On Our Radar: January 2021
January 6, 2021 marked a deepening erosion of our democratic institutions. It brought to light the unfathomable reach of disinformation and the pervasiveness of intolerance. As we contemplate the fragile state of our democratic structures and intuitions in the United States and worldwide, we turn to the arts for their ability to examine how we can engage. We turn to the arts to remind ourselves of how to remain hopeful and of our continued links with activists before us.
Our curated recommendations for January 2021 highlight the work of Martin Luther King Jr., focused on his role as activist relative to his role as dreamer, the public art billboard campaigns of Four Freedoms, the musical playlists of James Baldwin, and some poems from the emergent strategies activist, Adrienne Maree Brown. These recommendations remind us of our need to engage, reflect, express, and restore ourselves as we fortify our democracy in the days and years to come.
James Baldwin’s Spotify Playlist
James Baldwin, as a novelist, essayist, and playwright, was one of the most influential voices on the civil rights movement. Baldwin claimed music as influence and instigation, noting that his 1953 autobiographical work Go Tell It on the Mountain was fueled by singer Bessie Smith, whose music helped transport him to Harlem even as he wrote his novel from the Alps. A 478-track, 32 hour celebration of what moved Baldwin musically is now available as a Spotify playlist. Curated by Ikechukwu Onyeweunyi of the Hammer Museum, his Chez Baldwin playlist is full of Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Gloria Lynne, and Diana Ross among others.
With a playlist full of soul music, jazz, and blues, there is much for celebration and inspiration. As we listen to track after track, we are reminded of Baldwin’s reflection “that the man who creates the music is hearing something else, is dealing with the roar rising from the void and imposing order on it as it hits the air…what is evoked in him, then is of another order…and his triumph, when he triumphs is ours.” With this joyful playlist, we can listen to the rhythms that animated Baldwin’s prose.
Onyewuenyi also notes “The playlist is a balm of sorts when one is writing.” “Baldwin referred to his office as a ‘torture chamber.’ We’ve all encountered those moments of writers’ block, where the process of putting pen to paper feels like bloodletting. That process of [writing] torture for Baldwin was negotiated with these records.”
Credit: BAM
35th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute: Brooklyn Academy of Music
On Martin Luther King day, world-renowned artists, public figures, and civic leaders celebrate the iconic civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In a virtual program, that will air locally on BRIC TV and be available on BAM’s YouTube and Vimeo through February 28, viewers are invited to a speech by Alicia Garza, performances by PJ Morton, Tarriona "Tank" Ball, Sing Harlem!, Timothy DuWhite, Ashley August, and presentations by leading artists, civic leaders, and changemakers, including NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, U.S. Representative Hakeem Jeffries, and U.S. Senators for New York Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.
"After a painful year, we take this moment to reflect and to move towards the future," say the co-presenters. "We draw inspiration from Dr. King’s words, his life, and the actions of those around us who continue the fight for equality and justice."
The program will be complemented by a digital screening of William Greaves’s newly-restored documentary Nationtime and the week-long public art installation Let Freedom Ring.
Credit: NY Times
Four Freedoms: Billboards
For Freedoms is an artist-led organization that models and increases creative civic engagement, discourse, and direct action. In their 2020 Awakening, 85 artists prominently displayed their work on 100 billboards in all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Art from Alexandra Bell, Ai Wei Wei, Glenn Caino, and more implores us to consider and expand what participation in a democracy looks like. These expressive works encourage us to reshape conversations about politics.
While these billboards are collectively available onine, in NYC this week, outside of the Brooklyn Academy of Music, we are able to bear witness to the works of Brooklyn-based artists. Billboards by Derrick Adams (@derrickadamsny), Alvin Armstrong (@eyesrevive), Laylah Amatullah barrayn (@laylahb), Kameelah Janan Rasheed (@kameelahr), Hand Willis Thomas (@Hankwillisthomas), and Jasmine Wahi (@browngirlcurator) showcase deep care about fostering ongoing dialogue about the role of artists, equity, and inclusion. BAM curator Larry Ossei-Mensah (@youngglobal) notes their work invites us to join in necessary reflection on what freedom truly means in 2021.
Writings of Adrienne Maree Brown
Adrienne Maree Brown (@adriennemareebrown) is known as a brilliant activist writer, with her radical self-help/society-help work “Emergent Strategy” and activist leadership with Rukus Society. Adrienne’s beautiful writing often blends genres, including the speculative possibilities of science fiction, and employs other creative techniques.
In the tradition of Audre Lorde, who once said “poetry is not a luxury,” Adrienne uses poetics to contemplate the events of January 6th. Her poem “what is unveiled? the founding wound (poem/directive” lyrically calls on the need for self-action, for “the expulsion from the illusion of safety/
from the idea that someone (else)/
will do all the labor.” Her work, while acknowledging the reality of the situation, moves toward hope as she notes “things are not getting worse/
they are getting uncovered/
we must hold each other tight/
and continue to pull back the veil/
see: we, the body, we are the wounded place.”
With lines such as, “we are our only relevant hope/
we are our only possible medicine.,” Adrienne Maree Brown offers both inspiration and insight for the future of democratic design.
Archived On Our Radar Arts Events
October2020: Presented by Leviathan Labs Founder, Ariel Estrada
GOVT with Model Majority!: Model Majority presents comedy in support of democracy- featuring special guest Margaret Cho!
CAATA: Return to the Source: A virtual discussion of issues affecting Asian American theater artists across the nation, this series tackles heritage to the impacts of Covid-19.
Colapesce: Composer and violinist Sean Devare presents a multi-genre feast based on an Itatlian myth of a half boy/half fish.
September 2020: Presented by Th!nk Chinatown Executive Director, Yin Kong
Assembly for Chinatown: In partnership with A+A+A, Chinatown outdoor dining becomes the stuff of dreams with murals and community.-driven volunteers
Black Gotham Experience: From Kamau Ware to more, this group disrupts colonialist lens as it presents an ever fuller representation of NYC history.
American Struggle: Jacob Lawrence’s work, The American Struggle, creates new narratives at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
May 2020: Presented by Asian American Arts Alliance Executive Director, Lisa Gold (APAHM)
Crazy Woke Asians Comedy Festival: This 3 day comedy festival virtually presents over 90 Asian-American comedians helping us manage through these stressful times. In addition to laughter, all ticket sales support pandemic-related non-profits, including Feeding America.
Minhwa and minhaw::: The Korean Cultural Center presents traditional Korean folk painting alongside contemporary takes from artist, Seongmin Ahn.
Love in the Time of Corona: Parajit Desai Dance company brings us sounds from across the Asian diaspora and other genres for some shared virtual free style-dancing. Expect hip-hop, soul, house, bhangra, arabic, latin, sufi qawwali, gujarati raas, and more.
April 2020: Presented by Poet and Brooklyn Poets Founder, Jason Koo (National Poetry Month)
Brooklyn Poets 7th Anniversary Yawp: Brooklyn Poet’s 7th anniversary celebration featured a virtual Zoom poetry workshop and open mic with special guest teacher Edward Hirsch, Poet and Guggenheim Foundation President. Hirsch led a generative workshop based on Nazim Hikmet's beloved poem "On Living.”
Newton Literary and Lewis Latimer House: Poetry Workshop: Newton Litera:ry and the Lewis Latimer House presented a free online poetry workshop that begins with the question “What about home sneaks its way into my work, and how can I nurture and support that meaning through poetry?” .
Tango Uncorked: With the Tango Uncorked podcast, Adam Hoopengardner provides insights into the people who drive the tango community- organizers, performers, musicians- and allows us all to learn more. We can milonga from the comforts of our homes.
February 2020: Presented by Tap Performer Brian Davis (Black History Month)
Harlem Swing Dance Classes: Take swing dance classes in Harlem, the birthplace of swing, with Samuel Coleman! Offered every Monday at the Kennedy Center.
Dandy Wellington's Swinging Band: A sharply dressed man leading a “kicking” jazz band, the sounds of Dandy Wellington fill Dekalb Market Hall. Enjoy the free music, while showing off your dance move or enjoying the many international food hall offerings.
Prohibition Productions at Secret Room: Travel back in time to a world of live music, burlesque, and other cabaret style performance in this Manhattan speakeasy style restaurant.
January 2020: Presented by Creative Sanctum
Year of the Metal Rat Celebration: Abrons Arts Center and Wing on Wo & Co., the oldest store in Chinatown, heralded the start of the “Year of the Metal Rat” with traditional and contemporary arts, including lion dance from the Wan Chi Ming Hung Gar Institute and visual arts.
To the Moon: VR Experience: An otherworldly virtual reality experience, this art installation takes viewers to the moon, alongside shooting stars that transform into diamonds, dinosaurs, and other incredible space debris. Part of the Public’s Under the Radar Festival!
34th Annual Martin Luther King Tribute at BAM: Honoring the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., this annual tribute features spoken word and a visual arts gallery, Picture the Dream.
Aki Sasamoto's Phase: Transition: Multimedia artist, Aki Sasamoto transforms the sanctuary of Saint Mark’s Church with wind and multimedia, as a reflection of the passing of time, motherhood, and transition.
December 2019: Presented by Cindy Chu, Actress, Writer, and Producer of Queens, the Series
Halfway Bitches Go Straight to Heaven: Playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis brings light to subjects and people whom the world tends to ignore with this play telling the tale of women in a halfway house.
Over Step Comedy at Asian American Writer’s Workshop: An all Asian sketch comedy collective dedicated to increasing diversity and kicking ass!
Asian Creatives Network Holiday Market: With so many grassroots communities in NYC, the Asian Creative Network is one of my favorites in getting to know the awesome, supportive Asian arts community. This holiday market featured both performers and work from artists in the network.
November 2019: Presented by Seth Harris, Oil Painter
John Singer Sargent’s Portraits in Charcoal: Presented at the Morgan Library, John Singer Sargent presents a masterful collection of charcoal portraits.
The Art History Babes: An engaging way to learn more about the masters and subjects of art history. You’ll feel like you’re learning over a glass of wine.
Secret Science Club: When I’m seeking inspiration for my work, Secret Science Club presents fascinating experts on topics, ranging from space exploration or death.
October 2019: Presented by Debby Lau of Signature Theatre
New York City Center Fall for Dance Festival: This beloved fall tradition presents a curated collection of different dances companies on one stage at the accessible prices of $15 for every seat in the house. With both international and local companies, and styles from tap, hip hop, to ballet, there’s something new to discover for everyone.
Musical Theatre Factory’s Fall Piano Party: A free live sing along of musical theater favorites hosted by Kuhoo Verma and guest performers Troy Anthony and Kim Blanck.
Fires in the Mirror at the Signature Theatre: A one actor show, originally written and conceived by Anna Deveare Smith, this play tells the tale of the 1991 Crown Heights race riots. With one actor playing multiple roles, from rappers to housewives, these interview-based monologues will grip you.
September 2019: Presented by Jonathan DePeri Gotham Arts Salon Director
Balanchine’s Jewels by New York City Ballet: George Balanchine’s celebrated evening-length ballet Jewels, whose three parts feature dancers attired as emeralds, rubies, and diamonds respectively set to music by Fauré, Stravinsky, and Tchaikovsky. Originally inspired by the choreographer’s visit to Van Cleef & Arpels, Jewels is perhaps the first ever full-length abstract ballet,
Choir of Trinity College: The world-renowned Choir of Trinity College Cambridge, comprising entirely students at Cambridge University, performs sacred music from across the spectrum of Christian tradition featuring works by a range of composers spanning from the Renaissance to the modern day.
Dudok Quartet: Chamber music is an art form as elegant and aristocratic as it is intimate and approachable. As Goethe put it, string quartet repertoire in particular really is the refined and subtle art of four individuals’ conversing. It is a joy to hear the expressive vitality of this brilliant Dutch ensemble perform such wide-ranging yet intensely focused programs
August 2019: Presented by Jaime Shannon, Artistic Director of Kilowatt Dance Theater
Battery Park Dance Festival: Amid sea and sky, dance companies from New York and around the world present on an outdoor stage for five nights with a myriad of ecletic dance styles. Creative Sanctum and friends took a trip this year to see the Tuesday, July 9th performance featuring Buglisi Dance Theater and Ashle Dawson’s Made in America.
Charlie Park Jazz Festival: Honoring bebop legend Charlie Parker, Jaime notes this free festival in both Marcus Garvey and Tompkins Square Park has “world class musicians and the music never disappoints.”.
Gamme by Bala Sole Dance Company: An evening of ecletic dance solos, the audience is welcomed with the opportunity to get to know each dancer through their choreography and movement in what feels like a one on one interaction with each of them.
July 2019: Presented by Creative Sanctum
Midsummer Night Swing: Eyal Vilner Big Band: Claiming the title for 30 years, Midsummer Night Swing is NYC’s best outdoor dance party. And on July 10, 2019, the Eyal Vilner Big Band, a 16-piece, multigenerational ensemble, will present “an exciting new sound in the finest tradition of contemporary big band music” (All About Jazz).
Shakespeare in the Park: Coriolanus: Expect some swords as Shakespeare in the Park, presents Coriolanus, for the first time since 1979. Coriolanus is the “Bard’s blistering drama about a general voted into power by a populace hungry for change, and the unraveling that follows.” Tony Award winner Daniel Sullivan (Proof, Shakespeare In The Park’s Troilus and Cressida) serves as the director for this modern-day version tale of democracy and demagoguery. Running July 16-August 11
BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn Festival: Compagnie Hervé KOUBI: On July 27, the French-Algerian choreographer Hervé Koubi brings his signature work What The Day Owes To The Night to the Bandshell. With highly muscular and astonishingly physical dancers, What The Day Owes To The Night, is bristling with energy. The movements evokes Orientalist paintings and Islamic architecture as 12 French-Algerian and African dancers combine capoeira, martial arts, hip hop, and contemporary styles.