NBTF founder promises that gala will sizzle
BY COURTNEY GAILLARD
THE CHRONICLE ,
Larry Leon Hamlin is promising that opening night of the
2003 National Black Theatre Festival will be an "explosive
and majestic" evening.
Hamlin, the festival producer and artistic director, said all
in attendance can look forward to drummers and stars on the
streets of downtown Winston-Salem celebrating the festival's
14th year. ^
Hamlin warns locals not to confuse their city with Holly
wood for all of the limousines and flashbulbs that will be
going off amid the flurry of celebrities who will converge on
the area for the week.
"There will be a very positive, electrical charge in the city,
and it's a great deal of love, respect and dignity for one anoth
er," Hamlin said. "In addition, you will see some great theater
and an opportunity to hobnob with some of the people you see
on television and film....It's truly going to be a 'marv-tastic'
evening."
Oss/e Davis, left, and director George Faison pose at the
2001 Opening Night Gala.
The National Black Theatre Festival is a six-day event that
celebrates professional black theater companies from around
the country. This biennial festival also invites the estimated
thousands of attendees to take part in a host of seminars,
workshops, vendor markets and performances.
This year's festival is being co-chaired by Melba Moore
and Malcolm-Jamal Warner.
Festivities will kick off Aug. 4 at 5:30 with an Opening
Night Gala Banquet at the M.C. Benton Convention Center.
If you don't have tickets, for get about it. They have sold
out (see page 46).
A celebrity procession of about 50 television, film and
stage stars will precede an awards ceremony. Among those
receiving festival honors will be Diahann Carroll and Philip
Rose, both of whom will be awarded the Sidney Poitier Life
long Achievement Award. Carroll is known for her pioneering
roles on "Julia" and "Dynasty." Rose was one of the first
white producers to hire black actors on Broadway.
"(Rose and Carroll are being honored) because of their
profound contributions to black theater and the entertainment
industry as a whole," Hamlin said. "What can one say about
(Carroll)? She's legendary." Hamlin said.
Following the gala and awards ceremony will be the open
ing performance of Lillias White's "From Brooklyn to Broad
way II" at the Stevens Center at 9 p.m. White, considered to
be a "diva of Broadway," wrote and performs this autobio
graphical piece about her journey through the professional
theater circuit.
"She has a long history of working on Broadway! She
knows how to work an audience....I love watching her per
form. She's such a veteran, and her voice is just truly amaz
ing," Hamlin said.
A celebrity reception will follow the performance at the
Adam's Mark Hotel, where attendees can rub shoulders with
file Photos
"Roc" stars Charles Dutton and Carl Gordon have a laugh during the 2001 Opening Night Gala.
the likes of CCH Pounder, Richard Roundtree, Ben Vereen
and others.
The Otesha Dance Ensemble will make its regular appear
ance as it caps off the night by bringing some African danc
ing and drumming to the streets for any night owls who want
to groove into the wee hours of the morning.
"The city of Winston-Salem will be transformed into
black theater holy ground," Hamlin said.
Trin-i-tee 5:7 will help kick off Youth/Celebrity Project
SPEC/^L TO THE CHRONICLE
High-energy trio Trin-i-tee 5:7 will bring its upbeat gospel
sound to Union Baptist Church for the conclusion of the First Fri
day Summer Praise Break. The National Black Theater Festival
Youth/Celebrity Project also will kick off at First Friday and fea
ture the dynamic African dance troupe Otesha Creative Arts
Ensemble.
The platinum-selling trio - made up of Chanelle Haynes.
Angel Taylor and Adrian Anderson - recently released its third
CD. "The Kiss " The critically acclaimed disc features the irre
sistible dance track "Holla." The song carries a message of the
strength and resilience that the Holy Spirit provides. Members of
the group said that the track's driving beat is part of its message.
"For me, living for God is a party," Haynes said. "It's excit
ing because God is always surprising me with beautiful people,
things and opportunities. It's a song to be danced to in celebra
tion of Him."
Haynes said that "The Kiss" showcases the talents of all the
women. "On The Kiss,' we each wrote, did the vocal arrange
ments and co-produced one song, and we all did one together."
she said. "There's a personal ingredient this time that allows each
of us to step out on our own a bit.'
The CD's title track, "With a Kiss," passionately tells the
story of Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Christ.
"I was immediately drawn to that song because of the lesson
it has to impart." Anderson said. "Jesus knew the character of
Judas, but He also knew that he had to do what he had o do. It's
crucial in our lives to know the real character of all the people
who surround us."
The CD also draws from classic soul music. The trio sings
Curtis Mayficld's "People Get Ready." The song is layered with
lavish harmonies and vocal interplays, then breaks into a hip-hop
coda thai has become Trin-i-tee 5:7'.x trademark.
In addition to their music, the women have expanded their
ministry to include agencies that provide clothing, food and
tutoring to children.
"God has filled us with bless'mg....We feel an overwhelming
need to pour some of that back," Haynes said. "We want to leave
a legacy not only for our music and ministry, but for being three
Christians who cared about people and their lives."
The National Black Theatre Festival Youth/Celebrity Project
will be held Aug. 5-8 at the Adam's Mark Hotel from 10 a.m. to
( ? i ? i
Trin i ttre 3:7
noon. There will be daily productions to entertain and educate
youths. More than 6,000 youths of all ages from around the
country will interact with celebrities and theater professionals.
The Youth/Celebrity Project is free to participants. For more
information about the Youth/Celebrity Project, see page 36.
Union Baptist Church, "A Church Determined to Live for
Christ." is at 1200 N. Trade Street. Dr. Sir Walter Mack Jr. is pas
tor and teacher. Visit the Web site www.unionbaptistwsnc.org for
more information.