Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 2 December 1978 — Page 10

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PAGE 10 THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER SATURDAY, DfCfMBft 2, 1971 1978 concerts: The good, bad & funky By LYNN FORD No matter how many bad reviews I’ve written this year, concerts which played here weren’t all bad. There were nice performances by acts which completely overshadowed those by others who hid behind special effects before going up in their own smoke. For those who didn’t walk through Expo Center or Market Square Arena turnstiles this year for concerts, here are mini reviews of the year’s top tours: PARLIAMENT/BAR-KAYS/CAMEO: George Clinton and his Parliament Funkadelic played a musically dull hour of seven too long songs last March to a near-sellout MSA crowd. They skipped oldies like “Tear the Roof Off the Sucker" and “Chocolate City,” but spiced recent hits like “Flash Light" with a special effects

.‘Prodigal Sister’ has Biblical flavor

SOUL SOUNDS

' / •

extravaganza of the landing mothership, an airborne fairy-like creature firing dance rays from a mock “Bop Gun," and a dreamy “snooze gun” sequence. Leader Clinton showed no personality and made no effort to liven up a crowd growing bored with inexcusably long songs. Bar-Kays showed total energy as Maurice White (Earth, Wind and Fire)-sounding lead singer Larry Dodson led the Memphis band ab.y through “Shake Your Rump to the Funk,” “Attitudes,” “Let’s Have Some Fun,” and others. Cameo’s set lacked the power of their 1977 debut here. NATALIE COLE/PEABO BRYSON/BILL COSBY/MAN-

Soul People Repertory Company proudly announces its upcoming production, “The Prodigal Sister,” written by Micki Grant, the same author of “Don’t Bother Me I Can’t Cope.” This rock, gospel, soul musical is sure to make one happy and thoughful. It will warm the heart with sympathy and love. “The Prodigal Sister,” portrayed by Helen Featherstone, is about a young woman who gets in a “family way” and runs away from home to escape the hurt, disappointment and wrath of her parents. Jackie (“The Prodigal Sister") asks for some of the family money and goes to the big city where she is befriended and used by questionable and unsavory characters. This musical is similar to the Biblical story of the Prodigal Son except in this instance, he is a she. This music and script are so well composed until one does not realize the smooth journey into the interpersonal relationships of family members; husband-wife, sister-sister, parents to children, etc. Recognition, loyality and respect are a few of the concerns projected in this property. Many people say that favoritism among/with parents and their children is a “no-no;” however, reality tells us, and sometimes painfully so, that such situations exist. Helen Whitelowe, the director of Soul People Repertory Company, says that “The Prodigal Sister,” is a musical revelent to most families. It is moving, high spirited, touching, dynamic, stimulating, and real. It will make one laugh, cry, and rejoice. The performance dates are Friday, December 1, Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3, at the Children’s Museum, Lilly Theatre, 3000 North Meridian Street. Each performance is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.

THE DOWAHS...they sing and “signify" in “The Prodigal Sister.”

Snooper s Teen Talk sculptor coming home

There’s a lot going on this week in high schools. At Shortridge, Karen Spires has fallen in love with a young man named Paul Lee,

CHILD: Natalie Cole played her third consecutive Black Expo and my partner in crime there says the relationship’s a bit on the Shower of Stars concert last July in MSA, offering nothing new serious side.

other than a few numbers from her previous shows (she still mistakenly opens with the two-year-old “Sophisticated Lady”). Her stellar songs were “Our Love” and “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, while fellow Capitol artists Bryson and Cosby were feverishly entertaining. Manchild showed more poise than ever, as the Indy-based band played to its largest hometown audience to

date.

O’JAYS/CAMEO/CHIC/BETTY WRIGHT: The three former Canton, Ohio doo woppers scored for Black Expo in MSA with a much-improved visual show choreographed by Cholly Aikins and highlighted by the single “Use Ta Be My Girl”. Cameo returned here too soon and, while they got off to a nice start, began to falter badly. Chic's individual disco style, with their horns, electric violins, and backup band wearing marching band suits, failed to move the crowd until their closer, “Dance, Dance, Dance.” Betty of'Tonight is the Night, “Clean Up Woman, and “Can’t See For

Daryl Haden's having a little trouble finding the right girl, according to my Northwest partner in crime, who adds that girls would be more attracted to Haden if he’d quit trying to be so much of a macho man.’ With the loss of last year’s big man, center Landon Turner, Tech’s Titan basketball team may suffer a little but, with Kent Looper at guard and Eric Greene in the pivot, they may be able to pull out a winning season. Washington, the number one rated team in the city, was beaten last week by Manual, who was rated seventh. The score was 70-65. The result was a surprise to everyone, especially those who rated

the teams.

At Attucks, Anjie Barnett is successful with both basketball and boys, but sources say she is not sure which one she likes the best. At Arlington, John Rowley has been getting off in basketball.

Lookin’.’ COMMODORES/CON-FUNK-SHUN: Commodores capitalized on their 1977 “Commodores Musical Extravaganza" success to deal out a much more refined July performance in MSA. Lead singer Lionel Richie battled throat problems to give the SRO crowd “Three Times a Lady" and others. Most numbers, including drummer Walter Orange’s “Brick House," were sluggish and had the band appearing to rest on each song’s individual laurels instead of turning them into fresher live performances. ISLEY BROTHERS/DRAMATICS/A TASTE OF HONEY: Isley Brothers have been around more than 20 years and this Aug. MSA concert should have been better. They’ve got the material but they just don’t know how to use it. Lead singer Ronnie Isley’s gotta get it together on stage or hang up his much too tight leather

suit.

BROTHERS JOHNSON/HEATWAVE/MOTHER’S FINEST: They had nice choreography, nice special effects, nice music. But it somehow all didn’t fit together. George and Louis Johnson’s playing were intact but they need to take some personality courses, and hire new light meo. George Faison’s chorepgraphy went to waste on the brothers and their nine-piece band, ind their light man kept missing cues which would have made for nice effects. The 8,000-strong almost the norm for the band's first headliners MSA turnout for this Oct. show didn’t help either. By Nov., the brothers were opening for the Commodores. Heatwave showed why it will headline a major U.S. tour next year with astounding (at least for a band of musicians) acrobatic routines and exceptional material. Rock-tinged Mother’s Finest was energetic as usual, scoring with “Baby Love" and Love Changes."

to Indiana State college after he graduates. Good luck John. Also trying to get off in basketball is Tony Sutton at Shortridge. Even though he can’t play this year because of grades he has directed his attention to girls, mainly one named Paula Jefferson. Everyone should check out the game between Broad Ripple and Chatard, which will be played at the Rockets’ home court. Sources say that Tech has the sharpest cheerleaders in Indianapolis, but from what I’ve seen Northwest’s are not far

behind.

Arlington graduate Leslie Rowley’s winning last year’s state wrestling championship has inspired still another Golden Knight, Eugene “Atlas" Harper, to try and follow in his footsteps and win the title. Eugene says he’ll try not to let his coolness get in the way of his mat work. If you have some high school gossip you’ve gotta let everyone know about, or if you want to be a Snooper Partner in Crime, drop a line to: Snooper’s Teen Talk c/o The Indianapolis Recorder Entertainment Department, 2901 North Tacoma, Indianapolis, IN

46218.

Oh. and, by the w*y, if you’re dpipg^sonjpthing and feel you’re being watched,-you should know why. Whatever you’re into... v THDSNOOPER WILLBE WATCHIN’

A young metal sculptor, John Andrew Spaulding, who has been receiving remarkable attention in New York City, where his gallery is based, is bringing his art show to his hometown, Indianapolis, for a special 3-day public showing, December 15-17. The show will be housed in the Aunt Marne’s Child Development Center, at 3120 North Emerson Avenue in the city, and will be open to the public from 12 noon to 8 p.m. each day. Spaulding and his gallery were recently covered on the Melba Tolliver show on NBCTV in New York. Cameramen roamed the gallery shooting pieces in his large display which includes works drawn from nature such as trees, foliage giant butterflies, giant fish schools of fish; from mankind such as African warriors masks, musicians; large ab stracts, such as Black Power Hurricane, Wind and Sunburst and miniatures, such as Caged Jaws, Bonsai, and Deep Thought. All reflect his intense desire to reflect life as he sees it from the Black Artist’s point of view.

JOHN SPAULDING

Each piece is individually handcrafted in various kinds of metals through processes he has developed over the past 10 years. Owners of Spaulding works in New York include Ntogazke Shange, playwright; Jerry Ash, owner of the Sam Ash Music Stores; Ed Schadler, American Piano Supply Company (Clifton, N.J.); Jerry Grossman, president of Jack Kahn Piano Company; Edie Lynch of Edie Lynch Films; and jazz artists Betty Carter and Maxine Sullivan.

Nearly 44 per cent of the nation’s population are potentiaHy eligible for Veterans Administration benefits

Top 70 Singles

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Here are The Recorder Entertainment Staffs Top 10 rhythm and blues singles for the week ending 12/9/78: LW/TW 8. / 1. Tm Every Woman”Chaka Khan 2. / 2. “There’ll Never Be”Switch 3. / 3. “It Seems to Hang On”Ashford/Simpson 5. / 4. “Disco to Go”-Brides of Funkenstein 1./ 5. “One Nation Under a Groove”- -Funkadelic 0./ 6. “Le Freak”-Chic 9. / 7. “Funk & RoU”- : Quazar 6. / 8. “Tonight’s the Night”Betty Wright 0./ 9. ’“Mary Jane”/“Dream Maker”--Rick James 0./10. “Just Freak”-Slave

ACTORS William Jay [left] and Lou Ferguson enjoy an earthy conversation in the Indiana Repertory Theatre’s current production “Sizwe Bansi is Dead.” First performed in 1972 in Cane Town. South Africa, the touching drama is Hy that country’s Athol

Fugard and exposes the inhumanity of authoritarian regimes. Friends are especially urged to attend Sunday night’s 8 p.m. performance which will be the second benefiting Planner House and the Indianapolis Urban League.

GIVE A CHRISTMAS GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING Give A Years Subscription To: The Indianapolis Recorder $10.00 Indianapolis $12.00 tiscwHEti wi WILL SIND A GIFT CARD IN YOUR NAME AND RILL YOU LATER, COMPLETE ORDER BLANK BELOW AND MAIL TO: : THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER, 2901 N. TACOMA AVE. INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA 44218 PHONE: 924-S14S

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EXPRESS YOUR OPINIONS ON THE EDITORIAL PAGES OF THE RECORDER TODAY

Believe Me., When I Tell You BOB WOMACK Stv

FROM THE NOTE BOOK Harry Mills, of the Mills Brothers singing trio collapsed a week ago after suffering an apparent heart-attack during a performance in Melbourne, Australia, forcing the trio to cancel the rest of its tour in Australia, and Japan. The other two brothers, Herbert, 66, and Don, 63, said it was the first time they have had to cancel an engagement in 54-years... Wow! The McDonald’s “All-American High School Band” performed again this year at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC. And on New Year’s Day the aggregation will march in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif. The band, under the direction of Paul Lavelle, was organized in 1967, to recognize and reward exceptional high school musicians. Nominations are made by high school band directors. McDonald’s wishes more blacks would participate. Of 22,000 nomination forms sent out for 1978, 3,500 were returned. Of the 102 young musicians picked for the band, four were black. Minority school directors should write to the McDonald Corporation, Oak Brook, Illinois, 60521. National Public Radio (NPR) presented a two-hour 50th Anniversary Salute to Lionel Hampton recently which was heard on 200 NPR stations across the country. The 69-year old vibraphonist, drummer and bandleader began his career with Louis Armstrong on the West Coast. “Hamp’’ has gigged with almost every other jazz great of his generation...Actor-singer Harry Belafonte, is currently busy trying to get funds to produce 24 programs over a three-year period on Public Television which would include original screen plays by writers such as: James Baldwin, and Lonnie Elder. Also concerts and performances by troups like Alvin Alley’s as well as documentaries. Charles McGregor, actor-writer, is wondering what’s happening with the Black News Media as far as his recent book “Up From The Walking Dead” is concerned? Charles is the ex con who became famous as “Fat Freddie” in the flick, “Super Fly,” and he has since been seen in such films as “Blazing Saddles,” “The French Connection,” “Three The Hard Way” and others. Doubleday published his “powerful” story in May. Twenty paperback publishers turned it down before then. Charles appeared this past week on the Joe Franklin Show, and he’s made a six-city tour promoting the book, but there’s still a "blackout,” he says, in the Black News Media. Melba Moore, is very busy these days. As many of you know. Miss Moore is the “Big Blue Marble" TV series’ spokesperson. Recently she flew into NYC from Miami, to play hostess to the 300th performance of “20th Century" at the Hippopotamus Theatre, then to Baltimore where she was on the dais for a luncheon for the President of CEfe Records. Her “Melba," found on the Epic label is going to bring Miss Moore, her first gold album. Incidentally, she sang another single smash-hit, “You Stepped Into My Life" on a float in the Macy’S Thanksgiving Day Parade. Troubles seems to be brewing within the Negro Actors Guild of America. There’s a pending Supreme Court action involved. The Board of Directors has engaged member Simeon Golar, to find out what happened to more than $120,000 in funds. And also, an alleged “illegal lock-out of directors and members from the Guild offices.” THE HOT LINE: Lenny Williams, former lead singer for the Tower of Power, joined forces with “Mother’s Finest”, a rock/ funk group on Soul Train last week. Named "Best New Male Vocalist of 1977”, by two Eastern coast magazines, Williams demonstrated his appealing musical style on “Midnight Girl” and “You Got Me Running.” Since becoming a solo artist, Lenny has cut two albums, “Choosing You” and "Spark Of Love.” The talented and energetic sextet, “Mother’s Finest," playing a blend of rock and funk they call “runch,” showed off their style on “Love Changes" and “I Don’t Wanna Come Back." The popular Brothers Johnson were recently presented three platinum records for their A&M albums, “Blam," • "Right On Time" and “Look Out For No. I,’'at a party given in their honor in Hollywood. Those three-platinum records were not the only reason for George and Louis Johnson to have elebrated, because they had just finished fourperformances at the Greek Theatre which were sell-outs. ... NBC TV’s "America Alive" is having problems in the ratings, so what do they do? They called in Sammy Davis Jr'., and his wife, Altovise, in an effort to save the show from the axe. When color is needed, Black will do it everytime....Believe Me! TID BITS; Congratulations go to little Miss Candace Webster, who recently celebrated her 9th birthday with members of her immediate family. Candace is in the 3rd grade at the Louis B. Russell Jr., Elementary Public School. Also we have been advised, Candace along with her two sisters, Patty. 7, and Sherry, 6, are honor students at the sch'jl respectively...Friend George Johnson, is currently making plans to return to Las Vegas. We think this is his fifth trip?? As yet, the dude hasn’t hit the “big-one" (smile). We wish him the best of luck...Later, until next week...Believe Me!

X-mas disco to be held by

IUPUI students prevent oral cancer

Afterset will be held at Civilian Recreation Center, located two blocks east of 56th and Post Road, Ft. Benjamin

Harrison.

Students of IUPUI presents Christmas A Disco 78, December 10, 1978, Sunday, 6:00 p.m., at Gates Lord Hall Auditorium, located two blocks north of 56th St. and Post Road.

weapons more deadly Ikon guns! JOSEPH GREEN PICTURES presents a turn in SCOPE with LEE SHEUNG and PAI YING • Color by Technicolor

Party Lights entertainment calendar events must be received no later than 5 p.m. Monday a week prior to the desired publication date. Please include detailed description of event and a contact for ticket information. Events should be mailed or delivered to Party^ Lights, c/o Indianapolis Recorder Entertainment Department, 2901 North Tacoma, IndianapoUs, IN 46218.

and BLADE, THE SHARP BIG-CITY COP CUTS DOWN A 'PSYCHO-KARATE’’ KILLER BLADE

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—-XOMMC "CONVOY" AT1MCII0NS—=• "COMA'

FOR ALL YOUR MUSIC NEEDS...STOP IN AND SEE ANGIE AT

RECORD SHOP 2179 N. PENNSYLVANIA 923-8501 TO SNOW THEIR APPRECIATION FOR THE PATRONAGE THRU OUT THE TEAR OF THEIR MANY FRIENDS AND CUSTOMERS IS GIVING AWAY A....

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10-SPIED BICYCLE SATURDAY, DEC. 23 1978

tO REGISTER . STOP BY STORE TOR •FREE ENTRY BLANK

The Little Red Door, your United Way Cancer Agency, is helping to prevent oral cancer death with their Oral Cancer Screening Clinic, held the second Saturday of each month. The next clinic will be December 9 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the I.U. School of Dentistry, 1121 W. Michigan Street. There is a $1.00 regi stration fee, and appointments can be made by calling 9255595. This does not take the place of a regular dental check-up, however, volunteer professionals will examine the soft tissue of the oral cavity and the structures around the mouth to detect any malignancy. Every person should be alert to the five warning signals of oral cancer; a sore that will not heal, swelling, numbness or loss of feeling, a persistent pain or soreness, and bleeding with no apparent cause. If you have noticed one or more of these symptons, please make a special effort to attend the clinic. Don’t be one of the 7,600 people who will die from oral cancer this year. Early detection makes successful treatment possible.

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