When Harlem Came to Paris-- Simply Divine!

When Harlem Came to Paris is the brainchild of Risikat "Kat" Okedeyi, the founder of Lil So So Productions. Okedeyi had the creative thought to imagine the Harlem Renaissance alive and kicking with some of its key players living and breathing among us as we party and socialize like its 1934. Set at the elegant Alliance Francaise De Washington , the evening was a remarkable flashback setting where everything was authentically reenacted as possible-- from the french menu to Josephine Baker's accent. Planned to perfection, the atmosphere created was stellar-- classy, fun, cordial and festive. Some DC luminaries were at the event, including Post writer Rhome Anderson, legendary vocalist Valerie "Kehembe" Eichelberger, Sherry Ways of Sankofa Doll Artistry Studio, DJ Jahsonic, and others.

The actress in me loved this event as it was a prime event to dress up, Charleston and Lindy hop while imagining being a part of the rebirth of Black arts and literature. Some of the guests at the party included the divine Josephine Baker, writers Marita Bonner and Wallace Thurman, blues great Bessie Smith and Cab Calloway, among others.

Liberated Muse member Sharon Burton was the curator of the wonderful art auction that took place during the event.

The event featured:

Dorothy Tene Redmond as Mamie Mason

Shawnea Posey as Bessie Smith

William Smith as Count Bassie

Bassey Ikpi as Marita Bonner

Fred Joiner as Wallace Thurman

John Murph as R. Bruce Nugent

and Holly Bass as Josephine Baker

Me with Wallace Thurman (played by Fred Joiner)

My partner Maceo Thomas, co-founder of Liberated Muse Productions with Marita Bonner (played by Bassey Ikpi)

Bessie Smith (played by Ne'a Posey) belts out a nice one with Count Bassie on the keys

Visit our social network at www.LiberatedMuse.com to view more pictures from this event.

If Hip Hop Isn't Your Thing This Weekend...You Can Always Do...

Liberated Muse member GeminiVisions is the curator of the art exhibit that will take place at this fabulous event, When Harlem Came to Paris on Saturday, Feb. 28.

If you like dress-up and top-notch entertainment, this is the event you will most likely enjoy. You can don your best gear from the 1930's and come witness several local DC entertainers take on the persona of Black harlem renaissance players from the 1930's.

Come witness singer N'ea Posey portray Bessie Smith, dancer Holly Bass become Josephine Baker and poet Bassey Ikpi take on the persona of Marita Bonner. Poet Fred Joiner will become Wallace Thurman... It's a sure bet that you haven't experienced anything like this before.

Just In: TONIGHT, FRIDAY FEB. 27

Liberated Muse Member Miatta of Mimi's Boutique-Mix is having a FREE Couture Fashion Show in Crystal City, VA

Join Miatta at Crystal City Couture for her first trunk show and fashion show event!!!! And the best part? It's free, courtsey of Crystal City!!!

Her runway event is tentatively scheduled for 7.45pm to 8.30 pm.

The event starts at 6.00 pm with other designer trunk and runway shows.

Foxy and Fabulous Friday

Don't miss this opportunity to strut-your-stuff at this fantastic, Foxy Friday fete! Get into the evening's theme by sporting your best animal prints and stake out the trunk shows and sample sales. Nosh on animal crackers and sip Foxy Lemons, while Pamela's Punch knocks you out on the mic. So, let your animal instinct take over and lead you to this FREE event!

Featured Designers: moojoo ken, Gossip on 23rd, In The Bag, Analya, Caramel, Shelia Logan Designs, ADMK Designs, Mary Lazar Designs, Luxury Jeans and Handbags, Na'Zeem, Estella Couture, Current Boutique, Jewels for Schererazade, Alberto Parada Jewelry, Turtles Milk, Boutique Mix, Kokoon

Crystal City
2450 Crystal Drive
Arlington, VA
Call 443-514-4141 for more info

Double Vision: Twin Artists Hold Exhibit Reception in Maryland this Weekend

(In photo: Emancipation of Rachel by Sherry Burton-Ways)

Twin sisters, Sharon J. Burton and Sherry Burton-Ways, will hold an art exhibit of collages and mixed media, entitled “Double Visions,” from November 18, 2008, through January 3, 2009, at the Space 7:10 of Kefa Cafe,in Silver Spring, MD.

Sharon and Sherry are members of the Liberated Muse social network and prolific artists who have appeared in various exhibits throughout the United States. Their work incorporates a fusion of materials that they use in their respective art of collage and doll-making. Both artists speak to the culture and traditions of the African diaspora through their work.

There will be a special reception on Friday, December 5, from 6:30p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at which the artists will talk about their work.

The exhibit will be open Monday through Thursday from 7 am – 5 pm, Fridays from 7 am until 9 pm and Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.The sisters’ artwork is a series of mixed media, including dolls and collages that provide a snapshot of inner thoughts and celebrates women of all cultures and backgrounds.

Burton describes her artwork as: “a series of images and words which invites the viewer to take time to escape the everyday to visualize inner hopes and dreams.” Ways says that her artwork concentrates on “the artistic and stylish side of women and the everyday quirky yet fashionable sides of life.”

Sherry Ways' studio Sankofa Doll Artistry is featured in the December issue of East of the River.

"Double Visions" special reception on Dec. 5 will feature poetry by Def Jam poet Bassey Ikpi. Ikpi will be a reviewer of the Liberated Muse Productions anthology "How I Freed My Soul" which will debut in Spring 2009. (shameless plug:-)