The Play RUNNING:AMOK Will Debut in the 2010 Capital Fringe Fest

Running: AMOK is a comedic, dramatic and musical stage play about one of the most life-changing experiences many women face. Three women who meet unexpectantly in the doctor’s waiting room share laughs, sadness and ambition as they learn from a wacky fellow out-patient how their competing roles as mother, lover, breadwinner and artist can peacefully coexist despite evidence to contrary.

Running: AMOK will debut this summer in the 2010 Capital Fringe Fest and is written by Liberated Muse's co-founder Khadijah "Moon" Ali-Coleman. Music composed by musician Gary Young.

MEET THE CAST

This past few weeks, casting for the play has been taken place and the actors for the play have been selected. The cast is phenomenal joining of some of the hottest talent in the Washington DC/Baltimore area.

Quineice will be playing the character "LESHELL" in Running: AMOK. This petite powerhouse has vocal stylings that blur musical genres. She began her career as a session vocalist and has traveled as far as Japan to lend her background support vocals to artists such as house sensation Crystal Waters. In the early 2000's, Quineice began her foray into musical theater, starring in classic theater pieces produced in Baltimore, MD-- including such hits as Little Shop of Horrors, Dreamgirls and The Wiz, in which she portrayed the main character, Dorothy. Quineice has used her art to champion many causes, most recently touring as a motivational force in the area of domestic abuse. She is often asked to share her own personal story through song with her original song “Mr. Crazy” which details how she escaped the grasp of an abusive relationship. Quineice is working on her debut CD which is slated for a Winter 2010 release.

Singer Teisha Marie will be playing the role of "NINA" in Running: AMOK. This England-born/Maryland-raised singer-songwriter, is a classically trained multi-instrumentalist, and poet. She's also one who's not afraid to take risks. A graduate of Spelman College, Teisha enjoys a professional singing career that has led her across the country, promoting her latest CD Addicted to Life. She is pleased to be part of the Running: AMOK cast because the play addresses the complexities of life and exposes some often unspoken truths. Teisha Marie is looking forward to changing people's perceptions of the "superwoman". "Acting is just an extension of who I am as an artist. I want to elevate people's lives however I can," Teisha says. You can visit her website at http://www.teishamarie.com/.

Lyn Artope will be playing the role of "BENNY" in the play "Running: AMOK". Lyn is originally from Brooklyn, New York, but currently resides in Baltimore, Maryland with her husband and two sons. Running: AMOK is Lyn's acting debut. Her background in psychology, human resources and youth development contribute to her understanding of the subject matter that the play addresses. Lyn was drawn to this project because she identified with the plight of a "do it all" mother and understands the societal challenges women experience once becoming parents. She wanted to be a part of bringing this play to life.

"My interest in Running: AMOK was piqued by the play's description," says actress Deedee Kirby. "As an aspiring mother, I've often thought about what I'll feel when I have my first child. I watch other artists who are already there and admire those who continue following their passion actively inspiring their child(ren) to do the same. However, I know it's different for every woman." Deedee Kirby will be playing the role of "MAMA BELLE" in the play Running: AMOK. Deedee's covered a lot of ground as a solo artist. As a vocalist, she has performed at the Sugar Bar in NYC, the renowned Wolf Trap stage, and in national festivals throughout the country, including the annual Green Fest. Deedee, a native of Texas, is a classically trained graduate of the Arts Magnet School in Dallas which has cultivated famous talents like Kirk Whalum, Erykah Badu and Norah Jones. Visit her website at http://www.deedeekirby.com/.

Newcomer Sudani Scott will be playing the role of "CAMILLE" in Running: AMOK. Sudani is a writer and singer from the DC metro area.

CALL FOR CREW

We are currently seeking crew members for the show Running:AMOK. We are in need of volunteer crew members interested in helping us with stage management during our participation in the Capital Fringe Fest which is July 8-25 in Washington, DC. Perks include a free ticket to all showings of Running: AMOK and discounted tickets to see other shows in the Capital Fringe Fest. Running: AMOK has a simple set with very limited stage props and scenery, but help with transition between scenes is needed. This is a great opp for any theater lover, aspiring theater pro, or fan of what Running: AMOK is about. Email us today if you’re down to be down!

Visit the play's website for contact information and more details!
CLICK HERE

This Weekend, Lots to Do in DC

There is so much to do this weekend in the DC metro area. You can visit our site at http://www.liberatedmuse.com/ to see some of the events our members have posted. Here are some of the things we are going to try and check out this weekend.



We told you about the new play Breakthrough earlier this week. Be the first to check out this new play by Liberated Muse member Princess of Controversy (PoC) at the Capital Hill Arts Workshop in Washington, DC. Issues such as racism, classism, separatism, sexism, religion & spiritual divide rear their head in this production written and produced by PoC and her art company ArtSperts. Tickets start at $12. Read here for more info.

If you listen to the Michael Baisden show, you may have heard of Dr. Baruch Ben-Yehudah. Dr. Baruch began his tenure as a featured health expert on the ABC syndicated Michael Baisden show with his "Your Body is Your Temple" which reaches 13 million plus people on a daily basis and today he remains a constant "force" on the show. A dynamic motivational speaker with a focus on health and well being, a health consultant and advisor to many people in the business industry, churches and government, author of pamphlets and books, relationship counselor, a TV and radio personality and the Health Committee Chairman of several community action organizations including the NAACP, Dr. Baruch is a self-professed master in his field.

On Saturday, Dr. Baruch will be in Capitol Heights, Maryland at the Everlasting Life restaurant and holistic store to talk about how African-Americans are fast-becoming the most unhealthy group of people because of diet choices. Visit HERE for details. Tickets $20.

(In photo: Singer Ne'a Posey portrays singer Bessie Smith at the 2009 When Harlem Came to Paris event. This year, she portrays Ma Rainey. Photo by Khadijah Ali-Coleman)

The When Harlem Came to Paris Saturday Brunch is this weekend, and boy, we can't wait. We raved about this event HERE and are excited about it's preface to the official When Harlem Came to Paris event which will follow. WHCTP is a whirlwind affair where you attend an evening event dressed in 20's fashions enjoying the company of some of the more notable and not so known characters of the legendary Harlem Renaissance. The event takes place at L'Alliance de Francaise which is located at Embassy Row in Washington DC and creates an experience of being among the staple artists of the Harlem Renaissance while on vacation in Paris.

Visit the website HERE for time and details.

Princess of Controversy Debuts New Play This Week

BreakThrough, the soul-hop musical by DC native artivist, Princess of Controversy (PoC), strikes a chord amongst the easily offended, heavily devout, & non-confrontational. BreakThrough takes a deeper look into the socio-economic issues within the performance arts/entertainment industry & the communities they serve. Issues such as racism, classism, separatism, sexism, religion & spiritual divide rear their head in this production written and produced by PoC and her art company ArtSperts.

PoC is a member of the Liberated Muse community with her husband DJ Monty who recently donated some of his new single releases to Liberated Muse's most recent event To Haiti, With Love. Check out his work HERE on his BandCamp page. This duo are hard-working examples of the rich artist presence in the Washington DC area.

PoC's play debuts this Friday. Here are the details:

Dates:March 12th at 7PM & March 13th at 2PM & 7PM
Where: Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th St. SE WDC (1 block from Eastern Market Metro)
Price: Tickets prices range from $8-15.

For tickets & more info visit http://breakthroughsoulhopmusical.eventbrite.com or call ARTSPERTS Creative Arts Staffing Agency 240-582-0090.

When Harlem Came to Paris-- THIS MONTH (A Lil SoSo Production)

(In Photo: Maceo an Moon of Liberated Muse Productions at the 2009 event When Harlem Came to Paris at L'Alliance de Francaise in Washington DC, created and produced by Lil So So Productions)

Saturday, March 20, 2010

"When Harlem Came to Paris"

Alliance Francaise de Washington
2142 Wyoming Avenue, NW-WDC
8PM-12MID

$55 for Alliance Members, $65 for Non-members (Must be 21)
Tickets available until March 19th 4PM at: 202.234.7911

Set in 1926 this event features portrayals of real -life writers and musical artists from the famed Harlem Renaissance era, food, drinks, live music and performances. 1920's style evening attired is suggested, but not mandatory.

For more information: whctp@lilsoso.com

This month, one of the most anticipated events of the year is taking place, When Harlem Comes to Paris (WHCTP). WHCTP is a whirlwind affair where you attend an evening event dressed in 20's fashions enjoying the company of some of the more notable and not so known characters of the legendary Harlem Renaissance. The event takes place at L'Alliance de Francaise which is located at Embassy Row in Washington DC and creates an experience of being among the staple artists of the Harlem Renaissance while on vacation in Paris.

(In Photo: DC-based singer Ne'a Posey portrays the legendary Bessie Smith)

Liberated Muse was up in the house for the event last year and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. Fabulous food, superb jazz music and an atmosphere of divine spirit are trademarks of this event which is intergenerational, multi-cultural, classy and fun.

(In photo: Maceo with poet Bassey Ikpi who portrayed one of the writers from Harlem Renaissance)

Liberated Muse member, curator Sharon Burton curated the art gallery last year that was featured at the event and she is back again, curating the art of this year's sole featured artist, Liberated Muse member James Terrell. Terrell's rich paintings will be the focal art of the event.

(In photo: Actress Holly Bass portrays the great Josephine Baker)

Unlike last year where there was one evening of fun, this year there will be a preceding brunch that will take place on March 13. Make sure you visit the website HERE to purchase your tickets and read more about this wonderful event. We can't wait to attend again!

Saturday, March 13, 2010
"The Gang's All Here" : Arrival Brunch
Napoleon Bistro
1847 Columbia Road, NW-WDC

11AM-1PM
Reservations should be made at: 202.299.9630

Catch the "When Harlem Came to Paris" cast in action with this Parisian brunch set in 1926. The newly arrived artists from Harlem will be on board to mix and mingle as they begin their tour of Paris and meet new friends. Come dressed in your best 1920's day look and be part of the fun.
For more information contact: whctp@lilsoso.com

Liberated Muse Advocates for DC Artists

(In photo: Moon brought her daughter along to council member Yvette Alexander's office to make the point of how arts impacts postive youth development.)

(In photo: DC Advocates for the Arts met today at the John A. Wilson Building in DC to meet with DC Council members about the importance of arts funding that has already been cut more than half than the previous year.)

The share of foundation and corporate funding being directed to the arts in DC is in an unmistakable decline. Between 1998 and 2007, the percentage of foundation funding directed to the arts decreased from 14.8 to 10.6 percent. The corporate giving share to the arts decreased from 10.3 to 4.6 percent during the same period. With our changing economic landscape, how can we make a change for the better regarding arts funding in the District?

The best advocate for the arts is YOU. All members of the arts community- staff, volunteer leaders, artists and audiences- have the expertise needed to make the case for
good arts policy. Your first-hand knowledge of the arts and their impact on your life is one of the most important components of any advocacy campaign seeking the support of legislators. Maceo Thomas and Khadijah "Moon" Ali-Coleman, co-founders of Liberated Muse, joined the DC Advocates for the Arts today, March 3, to speak with Ward 7 council member Yvette Alexander to talk about how the arts transforms communities.

( In photo: Maceo Thomas, co-founder of Liberated Muse Productions, looks over his fact sheet before meeting with council member Yvette Alexander's chief of staff)

In Washington DC, the arts creates 11,205 Full Time Jobs and $355 million in income paid to
residents. $62 million in direct local government revenue is also generated because of the arts. In 2005, 4 billion dollars in government funding for the arts -including national, state,
and local - resulted in 29.6 billion dollars in government revenue. What it's important to know is that the arts are not in competition with other kinds of non-profit govt spending.
Spending in the arts = tax revenue and jobs, not just red carpets and services for residents. As long as governmenet leaders look at investment in the arts as a luxury expense and not an asset to the community, everyone loses out. The arts lose when we try to compete with simple, non-investment spending.

As an artist or art lover (whether that art be visual, literary or performance art), it is up to you advocate for continued funding for the arts. Visit www.dcadvocatesforthearts.org for more information on how you can get involved.

Raheem Devaughn Creates a "MasterPiece"

(In photo: Raheem Devaughn on the cover for his single "Bulletproof" which features the rapper Ludacris. Raheen released his new CD The Love and War MasterPeace yesterday admidst excellent critic reviews)


DC home-grown artist Raheem Devaughn is one of the most talented folks to be from the area, following in the footsteps of one of his vocal idols, Marvin Gaye. Yesterday, he released a new CD that has upped the game in an increasingly more creatively stagnant mainstream market. Raheem Devaughn's new CD The Love and War Masterpeace is superior and yet another great CD starting off 2010 right. It's worth copping today!

With a resounding introduction speech from none other than Dr. Cornel West, Raheem Devaughn’s new CD begins with an exclamation point that doesn’t end, even after the last song. “…we talkin about revitalization…”

Dr. West says about this CD and that is what this CD does—it revitalizes the game, taking it next level. Raheem does what Marvin Gaye did so effortlessly it seemed—speak of political and social issues within a musical landscape that never lacks in rich soul melodies and grit. Raheem’s sound is heavily marked by Marvin Gaye’s influence on this CD, particularly on the endlessly beautiful “Garden of Love” and this new project would make the legend proud. Where other Marvin imitators like Chico Debarge and Robin Thicke have borrowed only from his sound, Raheem has used Marvin’s sound as a springboard to create a contemporary fusion of old and new. With Ludacris on the first track “Bulletproof”, Raheem brings us the next chapter in the book that Marvin’s “What’s Going On” began about our lives “…here, overseas and across the waters…”

Raheem is evidently in a mood of collaboration (as we saw with his recent video feature on Tabi Bonney’s “Fever”) and this CD is heavy with featured guests on songs besides Ludacris, including Wale on the head-nodder “Greatness”, Damian Marley on the socially critical “Revelations 2010” and Malik Yusef on the very sexy ballad “Fragile”. Every single one of these collabos work. Wale adds the necessary lyrical flow “Greatness” without taking the focus away from Raheem while Marley on “Revelations 2010” adds the funk to this already soul-blazed song about the social and political war on Black men.

The best collaboration on the CD, however is “Nobody Wins a War” which is 100 times better than any tribute song we’ve heard with a heavy set of celebrity vocalists on the mic. This song features Raheem on lead with verse and chorus sung by the likes of Jill Scott, Bilal, Anthony Hamilton, Algebra, Chrisette Michele, Shelby Johnson, Ledisi, Citizen Cope, Dwele, Chico DeBarge and Rudy Currence. Pure beauty.

Listen to this song on Soulbounce.com by clicking HERE