Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/4253
The year is winding down fast. Don't wait to experience all of the arts and entertainment the months of OCTOBER and NOVEMBER have to offer. Take your pick from the following. Happy Thanksgiving! JAZZ ON THE GRASS The Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF), a scholarship organization that supports college students with a financial need, will host the 4th Annual JAZZ on the Grass benefit concert from 2-6 p.m., Sat., Oct. 3, 2009. The star-studded fundraiser benefits the Foundation's heralded 36- year old college scholarship, comprehensive mentoring, and leadership development program. Held at the private Sherman Oaks, CA estate of noted director and producer Oz and Lynne Scott, the JAZZ lineup includes James Ingram, Patrice Rushen, Brenda Russell and percussionist Ndugu. For information: www.jackierobinson.org/events/lajazz.php. COOK DOES THE 'RUMBA' Jesse Cook's career is hotter than hot. For his latest recording, The Rumba Foundation, Cook, who was first exposed to rumba flamenco while visiting his father in Arles in the South of France, wanted to trace the music genre's roots in Cuba. However, his musical journey landed him in Bogota, Columbia. The result is a 13-song CD featuring a cover of Simon and Garfunkel's "Cecilia." CREOLE CELEBRATION The 2009 Creole Heritage Celebration takes place Fri., Oct. 9. The event will be held at the Natchitoches Events Center. Activities include the annual awards program, the Mardi Gras Show by the Grand Marais Krewes, and a Remember When dance featuring music from the '50s and '60s, plus lots of Zydeco (DJ by Tony Groove). For information: www.nsula.edu/creole or www.natchitoches- eventscenter.com. U R I AM Los Angeles will be home to the west coast debut of America I AM: The African American Imprint, a touring exhibition presented by Tavis Smiley that celebrates nearly 500 years of African-American contributions to the U.S. The exhibit will be housed at the California Science Center in Los Angeles from October 30, 2009-April 10, 2010. It's the third stop on the exhi- bition's 10-city, four-year tour, following Philadelphia's National Constitution Center and the Atlanta Civic Center. AT THE MOVIES MORE THAN A GAME, a documentary chronicling basket- ball sensation Lebron James' high school years in Akron, Ohio, opens in Los Angeles and New York on Oct. 2. The movie follows James and four of his talented teammates through the trials and tribulations of high school basketball in Ohio as well as his jour- ney to fame. GOOD HAIR – Chris Rock produced, wrote, stars and narrates the HBO films presentation that explores the obsession Black women have with their hair. Rock says he decided to make the film after his daughter asked him, "Daddy, how come I don't have good hair?" Rock speaks with Nia Long, Paul Mooney, Ice-T, Raven Symone, Dr. Maya Angelou, Eve and Reverend Al Sharpton and Salt n Pepa. The movie, Rated PG-13, opens Oct. 9. BLACK DYNAMITE is a hoot and a holla. Black Dynamite (Michael Jai White) is the baddest cat to ever hit town. The movie pokes fun at the stereotypes of the famed blaxploitation flicks of the 1970s, but in a way that is respectful of their timeless cool. The movie stars Michael Jai White, Kym Whitley, Tommy Davidson, Arsenio Hall, Brian McKnight, John Salley and is directed by Scott Sanders. The movie, Rated R, opens Oct. 16. For information: www.blackdynamite- movie.com. B Y D A R L E N E C . D O N L O E – A R T S & E N T E R T A I N M E N T E D I T O R Black Meetings & Tourism October/November 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 14 More Than A Game