Adolphus Hailstork has been blending classical traditions and several genres of American music for half a century. In 2019, conductor Thomas Wilkins said of the composer’s work: “It’s quite tonal, but not without chromaticism. And sometimes, because he’s alluding to a blues lick or a jazz gesture, we find notes that are bent or twisted. “
The Harlem Chamber Players ensemble has been one of Hailstork’s most dedicated advocates in recent years. And his latest concert – recorded and streamed on thegreenespace.org on Saturday at 7 p.m. Eastern Time – will premiere a new piece by the composer: “Tulsa 1921 (Pity These Ashes, Pity This Dust).”
The mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges plays the lead role in the work that is reminiscent of the Tulsa Race massacre. And the concert can whet your appetite in the run-up to a planned New York Philharmonic program for the coming season. When the orchestra hits Carnegie Hall in January it will play “An American Port of Call” by the composer.
SETH COLTER WALLS
For over a decade, the artistic collaborators Mark Dendy and Stephen Donovan have been grappling with social and political issues with a unique, surreal dance theater: “Dystopian Distractions!” Examined the military-industrial complex; “Whistleblower” imagined the experience of Chelsea Manning; and “Elvis Everywhere” explored American cultural decline.
For the American Dance Festival, Dendy and Donovan are now presenting their debut film “the aGe of aNXieTy”, which reacts to the fear and madness of the past year. The 40-minute work shows a cast of 16 who dances exuberantly between the landmarks of New York City and follows the character Monsieur le Clown, who dreams of freedom after the pandemic and after Trump. The film vividly portrays personal and collective despair, but also finds optimism when it celebrates the spirit and perseverance of the city and its residents.
The movie will stream from 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Sunday to 11 p.m. June 26. Tickets are $ 15 and can be purchased at americandancefestival.org.
BRIAN SCHAEFER
CHILDREN
Sounds of hope and unity
The makers of “All One Tribe” promote harmony – in the truest sense of the word.
With 24 artists and bands, this album by Aya World Productions affirms the common humanity of all families and at the same time emphasizes the special achievements and goals of People of Color. One of those goals – recognizing black voices in children’s music – led to 1 Tribe Collective, the consortium that produced the project and will celebrate its release on Saturday.
At 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, musicians Aaron Nigel Smith and Shawana Kemp (aka Shine) will host a free virtual concert honoring Juneteenth, the holiday commemorating the end of slavery in America. The event, which will be streamed on 1 Tribe Collective’s YouTube channel (where it will remain afterwards) and album distributor Tuff Gong International’s YouTube and Facebook pages, includes music videos, artist interviews and live performances.
Among them are Jessica DeShong, who sings “Black People Who Change the World”, and Ms. Janis, whose poignant “Say Their Names” is an album highlight.
LAUREL GRAVE
theatre
Bring in the inquiries
When it came to protecting yourself from the coronavirus, singing – or enjoying live music and its aerosols – was strictly contraindicated. But with vaccinations rising and case numbers falling, karaoke rooms and piano bars have started a slow reopening.
Put away the knitting, the book and the broom, because cabaret has also come back. Feinsteins / 54 Below, the supper club and Broadway hangout in the depths of Studio 54, has opened its red door to a vaccinated audience with limited capacity. Guests will notice fresh decor, such as plexiglass partitions between the tables. As for dinner, there is a new menu from club advisory chef Harold Dieterle.
The highlights of the opening weekend include George Salazar, the star of “Be More Chill”, and the composer Joe Iconis, who performs his “Two Player Game!”. Act on Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 7 pm (with further performances in the coming week from Tuesday) and Larry Owens (“A Strange Loop”) with a Sondheim homage on Saturday at 9:45 pm
ALEXIS SOLOSKI
With her bloodthirsty, coarse and boastful rhymes, Young MA, a native of Brooklyn, is a New York MC in the great tradition. And as one of only a handful of openly queer women who are successful in the rap mainstream, she is also something of a pioneer. Following the success of their 2016 breakout hit “OOOUUU” – a foggy, alcohol-soaked ode to stealing boys’ girlfriends – MA released a steady beat of rocking and technically tight songs, including “Hello Baby,” a recent collaboration with her Brooklynite colleague Fivio Foreign. Even more convincing than their records are their freestyles – a good reason to look for their live shows.
On Friday at 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Young MA will represent the Big Apple in Los Angeles, where she will appear as part of the club’s ongoing series that includes rapper Freddie Gibbs and Australian R&B group Chase Atlantic. Tickets start at $ 15 and are available at youngma.veeps.com.
OLIVIA HORN