A scene from the Mary J. Blige documentary, “My Life,” directed by Vanessa Roth. (Photo: YouTube/Amazon Prime)
Mary J. Blige documentary ‘My Life’ – Streaming on Amazon Prime
Now available exclusively on Amazon Prime is Vanessa Roth’s documentary on Grammy-winning R&B stalwart/rapper/ actress Mary J. Blige titled “My Life.” Blige’s sophomore album of the same name celebrates its 27th anniversary this year. The documentary features in-depth interviews with industry magnates such as Andre Harrell, Sean Combs, Chucky Thompson, and fellow performers including Method Man, Nas, Alicia Keys and many others. Watch the trailer.
The Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival (GCUFF) will host a 10th anniversary fundraiser August 21 at Edwin’s Too.
GCUFF ‘Catfish & Bourbon’ Fundraiser – August 21
To celebrate their 10th anniversary, the Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival (GCUFF) will host a “Catfish, Bourbon & Blues” fundraiser Saturday, August 21 from 7-10p at Edwin’s Too, 13220 Shaker Square (44120). Tickets are $75 and include a New Orleans-themed dinner and a performance by Franc West of NBC's The Voice and 2021 Emmy nominated Singer/Songwriter. All proceeds will benefit the production of the 10th Annual GCUFF Film Festival.
This year’s festival kicks off Thursday, September 9 and runs through Friday, September 17.
Classic funk band AWB will perform at the Ludlow Garage in Cincinnati August 21. (Photo: Ludlow Garage)
Average White Band in concert – August 21
In case you missed the chance to get your “School Boy Crush” on last week at the Agora with the Average White Band, or you’re that much of a fan that you’re willing to travel to see them again – or both – the funk band is playing Saturday, August 21 at 8:30p in Cincinnati at the Ludlow Garage, 324 Ludlow Avenue [45220]. Tickets are $35-$65 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster or the Ludlow Garage website.
West African griot Cheick Hamala Diabate performs at Transformer Station August 25. (Photo | Michael Crook)
City Stages: Cheick Hamala Diabate – August 25
As part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s City Stages free summer concert series, Malian singer-guitarist and n’goni player Cheick Hamala Diabate will perform on Wednesday, August 25 at 7:30p at Transformer Station, 1460 West 29 St. [44113]. The n’goni is a traditional stringed lute considered one of the ancestors of the banjo.
Arrive early to see the exhibit currently on display at Transformer Station: “New Histories, News Futures, on view through September 12, showcasing work by three contemporary Black artists - Johnny Coleman, Antwoine Washington and Kambui Olujimi.
The Central State University Classic for Columbus takes place August 25-29 in Columbus, Ohio.
Classic for Columbus – August 25-29
Five days of activities are planned for Central State University alumni, friends, and family during the Classic for Columbus August 25-29, including a golf outing, career fair, drumline, a battle of the bands, and a football game between Central State and Kentucky State Saturday, August 28 at 3p at Ohio Stadium. There will also be a grilling competition, “Soul Wars – The Cookout Edition” Sunday, August 29 at 3p. Most of the weekend’s events are free, with the exception of the Golf Outing, and select parties. For complete details, check the schedule.
The 2021 East Cleveland Gospel Fest will be held at Pattison Park Saturday, August 28. (Photo | Jonathan Dunn Ministries/Facebook)
Gospel Fest at Pattison Park – August 28
The Northeast Ohio Alliance for Hope presents the 2021 East Cleveland Gospel Fest Saturday, August 28 from 1-5p at Pattison Park, featuring Jonathan Dunn of the Fresh Anointing Impact Church in Cincinnati, and Drew Baxter’s Worship Journey. Pattison Park is located at the intersection of Eddy Road, Hayden Avenue and Thornhill Road. For more information, please call 216.834.2324.
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