You may wonder how the costumes from “The Wiz Live” landed in Pittsburgh. Something like this just doesn’t happen overnight.
On the evening of the gala one name continued to be credited for bringing the unique exhibit to Pittsburgh, Demeatria Boccella (co-founder of Fashion Africana). Evan Frazier spoke about her drive to find sponsors and co-founder of Fashion Africana Darnell L. McLaurin talked about her creativity and her drive and tenacity. Pittsburgh based Designer Kiya Tomlin and husband Mike Tomlin got involved as well.
Boccella was amazed to find out that Kiya‘s maternal grandfather, musician Bobby Tucker worked with Quincy Jones to arrange the music for the 1978 film version of “The Wiz.” Brynn Williams is Kiya Tomlin’s niece and has performed on Broadway. Williams’ credits include Lazarus, Bye Bye Birdie and 13, A New Musical. On the night of the Gala she did a killer version of Home. How about this Pittsburgh connection, The Wiz Live costume designer Paul Tazewell was on faculty at Carnegie Mellon University from 2003-2006. Tazewell’s next project is “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.” Do your research on that one. A movie is being made on this phenomenal story.
The evening was exciting and this is just the type of events that belong at the August Wilson Center. Boccella has put the exhibit to good use and has created a curriculum for young students interested in design. The students will be able to see the costumes and learn about the designer. I think this is fantastic. You can see the costumes as well for just a $5 donation. The donation is to support educational programming. Take your children, go on a date and enjoy Downtown Pittsburgh.
For all of you who have not kept up with what is going on at the August Wilson Center here is a schedule of upcoming events. By the time you read this you will have missed recording artist “Joe” yes that sexy fine chocolate drop was there on Sept. 23, and it was a sold out event. Here is a list for the “there is nothing to do in Pittsburgh” crowd. Esperanza Spalding will be there on Oct. 7, Ricky Smiley will be there on Oct. 8, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Co. is scheduled for Oct. 21, Lalah Hathaway will be there on Nov. 9 and in 2017 the Dance Theatre of Harlem will be there for about a week in March. The theater space is wonderful and every seat is a good seat.
This is just the schedule for the August Wilson Center I’m sure there will a lot of things happening all around the city. Read your emails, watch Facebook and read the New Pittsburgh Courier for what is happening around you.
Thanks to Tony Fountain for the correction on my information on the “High Roller” in Vegas. I stated that each pod holds six people, it actually holds 40. Big difference huh? Go on line and take a look at it. I know there are a lot of Las Vegas travelers out there.
(Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com)
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