PBS’ ‘Independent Lens’ presents ‘Mr. Soul!’ – April 10, 11

The PBS series ‘Independent Lens’ presents an in-depth look at America’s first black variety show, “Soul!” in the documentary “Mr. Soul!”  Premiering in 1968, under the production talents of Ellis Haizlip (who would eventually become the show’s host), “Soul!” ran for six seasons.  “Mr. Soul!” is narrated by actor Blair Underwood and features interviews with Harry Belafonte, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and activist Kathleen Cleaver, sharing their memories about the show and how it affected them. Archival footage includes musical performances by Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind and Fire, and Patti LaBelle; spoken word performances from the Last Poets and Sonia Sanchez; dance numbers from Carmen de Lavallade and interviews with James Baldwin, Muhammad Ali, Maya Angelou, Judith Jamison and more.

Encore showings of “Mr. Soul!” air Saturday, April 10 at 11PM and Sunday, April 11 at 3:30AM on Channel 49 WAEO.  Members of PBS can view the film on the PBS website through February 2023.

 

Trinity Cathedral BrownBag Concert Series: The Dancing Wheels Company – April 14

As part of its BrownBag Concert series, Trinity Cathedral Cleveland Church, 2230 Euclid Avenue, presents a virtual performance by the Dancing Wheels Company Wednesday, April 14 at noon.  Now in its 41st year, Dancing Wheels Company, whose mission is to educate, entertain and advocate, has reached millions of spectators through performances, school assemblies, residencies and workshops. The free performance will be live streamed on the Trinity Cathedral Facebook page and website.  Donations welcome.

 

‘Innovation & Soul’ Jazz at Lincoln Center Gala – April 14-25

The Jazz at Lincoln Center 2021 Gala, “Innovation and Soul,”  premieres Wednesday, April 14 at 7:30PM ET. Hosted by Dee Dee Bridgewater, the event will honor musician Jon Batiste (band leader for “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert”) and Charles Phillips (Chairman of the Board of Directors at software company Infor, and Jazz at Lincoln Center board member).  The event will include special appearances by President Bill Clinton, Anna Deavere Smith, Lil Buck, Pedrito Martinez, Veronica Swift, Michael Rodriguez, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis. Tickets are $30 and $35. The performance will be available on demand April 15-25.

 

Jason Bateman and Laura Linney in a scene from the Netflix drama, “Ozark.”

Casting call for Final Season of Netflix’ ‘Ozark’ – Various dates in April

If you have no qualms about traveling these days, or live in the Atlanta area, the hit Netflix series ‘Ozark,’ starring Jason Bateman (“Arrested Development”) and Laura Linney (“Tales of the City”) is looking for extras as the shows prepares to shoot its fourth and final season. Filming dates are April 9, 14, 16 and 19; COVID-19 tests must be taken on-site prior to filming dates.

 

Comedian Tony Rock

Tony Rock at Cleveland Improv – May 7-9

Comedian Tony Rock, younger brother of Chris Rock, is headed to the Cleveland Improv, 1148 Main Avenue, May 7-9 for five shows.  Tickets are $17.  Face masks are required except while eating and drinking.

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