Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 18 August 2000 — Page 20

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THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18,2000

> Now It Comes With AUstOf Ingredients.

A short new report from your water supplier will tell you what's in your tap water. Look for your j report and read it. When it comes to your drinking water, the most important ingredient is you.

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Drinking Water. Know What’s In h For You. CaN your water supplier or the Sale Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800 426 4791 Or visit www epa gov/salewater/

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Givin’ them something they can feel

MUSICAL

GARDEN Continued from Cl

By Anarl V. Holmes Recorder Editor e-mail: [email protected] Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Mary J. Blige sparkles as the crown jewel in this year’s summer concert lineup during a sold-out Sunday night performance at the Murat Theatre. The Mary Show features the best of Mary’s majestical sound and reveals a woman who has come into her own as a performer and

vocalist.

Mary ascends on stage with a newfound confidence to open her act with the autobiographical anthem “Deep Inside.” Her vocals are raw, her look is fresh and her body is tight. Draped in two-piece fits a la Dolce & Gabbana, a more mature Mary is projected as her voice ministers to legions of women with messages of hope and self-respect. Mary takes her audience on a musical journey, tracking the growthof her career and her development as a person who, like many ladies, has had her share of pain— especially when it comes to love

and men.

That connection, that common experience, that clear sense of emotional frustration is at the core of Mary’s chemistry with her fe-

male fans.

An example of this special relationship was seen during her classic remake of Rose Royce’s “I’m Coin’ Down,” as women began to sing in unison with such fiery passion that Mary kindly shared her mic, alternating verses and becoming their background singer. Proving she has not lost her hiphop edge, Mary weaves in elements from the rap genre while dancers moved to the beats of Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre’s “Next Episode” and cuts by Nelly and the

504 Boys.

This energized and clean production gives audiences something they can feel. ...Switching gears

FIX

Amel Larrieux

r Amel Larrieux displays her Infinite Possibilities (Sony/550 Music) through her latest project. “I want my music to be part of a healing process in people’s lives,” says the 26-year-old who will be in town along with D’Angelo this Friday at the Murat Theatre. Dubbing herself a struggling artist, Amel is battling for her sound to be heard and to get her artistic message across in the recording industry’s competitive world. Starting out in the business fresh out of high school, Amel landed an

office gig at a music publishing company. She later dabbled into the recording side of the business by singing demo tapes for various producers. The vocal work led to what would be her big-break when she was asked to become part of Groove Theory with producer and ex-Mantronix band member Bryce Wilson. Despite the success of the group’s self-titled debut, which spawned the hit ‘Tell Me,” Amel jumped ship to pursue a solo ca-

reer..

of Black artists. In the I960’s, the New Jersey Street Studios was a nightclub, and currently houses five artists including Ruby BallardHarris, George Murff, Anthony Radford, James Officer and Paul Wandless, all representing diverse skills and experiences. At the top of the three-level studio, holding her own, is clothing designer Ballard-Harris, who recently celebrated three years with the group. She recognizes that Black art has tapped into communities utilizing venues such as studios, galleries and art shows. “We’ve decided that we’re not going to let anything stop us,’’ declared Anthony Radford, a founding IAAG member, who recognizes the importance of Black artists owning studios, participating in art shows and supporting the arts in general. Two of Radford’s pieces, eloquently entitled “Queen” and “King,” embody the boldness and strength associated with such honored titles using wooden chairs as the platform and vivid colors including red, yellow and green. While art encompassses many genres, guest performers belted out heartfelt words depicting emotions and relationships, and others captured the essence of images, clearly mastering paint, clay and sculpting materials. Terry Wilson, 42, admits that painting has always been an important part of his life. Wilson, who is a member of IAAG, sold his first painting at the tender age of 3. He frequently features his work outside of Indianapolis, and is preparing fora show in Philadelphia. “There’s my grandmother that I’ve painted, and everyone can re-

late to their (own) grandmother tn the kitchen with the pots and the jars,” Wilson said, motioning tQr wards the detailed painting of his grandmother standing near the stove. “The little boy with thq brick wall and the sky is also tell: ing a story. In life you can hit yourself against a brick wall or you can take another path where % sky’s the limit. There’s suttle stg : ries in my paintings,” he admits, modestly examining his master-

pieces.

C. Candace Brooks picked up her paintbrush ten years ago, and remains amazed at the varied interpretations of her work. Meridian Design Group, a hair salon located downtown, selected Brooks’ paintings to display on their walls. Vjj want to allow people to really see my work and see something iq themselves,” said Brooks, acknowledging her dream of living in New York City and designing cards for Hallmark. “(Art in the Garden) brings awareness to the African-Amerj-can community about the talent that exists in our communities in terms of performing and visual arts. Everyone needs to come on boanj, not only the artists,” added James Officer, MW A president, encouraging local recognition and appreciation of gifted Black artists, in all of their beauty, grace and talent. '. The I Am Artist Group can be contacted at (317) 925-4304. The Midtown Writers Association holds an open mic poetry session every Thursday at 8 p.m. at Kafe Kuumba in the Omega Conference

Center.

O’JAYS

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great organizations, and that people can also have fun and top entertainment. Through the leadership of Ice Miller, Lacy Johnson, and Black legislators like Bill Crawford (committee chair) and Billie

“I wanted to do more writing Breaux > 11,6 program is a success.” - dci to life, you must be

Crawford agreed with Hardin

Continued from Cl

eral sales manager for The India-

napolis Recorder.

“Without education you have no foundation,” said Walter Williams, the other lead vocalist for the group. “Whatever you attempt j

and just felt we were going in different artistic directions,” she says. On her own. Infinite Possibilities, fuses jazz and soul through African, Indian, and Middle Eastern influences and features the inspirational “Get Up” and edgy

“Sweet Misery.”

The CD reflects Amel’s artistic strengths as a gifted songwriter and interpreter of emotion!

about the success of the program. “I think the program is going very well,” he explained. “It’s an example of a collaborative partnership that established an objective to raise money to support educa-

tion.”

The crucial concept of Cheers reached celebrities such as the legendary singing group The O’Jays, who gave a tremendous concert

Ittempqo educated;] teenask^E Iwetryjtj

There are times we have been to speak to children, and we try convey the importance of educ$« tion. My oldest son sings also, bOt I stress to him that education comfir

first.

The third member of the Eric Nolan Grant, said:

tion) is top priority on my list, far as high school is concerned that’s just not enough. College almost not enough, today. -

the group] “(EducS ny list. /$»

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the program. “Education is one of the most important things we can give our children,” noted Eddie Levert, one of two lead vocalists for the O’Jays. “It’s important to educate them about life, the things that go on in life, and about people. It’s the only way to the light, and the light is knowledge. Knowledge is very sacred, and it’s the greatest gift you can give anyone, especially

children.”

When asked what he thought of the concert, Crawford replied: “Saturday night was a high energy concert. Greg Bacon started us off, and the O’Jays took us on to that Stairway to Heaven.” Bacon was local guest artist and he received numerous cheers from the audience. Jeffrey Clark, Cheers board member representing media, said he had been looking forward to the concert. “It was an exciting event, one that raised funds for three important organizations that promote higher education,” said Clark, gen-

us think that the easy way out. important. So for him we much leeway and power, and < cation is power. Even now I’m s _ learning, and I want to contin$k learning and go to school for! type of communication skills.’' The O’Jays, whose cation skills appear to be sharp, have over 40 years of r success, with such hits as Train,” “Family Reunion,”* tionally Yours,” “Stairway Sj Heaven,” and “Lovin’ You,” their following is phenomena according to Levert. “People have stuck with us fo< __ long, long time,” Levert said. “S$ when I’m singing, I can’t help I “ feel that Km singing with one < the best vocal groups in the work To have the following we hav makes me feel very special. I ju love to sing, because it’s like it’s God given. It’s like coifl* municating with God, spirituals because all good things come fro)

God.

MOTOWN Continued from Cl

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been a regular performer at the American Cabaret Theatre and also performed at the Civic Theatre, Footlight Musicals, and Theatre on the Square. He is an Encore Award winner and was voted by Nuvo as being one of the top three male vocalists in the Indianapolis area. The show will also feature Ronda Wilson previously seen at the American Cabaret Theatre. David Meek will handle the music for the show. He has played pianoextensively in the Indianapolis area. He also plays and sings weekends at Ruthellen’s Restau-

rant. The show is being choreS; graphed by Sherlyn Nott-~ She has performed at the can Cabaret Theatre, Civic atre, and Beef and Boards. The show will be held in main auditorium of Unity of Indif* napolis at 907 N. Delaware Show dates are Friday and SatUf* day nights, August 18th, 19th, 251“* and 26th at 8 p.m. Tickets are $ 15 and $20 and ( be purchased by calling 329-352 _ Visa, Mastercard, Check, aigf money orders are being for ticket purchases.