Really Free Shakespeare: Riverbank State Park in Harlem

Kudos to Pulse Ensemble Theatre for presenting Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream at the beautiful amphitheatre on the Hudson in Riverbank State Park. No tickets required, but first-come, first served, so once they open on July 5, make sure to go early and enjoy the Park. You enter at 145th St., and you will be amazed by this beautiful facility, designed for sports and cultural events and walking. Pulse, one of NY's longest running ensemble theatres, is now in its 8th year of presenting Harlem Summer Shakespeare, and this production will delight people of all ages. I saw the play on preview night, July 2, and the actors were pumped, their diction beautiful, and the production values professional. Moreover, in both cast and audience, the evening was multi ethnic, fun, and surprising in its application to contemporary New York. See my review on Suite101. Happy Fourth of July, and thanks to Alexa Kelly for making Shakespeare accessible to all. Here's the schedule. Don't miss out!

There is still time to take in the soloNOVA Arts Festival. I've posted a review of unFramed, an especially moving piece by talented poet-artist Iyaba Ibo Mandigo. Earth, paint, anger, and humor make up a rich memoir of life as an Antiguan immigrant struggling against an America unkind to immigrants. Yet he persists as an American artist, and his work is a testimony to the rewards of persistence.

soloNOVA is entering its ninth year, and they have produced more than 300 individual artists. Performances continue through June 17 at the New Ohio Theatre on Christopher Street.

Muller Works Gala June 4

The annual gala and silent auction for Jennifer Muller | The Works will occur on June 4, 2011. Celebrity Committee includes Audra MacDonald and Michael Cerveris. This program will feature a recreation of Jennifer Muller's Lovers, plus special guests Drew Jacoby and Elisa Monte Dance! Check out Jennifer Muller on Facebook!

Tired of bullying in your school? You might want to bring this artful music to everyone's attention:
Up To You by 2004 Drama Desk Nominee for music, Eric Rockwell. The best revenge is composing well!

Children, Art, and Dreams

Here's an inspiring story from a woman who rocked Jazz at Lincoln Center last night. Toshiko Akiyoshi, born in Manchuria in 1929, she discovered jazz while playing in a Japanese dance hall, and this discovery began a love affair that earned her fourteen Grammy nominations. Jazz, she explained for program notes," was something that just agreed with me." Together with husband Lew Tabackin, she tours with Toshiko Akiyoshi Jazz Orchestra. The concert climaxed with the final movement from one of her signature compositions,"Hope," from the suite, "Hiroshima." Akiyoshi explained that since 9-11, she has closed every concert with this piece. There's something beyond words that is magical about the arts in a young person's life. This cannot be measured by Access or counted as widgets. Keep the arts alive in your community and your schools. Listen. Connect. We need the arts to help us make sense of the best and the worst of us. To find a way to improvise and move on.

Jennifer Muller | The Works---Getting ready for the June Gala

Open House on April 17...sneak previews and more! Find out about the choreography of this American icon: www.jmtw.org

Jennifer Muller's Stunning Choreography in China

These are photos from a commissioned work for the resort on the island of Hainan, Southern China...