Also, PBS streams documentary on uncommon life of Vernon Jordan • Lake Erie Ink's 9th annual Kids Comic-Con • book festival • CSU Jazz Showcase
Ensemble Theater’s 10-Minute Plays on Zoom – March 8
Ensemble Theater’s Stagewright’s Unit presents the latest installment of its “10-Minute Play Zoom Reading Series” this Monday, March 8 at 7PM on Ensemble Theatre’s Facebook Page. Three plays will be featured: “In the Still of the Night” by Molly McFadden, starring Chris Courtenay and Peter Lawson Jones; “Just Call Her Momma” by Cindy Dettelbach, starring Renee Matthews Jackson and Greg White; and “Black Coffee” by Jeanne Madison, starring David Munnell and Katrice Monee Headd. 10-Minute Plays is a recurring series, happening every other Monday at 7PM. Note: Readings may contain strong language and themes and may not be suitable for younger audiences.
Civil rights activist and businessman Vernon E. Jordan Jr. addresses The Summit on Race in America at the LBJ Presidential Library on April 10, 2019. (Photo by Ralph Barrera, courtesy of LBJ Library)
PBS Offers Free Streaming of Recent Vernon Jordan Documentary
In light of the recent passing of renowned attorney and civil rights leader Vernon Jordan, PBS is offering free streaming of the recent documentary “Vernon Jordan: Make It Plain” through March 31, 2021. Shining light on the life of one of the most groundbreaking and influential African American thought leaders in the United States. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Dawn Porter (John Lewis: Good Trouble; The Way I See It), the documentary explores the remarkable journey of Vernon Eulion Jordan Jr., from modest origins to national renown as a pioneering attorney, distinguished civil rights leader and successful businessman; and as an influential powerbroker and counselor to American presidents spanning the era from Lyndon Johnson to Barack Obama.
Cleveland State University Jazz Showcase Livestream – March 8
On Monday, March 8 at 6:30PM check out the BOP STOP’s Facebook page for a livestream performance by the Cleveland State University Jazz Ensemble and Small Combos performing jazz standards as well as original compositions. The combos will be directed by Alfredo Guerierri, Joe Miller and John Perrine. This is a free event, but donations welcomed.
Reading Under the Influence: Music, History and Race Virtual Panel Discussion – March 15
The Virginia Festival of the Book presents the virtual panel discussion, “Reading Under the Influence: Music, History and Race”, on Monday, March 15 at 7PM. The panel will be comprised of Regina N. Bradley, author of Chronicling Stankonia: The Rise of the Hip-Hop South; Adam Gussow, author of Whose Blues?: Facing Up to Race and the Future of the Music; and Claudrena N. Harold, author of When Sunday Comes: Gospel Music in the Soul and Hip-Hop Eras .
The discussion will examine how music, history, and race intersect in the creation of American identity, with a focus on blues, southern hip-hop, and late-century gospel music. Register through Eventbrite or watch on Facebook Live. Free and open to the public. A video archive will be available after the event. Sponsored by the University of Virginia.
Lake Erie Ink’s 9th Annual Kids Comic-Con – March 19-20
Panel discussions, workshops, reading sessions and an after party are among the planned activities for the virtual Lake Erie Ink’s 9th Annual Kids Comic-Con Friday, March 19 and Saturday, March 20, along with appearances by guest speakers/comic book writers Alison Bechdel and Brian Azzarello. Free, but donations welcome. This event is co-sponsored by the Cleveland Public Library.
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