great news!

i received notice earlier today from harlem arts alliance, lower manhattan cultural council and the field that i'm one of ten artists that's been chosen to participate in the 2010 uptown/downtown performance development program. i'm using this opportunity to grow the alberta hunter project, an idea written by storyteller daniel carlton and myself that was instigated by a commission from jazzmobile earlier this year for their vocalfest as a tribute to miss hunter.

the performance in the spring at harlem stages for vocalfest was wonderful. daniel and i were onstage with the hot five, strutting our way through the better part of the 20th century via miss hunter's action-packed life. i've got a lot of ideas. and needless to say, i'm very excited.

i'd like to take a moment to thank aj for letting me know about this opportunity and encouraging me to apply for it. ever since he saw my one person show queen esther: unemployed superstar, he's been quite the cheerleader. thanks so much, aj. i hope you'll like the art i'm growing now.

great news!

i'm going to be a judge for the jazzmobile jazz vocal competition this year. it's happening on monday july 26th at gospel uptown - a wonderful venue right above 125th street on adam clayton powell blvd. and yes, the food is kind of amazing.

i think it's a great idea that they include a vocalist on the panel each year and i'm honored and somewhat floored that they chose me. God knows i'm going to take my duties very seriously.

and hey, vocalists - it's not too late to audition for this! they will see you on thursday, june 10th from 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM at the Harlem School of the Arts, 645 St. Nicholas Avenue, NY, NY 10030 (between 141st & 145th Street). *If they are not able to audition all singers registering by 7:00 p.m., a second day of auditions will take place on Friday, June 11, 2-5pm.

more details as they develop.