The Wiz on Broadway, Luther Vandross Fashion Show & Listening Party

I saw the musical, The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical Wizard Of Oz” on Broadway this week.

The 1975 Broadway production won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.  Sadly, Stephanie Mills didn’t win a Tony Award, but she did win the Drama Desk Award. I feel you can’t touch her performance. Her voice soars, shines, and shatters your ears. She will always be Dorothy for me.  

The musical’s idea originated with producer Ken Harper, who became the director and worked with Geoffrey Holder. 

The original Wizard on Broadway actor Andre De Shields wrote, “It was Geoffrey’s masterful people skills and embrace of magical realism that metamorphosed The Wiz from caterpillar to butterfly,” according to Wiki. 

The Wiz was a breakthrough for Broadway, a large-scale big-budget musical featuring an all-Black cast. Its success opened the door for future musicals, Dreamgirls, and Sophisticated Ladies, to be produced. 

One of the first albums Santa brought me was the original Broadway cast recording. I would repeatedly listen to the music, especially “Ease On Down The Road” and “A Brand New Day.”

I didn’t learn that Luther Vandross wrote “A Brand New Day” until after passing in 2005. He never performed the song in concert, so I had no reason to make the connection. But what a song! I love his creative approach to writing a song about Evillene’s death.

Luther’s joyful concept of what’s to come versus celebrating the tragedy of the witch’s death is inspiring. “A Brand New Day” is featured in the new Broadway production twice.

Watching the show with my friends, Joe and Leisa, and FANDROSS CEO Seveda Williams was a beautiful experience.

I adore Deborah Cox, who plays Glenda. Several years ago, I saw her perform “Absolutely Not” and “Things Just Ain’t The Same” at a KTU radio listening party, and she blew the roof off with her electrifying performance. 

Celebrating Luther’s songwriting talents and the cast’s wonderful performances was wonderful. Plus, I got to relive my childhood memories.

The film version of The Wiz starred Diana Ross as Dorothy, Michael Jackson as Scarecrow, Nipsey Russell as Tin Man, Richard Pryor as the Wizard, and Lena Horne as Glinda. 

Join me for my Luther Vandross: Never Too Much birthday party celebrating Luther’s iconic Music and Style.

This free program features a Music Panel, Fashion Show, Live Performances, Style Vendors, and Live DJ Dan C.E.  on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, from 5:30 -8:30 PM at THREAD Lounge at the Renaissance Hotel. 

PANEL: Luther’s Vocalist, Cindy Mizelle, and Luther’s Choreographer, James Ervin, discuss their experience working with Luther. Graffiti Glamour Makeup Artistry Founder Alicia Mitchell shares how small steps led her to big rewards in her healthy journey as she demonstrates how hair and makeup artistry can transform your attitude. 

FASHION SHOWHarlem’s Heaven, Kynetik Soundz, LPS Collection, Baro Sanchez, and Modafleur showcase the hottest trends in fashion. Plus, S Designs spotlights Luther’s Wedding Song, Here & Now, with funky, flashy, and fabulous wedding gowns you won’t miss! Hosted by Catherine Schuller.

LIVE MUSIC: Keith Anthony Fluitt performs some of Luther’s most beloved songs.  DJ DAN.C.E. spins Luther’s hits all night long. 

I’m thrilled to announce I’ll host the virtual FANDROSS Birthday Listening Party on Saturday, April 20, at 3 PM on Zoom. Join me, Luther Historian Leon Petrossian, Fonzi Thornton, Carlos Alomar, Nat Adderley Jr., and more special guests as we spin the group Luther’s glorious first album, “Luther,” during the program.

Divabetic on Zoom Coming In February

Looking for a fun way to socialize without putting your diabetes wellness at risk?

Join the happy healthcare host, Mr. Divabetic for this free, virtual diabetes support event with style on Thursday, February 4, 2021, 7 – 8 PM, EST on Zoom.

Divabetic’s dynamic diabetes empowerment program kicks off with a Hat & Face Mask Fashion Show presented by Harlem Heaven’s Hats owner Evetta Petty.

Plus, a Diabetes Educational Group Activity and Discussion presented by Maryann Nicolay  BA, DTR.

Divabetic (Divabetic.Org) has presented diabetes support meetings with style since 2004. Our exciting mix of diabetes education and wellness advice on fitness, nutrition, and personal l health and beauty and fashion has helped hundreds of thousands of women at risk, affected by and living with diabetes to ‘keep their house a home’ by learning to prevent diabetes health-related complications.

Harlem’s Heaven Hat shop specializes in providing the right head wear and face mask for the right occasions.

Maryann Nicolay is a Registered Dietetic Technician and has worked with the Diabetes Partnership of Cleveland for over 20 years. Her primary responsibility is to develop and implement diabetes education materials and activities in diverse and/or underserved communities. Examples of creative education programs that MaryAnn has developed include African American Family Reunion Program, Best Practices in Blood Glucose Monitoring for allied health professionals, and Diva coaching sessions for women touched by diabetes.

FREE REGISTRATION – REGISTER NOW 

Gospel Singer Tamela Mann’s 50 Pound Weight Loss Began With Walking

Gospel singer Tamela Mann started her  50+ pound weight loss journey by walking, even though walking was a challenge for her. A few months before beginning her amazing weight loss journey last year she had knee replacement surgery.

“During my recovery, physical activity was difficult for me, but I made it a priority to focus on my mental health and nutrition,” she wrote in an Instagram post her procedure.

One month later, Mann recovered enough to begin physical activity again. “Starting to walk without a cane, thank you to everyone for your prayers. The journey continues,” she wrote in the caption on her instagram post.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDnTi3FFayk/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Her journey grew to include cutting down her portions, using an elliptical machine, and following WW weight loss program . The program sets you up with 24/7 access to a virtual coach and features a “science-based SmartPoints system” that’s personalized for your age, height, weight, and sex. It guides you on what to eat, cook, or choose at restaurants and parties based on your preferences—no food is off-limits. “We can still drink and eat!” Mann wrote in an Instagram caption.

https://youtu.be/2b03pUrQQIk

Tamela Jean Mann is an American gospel singer, and actress. Mann began her career as a singer with the gospel group Kirk Franklin and the Family. Since starting the WW (Weight Watchers) program she has lost over 50 pounds.

Not even knee replacement surgery or a busy schedule has stopped the star from reaching her fitness goals.

Tamela Mann and her husband, David, are working together on their weight loss reports Prevention. David’s favorite healthy foods during sheltering in include watermelon and eggs.

David has asked Tamela to be his “sugar manager since he was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in 2013 according to the Praying Woman website.” If David strays too far from his plan (she notes he has a weakness for sugary breakfast cereals), she gently reminds him.

“You don’t realize that we drink a lot of our sugar: in our sodas, our sugary juices,” David says. “I just tell people: Cut back off the juice and sodas.”

Tamela pre-plans her meals and typically starts her day with eggs, toast, and bacon for breakfast. “I’m beginning to eat the eggs without cheese to save SmartPoints,” she said. And her favorite ZeroPoint foods, which you can eat unlimited amounts of on the WW plan? Fruit! “There’s a wide variety of fruit [on the ZeroPoint foods list]—I love that,” she told WW.

https://youtu.be/ZK3Q7lJrzdE

The Grammy award-winning gospel singer and actress admits her husband and 31-year-old daughter Tiffany, who also joined WW, are her biggest inspirations.

“It’s nice to have a family member who’s like-minded on this journey! We both have goals we’re trying to reach,” Mann told WW. “Mama has always led by example—she’s a great wife and mother, and an incredible performer. I’ve found myself looking to her to learn how to take better care of my body because she’s taken off! She is doing so good!” Tiffany said of Mann.

https://youtu.be/YzYVporCGTM

WW and Pre Diabetes

Millions of people are estimated to have prediabetes and don’t even know it. WW’s proven weight-loss program can help people with prediabetes manage their weight. Weight Watchers doesn’t have a system for counting carbs, it does provide guidelines for making smart food choices. The WW SmartPoints® system guides you to foods that are lower in sugar and higher in protein.

LEARN MORE

Elliptical machines are easier on the joints and features an uninterrupted circular motion that allows for an impact-free workout. This can be helpful for individuals with knee, ankle, hip or lower back injuries. These allow you to exercise both your arms and your legs.

DISCOUNT ON ELLIPTICAL MACHINES

Gospel superstar, Yolanda Adams is inspiring our conversation about healthy ways to celebrate the holidays on this episode of Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast.

This Grammy-winning Gospel/Adult Contemporary artist has one of the most persuasive and popular voices in music and works closely with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources to ensure that kids in low- income areas receive immunizations. Along with that nationwide program, she lends her energy and commitment to Houston charities such as juvenile diabetes and The Escape Center. ”I’m very involved with kids because after being a teacher for seven years, I just can’t stop loving the kids. I am a teacher forever.”

“I like to listen to Christmas music year-round. It puts a smile on your face, and then it gets you in a spirit heart-wise to give and be gracious,” Yolanda Adams admitted.

December’s podcast guests include Dr. Bart Roep of City of Hope, Janis Roszler, LMFT, RD, LD/N, CDE,  Hint Water‘s Anthony Fiorello, FAND ‘Know Diabetes By Heart’ Ambassador Christina Herrera, Elizabeth Gallagher, and Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE.

Throughout the podcast we will be featuring music from Yolanda Adams’ album,“What A Wonderful Time” courtesy of SONY Music.

 

One of our ‘FAVORITE THINGS’ for Christmas 2020 is a stylish Harlem’ss Heaven Face Mask. Check out their wide assortment and bejeweled and beautiful matching face masks and hats collection.

SHOP NOW

 

 

Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite Podcast Inspired by Angela Bofill Encore

We’re celebrating National Diabetes Awareness Month with musical inspiration from Angela Bofill   on Divabetic’s Diabetes Late Nite podcast scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, 2020, 6 PM, EST.

With her strong, distinctive alto, Angela Bofill carved a niche as an outstanding interpreter of soul ballads and became a mainstay on the Quiet Storm radio format.

Angela Bofill suffered two strokes but neither stroke could take away her positive, humorous personality and her fighter spirit.

This National Diabetes Month campaign has been going on for much longer than many realize; it was established over four decades ago in 1975.

Podcast guests include Angela Bofill, Lorraine Brookes, Patricia Addie-Gentle RN, CDE, Doris Hobbs, and Evetta Petty from Harlem’s Heaven Hats.

Throughout the podcast we will feature music from The Essential Angela Bofill album courtesy of SONY Music.

TUNE IN