From the Guantanamo Public Memory Project Series to "Soul Full," a Sunday brunch theater series, there's something for everyone. Also, new on stage this month is American Theater Project's "Boesman and Lena."
Opening Pathways to Democracy (Short Film)
November 1, 2014 | 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
Free and open to the public
Opening Pathways to Democracy, hosted by actor Ameer Baraka, is a multimedia project created to educate African American men and community stakeholders about the legislative process, increase awareness about Shelby vs. Holder, and to reassess the importance of voting. Please join us for the film screening and voter engagement discussion. The film features a segment with Rep. Wesley Bishop focused on Ballot Amendment 13 (November 4 election in Louisiana). It is sponsored by Crescent City Media Group, Ashé Cultural Arts Center and Voice of the Ex Offender (VOTE). For more information, please call 985-774-5321, email trap@the-mediagroup.us, or visit www.the-mediagroup.us.
Southern Rep presents "Broomstick"
Through November 2, 2014 | 8:00 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
$40
SHOW ENDS THIS WEEKEND: Written by John Biguenet. Directed by Amy Holtcamp. Featuring Liann Pattison
In a remote cabin deep in the woods, an old crone spins a spellbinding tale about her life, her love affairs, and her cursed reputation. Mischievously funny, dark, and just in time for Halloween, BROOMSTICK is the story of one woman who hovers in the shadowy space between good and evil, fantasy and reality, and who, some say, may be a little too hungry for justice. For more information visit http://www.southernrep.com/SEASON/broomstick.HTM.
Guantánamo Public Memory Project
November 5-26, 2014 | 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (except during events occurring in the gallery)
Ashé Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
Free and open to the public
The Guantánamo Public Memory Project is a traveling exhibit that examines the history of the U.S. naval base in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba from multiple perspectives and raises questions about U.S.-Cuban relations, civil liberties, national security, and public memory in the past, present, and future. The project seeks to build public awareness, and foster dialogue on the future of this place and the policies it shapes. The main exhibits are at Tulane University, Jones Hall, and 2nd floor: through October 30, 2014; and at Ashé Cultural Arts Center: November 5 - November 26, 2014. For more information about the project, visit http://gitmomemory.org or call Karel Sloane-Boekbinder at (504) 569-9070.
ASHÉ CULTURAL ARTS CENTER - GUANTÁNAMO PUBLIC MEMORY PROJECT SERIES
The following performances, screening and discussions are free and open to the public.
November 7, 2014, 7:00 p.m.
Performance excerpts of Taken by Kesha McKey
Speakers:
Ted Quant, Director, The Twomey Center for Peace Through Justice, Loyola University New Orleans
Bill Quigley, Law Professor, Director of Stuart H. Smith Law Clinic and Center for Social Justice,Gillis Long Poverty Law Center, Loyola University New Orleans
November 8, 2014, 7:00 p.m.
Evening performance with ArtSpot Productions & The Graduates
Speakers: Meg Garvey, Managing Director, Louisiana Center for Children's Rights
Jerrod Thompson-Hicks, Second Chances Projects Staff Attorney, Louisiana Center for Children's Rights
Plus Additional Guests.
November 14, 2014, 7:00 p.m.
Screening of The Farm: Life Inside Angola
Speakers: Ernest Johnson, Statewide Juvenile Justice Director, Families & Friends of Louisiana's Incarcerated Children
Tracie L. Washington, President and CEO, Louisiana Justice Institute
November 15, 2014, 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Central City Fest - Exhibit
Mother's Circle
November 7, 2014 | 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
Free and open to the public
You are invited to Mother's Circle presented by The Welcome Table New Orleans. This Circle is exclusively for mothers who have lost a child due to gun violence. The Welcome Table New Orleans is funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, in partnership with the Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation, and the Urban League of Greater New Orleans. Space is limited. To RSVP, call (504) 658-4993 or email kespillman@nola.gov.
Platforms Fund Information Session
November 7, 2014 | 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
Free Admission
The Platforms Fund is a collaborative effort, of Press Street, Ashé Cultural Art Center, and Pelican Bomb, to provide support for the development and presentation of self-organized, artistic projects. The Platforms Fund seeks to emphasize New Orleans' historical characteristics of creativity, collaboration, and resiliency, while pushing the boundaries of where community engagement and the dissemination of creative ideas can intersect. It is our hope that projects that receive support from The Platforms Fund expand the arts ecosystem of the New Orleans region (Orleans, St. Bernard, Plaquemines, Jefferson, or St. Tammany Parishes) by charting unmapped territory in the structures and production of artistic projects.
GRANTS:
In 2015 The Platforms Fund will provide grants of up to $5000 to a diverse array of artist driven projects, which are ambitious, accessible, and experimental in nature. Grants will range from $1500-$5000, and a minimum of six awards will be distributed for the 2015-16 grant cycle. The application process is open, and the submission deadline will be January 20, 2015. Funded projects will be announced in February 2015. There will be a series of public info sessions, workshops, and one-on-one assistance for the application process leading up to the deadline. Updates on those events and application guidelines can be found at http://platformsfund.org. For more information, call Jo Ann Minor at (504) 569-9070.
Soul Full - A Sunday Brunch Theater Series Featuring Silhouette Dance Ensemble in Fallin' (From His Grace and Mercy)
November 9, 2014 | 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
$35
Seasons Center, in partnership with Ashé Cultural Arts Center invite you to experience an afternoon of food and entertainment. Remember the days when everybody in the family gathered at Big Mama's house on Sunday after church to enjoy a meal while mingling with each other? We're bringing those days back with "Soul Full," where you, your family and friends can enjoy good food coupled with great performances. Soul Full Sunday Brunch Theater Series is a collection of seasonal performances that are family-friendly, with a goal of visually inspiring conversations and interests in the word of God. The admission includes a Sunday meal and a dance theater performance. We invite you "break bread" and "be soul fed."
The afternoon features the Silhouette Dance Ensemble in Fallin' (From His Grace Into His Mercy) 2 Corinthians 7:14. It is set around the word and uses dance theater to depict biblical concepts, such as falling from grace and finding refuge in the mercies of God. Inspired by scripture, Fallin' is an artistic outreach rendition of an altar call for today's society to repent and pray.
If you've never seen Kai Knight and the Silhouette Dance Ensemble, you'll be in for a real treat. If you've experienced her magical movements, then you know what I'm talking about. Her work touches the soul. This is the first in a series of dinner shows. Mark your calendars for future shows: February 22, 2015; May 10, 2015 and August 23, 2015. General admission tickets are only $35. Ages 4-11, $25; ages 3 and under are free. Groups of eight or more pay only $25 each. Call (504) 569-9070.
The Funding Seed presents "Quick Year-End Fundraising"
November 13, 2014 | 8:30-12:30 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
$35
Nearly one third of all annual giving to nonprofits in the United States happens in the month of December, and 10% of annual gifts are sent in the last two days of the year. Is your nonprofit ready for your year-end fundraising? The clock is ticking! Don't miss this hands-on workshop, which offers simple tools you can use to raise funds during those essential last weeks of the year.
The Funding Seed continues its seminars aimed at showing you how to fund your organization. Attendees will receive a certificate of participation after completing the workshop. Registration is $35 per person. Discounts are available for students, AmeriCorps and organizations registering two or more people. Email info@thefundingseed.com to inquire about discount codes or to reserve your space and pay at the door. For more information or to register online, visit www.thefundingseed.com.
New on stage: Boesman and Lena
November 13, 14, and 16, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. Matinee: Nov. 16, 2014 at 3:00 p.m.
Fringe Festival Performance Dates: Nov. 19 - 23, 2014 at 8:00 p.m.. Matinee Nov. 23, 2014 at 3:00 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
Tickets: $20; Senior Citizens and Students $15; Groups of 10 or more $10 (available online)
American Theatre Project of New Orleans returns to Ashé Cultural Arts Center for its second show of its 7th Season, November 13 through November 23, 2014 with "BOESMAN AND LENA" by South African playwright Athol Fugard, and directed by Ed Bishop. "BOESMAN AND LENA" tells the story of two Black scavengers as they emerge from the underbrush loaded with their total possessions, the makings of a shack and a battery of pots and pans, but nothing to cook in them. They are the dregs of society, the stepped upon, the spat upon. Director Bishop, along with Kirk Bush, and break-through artist India King, with Rick Jay bring the play to the stage as a weeklong fundraising event. Fringe dates are Nov. 19-23. Tickets may be purchased at Ashé or online through Nov. 16, at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boesman-and-lena-by-south-african-playwright-athol-fugard-tickets-13657065651 . For more information, call (504) 957-9283.
Central City Festival
November 15, 2014 | 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
1600 and 1700 Blocks of Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard., NOLA
Free Admission
The O.C. Haley Boulevard Merchants and Business Association announces the 8th Annual Central City Festival. The annual fete takes place Sat., Nov. 15, 2014, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., in the 1600 and 1700 blocks of Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard. Festival goers will move to the rhythms of a range of music from gospel to contemporary, from bounce second line, punctuated with Brazilian beats. This year's lineup includes the Honorable South Band, Casa Samba Brazilian Parade, First Emanuel Baptist Church Choir, Free Agents Brass Band, Young Men Olympian Social & Pleasure Club Parade, the Consulate of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in New Orleans, Kuumba Institute Youth, Sistahs Making a Change and much more, no doubt bringing on electrifying lyrical and instrumental surprises. The annual Luck Lou Youth Dance Competition is open to talented dancers ages 21 and under? Youth can sign up now to compete for cash prizes by calling (504) 569-9070 or (504) 528-1806. Be on the lookout for our surprise headliner to be named on November 2. Watch www.ashecac.org or www.facebook.com/ashe.cac.
Interested in volunteering or being a food or retail vendor? Call (504) 528-1806 or (504) 569-9070.
"A Celebration of Community and Culture"
November 16, 2014 | 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
FREE; however, members of NCBON, CBPH, CAUCUS and CCPH are asked to donate $25
Please join us for "A Celebration of Community and Culture" honoring community-based public health heroes. We are recognizing and celebrating the incredible, yet often unheralded, public health work of community leaders everywhere, paying special attention to New Orleans-area community-based organizations and agencies. We are celebrating them as "2014 UNSUNG HEROES." Refreshments will be served. There is no cost for this reception; however, members of NCBON, the CBPH, CAUCUS, and CCPH are requested to donate $25 to support the celebration. The National Community Based Organization Network (NCBON) brings community organizations and their members into a national network to enhance capacities to 1) partner with universities/agencies within their neighborhoods and broader communities to promote health; and 2) to act collectively to influence decision making and policy at a national level.
Workplace Wellness Luncheon
November 20, 2014 | 12:00-1:30 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
Free and open to the public
Join us for our monthly Workplace Wellness Luncheon. Each month we bring in speakers to address topics of interest to you, based on surveys collected from participants. Come and hear information focused on your general health and well-being. Stay tuned for the speaker and topic. For more information, call (504) 569-9070.
Community Cinema presents Evolution of a Criminal
November 21, 2014 | 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
Free and open to the public
Darius Clark Monroe is a filmmaker who was sentenced to five years in prison for armed robbery as a teenager.
Evolution of a Criminal tells the story of how, in trying to help his financially strapped family, he made a bad decision that changed the course of his life. The film examines the effects of his crime and incarceration on those around him, and delves into the meaning of forgiveness and redemption. After the film, a discussion will be held. For more information, call Drena Clay at (504) 569-9070.
Barbershop Meetings/Fathers' Time - Men on the Move
November 5, 12, 19, 26, 2014
Wednesdays | 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Various Locations - See Below
Free and open to the public
November 5 - "Recap of the Man Up March, Revisiting the Immediate Needs of Brothers, and Discussion on Youth Appreciation Day at the Keller Center" - LOCATION: Ashé, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
November 12 - Continuation of "Economic Development"/Self-Identity: Who Am I?" - LOCATION: Ashé, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
November 19 - Restaurant Visit & Mixed Topics (LOCATION TBA)
November 26 - Movie Night feat. "Motherland" - LOCATION: Ashé, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
Calling all men. The Barbershop Meeting / Fathers Time focuses on issues of importance to the growth and well-being, especially of young men. So join the men who come out and learn from each other. Take in an interesting and informative seminar or film, and share your dreams and disappointments. Men of all ages are invited to join the lively discussions and to give input and support based on their life experiences. This meeting affords the opportunity for goal-setting and reflections. Come and bring a few friends. Peter Nakhid leads the discussions. For more information, call (504) 569-9070.
Burn Calories, Dancing Your Way to Good Health
November 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 2014
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Every Monday and Thursday
Ashé Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., New Orleans
Free and open to the public.
No dance experience required.
Mondays
Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24 6:00 p.m. Samba with Carol Pierre
Nov. 3 & 10 7:00 p.m. Liturgical with Roscoe Reddix
Nov. 17 & 25 7:00 p.m. (Specifics coming soon.)
Thursdays
Nov. 6, 13, 20 27 6:00 p.m. Dance with Felicia
7:00 p.m. Burlesque with Blu Reine
We're fine tuning our bodies, recharging our social dancing skills, and getting our minds right. Get fit and toned with Sistahs Making a Change. Dance offerings change every 6-8 weeks and include African, Salsa, Haitian, Tap, Line Dance, Contemporary, Chicago-Style Stepping, Secondline, Zumba and more. So join up with the "sistahs" as you exercise and dance your way to wellness. The program is directed by Jamilah Peters-Muhammad, a registered nurse and professional dancer. The program offers dance, educational films and information, nutrition, and all aspects of health and wellness. A nutritious meal is served after each class. For more information, call (504) 569-9070, or just show up in exercise gear or comfortable clothing ready to move. Donations are appreciated.
Kuumba Institute Saturday Program
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. each Saturday
Ashé Cultural Arts Center, 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
Kuumba Institute, Ashé's youth program for children ages 6 to 16, is up and running. Expose your youngster to a cultural, educational and entertaining Saturday program where students receive specialized training in drama, dance, poetry, photography, martial arts, drumming, visual arts and exciting field trips. A healthy breakfast, lunch and a snack are served. Tuition is only $40 a month for one child and $80 per month for a family of up to three children. Visit Ashé Cultural Arts Center to pick up and complete your application today. You can also obtain an application by visiting www.ashecac.org and scrolling down to the Kuumba Flier. The program's coordinator is Kesha McKey. For more information call (504) 569-9070.
Standing in the Shadows (no more) Workshops
Through November 25, 2014 (each Tuesday) | 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Ashé Cultural Arts Center | 1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd., NOLA
Free and open to the public
"Standing in the Shadows (no more)" is in its last month, but don't let that stop you from coming. The talented participants are still producing artistic pieces, and it's not too late to join. Bring your imagination and join in the fun for a series of narrative quilting workshops led by visual poet artist Jacquelyn Hughes Mooney. These workshops will provide participants with opportunities to incorporate their own compelling personal stories as they create vibrant, jazzy, contemporary, quilted textile collages. .
Finished quilts will be formally exhibited at the Ashé Cultural Arts Center from March 3-April 30, 2015. "Standing in the Shadows" will then embark on a national & international tour in the fall of 2015 with its 2nd "thread" in Montpellier, France, where select quilts will be shown. This is not "just" a quilting class. Those interested do not need any sewing experience. Be sure bring a pair of fabric scissors, and if you desire, fabrics you can share at this communal event.
For more information, call Karel Sloane-Boekbinder at (504) 569-9070.