BIO-ENERGETIC WELLNESS, put on by the UN Staff Recreation Council, Society of Enlightenment and Transformation.  Housed in the largest conference room on sight, where many a global intellectual  battle has gone down, I’m proud to say, I participated in marking the space with some peaceful vibrations through meditation and prayer. Specialists and leaders in cutting edge technology from bio-energetic healing, energy healing and new realms of thought engaged the crowd on topics from feng shui and astrology to crystals and nutri-ceuticals. Now I know folks are probably saying, “what the hell is that?”  All, that scientific, metaphysical, cosmic, spiritual thought/energy that is behind Star Wars, The Matrix, P-Funk and George Clinton…it’s that minus the Hollywood….

Si*se on the island - Sat, August 18

Si*se did not perform on the isle of Manhattan, the show was on Governor’s Island, only a 7 minute ferry ride away, but lightyears away in terms of relaxation.  The day was a perfect 70 degree blue sky sunburst.  The stage stood at the end of a long meadow of grass hugged by trees on either side.  On top of all the natural beauty and latin electronica grooves, the food vendor selection was scrumptous!  Jamaican delicacies, including jerk chicken, fried fish and rice and peas totally meshed with the laid back vibe.  Some brothas from Teaneck, New Jersey blessed the crowd with to die for fruit salads and smoothies (Get Fruity) that will soon be available in their new Harlem location on 127th street.  To top it off…chocolate cake…..pure heaven.

West Indian Day Parade, Brooklyn - Monday, September 3

Somewhere between Kingston Avenue and Troy Avenue on Eastern Pkwy, where it all went down….!

The non-profit All Stars Project founded in 1981 creates outside of school, educational and performing arts activities for tens of thousands of inner-city youth. One of the All Stars projects, established by Susan Jaffe, American Ballet Theatre prima ballerina, is the All Stars Artist Committee which partners leading performing artists with young people from inner city communities.  Artist committee members lend their talent and energies to connect young people to the broader world of culture. Members include: Fran Drescher, Charles S. Dutton, Bill T. Jones, Donna Murphy, Desmond Richardson and Daphne Rubin-Vega, among others.

Its flagship program, the All Stars Talent Show Network, involves young people, ages 5 to 25, in creating developmental culture through producing and performing in weekend talent shows in their neighborhoods. Young people perform as rappers, singers and dancers, and everyone who auditions makes it into the show! Young people also learn how to organize the productions, performing as ushers, ticket sellers, technical and house staff, box office staff, and stagehands. The All Stars next cycle of events will be held in South Ozone Park in Queens, New York this fall. For information on how to audition for a show, or volunteer, call 212-356-8447 or visit www.allstars.org!  (Below: Bill T. Jones with youth performers)