Your source for news and information since August 1999

I'd like to welcome our newest members to the Lehigh Valley Black News Network, the Williams Center for the Arts (Lafayette College), Saint James AME Zion Church, and the LJ Gift Company. Also returning for their 2nd year as network members are the State Theater of Easton and the Allentown Art Museum.

This month you'll read about the Allentown Art Museums upcoming Preview Party with Faith Ringgold, widely regarded as one of the most important living African American artists, she is an acclaimed painter, printmaker, and sculptor best known for her signature "story quilts" that combine narrative paintings with quilted borders and text. The Williams Center for the Arts will host one of the leading documentary photographers of the last century, Bruce Davidson, who will lecture on his journey with a busload of Freedom Riders in 1961 where spent the next four years chronicling the civil rights movement.

As the end of Black History month rapidly approaches, be sure to check out the many events throughout the Lehigh Valley. Tell a neighbor, tell a friend and be sure to let them know you saw it in LV BNN!

Remember to support the organizations and businesses that support LV BNN. Enjoy this Edition.

Kevin Easterling

Founder & Publisher Lehigh Valley Black News Network

One of the leading documentary photographers of the last century, Bruce Davidson joined a busload of Freedom Riders in 1961 and spent the next four years chronicling the civil rights movement. ."

"Here are the freedom rides, marches, voter registration campaigns, and police violence, and here are scenes of the realities that provoked those actions-everyday black life, North and South, from dire poverty to tenuous middle-class status," observes Ray Olson of Booklist. "This is what courage and nobility look like, and this other is what bigotry and xenophobia look like"

This exhibition will showcase photographs from Davidson's 2002 book, Time of Change, Civil Rights Photographs 1961-1965. Exhibition organized by Magnum Photos, New York.

Meet acclaimed artist Faith Ringgold at the Allentown Art Museum's preview party celebrating the opening of three special exhibitions: Faith Ringgold: A View from the Studio; 29th Juried Show: Myth, Magic & Meaning; and Bill Gothard: Glimpses of the Human Condition.

The Ringgold exhibition will offer a glimpse into the artist's studio, revealing her working methods through a viewing of her latest work, the Jazz Series, presented in the context of story quilts, paintings, soft sculpture, and prints from throughout her 35- year career.

Artists from the 29th Juried Show and Bill Gothard will also be in attendance, and Ringgold will sign books.

Hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, and live music by Ms. Jazz, Toni Harris, will round out the evening and make this a party you won't want to miss. FREE M, $10 NM; Call 610-432-4333 x 29 to R.S.V.P. by email: rrebar@allentownartmuseum.org

The longest running Broadway review in history is set to return to the State Theatre stage with Phoenix Productions' National Tour of SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE on Friday, March 4th and Saturday, March 5th. Both shows begin at 8 PM.

The greatest hits of the '50's and 60's are all on the menu at SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE, a Rockin' party of a show that will have your hands clappin' and toes tappin'! Jail House Rock, Stand By Me, Yakety Yak, Hound Dog and more are the electrifying creations of legendary songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, the Rodgers and Hammerstein of Rock 'n Roll. SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE harnesses the power of this music that changed the world in a raucous night of musical theater that broke records on Broadway and has audiences and critics singing and dancing.

Tickets for SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE at the State Theatre in Easton are $52.50 & $47.50 and can be obtained at the State Theatre Box Office, 453 Northampton Street in Easton, by calling 1-800-999-STATE (610- 252-3132) or 24-hour charge 610-991-STATE,or online at www.statetheatre.org The Express-Times is a promotional sponsor.

The Lehigh University Department of Theatre is pleased to present The Colored Museum by George C. Wolfe in Diamond Theater, Zoellner Arts Center, on February 18-20, 23-26 at 8 pm; 2 pm Sunday.

Directed by Kashi Johnson, The Colored Museum assails and celebrates what it means to be black in America. Armed with humor and satire, George C. Wolfe examines questions of identity and culture through a series of live "exhibits" - short vignettes.

The play takes a no-holds-barred look at African American life, culture and history. The Colored Museum will exhilarate and shock audiences of all races as it treads a fine line between self-perception and stereotypes.

Join the legendary soul band Tower of Power and world-renowned Average White Band at the State Theatre in Easton for a one-night show slated to take place on Wednesday, March 9 at 8:00 PM.

Average White Band, formed over 30 years ago, today remains one of the most sampled bands in history. Average White Band's recognized sound is based in the soulful sound of the 1960s, often found in cities such as Memphis, Detroit and Philadelphia. The band's breakout single, "Pick Up the Pieces" reached the top of the pop and R&B charts in 1975. Most recently, Average White Band has toured with Hall & Oates and Michael McDonald on the "Rock 'n Soul 2004 Revue." The band released its latest studio album, Living in Colour in the spring of 2003 and has been utilized by today's artists, including Janet Jackson, Bobby Brown, TLC and P. Diddy.

Tower of Power, a pre-eminent funk and soul band, is a prototype for today's retro-swing genre of music and the band has made a name for itself always giving a high-energy performance. The band is known for its upfront, center-stage brass ensemble and has been featured by such artists as Rod Stewart, Phish, Elton John and the Eurythmics.

Tickets for Tower of Power and Average White Band are available for $42 and $36.50 and can be obtained by visiting the State Theatre Box Office at 453 Northampton Street in Easton; by calling 1-800-999- STATE (610-252-3132) or the 24-hour Credit Card Hotline (610) 991-STATE; or via the Internet at www.statetheatre.org.

Announcements: Saturday, February 26, 2005 Nu Generation Youth Ministry presents Rags to Riches, featuring, Angels of Harmony - Eastern University's Gospel Choir; Junior Karar -Praise Dance Ministry; D2P - Hip Hop Dance Ministry; and Precious Movement - Mime Ministry 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Greater Shiloh Church. For more information, please call 610.252.5640

Saturday, March 5, 2005 Men of Valor Men's Fellowship Breakfast 8 a.m. to 11a.m. in the basement of the Chapel 221 Brother Thomas Bright Avenue Continental Breakfast from 8am to 9:30am Scripture read and study from 9:30 a.m. to 11a.m. For more information, please call 610-283-6391

Hidden Treasures Stop by and experience Hidden Treasures! Enjoy guilt- free shopping, never-ending sales, and a variety of clothing, accessories, housewares, and much more. Someone will always serve you with a smile. Shop til' you drop at Hidden Treasure Thrift Store. Located at 416 Canal Street in Easton, PA. Open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Donations welcome. For more information call 610.438.4115.

G.W.C.Y.L. is a Christian support group for recovering alcoholics and addicts. We share our experience, strength and hope with one another to help solve our common problem and to enhance our personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We use God's Word and the Twelve Steps of Recovery, believing that Scripture and the Twelve Steps are important healing tools. If we regularly apply these tools to our lives, we open ourselves to God's healing love and grace.

Monday Nights 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Greater Shiloh Church The Enrichment Center Easton, PA

Thursday Nights 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. St. Paul's Lutheran Church 8th * Walnut Street Allentown, PA

Announcements: A workshop will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2005, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon, in the Caf�, at Greater Shiloh Church. The workshop will be on the Christian Roots of the Twelve Steps, as well as an overview of the Twelve Steps will be given. For more information, please call (610) 653-9494.

Saturdays feature in-depth visual arts workshops and children's programs, while Sundays showcase musical performances and lectures on the arts in the Binney & Smith Gallery of the arts center, located at 25 W. Third St., Bethlehem.

The lineup includes a Valentine card class for kids Feb. 5, an "art" doll making workshop Feb. 12, a beading workshop Feb. 19, an American Indian craft workshop Feb. 26, a Polaroid transfer techniques class March 5, a Japanese tea ceremony and Raku kiln firing demonstration March 12 and a spring art and gardening class for children March 19.

Sunday concerts include "The Arrogant Worms Feb. 6, a chocolate buffet and love songs by Matthew James Feb. 13, "Unforgettable - A Tribute to Nat King Cole" Feb. 20, Big Band sounds by the Bill Warfield Quintet Feb. 27 and folk singer Steve Forbert March 13. On March 6, internationally-known crystal sculpture designer Peter Yenawine of Bethlehem's Crystal Signatures will present a gallery talk on the creative process behind his work, while the March 20 program is "Hollywood on the Lehigh," showcasing Lehigh Valley residents in the film industry.

For tickets, class registrations and more information, visit www.fest.org or call 610-332-FEST.

Jazz trumpeter Nicholas Payton and his newly formed ensemble, Sonic Trance, will perform in concert on Friday, February 18, at 8 p.m. in Foy Concert Hall, Moravian College.

The group will perform selections from the Grammy- nominated "Sonic Trance" (Warner Brothers, 2003), Payton's seventh album to date which includes among its influences a wide variety of musical styles such as: modern electric jazz; world music; ragtime; mariachi music; and a heavy dose of hip-hop. The album offers a selection of musical tastes and textures arranged loosely around a common theme- the "sonic trance," a dreamlike state of being that the listener passively allows becoming a musical meditation.

Payton began trumpet lessons at the age of four. He played semi-professionally during his teen years while attending the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts and the University of New Orleans. Throughout his distinguished musical career, he has played with jazz masters such as Clark Terry, Wynton Marsalis, and Elvin Jones.

Foy Concert Hall is located on Moravian College's Priscilla Payne Hurd Campus, Church and Main Streets, Bethlehem. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 senior citizens, and $10 students and children 12 and under. For more information, please contact the Moravian College music department at 610-861-1650 or email music@moravian.edu. The concert by Nicholas Payton is sponsored in part by: MCS Industries, Inc., Richard Master, president; and Moravian College Office of Institutional Diversity and Multicultural Affairs.

IF YOU MISSED THE BREAST CANCER AWARENESS EVENT IN PHILADELPHIA LAST MONTH, YOU CAN STILL GET KEY INFORMATION BY ATTENDING AN ALLENTOWN AFFAIR HOSTED BY SACRED HEART HOSPITAL IN CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH.

PLEASE MAKE YOUR PLANS NOW TO ATTEND THE "AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN AND BREAST HEALTH LUNCH AND LEARN

EVENT" ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH FROM 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM AT SACRED HEART HOSPITAL, LOCATED AT 421 CHEW STREET, IN THE RECEPTION ROOM (2ND FLOOR).

FREE LUNCH, AND PARKING, FREE RISK ASSESSMENTS FOR BREAST CANCER AND BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS ALSO AVAILABLE. SEATING IS LIMITED, SO PLEASE R.S.V.P. BY FEBRUARY 15TH, WITH YOUR NAME AND TELEPHONE NUMBER AT 610.776.5979.

The book selected for our first meeting is Ain't No Mountain by Sharon Ewell Foster. Ain't No Mountain (Bethany House, $12.99) by Sharon Ewell Foster is a modern-day fairy tale introducing an urban princess, lost and in search of her true identity, who is aided on her journey by a middle- aged, self-proclaimed hip- hop god-mama and an African prince who isn't having any of it.

The three embark on a search for truth, true love and happiness in a land called Baltimore. Bishop T.D. Jakes says, "Sharon writes for those of us who want more than just words on a page, but pictures painted on the canvases of our minds"

Place: Jazzman's Caf� 4 Campus Square (Lehigh University) Bethlehem, PA 10:00am. If you would like to join us, send a note to Ramona at dblemnt2001@yahoo.com or contact at 610-954- 9173.

Zoellner Arts Center presents Classical Savion, a one-man show with internationally acclaimed tap sensation Savion Glover, the award-winning choreographer of the Broadway hit Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk.

The Bring in 'Da Noise, Bring in 'Da Funk tour has been cancelled by its producers. All previously purchased tickets will be honored for Classical Savion. For more information contact Ticket Services at 610-758-2787, ext. 0

Pre-show performance in the lobby at 7 pm by Lehigh University's Finest Step Team

In 2005, the YWCA of Bethlehem will celebrate the 30th Anniversary of its annual Women and Teens of the Year Awards Dinner. Every March, to celebrate Women's History Month, the YWCA of Bethlehem honors local women and teens for their outstanding contributions to our community. The 2005 Women and Teens of the Year Awards Dinner is scheduled for March 30th at 6pm at the Holiday Inn East Gateway Conference Center on 512 (Note the date change). The YWCA of Bethlehem is holding its 30th Annual Great Decisions Foreign Affairs Lecture Series on February 9, February 16, February 23, March 2, March 9, March 16, March 23 and March 30 from 11:30am-1pm at Kirkland Village, Bethlehem.

The Baby and Me Program, a program for new moms to prevent depression, child neglect, parent overwhelm, poor health and to provide supportive resources is being offered again on the following Thursday evenings February 3rd, February 10th, February 17th and February 24th from 6-8pm at the YWCA of Bethlehem.

Talk→ Listen → Action → Change. Want to learn how? Join a Study Circle? A Study Circle is a small, diverse group of 8 to 12 individuals who share individual experiences, stories and perspectives about race relations. Each Study Circle is led by a facilitator whose role is to get people listening to one another, to enhance awareness and to create efforts for action. To learn more about these programs and events call the YWCA of Bethlehem at 610-867-4669 or email at flordelisa@ywcabethlehem.org

State Wide Employment-THE PENN STATE DICKINSON SCHOOL OF LAW IN Carlisle, PA

• Lehigh Valley Employment

• CACLV ANNOUNCES EXPANDED Tax Prep Program

Articles of Interest: Human Rights Watch

"The Lehigh Valley Sickle Cell Support Group", invites you to help us celebrate Black History Month by visiting our Ethnic Bake Sale Plus table at the Allentown YMCA on 15th & Fairview Avenue, Allentown, on Saturday, February 26 from 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Desserts from different countries will also be available".

For more information please send an email to:

• lvbnn@mnetofpa.com

Lehigh Valley Black News Network (www.lvbnn.com) is an informative eNewsletter designed to inform you about events and information related to the connection and inclusion of Black / African American communities throughout the Lehigh Valley and the State of Pennsylvania.

LV BNN is distributed twice a month to over 2500 responsive email readers from the Lehigh Valley Region, parts of Philadelphia, Harrisburg and Reading Pennsylvania.

An MNET of PA Production