. Thomasina Burton, renowned “Gospel Mime Dancer,” was beautiful at the recent Zion Baptist Church Community Festivals in East Baltimore. A member of New Life Evangelical Church, she has performed at many churches such as Temple Baptist Church, F.T.C. B. Church and Kingdom Workers International Ministries, just to name a few. A must see act.
Hello my dear friends, how are you? Are you enjoying this beautiful, hot weather the Lord has given us? I love it even though it doesn’t like me. Because of health reasons, I am unable to hang outdoors and I know many of you are in the same situation, but honey child, it is my kind of season. The outdoor concerts and festivals are off the hook this summer. I have so much to tell you and I am not sure if the AFRO will allow me to get it all in or not with my pictures too. But I am going to try it any way and pray on it.
I want you to follow me and remember to support our young people in music. They are playing all over Baltimore. The young lady I mentioned in the above picture is a very gifted Gospel ‘Mime’ Dancer. I don’t give too many compliments about gospel dancer, because I never could understand why during service in church these people would decide to do a ballad dance. It just never made since to me.
But I had the opportunity to see two Gospel Mime Dancers, which to me is totally different from someone whaling around on the floor kicking their heels up, spinning around in circles and sliding around on the floor with bare feet. The Gospel Mime Dancer actually performs the gospel songs with their facial expressions and the movement of their hands and body language. I think it is beautiful. This young lady, Thomasina Burton, is only in her early 40’s but she is awesome. I will let you know where she is going to be performing as soon as I can.
Ephraim and Ebban Dorsey, sister and brother, winners of the 2015 Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund, will headline their own show with Greg Hatza, Robert Shahid and Brian Kooken at the Caton Castle Lounge, 20 S. Caton Avenue, in Baltimore on Aug. 13 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Promoter for this event is Eleanor Janey and Dr. Donna Hollie, former board members of the organization. For ticket information, call 410-566-7086.
I am so proud and tickled to death about two of my last winners of the Rosa Pryor Music Scholarship Fund, a sister and brother team who will be featured in their own show with the renowned musicians; Brian Kooken, Robert Shahid and Greg Hatza at the Caton Castle Lounge on Aug. 13 at 6 p.m. Please my friends, support the young people.
Also on that same day, Aug. 13, the late Congresswoman’s “Ruth M. Kirk Community Family Fun Festival” will celebrate their 22nd Annual event at Franklin Square Park, from noon until 8 p.m. featuring all sorts of vendors including delicious foods, arts and crafts and yours truly with my books. The entertainment will be provided by; Nevita & Company, Simply Black and my group from out of Washington, D.C. “Signature Live.” On Aug. 14 the fun will continue with live entertainment by M.C. Booze, Rebirth, Robert Rucks Band and the Spindles. Bring your folding chairs and blankets and enjoy.
It was a sad day in East Baltimore last week when we all said farewell to the Poet’s Athletic Club, 918 E. North Avenue. Last week the club celebrated the beginning and the end of a beautiful historical, popular, well respected nostalgic private club that opened their doors 54 years ago. So many of the dedicated, strong members have passed away and or are up in age and have health issues and the club was unable to replace them. Carl Beasley has been General Manager and said he could not hold on any longer. Shutting down and leaving with a great reputation was a good thing. We will miss the Poet’s. Thanks Beasley for all your support you and your organization gave to the community and to my organization.
. “BMA 2016 Jazz in the Sculpture Garden Summer Concerts” will begin August 6 with Tizer Quartet featuring Karen Briggs. Show time is 7 p.m. at the Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, Md. For ticket information call 443-573-1701. You can bring your own folding chairs and blankets.
Well for my jazz lovers and fans, you would enjoy this one. It is a “Tribute to Left Bank Jazz Society featuring John Lamkin 3rd Trio with Donald Harrison, Andrew Adair, Vicente Archer, and John Lamkin 3rd at Caton Castle, 20 S. Caton Avenue on Aug. 6 from 6-10 p.m. Again these are all young musicians.
MJ Productions, with D.J. Mike Jones, is hosting his 4th Annual Black & White Cabaret at Diamondz Events Hall, 9980 Liberty Road in Randallstown, Md. on Aug. 5 from 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. It is B.Y.O.B., free set-ups and live entertainment by the Rollex Band and DJ T.C. Flash and DJ Mike Jones. For ticket information, call 443-525-5016.
D.C. Washington passed away Friday, July 22 in his home. His Memorial Service was Thursday, August 4 at St Paul Methodist Church, 501 Reisterstown Road. Condolences to his family and the Mason Brothers of Hiram Grand Masonic Temple.
The Kuumba Ensemble Members and Rosalyn Gaines will host their fundraiser on Aug. 6, called “Jazz/R&B under the Stars Extravaganza” at The Lorraine Garden, 1021 Hartmont Road, Catonsville, Md. featuring Kendall Leonard. It is a “Cure for Cancer Fundraiser.” The event is BYOB, finger foods and a lot more.
Well, my dear friends, it is time for the “fat lady to sing.” I am out of time and space. I’ve got to go and fix dinner for my sister, Maxine. Remember if you need me, call me at 410-833-9474 or email me at rosapryor@aol.com.
Until the next time, I’m musically yours.