Tag: art

Say It Ain’t So – Quality Film to Come?

Say It Ain’t So – Quality Film to Come?

by Ranada ♥ 5 Comments

I will admit, I had really (and by really, I mean extremely, intensely, immensely, extraordinarily) low expectations of Tyler Perry’s upcoming film translation of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf, which hits the big screen in November. It just seemed too paradoxical.  While I regret that I haven’t yet read the book by Ntozake Shange (though it is on my shelfari list), I have seen the play, and I wasn’t moved.  Not because of the content, but because of the delivery.  My attention just wasn’t captured, and I found myself dozing off, which I usually wouldn’t freely admit.  I always wondered “am I just not deep enough?”

Now, place that with the other end of the spectrum.  Most know I’m not a Tyler Perry fan.  I find his productions pretty shallow and redundant.  While I admire his tenacity and success, I’m just not an avid fan.  So when I heard Tyler Perry was going to be the leader of this film adaptation, I thought this was simple math.  Too deep + not deep = #uberfail.

But then the trailer hit Twitter yesterday morning, and I’m pretty intrigued.  I hope the trailer isn’t just a ruse because it definitely changed my status of not-planning-to-see-it-ever to maybe-I’ll-go-see-it-opening-weekend.  I’m really excited about seeing Whoopi Goldberg and Phylicia Rashad on the same screen.  From the flickers of various scenes in the trailer, it looks like the film may actually be something relatable, engaging, and impelling.

It seems that just maybe too deep + not deep = just deep enough.  Do  you plan to go see this film?

Mushy Musings, Part Deux

Mushy Musings, Part Deux

by Ranada ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Yesterday, I posted 5 songs, all performed by the ladies, so today, I’ll post 5 from the guys on my Mushy Moments playlist.  Yep, it’s Friday, and the stresses of the week are sliding off my back.  Still daydreaming I am.

I could really do this whole post and a couple more with Musiq and Raheem.  But I’ll try to restrain myself.  I’m posting the songs as I go/as they come to mind, so we’ll see what happens.

All we had were letters till we formed the words/Started from the lyrics till we found the verses that can bridge us through/Baby we could be the greatest love song…

I dream of singing this with Mr. Man while gazing into his eyes and swaying to the music.  I really love this song.  How can anyone not want to be smitten after listening to this?

I’ll be something like the rebirth of love with a twist/it started with a simple kiss/what could be more precious then the rebirth of love?

This song puts into words why I’m open-minded and is a fave on my playlist. Raheem really is one of my favorite male singers ever.  I’ve been a fan since he was in Crossrhodes.  Yes, I have the mixtapes and the albums.  I’ve been to all but one concert that he’s done in Atlanta.  I’m a borderline Stan.  If you haven’t picked up the latest album, go get it.  Especially you conscious minded folks out there. 🙂

Don’t want you to escape cuz I know true love is hard to find–so I keep her heart in mine…

Brandon Hines is a slept on artist.  I found out about him in 07 (I think), and I’ve been a fan since.  Check him out at his website and on youtube.

I would gladly walk you home, but you’re already here…

Cee-Lo Green is another artist I follow.  His creativity is like none other.  Here’s one of my faves from Cee-Lo Green…Is the Soul Machine.

Your love, your love is amazing. One touch takes me a thousand places…

Van Hunt makes me smile.  I thought of a couple of other songs from his first album, but they have a slight depressing undertone.  But this one finishes off this post perfectly.

Happy Friday, folks!  I hope you have a positive, relaxing, and satisfying weekend!

Mushy Musings

Mushy Musings

by Ranada ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Here are a couple of songs I can’t stop listening to.  Join me in my mushy daydreaming fest.

Sir Greendown, I need your shining light…

Say you’ll go to Nirvana.  Will you leave Samsara? … Let’s find forever, and write our names in fire on each other’s hearts.

Don’t sleep on Janelle Monae…  If you haven’t purchased her new album, you need to do so as soon as you finish reading my blog. 🙂  It’s a banger from beginning to end.

Hearts led, baby–it’s your deal. Umm hmm

Same goes with New Amerykah Part II.  Erykah Badu keeps me on my groove thang.  Really, I could just make this whole post about Janelle and Erykah, who are performing tonight in Memphis and I so wish I would be there.

Back in them days my heart never made a sound/Now it’s beating like my head’s in the clouds

Oldie but goodie.  I love Alice Smith’s voice.  She will always and forever make my Mushy Moments playlist.

My arms brag to each other about how you feel–from conversations, I know what they feel is real…

This is one of my fave Algebra songs.  It just put words and a melody to some special feelings.

I think 5 is a good number.  There are PLENTY more I could post though.  Music is so good for the soul.  One more day till the weekend, my friends!  Keep the positive vibes going!

Jitney

Jitney

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This afternoon, a friend of mine and I went to the Alliance Theatre and enjoyed a great production written by the great August Wilson called Jitney.

Set in 1977 in a jitney stop (car service) in Pittsburgh, this production explored a range of topics still relevant to the black community, including the disconnect between generations, alcoholism, the role of men in households and families, love and forgiveness, the importance of communication between romantic partners, the effects of war on young soldiers, the lack of support for small businesses in some cities, and the list goes on.  This would have made for a great Reads and Reels discussion!

In addition to the  great music played between scenes (classics like Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up”), I really enjoyed the light banter and surefire black lingo infused into the script. The characters were real to me because I could definitely hear my daddy talking like these guys were. Although the plot was very heavy overall, the production made good use of comic relief.

It made me smile to see so many black folk at the theatre, supporting the arts. If you haven’t seen it, make sure to put this on your list of things to do this month. Jitney runs through June 27.

Painting by Numbers is still fun!

Painting by Numbers is still fun!

by Ranada ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

A group of friends and I helped to paint this past Saturday night.

Perfect for date night or a  group activity with friends, Paint by Numb3rs definitely made for a relaxing yet involved evening.  My friends and I painted, talked, laughed, shopped for jewelry from a vendor set up in the gallery, and walked around and enjoyed the artwork on display.  What I found particularly fantastic is that the paintings resulting from Paint by Numb3rs are donated to charity and are auctioned off as fundraisers.  So, not only did we paint in boxes with numbers in them to let us know what color to use, but we also contributed to someone in need.  Next time you’re looking for something different to do on a Saturday night, check out Paint by Numb3rs!