Hello Cincy Chic Readers!

This week's column is devoted to giving my readers a film opportunity that is one-of-a-kind and will soon be held in February. Don't miss it!

The Cincinnati World Cinema is presenting the film "THAT OLD BLACK MAGIC." It is a compilation of film recordings never seen in the United States of Jazz greats like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Billy Eckstine, Della Reese and many more African-American performers.

This film is made from the accidental discovery of 18 cans of footage found from the late 1950s and early 1960s in Canada, where the appreciation and acceptance of African-American artists were showcased on national musical variety shows for the Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC).

As you know, that was at the height of our Civil Rights Movement, and many American television networks were dictated by segregationists' television policy. Fortunately African-American vocalists were able to perform and were welcomed by the CBC network.

The significance of Cincinnatians being able to view these "buried treasures" cannot be dismissed. The footage has been restored by CBC archivists and technicians for the Canadian network's 50th anniversary celebration. Vignettes of the youthful Nat King Cole, Marion Anderson and Cab Calloway in their prime will be presented.

Cincinnati World Cinema and the Phi Psi Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority will present three screenings of "THAT OLD BLACK MAGIC":

Sunday, Feb. 22 at 3 p.m. ($20 in advance, $25 at the door)

Tuesday Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. ($10 in advance, $12 at the door)

Wednesday Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. ($10 in advance, $12 at the door)

All screenings will be at at The Redmoor (3187 Linwood Avenue) in Mt. Lookout Square. )

Also, for your entertainment pleasure renowned Cincinnati jazz saxophonist Bruce Menefield will share a historical perspective with the audience after each screening and then lead a set of period songs in tribute to the featured artists in the film. The Sunday matinee will include guest vocalist Brenda Flowers and bass player Eddie Brookshire and a post-film buffet, all included with the price of admission.

The Tuesday and Wednesday screenings will include a cash bar available before and after (but not during) the film, and they will feature a performance by Menefield on the sax and Erwin Stucky on the keyboard. Proceeds from these events will benefit Phi Psi Omega's scholarship fund for college-bound students in the Cincinnati metropolitan area.

For more information, visit the Cincinnati World Cinema's Web site or call (859) 781-8151.

Jan James Stetter
		About the author:
		Jan James Stetter is the "Media Maven" for Cincy Chic. A Cincinnati native, Jan resides in the side of town that bore LaRosa’s pizzas and Skyline chili. Stetter is a discerning film critic letting readers know what is hot and what is not at the box office. She welcomes input and feedback from her audience, so e-mail her at jstetter@cincychic.com.
	Read More >>

Last update: 02-02-2009 17:46

Published in : Magazine Items, Social