Sunday, October 30, 2016

The Wiz ~ The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe ~ Sarasota, FL



I moved to Naples, Florida in August 2014 from Cleveland, Ohio and have lived in Michigan, Illinois, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Japan, and South Africa plus traveled many places domestic and internationally.  I enjoy all theatre but love my black productions. With this said, I have seen great theatre throughout my travels, but have now found a true treasure right here in Florida.

During the 2014 Christmas season I had the desire to see someone's rendition of Black Nativity here in Florida. In Cleveland, Ohio I worked at the Karamu Theatre and enjoyed working lighting/sound and assisting with building sets for their various plays, including Black Nativity. The closest theatre I could find playing Black Nativity was in Sarasota almost 2 hours north of Naples. The name of the location, The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe 1646 10th Way. I called and was told the production was sold out and that stand-by seating might be available but not guaranteed. So I took a chance and drove 2 hours north to Sarasota. I managed to get one ticket as stand-by and the rest is history.  I have been a season ticket holder every since. If you are ever in the Sarasota, Florida area please take the time to try and see one of this theatre's productions. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

As always this Troupe does a fabulous job with every production.  The Wiz was very entertaining & I  believe the largest cast, to date, since I've been attending.  I am always amazed with their creativity with limited space & resources.  I absolutely love how they created the munchkins! I really wish they would allow us to take photos so that I could share with you on my blog.  But I will continue to share & promote each production in hopes that others will be motivated to attend.  I am sure they will continue to do a wonderful job & I cannot wait for the Black Nativity production!  



The Wiz ~ The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe ~ Sarasota, FL



I moved to Naples, Florida in August 2014 from Cleveland, Ohio and have lived in Michigan, Illinois, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Japan, and South Africa plus traveled many places domestic and internationally.  I enjoy all theatre but love my black productions. With this said, I have seen great theatre throughout my travels, but have now found a true treasure right here in Florida.

During the 2014 Christmas season I had the desire to see someone's rendition of Black Nativity here in Florida. In Cleveland, Ohio I worked at the Karamu Theatre and enjoyed working lighting/sound and assisting with building sets for their various plays, including Black Nativity. The closest theatre I could find playing Black Nativity was in Sarasota almost 2 hours north of Naples. The name of the location, The Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe 1646 10th Way. I called and was told the production was sold out and that stand-by seating might be available but not guaranteed. So I took a chance and drove 2 hours north to Sarasota. I managed to get one ticket as stand-by and the rest is history.  I have been a season ticket holder every since. If you are ever in the Sarasota, Florida area please take the time to try and see one of this theatre's productions. I guarantee that you will not be disappointed.

As always this Troupe does a fabulous job with every production.  The Wiz was very entertaining & I  believe the largest cast, to date, since I've been attending.  I am always amazed with their creativity with limited space & resources.  I absolutely love how they created the munchkins! I really wish they would allow us to take photos so that I could share with you on my blog.  But I will continue to share & promote each production in hopes that others will be motivated to attend.  I am sure they will continue to do a wonderful job & I cannot wait for the Black Nativity production!  



Friday, October 28, 2016

Naples, Florida Urban/Soul Linedance Class ~ Friday, November 18th

Greetings my fellow line dancers
 
The next line-dance class is scheduled for
 
Friday, November 18th
 
Please accept my apologies for not holding an October class.
 
Also, the last class of the 2016 year is scheduled for
 
Friday, December 2nd
 
Hope to see you soon!



Friday, September 30, 2016

HAPPY FRIDAY ~ No Linedance Class Today 9/30/2016

There will not be a linedance class this Friday, September 30th.

Due to recent light class attendance...future linedance classes will be conducted once a month.

Please check any of my social media channels or your email for the upcoming October date.



Saturday, September 10, 2016

2016 Women of Color Empowerment Conference

The conference is underway now.

The 2 most fascinating speakers this morning were Dr. Susan McManus who spoke about the 2016 election, trends & how women of color are so impactful.

Dr. Lindell King spoke about health & living better beyond medicine

I'm excited about the upcoming topics & speakers for the day.

Friday, September 9, 2016

Urban Soul Linedance Resumes in Naples 9/16/2016

Greetings my fellow line dancers!
 
The fall session for our line dance class will begin
 
Friday, September 16, 2016 at 6:45 p.m.
 
Hope to see you there!
Pass The Word!!!
#urbansoullinedance #linedance #linedancing #dance #soul #urban #randb #r&b #northcollierregionalpark #exhibithall #colliercounty #naples #florida #swfl #swflorida #fortmyers #fun #exercise
 
 
 



Sunday, July 24, 2016

Cedric The Entertainer Performs in Bonita Springs, Florida

https://www.facebook.com/The-411-Scoop-239-1713896942227002/

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1788747838075245&id=1713896942227002

@cedentertainer  #cedtheentertainer

As always there is a beautiful large group of fun-loving, progressive, and active African-Americans in the Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers and Naples Southwest Florida area, that get out into the community and have a great time.

Saturday night July 23rd, 2016 there were at least 20 of us that decided to purchase VIP tickets to see an hear funny man Cedric the Entertainer at the very new venue called the Southwest Florida Performing Arts Center in Bonita Springs.

Due to the newness of the venue and staff, sellout crowd of over 600 people and I am sure other variables, there were many hiccups that causes some concerns.  First of all, we had a large party and it appears the venue did not plan for this and told the first arrivers they could not be seated until the entire party arrived. By the time we all arrived they had us seated in the back of the building with little options left to be seated closer to the stage. But we managed to move past the seating issue.

The show opened with a comic named Malik S. and he was very funny. It appeared that everyone in the crowd enjoyed his routine and he did a great job at warming the crowd in preparation for the headliner...Cedric The Entertainer.

@thismaliks #thismaliks

During the opening act we had dinner and drinks and the food was delicious. Our waitress was a doll and truly kind but not quite up to speed with how to handle moving things along. She was slow to take everyone's orders and bring the food.  We did not get our checks/bills until the everyone else in the venue were well gone. It was a good thing we all were honest individuals. But I digress...back to the show.  Cedric came out with his signature hat and suit. He danced his way on the stage and got the crowd bumped up with the music and his dancing.  The show was a great success and the only thing I wish Cedric had done was come out to interact with the crowd after the show. We are use to meeting the comedians after the show that visit our small South Florida area, but that is also when the venue was much smaller. With over 600 people in attendance there is a possibility of him getting mobbed.

If you have the opportunity to see either comic...Malik S or Cedric The Entertainer, I would suggest that you make the investment. A good laugh can make you feel great!

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1788747838075245&id=1713896942227002

#the411scoop239

Sunday, June 5, 2016

National Baptist Convention, Tampa Florida

#johnpkee #kierrasheard #kikisheard #tampaconventioncenter #nationalbaptistconvention2016 #gospel #music #thingstodoinflorida #whatshappening

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Another Broken Egg Cafe ~ Restaurant Review


If you haven't visited and eaten at this small breakfast spot then I would surely recommend you make plans to stop soon!  The food in my opinion is delicious. I stopped by for the first time last week May 13th and ordered the blueberry lemon pancakes. My breakfast partner had the spicy shrimp and grits which were absolutely fabulous!

One week later (May 22, 2016) I decided to venture out again to visit Another Broken Egg Cafe.  This time I ordered the City Grits with Gouda cheese and the lobster brie omelet. If you enjoy a good breakfast then this a great place to have a casual dining experience.

Another Broken Egg Cafe is located at 670 Tamiami Trail, Naples, Florid 34102 ~ 239-300-0696
http://www.anotherbrokenegg.com/menu#scrambled-skillets



Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Collier County Alumnae Chapter Fashion Show and Luncheon Review




Both men and women adorned red attire and accessories for this great event.  The fashions and accessories for the show and exhibited throughout the venue were provided by Rebecca's Ladies Fashions & Accessories located at the Mercato.  What made the show fun was that members of the Delta sorority modeled the clothing.

There was then the super fun and interactive contests for the best red shoes from the ladies, best red shoes from the sorority members and the best red tie, socks and shoes ensemble from the men attendees. The winners were chosen by crowd participation showing their favorites.

The venue was nice, lunch was tasty and the presentation the Delta's made for their community fundraising efforts, along with the other afternoon programming made the event a great success.  I would recommend this event next year if you are in the Naples, Florida area.





Gablestage at the Biltmore- Coral Gables

This explosive play is inspired by the story of boxer Jack Johnson who, at the height of the Jim Crow era, became the most famous and notorious black man on Earth. With a combination of rapid-fire dialogue and rhythmic percussion it depicts the epic journey of one man’s quest for fame–no matter the consequence.

“ASTONISHING! A tightly laced drama about race, success, trust and boxing that delivers a power punch to the soul!”- Chicago Sun Times

This play has received great reviews in London, Chicago and LA. It opened at Lincoln Center in March to great reviews. Award-winning playwright Marco Ramirez was born and raised in Miami — and attended Miami-Dade County Public schools. He went on to New York University and then was accepted into the prestigious playwriting program at Julliard. He left Julliard to go to Hollywood to write for television. Since there, he has worked on Sons of Anarchy, Orange Is The New Black, Daredevil and Da Vinci’s Demons.

The Royale - Gablestage @ the Biltmore

https://youtu.be/iDfrdZLskHQ

This explosive play is inspired by the story of boxer Jack Johnson who, at the height of the Jim Crow era, became the most famous and notorious black man on Earth. With a combination of rapid-fire dialogue and rhythmic percussion it depicts the epic journey of one man’s quest for fame–no matter the consequence.

“ASTONISHING! A tightly laced drama about race, success, trust and boxing that delivers a power punch to the soul!”- Chicago Sun Times

This play has received great reviews in London, Chicago and LA. It opened at Lincoln Center in March to great reviews. Award-winning playwright Marco Ramirez was born and raised in Miami — and attended Miami-Dade County Public schools. He went on to New York University and then was accepted into the prestigious playwriting program at Julliard. He left Julliard to go to Hollywood to write for television. Since there, he has worked on Sons of Anarchy, Orange Is The New Black, Daredevil and Da Vinci’s Demons.

Sunday, May 15, 2016

May 20th last line dance class

May  20th is the last date for the
urban/soul line dance class this spring.

There will not be any line dance classes offered over the summer.
Classes will resume Friday, September 9th, 2016.

We hope to see you for the last two classes of the season!

#thingstodoinflorida #naples #SWFlorida #urbanlinedance #fortmyers#music  #dance #whatshappening #film#linedance  #fun #randbmusic #r&b #soul

@the411scoop @the411scoop239 #the411scoop239 #the411scoop

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

May 6th & 20th are the last two dates for the urban soul linedance class!

May 6th & 20th are the last two dates for
urban/soul line dance classes for the spring.
There will not be any line dance classes offered over the summer.
Classes will resume Friday, September 9th, 2016.
We hope to see you for the last two classes of the season!‪

#‎thingstodoinflorida‬ ‪#‎naples‬ ‪#‎SWFlorida‬ ‪#‎urbanlinedance‬ ‪#‎fortmyers‬‪#‎music‬ ‪ ‪#‎dance‬ ‪#‎whatshappening‬ ‪#‎film‬‪#‎linedance‬ ‪‬ ‪#‎fun ‪#‎randbmusic‬ ‪#‎r‬&b ‪#‎soul‬

@the411scoop @the411scoop239 #the411scoop239 #the411scoop


Wednesday, March 23, 2016

#JITG11 #Jazzinthegardens ~ Review of Jazz in the Gardens 2-day concerts

March 19, 2016 - Saturday

  • We arrived late to find that the show did begin on time as scheduled.
    • The Average White Band gave a good performance 
    • Michael McDonald gave a fantastic show and was my surprise performer for the evening. His voice sounded exactly like his recordings that were played on the airwaves back in the day.  I would definitely recommend going to see this artist in person and plan to see him again in the future
    • Kool & The Gang was somewhat of a disappointment. Their initial performance fell flat but as they continued the show it picked up but never got to the point of my expectations. I use to love this group back in the day but something is now missing.  I do not think I would pay to see them perform again.
    • Charlie Wilson, of course lived up to his headliner status. He was absolutely wonderful! He exceeded my expectations and I would recommend this artist to anyone that loves R & B music. The only negative was that his performance started very late and most people were tired and ready to head out. The timing makes a long day for everyone which is not good for the performer when large groups of people are walking out while Charlie Wilson is giving a dynamic performance.
March 20, 2016 - Sunday

  • We arrived a little late to find once again that the show began on-time.
    • Fred Hammond gave a good performance but it seemed short.
    • Brian Culbertson was fantastic as he was last year! I would pay to see him every year and hope that they bring him back again. If you have the opportunity to see him take it. He is scheduled to perform at the Seabreeze Festival in April in Panama City, FL
    • Janelle Monae was good and I am not sure what else to say about her and the performance.
    • Kenny Babyface Edmonds gave a wonderful performance, which I anticipated he would. 
    • Usher was good but it appears he left his performance team and energy back home in Atlanta. He was very stripped down, casual and very little glitz, performance and I was just a little disappointed.  Don't get me wrong...he is good but I feel he was not at his best.

#Charliewilson #kool&thegang #michaelmcdonald #averagewhiteband #Usher #janellemonae #babyface #brianculbertson #fredhammond #rickeysmiley #JITG11 #the411scoop #the411scoop239
@the411scoop @the411scoop239

Jazz ~ Comedy ~ Cajun Food ~ Music ~ Things to do in Florida























‪#‎thingstodoinflorida‬ ‪#‎naples‬ ‪#‎SWFlorida‬ ‪#‎urbanlinedance‬ ‪#‎fortmyers‬‪#‎music‬ ‪#‎comedy‬ ‪#‎festivals‬ ‪#‎food‬ ‪#‎dance‬ ‪#‎whatshappening‬ ‪#‎film‬‪#‎linedance‬ ‪#‎laughs‬ ‪#‎comedians‬ ‪#‎funny‬ ‪#‎randbmusic‬ ‪#‎r‬&b ‪#‎soul‬ #jazz
#arseniohall #wandasykes #beyonce #georgebenson #boneyjames #jaggededge #tracymorgan #marlonwayans
@the411scoop @the411scoop239 #the411scoop239 #the411scoop