Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Works by Ulysses Kay, Mark Fax, Adolphus Hailstork & Charles Coleman in 'African-American Organ Music Anthology, Vol. 7' Edited by Dr. Mickey Thomas Terry

Dr. Mickey Thomas Terry

African-American Organ Music Anthology, Vol. 7

Dr. Mickey Thomas Terry, Editor

MorningStar Music Publishers

Ulysses Kay
(G.D. Hackett/Pictorial Parade)

Adolphus C. Hailstork

[Ulysses Kay (1917-1995) and Adolphus C. Hailstork (b. 1941) are profiled at AfriClassical.comwhich features a 
comprehensive Works List and a Bibliography for 
Ulysses Kay by Dr. Dominique-René de Lerma, 

The newest addition to the critically-acclaimed "African-American Organ Music Anthology," published by MorningStar Music Publishers is now available.  The anthology, edited by Dr. Mickey Thomas Terry, contains hitherto unpublished works as well as limited-access and/or out-of-print original compositions by African-American composers.  Volume 7 is comprised of works by Ulysses Kay, Mark Fax, Adolphus Hailstork, and Charles Coleman.  For more information or to order, please contact:  www.morningstarmusic.com.  The toll-free number is: (800) 647-2117.

Comments by email:
1) Thank you for this update, Bill. And congratulations Mickey.~Virginia Kay

2) Hi Bill:  I'm so glad to see another volume in this series. Mickey Thomas Terry has done an excellent and thoughtful job, and I know from feedback during my former life at the CBMR that church organists are very grateful.  Suzanne [Suzanne Flandreau]

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

APM's 'Performance Today' Celebrates Duke Ellington's 115th Birthday April 29 with Classical Suite from 'The River', Available Online on Demand

Duke Ellington (1899-1974) was a jazz and classical composer who is featured at AfriClassical.com

Duke Ellington's Suite from The River ends the first hour of the April 29, 2014 program of American Public Media's Performance Today:

Duke Ellington (arr. Ron Collier)
Suite from The River: 1. Spring; 2. Meander; 3. Giggling Rapids; 4. Lake; 5. Vortex; 6. Riba
Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra; JoAnn Falletta, conductor
Duke Ellington Festival, Kleinhans Music Hall, Buffalo, NY

The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra's performance of Duke Ellington's Suite from The River can be heard on demand by going to the Program Archive for April 29, 2014 at the website 

CTPost.com: 'Roy Eaton, first black man in New York City ad biz, gives talk in Stamford'

Piano keys are reflected in Roy Eaton's glasses as he plays a jazz tune inside the GenRe auditorium at UConn Stamford before his talk there in Stamford, Conn., on Monday, April 28, 2014. Roy is among the first black advertising executives. He was as a copyrighter and jingle composer at Young & Rubicam. Photo: Jason Rearick

AfriClassical frequently features the pianist Roy F. Eaton, who has a website at royeaton.net


First black 'Mad Man' gives talk in Stamford

Roy Eaton, first black man in New York City ad biz, gives talk in Stamford
Published 9:15 pm, Monday, April 28, 2014 
On a hot July day in 1955, Roy Eaton walked into the New York offices of advertising giant Young & Rubicam and made what seemed like an impossible request.
An out-of-work pianist trained in classical music, he asked for a job as a composer.
Eaton, fresh out of the Army, didn't even know the business that Y&R was in. He sought out the company only after receiving an answer to an inquiry he made about the name of the piano concerto used in "Goodyear Playhouse," an NBC television show that Y&R sponsored.
Aside from that, there was one other obvious but unspoken obstacle: Eaton was a black man knocking on the doors of a white man's industry.
Out of that unlikely situation came a nearly 30-year-career that rivals any of the jaw-dropping storylines written for the AMC television series "Mad Men" and its protagonist, Don Draper.
"Adversity is a gift, not a liability," he said.
Now retired from the profession, Eaton, who was inaugurated into the Advertising Hall of Fame in 2010, has experienced renewed fame as the first black "Mad Man." A copywriter and composer, he is known for creating iconic jingles, including the catchy Beefaroni ditty and the modern jazz-inspired tune for Kent cigarettes.
On Monday evening, the 84-year-old spoke before an audience at UConn's Stamford campus, part of the university's 11th annual Estelle Feinstein Memorial Lecture. He has also been a featured speaker at Harvard, Columbia and the City College of New York.  
          
               

Monday, April 28, 2014

Akin Euba, Nigerian Composer, Ethnomusicologist & Professor Emeritus at University of Pittsburgh, Was Born April 28, 1935

Dr. Akin Euba

Akin Euba was born in Lagos, Nigeria on April 28, 1935. His life and works are honored on the Akin Euba page at AfriClassical.com, which features a Works List and Bibliography by Dr. Dominique-René de Lerma, http://www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com. Prof. Euba's retirement celebration took place on March 15, 2011. Phil Thomson of the University of Pittsburgh posted a blog tribute on April 18, 2011. Here is an excerpt:

“Andrew W. Mellon Professor of Music Akin Euba will retire at the end of the 2011 spring semester, so on March 15 colleagues, students, alumni, and family gathered together to celebrate and share good wishes as he enters the next phase in his career. Akin Euba’s retirement celebration reflected all the elements of his storied career as a scholar, composer, and performer. During his 18 years with the Department of Music, he has fostered the field of creative musicology, led the Centre for Intercultural Musicology at Churchill College (Cambridge University) and mentored ethnomusicology students who have gone on to lead the field in their own rights.”


Akin Euba's intercultural activities have continued beyond his retirement from the University of Pittsburgh. Joyce Adewumi organized “Dialogue: Africa Meets North America in Harlem, October 30 – November 3, 2011, New York” with the authorization and participation of Prof. Euba.

Retweeted by
Robert Fokkens @RobFokkens
To 423 followers



Dominique-René de Lerma: Afro.com: 'Fisk University Wins 25th Annual Honda Campus All-Star Challenge'

Fisk University Wins 25th Annual Honda Campus All-Star Challenge. (Courtesy Photo)

Dominique-René de Lerma sends this link from Afro:

Afro
April 18, 2014
by Maria Adebola
Special to the Afro


Fisk University took home its first college quiz bowl championship title from the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge on April 16, defeating second-place finisher Oakwood University. 

The American Honda Motor Co., Inc. with the College Bowl Company created the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge in 1989 to bring together students from the nation’s HCBUs to battle over their knowledge of subjects ranging from African-American history to science to pop culture.

The winning question in the category of world mythology was, “What character in various world mythologies, whose name begins with A, B, or C, was the creator God eclipsed by Vishnu?” The answer was, “Brahma.”

Fisk was coached by Dr. Stafford W. Cargill and the team members included team captain junior Victor Ray Bradley, junior Matthew G. Barthwell, senior Anthony M. Franklin and junior Anna M. Wilkins.

“I am very proud of each student on the Fisk University team for the knowledge, spirit and discipline they displayed on the road to the national championship title,” Cargill said in a statement.

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Douglas A. Blackmon, author of "Slavery by Another Name," discusses "The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans" 6 PM May 8, 2014, Chicago Public Library

Douglas A. Blackmon

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Douglas Blackmon
to discuss perpetuation of slavery in post-Civil War America
at free Community Conversation event

Thursday, May 8 at 6 p.m.

at the Chicago Public Library’s Harold Washington Library Center

Presented by Facing History and Ourselves and The Allstate Foundation
in partnership with the Chicago Public Library

CHICAGO (April 23, 2014)—The Chicago office of international educational nonprofit Facing History and Ourselves and The Allstate Foundation are proud to present a free Community Conversation event on Thursday, May 8 at 6 p.m. with Douglas Blackmon, who will discuss his Pulitzer Prize-winning book Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II. Presented in partnership with the Chicago Public Library, this Community Conversation will be held at the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium of the Harold Washington Library Center (400 S. State Street). Reservations are requested for this free Community Conversation and available by calling 312.345.3203 or visiting
www.facinghistory.org/communityconversations.

John Malveaux: 'Korea Daily Los Angeles' publishes photo by Ralf Cheung of 50th Anniversary MLK Jr. ‘Symphony of Brotherhood’ Concert.

[Performers at the 50th Anniversary MLK Jr. ‘Symphony of Brotherhood’ Concert. Photo by Ralf Cheung]

John Malveaux of www.MusicUNTOLD.com writes on April 24, 2014:

 
John Malveaux



MartinsvilleBulletin.com: Sphinx Laureate Brendon Elliott Performs Violin Concerto of Adolphus Hailstork with Virginia Symphony in Martinsville, Virginia

Adolphus C. Hailstork (b. 1941)
is featured at AfriClassical.com

Brendon Elliott (Sphinx Organization)

Violin soloist Brendon Elliott (center) performs with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra on Friday night at Martinsville High School. Benjamin Rous is the orchestra’s conductor. The performance was part of the orchestra’s first Virginia tour. (Bulletin photo by Mike Wray)

Orchestra here on Va. tour 
Sunday, April 27, 2014
By TARA LUCAS - Bulletin Staff Writer
The Virginia Symphony Orchestra made its debut performance in Martinsville on Friday night as part of its first tour of the commonwealth.

The show opened at Martinsville High School with “Overture to Le nozze di Figaro, K. 492.” The fast-paced, whimsical melody drew resounding applause at its finish.

Violinist Brendon Elliott performed a violin concerto, written by composer Adolphus Hailstork, during the first half of the show. Elliott’s performance produced high-pitched trills, trembling low tones and a standing ovation from the audience estimated at about 475 people.

According to a release, Elliott made his debut as a soloist at the age of 10 with the Hampton University Orchestra. Since then, he has been a soloist with several professional and community orchestras.

At the age of 13, he appeared on From the Top on NPR. Among other things, he earned the National Sphinx Competition Achievement Award in 2012 and is a three-time semi-finalist in that competition. Elliott attends the Curtis Institute of Music.

Orchestra conductor Benjamin Rous called Elliott “amazing.”

“Adolphus Hailstork lives in Virginia Beach and Brendon is from Virginia,” Rous said, which was a good way to tie Southwest Virginia into the orchestra’s performance.

John Malveaux: The Juilliard School: Meet Juilliard's Real-Life Cinderella, Soprano Julia Bullock


The Juilliard School: Meet Juilliard's Real-Life Cinderella, Soprano Julia Bullock (YouTube.com)

John Malveaux of www.MusicUNTOLD.com:

Julia Bullock is indeed a "fast-rising American soprano".   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtIlm4vi7lw.  

Published January 9, 2014

Green Memory, from Harlem, 1951


Song cycle with text from Langston Hughes' Montage of a Dream Deferred (used with permission of the Langston Hughes Estate)
Soprano: Julia Bullock, Piano: Julius Abrahams
 
Thanks
John Malveaux
www.musicuntold.com

Sergio A. Mims: NYTimes.com: 'A winning cast of gifted Juilliard students was led by the impressive, fast-rising American soprano Julia Bullock'


Cendrillon Julia Bullock, center, at the Juilliard School; a video of the soprano is at nytimes.com/music. Credit Ruby Washington/The New York Times 

Sergio A. Mims writes:

The New York Times...(Friday April 25) had a rave review of Julliard School's new  production of Jules Massenet's Cendrillon with Julia Bullock in which she was a special standout. As the review says: "She seems poised for a significant career".

The review also includes a video especially for the Times of Ms. Bullock performing 

Friday, April 25, 2014

The Cliburn Presents Tenor Lawrence Brownlee at Kimbell Art Museum Piano Pavilion 29 January 2015


Lawrence Brownlee
www.lawrencebrownlee.com

Lawrence Brownlee, tenor

He sang with agility, elegance and Rossinian style, tossing off high notes and roulades…this was a winning performance for an increasingly important artist. New York Times
The most in-demand American tenor in the world in the bel canto repertoire, Lawrence Brownlee continues to astonish audiences with the power and agility of his instrument. From firmly American roots, Brownlee has become a star on the international scene, performing opposite the leading ladies of opera and lauded continually for the seemingly effortless beauty of his voice. He has been featured in nearly every major theater in the world and enjoys a relationship with many premier conductors and symphony orchestras, and has also performed recitals at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall, Grand Théâtre de Genève in Switzerland, and on London’s Rosenblatt Series.

Thursday, April 24, 2014

John Malveaux: 'Latonia Moore and Aleksandrs Antonenko as Aida and Radamès in Tatjana Gürbaca's production of Verdi's opera in Zurich'

[Latonia Moore and Aleksandrs Antonenko as Aida and Radamès in Tatjana Gürbaca's production of Verdi's opera in Zurich 
Monica Rittershaus/Opernhaus Zürich]
 

John Malveaux of www.MusicUNTOLD.com 
sends this link:

John Malveaux: African Americans for Los Angeles Opera: Seminar on William Grant Still - February 9, 2014 YouTube Video (7:07)

MARK BROYARD / AEROS PIERCE perform 'MY WORLD' (YouTube.com)

William Grant Still Seminar February 9, 2014 

John Malveaux of www.MusicUNTOLD.com sends this link:

Seminar on William Grant Still - February 9, 2014 Video
http://www.operaleague.org/AfricanAmericansforLAOpera/tabid/257/Default.aspx

John Malveaux

Sigma & U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sign Historic Memorandum of Understanding to Engage Youth in STEM and Outdoor Recreation


On April 21, 2014 AfriClassical posted:

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sign Historic MOU to Engage Urban Youth in Outdoor Recreation and STEM Education

April 24, 2014

Leading African-American fraternity Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. (Sigma) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) have joined forces to conserve America’s wildlife in a new way.  The two organizations signed an historic memorandum of understanding today in Washington, DC, establishing a partnership that will provide new opportunities for urban youth to experience the natural world and promote interest in conservation and the biological sciences.

The initiative commemorates American scientist, botanist, and inventor, George Washington Carver – a Sigma member who has inspired generations of youth to pursue careers in science.

“Many Americans find it difficult to experience nature in an increasingly urban America. This has profound implications for the health and well-being of our citizens and the future of our nation,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe. “Sigma – with its rich history of community leadership and deep connection to the legacy of Dr. Carver – is the ideal partner for the Service as we work to create meaningful connections between young people and the great outdoors.”

“The over-arching goal of Sigma is to impact the total well-being of the citizens in communities we serve,” shares Jonathan A. Mason, Sr., International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. “We are excited for this amazing opportunity to partner with the US Fish and Wildlife Service in engaging our youth through education and physical activity. We’ve aligned our focus with President Barack Obama’s ‘Am I My Brother’s Keeper?’ initiative as we take this opportunity to teach our young men that food does not come from a box, but from the ground,” Mason asserted.

The multi-faceted partnership will engage Sigma members and its Sigma Beta Club male mentoring youth groups to become environmental stewards. Goals include 1) teaching and engaging youth in outdoor recreation on public lands to promote health through physical activity; 2) promoting the pursuit of biological sciences careers through stewardship and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math); 3) building national, regional and local conservation partnerships; and 4) engaging Sigma as a voice on conservation issues.

Sigma Betas, Sigma’s youth auxiliary, will be engaged in hands-on activities with scientists to learn about wildlife, science, and conservation by participating in real scientific studies and conservation efforts.  Through “citizen science” activities, Sigma Betas will learn how to follow in the footsteps of conservationist, botanist, and inventor, George Washington Carver.  Carver is one of Sigma’s illustrious members, and is recognized for his groundbreaking research on plant biology and early experiments to improve soil conservation.  Carver is also the only member of a historically African-American fraternity to be featured on the face of a U.S. coin (The 1951 half dollar).

Sigma Betas will also learn about designing an active lifestyle, and the connection between outdoor recreation and nature through Let’s Move Outside.  The effort is part of the First Lady Michelle Obama’s initiative, Let’s Move, designed to get kids and families to get involved in physical activities on public lands.  Outdoor activity helps kids maintain a healthy weight, boosts their immunity and bone health and lowers stress. 

About the US Fish and Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov... 


About Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. was founded on January 9, 1914 at Howard University, Washington, DC. As the organization celebrates 100 years of service, it has grown to amass over 150,000 members serving in nearly 700 chapters globally. As an international association of college-educated men, the organization’s programmatic areas include Bigger & Better Business, Education, Social Action and the Sigma Beta Club, a male youth mentoring program. The organization has corporate service partnerships with the March of Dimes Foundation and St. Jude’s Children’s Research.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Sergio A. Mims: 'From September 2014, Maestro Kevin John Edusei will serve as Chief Conductor of the Munich Symphony Orchestra'


From September 2014, Maestro Kevin John Edusei will serve as Chief Conductor of the Munich Symphony Orchestra, one of four symphony orchestras in Munich. 

Sergio A. Mims writes:

Here's some important news that slipped by us. Kevin John Edusei has been appointed the chief conductor of the Munich Symphony Orchestra starting in Sept. 2014.  

And I've attached a press kit and a photo of him in action.

Sergio

 
                                                           
Comment by email:
Best wishes, Kevin John Edusei

Eric Conway: Morgan State University 2014 Faculty and Student Art Exhibition Open to May 18, 2014

Faculty Artist: Blaise DePaolo

Student Artist Donte Cotton

Student Artist: Gail Evans

Eric Conway, D.M.A. of Morgan State University:

Hello everyone,

The Visual Arts Area of the Fine and Performing Arts Department is holding their annual Faculty and Student Exhibition in the James E Lewis Museum of Art from April 17, 2014 - May 18, 2014.  Last Thursday, the department hosted two receptions 1) the opening reception for the Exhibition and 2) a reception for a visiting artist and former faculty member Joyce Scott renowned at the "Queen of Beadwork".  Although the department has more Graphic Arts majors than any other concentration, Multi-Media is is the fasting growing concentration in the Visual Arts area. One will notice many pieces of Art using Multi Media in presentation. I encourage you to visit the James E Lewis Museum to see these beautiful works of Art displayed in the gallery. Although not practical to share all the works of art displayed by our students and faculty, please see some snapshots of some of the Art displayed.  Thank you.

Eric

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

The Harlem Chamber Players Present Their 'Spring Finale Concert' at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 521 West 126th Street, NYC, Sunday, May 4, 2014 at 3 PM

St. Mary's Episcopal Church
521 West 126th Street
New York, NY 10027
Between Broadway and Amsterdam
 
Sunday, May 4, 2014 at 3 PM

Featuring
Tali Makell, conductor;
Hassan Anderson, oboe; Sarah Scruby, oboe;   
Carl Jackson, clarinet; Liz Player, clarinet;  
Eric Davis, French horn; Deryck Clarke, French horn;  
Amy Fraser, bassoon; David Miller, bassoon
Steve Moran, double bass

Program
Hummel Partita in E-flat Major
Pleyel Partita-Octet in B-flat Major
Beethoven Octet in E-flat, Op. 103 

Host
Eric K. Washington  

Eric K. Washington
Journalist, Historian and Author, Manhattanville: Old Heart of West Harlem 

The Trinity Chancel Choir and Chamber Orchestra | Patrick D. McCoy

Patrick D. McCoy sends this link:

http://patrickdmccoy.wordpress.com/2014/04/21/the-trinity-chancel-choir-and-chamber-orchestra/

The Trinity Chancel Choir and Chamber Orchestra presented “The Seven Last Words of Christ” by Théodore Dubois as a part of the annual Good Friday Memorial Concert at Trinity Church, Washington, D. C. with soprano Angeli Ferrette, Wayne Jennings, tenor and Shannon Steed, bass-baritone. Guest organist was Edmond Charles. 

Michigan Governor Appoints Sphinx Founder Aaron P. Dworkin to Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs


Aaron P. Dworkin (b. 1970), Founder and President, Sphinx Organization, is featured at AfriClassical.com
(Photo: Kevin Kennedy)

Sphinx is thrilled to share that Sphinx Founder and President Aaron Dworkin has been appointed by Governor Rick Snyder to the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. Aaron Dworkin is the newest addition to this 15-person council, which helps create an environment of artistic and cultural activity to support Michigan's quality of life and economic vitality. 

Please see the link below for the press release on this exciting appointment.

Snyder makes appointment to Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs

Monday, April 21, 2014

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sign Historic MOU to Engage Urban Youth in Outdoor Recreation and STEM Education

George Washington Carver

Initiative commemorates American scientist, botanist, and inventor, George Washington Carver to promote Conservation of North American Wildlife and their Habitats


WASHINGTON– On April 23, FWS Director Dan Ashe will join Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. President Jonathan A. Mason for an historic MOU signing.  The partnership establishes a broad framework for engagement of urban youth in outdoor physical recreation through the “Let’s Move Outside!” program and in hands-on science activities to promote interest in the biological sciences.  The initiative commemorates American scientist, botanist and inventor George Washington Carver.

WHO:
Dan Ashe, US Fish and Wildlife Service
Jonathan A. Mason, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity
Rep. John Lewis, invited
Harry Belafonte (actor and activist), invited
WHEN:
Wednesday, April 23, 2014 3:30 p.m. EDT,
WHERE:
South Interior Building Auditorium
Department of Interior
1951 Constitution Ave., NW
Washington, DC  20245
CONTACTS:
Noemi Perez, USFWS, 703-358-2688, noemi_perez@fws.govnoemi_perez@fws.gov
Ron Carter, Phi Beta Sigma, 626-345-1413, ron@thecarteragency.com
MEDIA:
Media wishing to attend are encouraged to RSVP with press contact by 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, April 22. 

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov, or connect with us through...social media channels

   
– FWS –

'On An Overgrown Path': Jan Willis: "If life were just, I would become a great conductor"

Bob Shingleton of On An Overgrown Path writes:

Hey Bill, tangential, but, nevertheless, a nice story - http://goo.gl/tWS6JI

Regards,

Bob


On An Overgrown Path

April 21, 2014

by Jan Willis
[Excerpt]
One of my earliest and fondest memories is of standing in the center of our kitchen at about age four, stick baton in hand, "conducting" symphonies by Dvořák and Rimsky-Korsakov*. My mother had given in to my pleas for the 78 rpm records. She thought the music completely unappealing and constantly yelled at me for turning the volume up, but I loved her without bounds for buying me the ninety-eight cent record.

For days and weeks, I was completely lost in the roaring sonorities of Scheherazade and in the somber strains of the New World Symphony. My head and arms sunk and rose in waves and flurries as the music wholly enveloped me. I thought the New World particularly moving, somehow divinely captivating. Its sound struck a deep, still, soul-place in me, though I did not and could not say why. It was only much later that I learned of Dvořák's interest in black spirituals. 

I do not remember when I first heard classical music. Nor do I know how I could have known the names of particular composers. I suspect I first heard the music in movies such as Walt Disney's Fantasia or on television. How I ever claimed to comprehend the intricacies of musical notation and meter I am not sure. Yet I was somehow drawn intensely and irrevocably towards this kind of creativity; and I marveled that in music, as in mathematics, there was a language that was universal. And so, for a time, while my father was toiling away at making steel in the fiery blast furnaces of the Ensley mill, I determined that if life were just, I would become a great conductor.
That is Jan Willis in the photo above, and the extract is from her autobiographical Dreaming Me. She grew up in Docena, Alabama in the 1950s when life was even less just then than it is today. While Jan Willis was discovering classical music, America's leading impresario declared that he didn't believe in male "Negro symphony conductors", yet alone female Negro symphony conductors. Fortunately, classical music's loss was spirituality's gain: after studying with Lama Yeshe - who also influenced Philip Glass - Jan Willis went on to become the first African American scholar-practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism. In 2000 she was named one of the six spiritual innovators for the new millennium by Time magazine and today is professor of religion and East Asian studies at Wesleyan University

* While writing this post I was prompted to put a Rimsky symphony on the CD player; David Zinman's account of the Second Symphony Antar with the Rotterdam Philharmonic just happened to be the one I put my hand on. Listening to it again was a salutary reminder of how classical music's big opportunity is neglected music.

No review samples involved; but dependent arising dictated that the very cheap copy of Dreaming Me that I bought online came signed by Jan Willis

Sunday, April 20, 2014

John Malveaux: NewAmericanMedia.org: 'Number of Black-Owned TV Stations Plummets to Zero'

John Malveaux of www.MusicUNTOLD.com writes:

Please see http://newamericamedia.org/2013/12/number-of-black-owned-tv-stations-plummets-to-zero.php

John Malveaux
www.musicuntold.com`





We just experienced a shameful milestone in the history of U.S. media — and barely anyone noticed.

There are now zero black-owned and operated full-power TV stations in our country.

This sorry state of affairs is the culmination of a trend that started in the late 1990s when Congress and the Federal Communications Commission allowed massive consolidation in the broadcasting industry. This policy shift crowded out existing owners of color and ensured that it would be nearly impossible for new owners to access the public airwaves. Recent FCC actions (and in some cases, inaction) have only hastened this decline in opportunities for diverse broadcasters.

From Little … to Nothing

When Free Press released its first report on the state of TV ownership in 2006, we found that there were only 18 African American-owned and operated full-power commercial TV stations — representing just 1.3 percent of all such stations.

By December 2012, those 18 had shrunk to just five. And now they’re all gone.