Happenings May 19 - 25

                                                     

For all the talk of mayors making a difference in cities like Chicago, Baltimore, Detroit and New York City, Newport News, Va is being left out the conversation. On Tuesday, May 19 join Vice Mayor Curtis D. Bethany III and Marshall Jacobs, co -founder of Noodle: The Thinkers Convention, for a conversation on the Future of Newport News. The event is a precursor to Noodle and is bringing the city of Newport News to the forefront. Since Mayor Phillip Jones took office in 2023 crime has dropped for two consecutive years in the once beleaguered city. The stats don’t lie. In two years there has been a nearly 62% drop in homicide and 48 percent drop in gun violence overall since 2023. The event is free and begins at 7:00 pm. To RSVP go to @noodleconcovention.

On Thursday May 21 at 6pm, in NYC the Paley Center and Fox Sports are hosting a discussion with soccer legends, now Fox Sports broadcasters, who will share their expert analysis, behind -the-scenes stories and insights into teams, players, and storylines to define the tournament. The evening will also include an early screening of "Summer of 94’" a film that looks back at the pivotal moment in for the 1994 US Men’s National Team. For more information and to purchase tickets to the event visit paleycenter.org

The National Aquarium in Baltimore is hosting Thursday Night Swim on Thursday, May 21 from 5:30pm -9pm. The adult-only event is open to those 21 and over to enjoy a night at the museum viewing the award-winning exhibits and a night stroll through the galleries. The first drink is included with the ticket. For more information visit aqua.org.

                                        

Louis Vuitton has partnered with the Frick Collection in NYC for a major three-year sponsorship by the Maison. Beginning this month, the House will be a principal cultural sponsor at the Frick, providing vital funding for several important initiatives including three major special exhibitions; one year of Louis Vuitton First Fridays, extending the museum's ongoing series of monthly free evenings and the creation of a two-year staff position, the Louis Vuitton Curatorial Research Associate. In addition, on Wednesday, May 20 at 6pm, the 2027 Cruise Show presented by Nicolas Ghesquière will take place at the Frick Collection. This is the first time a fashion show has been hosted by the Gilded Age landmark. The event is part of a larger trend of major fashion houses partnering with cultural institutions for exhibitions and shows. For more information go to us.louisvuitton.com.

Setting The Table is an interactive exhibition featuring nine audio stories from immigrant, refugee, and diasporic community members living in the East Bay, on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded lands of the Chechenyo-speaking Ohlone and Bay Miwok peoples. The table of stories and food memories draws connections to Mexico, Panama, Nigeria, Laos, the Philippines, Thailand, Jamaica, Pakistan, Iran, Guatemala, and the African American diaspora. Stop by the happy hour-style gathering to experience the exhibit. Light refreshments will be provided. The exhibit will be available for public viewing at Open Test Kitchen through June 4. For more information and to register for the Opening Reception on Thursday, May 22 go to @voiceofwitness.

                                                                    

On Friday, May 22, join the Summer everything Community Center for Film Fridays and a screening of “Keeping Time” directed by Darol Olu Kae at the acclaimed Sister Dreamer Sculpture installation in South Los Angeles. The film explores the Pan African Peoples Arkestra, a legendary Los Angeles musical collective founded by Horace Tapscott.  For more information go to summaeverythangcc.org.

The Sister Dreamer installation by Lauren Halsey celebrates Black Life Kinship, and the Back imagination. Featuring eight 22 ft tall Hathoric columns and eight sphinxes the installation  is a combination of ancient Egypt inspired architecture and afro-futurism.  One of the pieces titled “Keepers of The Crown” depicts singer Patrice Rushen. The piece inspired an Opus by the same name performed by the Julliard Pre- college Orchestra.  To hear the piece visit www.patricerushen.com/symphonicworks.

Noodle: The Thinkers Convention is taking over Newport News, Va Memorial Day Weekend Thursday May 22 - Friday, May 23. As a part of a push by the city’s Mayor Phillip Jones and producer Pharrell Williams, the convention is putting the city of Newport News on the map as a travel destination. The convention is bringing together thought leaders from various industries to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs, planners and doers. Speakers include Chance the Rapper, The D.O.C, CeeLo Green, Felecia Hatcher and many more. To attend the two-day event go to noodlecon.com.

The Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center in Portsmouth, Va is offering a calendar of free programming this summer that ignites the imagination. From kite making to blowing bubbles, the PACC is making planning weekend events easy. On May 23, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra Fellows Wind Quintet will perform at the Umoja Festival from 2:30 pm - 3:00pm as a part of the Black History Now Programming. For more information visit  portsmouthartscenter.com.

Just a short train ride north Plants Alive! is hosting the Maryland Plant Festival during Memorial Day Weekend May 23-May 25. The featuring tattoo artists, a maker’s market, a curated market, food, clothing vendors and more.  There will also be a book signing by Hilton Carter on May 25 from 12 pm – 2pm and numerous plant vendors. For more information and to register for the event visit planstaliveshop.com.

On May 23^rd, attend the first annual Sacred music and Healing Festival at Leimert Park in Los Angeles. The event brings together jazz, indigenous tradition and healing arts in one space to explore music as a healing agent. The day long festival is from 11am -7pm at the World Stage performance Gallery. For more information go to www.fusicology.com.