The House That Fox Built

The Indie Grinder: Tensei – One EP

foxbrownfox — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:30:20 +0000

Simple X and Midas Wells were both born and raised in the city of wind. Chris grew up in the suburbs while Midas spent many of his formative years in the south side of Chicago. X recalls his teenage years when MCing was his expression of choice but the day he touched a beat machine that all changed and production became the priority. Midas was drawn to music through summers he would spend in Arkansas visiting his grandmother and her antique piano. Though his parents were religious, he got introduced to secular music through records played by uncles and brothers. He began dabbling in production with pause tapes and a Casio SK-1.

On separate paths, Midas and Simple X finally met at Southern Illinois University in the late 90’s where they shared a dorm. They were part of a collective of friends who all had hip-hop in common, among them Serengeti of Anticon and Open Mike Eagle. At the time X and Midas met while cyphering, though neither was ever a serious MC, but nonetheless the two built a natural rapport and friendship. It was in that dorm room that Midas and X would become musical lab partners, experimenting with sound and working within the limited capacity that their resources afforded them in 1998. Once college ended however, the collective went their own ways and pursued more individual paths, many still involved in music, but X and Midas lost touch for a bit. X got a “regular job” but still devoted his energy to production on from time to time. Midas continued making music and though he had several projects there were a few experiences that turned him off and Midas left music all-together for a bit.

A few years ago, Simple X and Midas serendipitously ran into each other at a friend’s gig in Chicago and mutual curiosity led to the seed for Tensei being planted. Soon, they decided to try and make music together. After spending some time honing their production chops, X and Midas developed a sublime synergy between the two. “We can speak with the music without much hassle,” explains Midas. They hail from the musical mecca of Chicago, so the two have a vast wealth of influence and history to inform their production. As a result, Tensei is not heavily reliant on samples. They play musical parts themselves with both real and digital instruments, along with working with session musicians and vocalists. Simple X used his knowledge of Japanese language and culture to choose the name Tensei, meaning ‘heaven star’, for the duo.

Preview & Download: http://soundcloud.com/plugresearch-music/sets/tensei-constellations-ep/

Support: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/one/id498144758

Twitter: www.twitter.com/_tensei

Filed under: In the News, music, stuff i like Tagged: hip hop, midas, simple x, tensei, the indie grinder

#Chicago Mr. Rickey Calls A Meeting – Closes 2.19.12

foxbrownfox — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:21:04 +0000

Once upon a time a talented little girl named J. Nicole Brooks directed a play, called Mr. Rickey Calls A Meeting (Lookingglass Theater), starring 6 powerful men who tell the story of the events that occurred in the hours before Jackie Robinson became a Brooklyn Dodger.

Who knew the play would be a smash hit? We did…

If you follow my Twitter stream, this is nothing new for you – I’ve been shouting about my friend’s play throughout the Twitterverse since the opening. It ends on February 19, 2012 – and in honor of a good Black woman doing big things – I urge you to take your Black History Month-loving behinds to the theater.

Need some visual incentive?

Details are here: GO!

April 9, 1947

Baseball’s Opening Day is one week away, and Branch Rickey, General Manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, will call up Jackie Robinson to break the color-barrier and play as the Major League’s first black ballplayer. If he agrees, Robinson will face loud and heated opposition from virtually every owner, manager, and player in baseball – and it won’t be a cakewalk with the fans, either. Who will be his allies be if he makes the most daring and important play of his life?

Award-winning Ensemble Member J. Nicole Brooks (Black Diamond, Fedra: Queen of Haiti) directs this dazzling fast-ball script by Ed Schmidt. When 1947’s biggest African American personalities – baseball great-to-be Jackie Robinson, boxer Joe Louis, entertainer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, actor and activist Paul Robeson – meet, ideas and ideals clash and sparks fly, and America’s national pastime will never be the same.

Artistic Director Andy White comments, “When Nicky brought this play to us, and when we first heard it read aloud, we knew right away that it was asking all the right questions, ‘What is endured by those who break barriers, and at what cost?’ ‘Even when great progress is made, what gets lost along the way?’ ‘When, and what, do we compromise for the greater good?’ The fierce arguments made in the play, and the questions they pose to all of us, are as alive and present now as they were in 1947. Lookingglass is proud to give them voice on our stage.”

Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting features Artistic Associates Kevin Douglas (Clancy Hope) and Anthony Fleming III (Joe Louis), Javon Johnson (Jackie Robinson), James Vincent Meredith (Paul Robeson), Larry Neumann, Jr. (Branch Rickey) and Ernest Perry (Bill “Bojangles” Robinson).

Designers include Sibyl Wickersheimer (scenic); Alison Siple (costume); Brian Bembridge (lighting); Josh Horvath and Rick Sims (sound); Ray Nardelli, (sound); and Maria DeFabo (properties); Tess Lauchaire is the stage manager.

Lookingglass is continuing its tradition of partnering with organizations in the community to enhance the audience experience with additional education and outreach programming. Season Community Partners include: Chicago History Museum, Chicago Architecture Foundation, WBEZ Chicago Public Radio. Production community partners include The DuSable Museum of African American History and Facing History and Ourselves.

The Sara Lee Foundation is the Production Sponsor for Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting.

Additional Support by the STS Foundation. Arts Education Programs supported by JPMorgan Chase Foundation. Allstate is the Presenting Sponsor of the Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting Study Guide. United Airlines is the Official and Exclusive Airline of Lookingglass Theatre.

About Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting artists

J. Nicole Brooks (Director/Ensemble Member) is a proud Chicagoan currently residing in Los Angeles with a career in film, television, radio and theatre. She is an award-winning actor, who recently traveled to China to perform at the International Theatre Institute as a delegate for the U.S. Writing credits include Black Diamond: The Years the Locusts Haven Eaten, Fedra: Queen of Haiti, Kamala Master Class, Midway Liquors, and Shotgun Harriet. Nicky dedicates this production to its influences: The Negro Major Leagues, John Wesley Donaldson of the Chicago White Sox ball club, Mr. Ellis Foster, Melvin Abston, Mami, LA and the many Blacks who were Red Listed.

Kevin Douglas (Clancy Hope/Artistic Associate) was most recently seen in Lookingglass’ The Great Fire. Other Lookingglass credits include Lookingglass Alice, Our Town, Around the World in 80 Days and Black Diamond. Kevin’s other Chicago credits include Orlando at Court Theatre and before that A Civil War Christmas at Northlight. He is also a member of MPAACT (MA’AT Production Association of African Centered Theatre). Regional credits include Actors Theatre of Louisville, Baltimore Centerstage, Kansas City Rep and Alliance Theatre in Atlanta.

Anthony Fleming III (Joe Louis/Artistic Associate) was last seen on stage playing Levee in August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, directed by Ron OJ Parson, at Actor’s Theater of Louisville and Milwaukee Rep. He last appeared at Lookingglass in the summer of 2009 in Lookingglass Alice, completing a run of 5 cities over 4 years and 445 performances as the Cheshire Cat. Other Lookingglass shows include Race, 1984, Manuscript Found In Saragossa, The Arabian Nights, Icarus, and Fedra. He has also performed with Victory Gardens (Hambone, Free Man of Color, Denmark), Steppenwolf (Division St: America, Take Me Out, The Glass Menagerie), Chicago Theater Co. (Journal of Ordinary Thought, Cut Flowers), and Famous Door (Cider House Rules). Television credits include Prison Break (Season 1&2) on Fox and The Beast on A&E. Next, he will be shooting an independent film this spring with Lucia Mauro and Rick Snyder in Sardinia, Italy.

Javon Johnson (Jackie Robinson) is a founding ensemble member of Congo Square Theatre and former NEA and TCG panelist. He is a multi-award-winning actor/writer whose awards include Black Theater Alliance August Wilson Award, Kennedy Centers Lorraine Hansberry Award and Sundance Theatre Lab, among others. Acting credits include Barbershop 2, Prison Break, One Life to Live, House of Payne, Daddy’s Little Girls, Othello in Othello, Sterling in Two Trains Running, Harold Loomis in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, Flip in Stick Fly as well as Dave Robinson in Lombardi on Broadway. Javon has written national urban tours starring Vivica Fox, Boris Kodjoe, Richard Rountree, Brian McKnight, James Avery, Robin Givens, Chante Moore and many others. Current Projects: Co-producer Invisible Life: The Movie with Edmonds Entertainment and eVision Films and Invisible Life: The Musical with original score by Ashford and Simpson.

James Vincent Meredith (Paul Robeson/AEA) is an ensemble member at Steppenwolf, where credits include Clybourne Park, Hot L Baltimore, The Tempest, Superior Donuts (also Broadway), Carter’s Way, The Crucible, The Bluest Eye (also Off-Broadway at New Victory Theater) and The Pain and the Itch. Other Chicago credits include Take Me Out (About Face Theatre), Duchess of Malfi and Othello (Writers’ Theatre), Much Ado About Nothing and Measure for Measure (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), as well as work at Goodman Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook and Piven Theater Workshop, where he is a member of the company ensemble. Regional credits include shows at Michigan Shakespeare Festival and First Stage in Milwaukee. Television credits include Prison Break, ER, The Beast, Law and Order SVU, Detroit187, Chicago Code and Boss.

Larry Neumann, Jr. (Branch Rickey) appeared at Lookingglass as Richard Nickel in The Richard Nickel Story, and Austin in The Shaggs. Larry will next appear in Goodman Theatre’s The Iceman Cometh, in the role of Mosher. Favorite productions: Moon for the Misbegotten, 2009 Jeff Award, and Madness of Edgar Allen Poe (First Folio), Puppetmaster of Ludz (Writers’ Theatre), Cider House Rules, 2003 Jeff Award, and Hitting For The Cycle, 1996 Jeff Award (Famous Door), and Underneath The Lintel (Noble Fool). Film credits: Merry Gentleman, Stranger Than Fiction, Stir of Echoes.

Ernest Perry, Jr. (Bill “Bojangles” Robinson) makes his Lookingglass Theatre debut with Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting. Perry was last seen as Eli in Hartford Stage’s production of Gem of the Ocean. Most recently Perry toured in co-productions of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom at Baltimore’s Center Stage, Philadelphia’s Theatre Company, Actors Theatre of Louisville and Milwaukee Repertory Theatre. He has been a resident actor for 30 years at the Goodman, including ten years as the Ghost of Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol, Cry the Beloved Country, Tis A Pity She’s A Whore, Magnolia; Drowning Crow, Ties That Bind, An Enemy of The People, Let Me Live, Pudd’N Pete, Play Mas, Miss Evers’ Boys, and Gas For Less. International production include The Ice Man Cometh (Abbey Theatre-Dublin), My Children My Africa (Vienna’s English Theatre), The Merchant of Venice (RSC London, Thalia Theatre – Hamburg, Mc 93 Bobingy-Paris.) Broadway credits include Death and The King’s Horseman. He has worked regionally at Alliance Theatre, Centre Stage Baltimore, Court Theatre, Cardinal Stage Company, Actor’s Theatre Louisville, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Virginia Stage Company, Cleveland Playhouse, City Theatre- Pittsburg, Geva Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati, Remy Bumpo Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Victory Gardens Theatre, Body Politic Theatre, Silk Road Theatre, Congo Square, Black Ensemble Theatre, Kuumba Theatre, and City Lit Theatre. Film & TV: The Express, Roll Bounce, Promotion, Liar Liar!, Barbershop II, Color of Money, Rage in Harlem, 15 Minute Hamlet, ER, Star Trek Deep Space Nine, Early Edition, The Untouchables, Unnatural Causes, and Lady Blue.

Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting —Dates, Times and Ticket Information

Tickets are available online, www.lookingglasstheatre.org; by phone, (312) 337-0665; or at the Lookingglass Theatre box office, located inside Chicago’s historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson. For more information and box office hours, visit www.lookingglasstheatre.org.

Previews of Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting are January 4 – January 13, 2012. The press opening is Saturday, January 14, 2012, at 7:30 p.m. The production runs through February 19, 2012. Tickets are $20-$68.

Target Saturday Matinees offer a limited number of buy one, get one free tickets which are available to all 3:00 p.m. Saturday matinees. This program is made possible with the generous support of Target, working with Lookingglass to make the arts accessible to all. A limited number of student tickets are available the day of the show for $20 with valid student ID. (See FACT SHEET for full performance schedule.)

Groups of 10 or more people save up o 20% on tickets. Special student group tickets are also available.

Lookingglass Theatre is located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile shopping district inside Chicago’s historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson. Discounted parking is available for Lookingglass patrons at both the nearby John Hancock Center and Olympia Centre Self Park (161 E. Chicago Ave.). To purchase tickets, call the Lookingglass Theatre box office at (312) 337-0665 or visit lookingglasstheatre.org.

About Lookingglass Theatre Company

Inventive. Collaborative. Transformative. Lookingglass Theatre Company, recipient of the 2011 Regional Theatre Tony Award, was founded in 1988 by eight Northwestern University students. 2011-2012 marks the company’s 24^th anniversary season. Lookingglass is home to a multi-disciplined ensemble of artists who create story-centered theatrical work that is physical, aurally rich and visually metaphoric. Lookingglass has staged 56 world premieres at 23 venues across Chicago, and garnered 52 Joseph Jefferson Awards and Citations.

Work premiered at Lookingglass has been produced in New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Berkeley, Philadelphia, Princeton, Hartford, Kansas City, Washington D.C., and St. Louis. Lookingglass original scripts have been produced across the United States.

The Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago’s landmark Water Tower Water Works opened in June 2003. In addition to developing and presenting ensemble work, Lookingglass Education and Community programs encourage creativity, teamwork and confidence with thousands of community members each year.

Lookingglass Theatre Company continues to expand its artistic, financial and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Artistic Director Andrew White, Executive Director Rachel Kraft, Producing Artistic Director Philip R. Smith, Artistic Director of New Work Heidi Stillman, a 22-member artistic ensemble, 15 artistic associates, 11 production affiliates, an administrative staff and a dedicated board of directors led by Chairman Richard Ditton of Incredible Technologies and President Joe Brady of Jones Lang LaSalle. For more information, visit lookingglasstheatre.org.

Title: Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting

Written by: Ed Schmidt

Directed by: Ensemble Member J. Nicole Brooks

Dates: Regular run: January 15 – February 19, 2012

Times: Wednesdays: 7:30 p.m.

Thursdays: 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (no 3 p.m. shows in previews)

Fridays: 7:30 p.m.

Saturdays: 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (no 3 p.m. shows in previews)

Sundays: 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (no 7:30 p.m. shows in previews)

Location: Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago’s historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson.

Prices: Regular run tickets are $27.50 – $68

Target Saturday Matinees offer a limited number of buy one, get one free tickets which are available to all 3:00 p.m. Saturday matinees. This program is made possible with the generous support of Target, working with Lookingglass to make the arts accessible to all. A limited number of student tickets are available the day of the show for $20 with valid student ID.

Box Office: Buy online at www.lookingglasstheatre.org or by phone at (312) 337-0665

The Lookingglass box office is located at Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave.

Filed under: In the News Tagged: black, black history, chicago, j nicole brooks, lookingglass, mr rickey calls a meeting, theater

#Chicago – Peter Hadar Returns with Take Off Victoria Tour – 2.15.12

foxbrownfox — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:56:20 +0000

Friend of the blog and and one of my favorite crooners, Peter Hadar brings back his melodies as he kicks off a new tour and a new album release.

If you’ve never had the pleasure of a Peter Hadar show – get some.
Flyer and official release info below. Enjoy!

Donna Marie PR

For interviews, photos & reviews contact

Donna Marbury, 614.783.6598, donnamarbury@gmail.com

Alternative R&B singer Peter Hadar returns to Chicago, February 15 at The Beauty Bar for an album release party for his new album, Take Off Victoria. Joining him is singer/rapper/producer The GTW from Chicago and Columbus, OH, rock/soul band Forest & The Evergreens.

A departure from standard soul, Take Off Victoria promises to deliver sexy uptempo R&B music, reminiscent of The Time and Alexander O’Neil, yet simultaneously progressive, electric and new age. The proof is in the singles leading up to the album’s release: “Full Time Lover,” a 80s-tinged high energy jam, “Dancin,” an electro-house ode to shaking it and “Your Body,” the Afro-Caribbean dance song describing a woman’s best assets. The album releases also launches Hadar’s promotional tour that begins in New York City and the Midwest and reaches to Paris, France, this spring.

Featured on NewYorkTimes.com, Billboard, Vibe, The Urb and Fader magazines and the Daily Show with Jon Stewart, dozens of publications and websites internationally, Hadar has been curating his blend of alternative soul and pop music to his fan base affectionately known as Cool Weirdos. His albums Memories of The Heart (2006), Well Dressed For The Art Show (2008) and She’s 4 Months (released on Valentine’s Day 2009) have propelled Hadar into the national spotlight with singles including Planets (featuring model/actress Selita Ebanks in the sci-fi video) and “Full Time Lover” with videos produced by Coodie & Chike of Creative Control and “Still A Boss” with Slim Thug, a parody produced by The Daily Show. He has been featured prominently across the web on sites including ConcreteLoop.com, nahright.com, SoulCulture.com, AllhipHop.com FashionBombDaily.com, Essence.com, 2DopeBoyz.com, Okayplayer.com and Soulbounce.com, where “Your Body” received an honorable mention as one of the best songs of 2011.

The GTW (Greater Than Wealth) is a kid with a fiery passion for hip hop, afro breaks and alluring synths. He was born in Chicago to two Nigerian immigrants and quickly got immersed in the culture of his native Ibibio tribe. The sound of up tempo Nigerian music flooded his household on a daily basis. “I guess all those years of listening to my parent’s favorite jams influenced me to do music,” says the 20 year old producer/writer.

His music fuses house with hip hop and other worldly elements which helps propels his music to an innovative standard. His buzz is steadily rising and he is getting looks as the next rap artist to push the envelope of creative music not only in Chicago, but everywhere in the world.

He created his first solo project “Dont Smoke The Cigarette” as celebration music for the World Cup and received notable reviews from notable magazines, blogs and websites such as UR Chicago and Art Nouveu. URB MAG calls the mixtape, “A project with an eclectic mix of beats and rhymes.”

Forest & The Evergreens have brought their blend of rock and soul to Columbus, Ohio’s hottest venues. The show will be $5.

For music and more visit:

www.ThePeterHadarShow.com

www.GreaterThanWealth.com

Filed under: Live Set, music Tagged: alternative R&B, chicago, Events, Forest & The Evergreens, greater than wealth, GTW, live music, peter hadar, soul, Take Off Victoria

Photography of the Moment

foxbrownfox — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:38:16 +0000

Filed under: Images Tagged: harmony

#Chicago Ladies Do It All Festival – presented by Digital Youth Network March 7-10

foxbrownfox — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 17:29:08 +0000

This March – in honor of Women’s History Month – Digital Youth Network will showcase the women who
“do it all” within the world of digital media. Join chief wrecka JoVia of JoViaMusic as she helps bring the interactive celebration of women in digi-media to the YouMedia Chicago “house”
within the Harold Washington Public Library.

March 7-10 2012
400 S. State
Chicago, IL 60605

(YOUTH FRIENDLY/FAMILY FRIENDLY)

Featuring:

Screenings
Panel Discussions
Q&A

Learn from and celebrate some of Chicago’s finest female beatmakers, filmmakers, photographers, voice over talent and graphic designers.

Information Contact: JoVia Armstrong – jarmstong@digitalyouthnetwork.org

Filed under: Community Event, Industry Events, stuff i like Tagged: chicago, digital youth network, education, film, JoVia, music, women's history month

Education Fundraiser ALERT: Ashra Kwesi is coming to Chicago – January 28 2012

foxbrownfox — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:39:06 +0000

Mark your calendars!

Master Teacher Ashra Kwesi is coming to Chicago!

“Unlocking the African Genius: The African Origin of Civilization from the Books to the Stone”

Saturday, January 28, 2012 from 4-7 pm

Freedom Home Academy International
11331 S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL

Fundraiser Tickets: $20
For tickets, please contact 773-634-0616

Filed under: Community Event, In the News Tagged: african, ashra kwesi, chicago, education, egypt, fundraisers, kemet, lectures

Retro Vinyl: The New Birth

foxbrownfox — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:32:43 +0000

Since a lot of modern music is so depressingly void of flavor, I’m on this retro hunt. I’m discovering all this groovy music that our parents dug.
I’m finding that the Boomers were indeed stoned and highly creative… some of the album covers are true pieces of art.

So yeah… crate digging for inspirational vinyl is what this post is about.

Today’s find is The New Birth…check out the covers.

Filed under: Images, music, stuff i like Tagged: art, music, photography, retro, soul, the new birth, vinyl

The Indie Grinder: DeStorm – Finally Free featuring Talib Kweli

foxbrownfox — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 15:29:12 +0000

Sometimes there are these bright shining reminders of what Hip Hop is… how unifying it is.

This made my day… I wanted to share with you.

Filed under: Images, music, stuff i like, Video Tagged: DeStorm, Finally Free, talib Kweli, the indie grinder

The Indie Grinder: Yaw and Khari Lemuel aka The Ones

foxbrownfox — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:30:14 +0000

Chitown true music lovers have known these two for years. Do you remember the first time you heard Khari belt out those notes on “Where Will You Be?”. Will you ever forget the way Yaw can still a room with his beautiful and emotional crooning? Nah…me either.

Just sharing the love – and sending love out the The Ones. You are most deserving of your shine… bless it all the way up.

And is ANYTHING better than to see two Black men wax poetic about music with such laughter and true joy? Nah… I didn’t think so.

For more on The Ones visit these links:

Come With Me – Yaw & Khari Lemuel with Eric Roberson

www.theonesheal.com
Twitter: @yawsmusic
Twitter: @khari_lemuel

Filed under: Great TV, Images, music, stuff i like Tagged: eric roberson, khari lemuel, music, soul, the indie grinder, the ones, yaw

#Chicago The Love Riot – with Peter Hadar 11/5 with Sulaiman and more…

foxbrownfox — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 19:22:14 +0000

I’ve been a fan of Peter Hadar since the first album, Memories of the Heart blew me away in 2006. In the independent, alternative world of good music, he rocks with the best and holds his own. A good dude with a good heart, who is also partially responsible for my crew’s addiction to bad sitcoms, but we won’t go there in this post.

Happy to support, happy to share…

Love good music – you need to check for THE LOVE RIOT.

Want more Peter Hadar? Get some.

Full Discography: www.PeterHadar.Bandcamp.com
1-Sheet: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/38926758/2011.1-Sheet_PH.pdf
Twitter: @PeterHadar

Filed under: Images, Live Set, music Tagged: love, music, peter hadar, soul, sulaiman, the indie grinder