An afternoon overflowing with musical surprises … and more … is promised when eta Creative Arts Foundation’s Board of Directors stages its 27th annual Spring Board Benefit on April 25, 4 p.m., at eta Square.
An afternoon overflowing with musical surprises … and more … is promised when eta Creative Arts Foundation’s Board of Directors stages its 27th annual Spring Board Benefit on April 25, 4 p.m., at eta Square. Michael A. Lewis, eta board vice chair and owner of Acme Orthotic and Prosthetic Labs Inc., receives the coveted Milton Davis Magic Award named in honor of eta’s first and long-time board chair and bestowed on persons who “understand and appreciate the need to develop institutions which nurture individual and community development.”
CBS2’s meteorologist Steve Baskerville, benefit co-chair with Debra Jennings-Johnson, BP America’s director of supplier diversity, emcees an “all star” Celebrity Talent Showcase featuring Stephen W. Blessman, Dr. Barbara Fuller, Fran Gibbs, Cynthia Henderson, Christine Houston, Rev. David Jones, Cliff Kelley, Barbara Kensey, Jim Montgomery, Jewel Montgomery, Carla Rogers and William Earl Woods. Abena Joan Brown is eta’s president, co-founder and producer; Nancy McKeever, board chair.
Popular vocalist Dee Alexander, one of our town’s most gifted and respected female vocalists, is special guest artist. Tax-deductible tickets are $55; each one comes with three sweepstakes tickets, which may also be purchased separately. Prizes: A $500 BP gas card, Motorola Smart Phone, $400, $200, $100 and 40 subscriptions to eta’s 2010-2011 Mainstage season. (Winners need not be present.) For tickets, call (773) 752-3955 or visit www.etacreativearts.org.
Presidential Politics – Jim and Pauline Montgomery, Joe Williams, Larry Huggins, Everett Rand and Tim and Sandra Rand, bound and determined that Ald. Toni Preckwinkle is the next president of the Cook County board, raised mega campaign bucks for their candidate at a fundraiser in Tim and Sandra’s magnificent Kenwood mansion. Giving levels: $5,000, $2,500, $1,000 and $500. Lots of the political “heavy-hitters” were there with checks in hand! … Justice Sharon Johnson Coleman has been nominated by President Obama to serve on the U.S. District Court Bench for the Northern District of Illinois. “Throughout her long, impressive legal career,” Obama said, “she has distinguished herself as one of our nation’s best and brightest. I am honored to nominate her and am confident she will approach the job with the utmost integrity and impartiality.” Coleman sits on the Ill. Appellate Court, a position she’s held since 2008.
Ladies Lore –“Back in the day” hats and gloves were the proper attire for ladies out on the town? Well, those days return on April 24, 9:30 a.m.-noon, when Fed Up Productions (headed by Sylvia Fedrick, recording artist, actress and WYCA-FM/102.3 radio host, presents its second annual Hat & Glove Inspiration Breakfast at Power Circle Center, 9350 S. South Chicago Ave. This year’s focus: breast cancer and heart disease awareness. The affair features a fashion show and motivational speakers: Jamell Meeks, “first lady” and director of Women’s Ministries, Salem Baptist Church; Vicki Grist, district manager, Arbonne International; Davetta “Dee” Collins, founder, Dunamis Woman and WYCA radio host; and Fedrick, who suggests women bring business cards for networking purposes. ”If you’ve had the desire to change careers, go back to school, pursue a dream you didn’t think possible, come mingle with other ladies who have the same desires,” she said. ”Please wear your prettiest hat and gloves and enjoy a morning of love and inspiration. The $25 donation includes a family-style breakfast, gift bag and raffle. For tickets, stop by Lourdes Hats, 2243 W. 95th St., (773) 445-6615 (ask for Elaine), call (773) 616-4297 or email sylfed@sylfedsang.com. Visit www.sangsyl.com. Respond ASAP; seating is limited.
Newsy Names – Dr. Carol Adams, DuSable Museum’s president and CEO, hosts a weekly talk show, Africa Diaspora Today, on WVON-AM/1690, 3 p.m.–5 p.m. Sunday’s guest: Alie Kabba, executive director, United African Organization … Retired educators, Pearl and John Davis, mark 50 years of “togetherness” on Saturday at a Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration at the Parkway Ballroom hosted by their young’uns, Robert and Denise … Cartoonist Turtel Onli is a panelist on Black Comix for www.c2e2.com on Friday at McCormick Place. Check out www.onli.blogspot.com … ABC7’s Hosea Sanders returns as emcee of the Defender’s “Women of Excellence” tribute on Friday at South Shore Cultural Center. Music by Reggie Helm’s Rajah Jazz Band … The first MJ/Fanvention celebrating the birthday and the life and music of legendary Michael Jackson, known worldwide as “The Entertainer of the Century,” is Aug. 26-29 at the Radisson Hotel and Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville, Ind. Endorsed by the Jackson family, the four-day extravaganza with lots of surprises is expected to attract thousands … Sorry to hear of the passing of Curtis Ellis, bookstore proprietor, dad of saxophonist Dianne Ellis, and brother of popular musicians, Morris and Jimmy … Activist Wallace “Gator” Bradley is off to NYC for Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network convention. Among others expected: Bill Cosby, Tom Joyner, Wyclef Jean and Arne Duncan … Filmmaker Claudette Roper previews her documentary, The Man Project, an exploration of relationships from the Black man’s perspective on Friday, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., at Blanc Gallery, 4555 S. King Dr. How do Black men feel about their families, mates and friends? What are their hopes, dreams and passions? Does the media provide accurate representation or perpetuate destructive stereotypes? Roper created the multimedia installation and web-based exhibit in response to the negative imagery that permeates the media regarding Black men. The film will be followed by a discussion. Free admission … Happy b’day to Dr. Walter Massey, Dr. Sonya Givens, Cleotha Staples, Jim Compton, Lisa Miller-Holt, Stan West, Chef Cordell McGary and Mary Easter Sanders-Watts, mom of 25 children, two adopted children, seven stepchildren, four godchildren, and from those have come 60 grandchildren, 118 great grandchildren and 36 great-great grandchildren. Wow!
Vintage View – A fashionista’s paradise, Modern Vintage Chicago, comes to Plumbers Hall, 1340 W. Washington, Saturday and Sunday for two days of shopping, beauty makeovers, informal modeling, book signings and more, showcasing vintage clothing, jewelry and vanities by style icons such as Halston and Chanel alongside local designers. Antique Roadshow’s Caroline Ashleigh, shows how to turn a shoe obsession into a valuable collection. She’ll sign copies of her book, Warman’s Shoes Field Guide, that helps shoe collectors assess the value of their footwear treasures. The Beauty Station sponsored by Estee Lauder and M.GO Fashion Salon, gives free makeovers and consultations; fashion icon Nena Ivon, MVC’s fashion director, answers personal style questions and help shoppers find garb to match their own style, and for the perfect fit, will accompany visitors to the on-site tailor for alterations. Prom Happy Hour is Saturday, 4 p.m. Sport your best vintage formal wear and receive free drinks. There’ll be prizes and the Prom King & Queen will win $50 each to spend at the show. At-door admission, $10; online (www.modernvintagechicago.com), $8. Buy four or more online and all receive complimentary mimosas.
Whazup! Whazup! –– Tracey Scott Wilson’s gripping new drama, The Good Negro, opens at Goodman Theatre May 1. Directed by Chicago’s award-winning Chuck Smith, it uncovers the human story at the heart of the 60s Civil Rights Movement. Wilson is currently writing a pilot for NBC and for Alicia Keyes’ production company … The 1958 Class of Chicago Teachers College (now Chicago State Univ.) stages A Spring Jazz Music Fest Reunion on Thursday, 2 p.m., in CSU’s Breakey Theater. Prof. DeWitt Anu, class co-president, and CSU’s Dept. of Music, spearhead the anthology of music, song, dance and poetry. Advance donation: $10; $15 at the door and free for CSU students with IDs. Call (773) 995-2155 … Pam Morris emcees when Grammy-winning Smokie Norful “makes a joyful noise” Saturday as The Gospel Tour stops at Dr. Byron Brazier’s Apostolic Church of God for a free concert. Sponsors: Power to End Strokes and American Heart and American Stroke Ass’ns. The show is preceded by a 5 p.m. health fair. Visit www.heart.org/ChicagoGospelTour.
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