SKINNY the movie Premieres in NYC this weekend

FILMMAKER PATRIK-IAN POLK OF

“PUNKS” AND “NOAH’S ARC”

NEW YORK CITY OPENING OF NEW INDIE FILM

“THE SKINNY” AT THE FAISON FIREHOUSE THEATER ON FRIDAY, JUNE 8TH

The highly anticipated NYC premiere of THE SKINNY, the third feature film from Patrik-Ian Polk (PUNKS, NOAH’S ARC) will be presented during the First Annual Pride Cultural Series at the Faison Firehouse Theater, 6 Hancock Place, Harlem, NY 10027 opening Friday, June 8th with proceeds benefiting GMAD’s (Gay Men of African Decent) Charles Angel Youth Leadership Academy's 'Stop the BS' campaign- an anti gay-bullying and suicide initiative.

A sharply scripted comedy, THE SKINNY tells the story of four young, black, gay men (Magnus, Sebastian, Kyle, Joey) and their lesbian best friend (Langston), who meet up in New York City one year after their graduation from Brown University. Their plans for a weekend of fun start off well, relaxed in each other’s company as only old friends can be. But old tensions quickly resurface.

Drinking, drugs, hidden desire and the demands of promiscuity put friendship, trust and even lives at risk. In between sharp one-liners and a great soundtrack there’s a few important lessons that these pleasure-seekers must learn for themselves. Written with a real sense of the demands of urban living, these bright and believable characters will remind you of someone you know. Remaining true to his past work, Polk addresses issues in THE SKINNY that face the LGBT community such as date-rape, infidelity, and HIV/AIDS awareness.

The film stars Jussie Smollett (the former child actor of “Mighty Ducks” & “North”, and older brother of well-known actress Jurnee Smollett), Blake Young-Fountain, Anthony Burrell, Shanika Warren-Markland and Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman. Supporting cast includes alumnus of Polk’s past features such as Darryl Stephens (“Noah’s Arc”), Jennia Fredrique (“Noah’s Arc”), Wilson Cruz (“Noah’s Arc”) and Seth Gilliam (“Punks”, “The Wire”, “Oz”, “Teen Wolf”). The cast also includes newcomers Dustin Ross and internet sensation B. Scott.

THE SKINNY’s open-ended NYC run begins Friday, June 8th at the Faison Firehouse Theatre in Harlem (6 Hancock Place, New York, NY 10027) as the featured film of the Firehouse's First Annual Pride Cultural Series.

OPENING WEEKEND's Showtime: 3:30pm | 5:30pm | 7:30pm & 9:30pm

Tickets $15.00 purchased in advance online at Smarttix.com.

For additional details & showtimes go to Skinnythemovie.com.

Inspired In New York Honors Roberta Flack at the Faison Firehouse Theater

Inspired In New York Honors

MONA SCOTT YOUNG, ANTHONY HAMILTON & ROBERTA FLACK

Hosted by: GEORGE FAISON

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2011 in Harlem, NY

L to R: Senator Bill Perkins, Ms. Roberta Flack, Mona Scott-Young, George Faison, Jamie Foster Brown, Camille Evans & George Harrell

MONA SCOTT YOUNG owner of Monami Entertainment and former co-owner/president of Violator Management, Anthony Hamilton, American R&B /Soul singer-songwriter and record producer and the legendary songstress, songwriter and musician Roberta Flack were honored by INSPIRED IN NEW YORK at Faison Firehouse Theatre in Harlem, NY. This star studded was INVITE ONLY.

Mona Scott Young, Anthony Hamilton, and Roberta Flack were chosen to be honored by the honorable Assemblyman Keith Wright &Senator Bill Perkins due to their many years as innovators and trendsetters in the Music/Entertainment and Media Industries. All honorees received a proclamation from New York for their contributions in the fields of media, arts and entertainment.

This was Anthony Hamilton's acceptance speech

https://www.onlinefilefolder.com/1suNcC5y9iCExF

The crème de la crème of the entertainment industry will be in attendance to support and honor these trendsetters and innovators on their very special day.

The Faison Firehouse Theater is home to the American Performing Arts Collaborative (APAC), a not-for-profit (501c3) organization co-founded by Tony Award Winner, George Faison in 1997. For more than thirty-five years, George Faison has been a driving force in the theater as well as film, video, television, concert dance, concert staging, television commercials and trade shows. George is internationally recognized as having achieved a preeminent place among the world's most important directors, choreographers and writers is known for his uncompromising pursuit of artistic excellence and the production and nourishment of socially relevant art and artist. He has a keen eye for recognizing emerging talent such as S. Epatha Merkerson, Debbie Allen, Stephanie Mills, Phylicia Rashad, Eartha Robinson, Gary DeLoatch, Shedrack Anderson, Jackee and Hinton Battle among others. www.faisonfirehouse.org

Contributing Sponsors: Chevrolet, Sister 2 Sister Magazine, Sugar Hill Golden Ale, LezPlay Radio, International Festival Network, The Harlem International Street Fair, APAC Inc. CME Group, Promotional Pro & MEGA Management Inc.

OPERA IS HOT AT THE FAISON FIREHOUSE THEATER 1st Weekend in December

The Faison Firehouse Theater located at 6 Hancock Place will present Opera Is HOT December 2^nd, with a 6pm opening night reception, followed by the 8pm performance; Saturday, December 3^rd, 3pm and 8pm and Sunday, December 4^th, 3pm, followed by reception. Tickets for the 8pm concerts (Friday and Saturday), $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the performance. Opening Night Reception and concert: Friday, December 2^nd $40 per person. 3pm concerts (Saturday and Sunday) $20 in advance, $30 on the day of the performance.

The closing matinee performance with reception on Sunday, December 4^th is $40 per person. Tickets on line: www.faisonfirehouse.org and for reservations call 212-665-7698, or e-mail at faisonfirehouse.org.

The series will present of four concerts featuring Harlem Opera Theater Vocal Competition Winners, Jasmine Thomas, soprano, Flora Mendoza, mezzo-soprano, Patrick Dailey, counter-tenor, and Barry L. Robinson, baritone. The program will also include guest performances by Robert Mack, tenor of the Metropolitan Opera, Phillip Boykin, the acclaimed Crown in the upcoming Broadway production of Porgy and Bess, Richard Bellazin, acclaimed bass, Victor Trent Cook and Roderick Dixon, celebrated tenors and original members of “Three Mo’ Tenors”. The series will present arias by Donizetti, Puccini, Mozart, Bizet and Gershwin.

In addition the repertoire will include Negro Spirituals and works by African American Composers Hal Johnson and Nathaniel Dett. As conceived and staged by George Faison, poetry form renowned African American writers will be interwoven throughout the program to recreate an era of self discovery and determination reminiscent of the Harlem Renaissance. Brian Whitted, Faison Firehouse Theater Musical Director will provide the piano accompaniment. The historical prospective will blend the talents of these gifted young stars of tomorrow into a new creative production that will serve as a preview of future presentations of up and coming opera singers. This artistic philanthropy is in keeping with the now eleven-year Faison Firehouse mission to “reclaim restore and rebuild our youth and our community through dance, music, art and theater.”

The 5th Annual Harlem International Street Fair this Saturday

Faison Firehouse Theatre and APAC Present

The 5^th Annual International Street Fair
Saturday July 23, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Faison Firehouse Theatre in association with The American Performing Arts Collaborative (APAC) invite you to celebrate the 5^th Annual Harlem International Street Fair Saturday July 23rd from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

During the event, 124th Street between Morningside and St. Nicholas Aves. will be closed off from traffic. The day will be jammed packed with events ranging from live performances, talent shows, and street vendors from local businesses.

International Jazz, R&B Recording Artist and Harlem Native Alyson Williams will host fair this year. Last year’s event brought some 2000 people throughout the day sharing in the fair with highlight of Gayle King line dancing with the Respect Project Kids. This year Faison expects more than 3,000 people to attend the event. The impetus for the street fair is to showcase all the talent and opportunities in the neighborhood in a very organic setting.

The fair is the brainstorm of George Faison, world renowned choreographer who won a Tony award for The Wiz in 1975 and an Emmy award for The Josephine Baker Story in 1991. In 1997 he co-founded the American Performing Arts Collaborative, and the Faison Firehouse Theatre. Faison has worked with such emerging talent such as S. Epatha Merkerson, Debbie Allen, Stephanie Mills, Phylicia Rashad, Eartha Robinson, Gary DeLoatch, Shedrack Anderson, Jackee and Hinton Battle among others. www.faisonfirehouse.org

Words from Dr. Maya Angelou

Harlem World Magazine will be the media sponsor, and the Firehouse’s planning partners include: Lotus Music and Dance, HAI, Scotty’s Antiques, Ryan Health Center, Hue-Man Bookstore, New Light Baptist Church, Mannie Wilson Senior Towers, HSCA Harlem School of the Arts, The Respect Project, United House of Prayer Brass Band, Church of Master and Take A Bow Performing Arts Group. Invited guests include New York City Council member Inez Dickens, New York State Senator Bill Perkins, R&B singer Alyson Williams and a host of other celebrities, officials, and community churches and organizations.

Words from George Faison

THERE IS STILL TIME TO REGISTER AS A VENDOR

For more information about the event, registering as a vendor or talent applications please contact Tad Schnugg at (212) 665-7716 or Tschnugg@faisonfirehouse.org.

For more information on the Faison Firehouse Theater click here

Photos:

Top Right: George Faison, Alyson Williams & Charles Rangel

Bottom Left: George Faison & Gayle King

An Evening with Rodney Chester: This Ain't A Game! on June 22nd

On Wednesday, June 22^nd at 7:30pm, Actor, Producer & Entrepreneur Rodney Chester comes to The Big Apple from Hollywood and shares an intimate night with fans and supporters of his work on both television & the silver screen. There are so many unanswered questions from the last season of the Noah’s Arc TV series and fans want to know what Rodney has been up to for the last four years. Rodney and his friend & television host, Lloyd Boston come together during NYC Pride week this June to interact and share Rodney’s untold stories at the Faison Fire House Theater, 6 Hancock Place (at 124^th Street & St. Nicholas Blvd), Harlem, NY 10027.

His latest project entitled An Evening with Rodney Chester: This Ain’t A Game! Produced and directed by Nathan Hale Williams, co-written by Craig Rose and managed by Richard E. Pelzer II, & Chrissy Dorey promises to be a SMASH hit and the talk of the town. Through anecdotes, vignettes, never before seen clips and behind the scene stories, Rodney will entertain you all the while giving you the inside "T! “ In this in your face one man show, Rodney strips down all of the layers and is more transparent than ever about his life, career and his experiences as a star on the hit show Noah's Arc. And, you know a Rodney Chester performance won't be complete without a two step - he loves to dance. So, join us for a fun filled, irreverent night with your favorite character from the groundbreaking series.

For every ticket purchased on RodneyChester.com, you will receive access to our VIP Belvedere RED pre-reception from 6:30pm -7:15pm at The Faison Firehouse Theater (please note: you must be 21 or older and ID’s are required to enter). Seating is limited for this special performance with Rodney so get your ticket in advance. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to The Black AIDS Institute.

RODNEY CHESTER SHARES AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH FANS AT THE GEORGE FAISON FIREHOUSE THEATER IN HARLEM DURING NY PRIDE WEEK THIS JUNE

On Wednesday, June 22^nd at 7:30pm, Actor, Producer & Entrepreneur Rodney Chester comes to The Big Apple from Hollywood and shares an intimate night with fans and supporters of his work on both Television & the Silver Screen. There are so many unanswered questions from the last season of the Noah’s Arc TV series and fans want to know what Rodney has been up to for the last four years. Rodney and his friend & television host, Lloyd Boston come together during NY Pride week this June to interact and share untold stories at the Faison Fire House Theater, 6 Hancock Place (at 124^th Street & St. Nicholas Blvd), Harlem, NY 10027.

Rodney Chester best known as Alex from the hit Logo Network original series; “Noah’s Arc” has been a working professional in the field of dance and choreography for the past 15 years. He worked with Patrik-Ian Polk on his independent film Punks, which led to his starring role in Polk’s series “Noah’s Arc.” In the fall of 2008, Noah's Arc the movie “Jumping The Broom” surprised the entertainment industry by opening at Number 1 on the independent film box office report, according to IndieWire.com . Since the success of the movie, Rodney hosted the 2009 Out Music Awards, will appear in HBO’s original series "PLAYERS" and travels the U.S. hosting events.

A native of Cocoa Beach, Florida, Chester graduated with honors from Bethune Cookman College. He began his career as a dancer, which took him all over the world. His talents led him to a dancing role in “Cinderella,” starring Whitney Houston and other production work for Prince, Chaka Khan, Diana Ross, Toni Braxton, TLC and Deborah Cox to name a few. In addition, Chester has acted in a variety of Off-Broadway productions and television commercials.

Chester attributes (the) performances in television, film and music video to his success as owner and director of Trio Talent Agency (www.triotalentagency.com) in Los Angeles. He enjoys working with some of the world’s top musical and dance artists, continuing to be at the top of his dance game on all levels. As he continues to create new entertainment ventures, Chester still makes himself available to host events around the world.

His latest project entitled An Evening with Rodney Chester: This Ain’t No Game! produced by Nathan Hale Williams, co-written by Craig Rose and managed by Richard E. Pelzer II, & Chrissy Dorey promises to be a SMASH hit and the talk of the year. Seating is limited for this special performance. Tickets are available at RodneyChester.com. Purchase TODAY and don’t Da GAG-GAG! A portion of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to The Black AIDS Institute.

“Through hard work and perseverance success is imminent”

- Rodney Chester

Harlem Firehouse Becomes Hot Spot For Entertainment

By: Cheryl Wills

A decommissioned firehouse in the heart of Harlem is now home to a legendary choreographer who is lighting a fire under a new generation of artists. NY1's Cheryl Wills filed the following report.

The building at 6 Hancock Place in Harlem was once home to firefighters at Hook and Ladder Number 40. For the last decade, though, Tony and Emmy Award-winning dancer and choreographer George Faison has transformed the decommissioned fire house into a field of artistic dreams called the Faison Firehouse Theater.

p

Click here: (Watch the Video)

http://www.ny1.com/content/123785/harlem-firehouse-becomes-hot-spot-for-entertainment

These days, the tricked-out firehouse is a haven for young people who take advantage of Faison's classes and workshops. The dancer says it is his way of giving back to the community.

Faison's 40-year career is legendary in the entertainment world. He has danced with the greats, including Alvin Ailey, Katherine Dunham and Louis Johnson, and rose to new heights when he choreographed "The Wiz" on Broadway, which became a national sensation in the mid-1970s.

In 2000, Faison and his business partner, Tad Schnugg, purchased the decrepit firehouse on Hancock Place. After years of work, they started staging productions in the 125-seat not-for-profit theater.

"When I first walked in it, it was home to pigeons and rats and crack addicts," says Faison. "It was madness, I had to fight my way into the joint. 'What is this in here? Come out of there hiding.'"

After millions of dollars in renovations, the old firehouse has become a slice of Hollywood in the Heart of Harlem. It boasts a cabaret theater, a dance studio and Faison's fancy living quarters upstairs.

His many celebrity friends regularly stop by to show their support.

"I am so proud of what he’s done. From the very beginning we were like, 'You’re buying what? An almost abandoned firehouse? Are you crazy?" says actress Lynn Whitfield.

"It’s about community and bringing forth that next generation. It’s just the way he is," says actress Phylicia Rashad.

"I’m very impressed. He’s very creative," says comedian," says Paul Mooney.

"It’s wonderful. I think that’s the way God planned it," says singer Roberta Flack.

"He is a great rung on the ladder," says actress and activist Ruby Dee.

Faison says he is proud of the theater's accomplishments and is dancing into the hearts of the next generation.

"Growing up in this country, you know everything is yours. All you have to do is take ownership. Get the keys, find the keys, open the door, go through it," he says.

To learn more about the firehouse, visit www.faisonfirehouse.org.

Zoraesque: A Celebration of the Life and Work of Zora Neale Hurston

On Saturday, March 20, 2010, George Faison, Founder and Artistic Director of Harlem’s new Faison Firehouse Theater created and hosted the Special Event celebrating the life and work of author Zora Neale Hurston. The ONE NIGHT ONLY performance was standing room only. The diverse audience included guest from as far away as Boston, MA, Washington, DC and Maryland.

"Those who say 'It can't be done' are usually interrupted by those who are doing IT!” say, Faison, “… we are preparing the next generations of leaders here in Harlem.”

This script allows a revue of the dynamic and controversial life and work of one of the great figures in twentieth-century American literature and Afro-American culture. With the aid of musical variety, choreography, oratorical skill, spoken word performance, and photographic images, the scenes unfold as a ceremony of remembrance, emphasizing Zora Neale Hurston’s genius as novelist, folklorist, anthropologist, cultural interpreter and relevant analyst of contemporary public discourse. .

The script approximates a New Orleans funeral (a celebratory event). The Opening Scene (Scene I) “The Church and the Porch,” presents the earliest sounds and language that the young Zora heard; they would build her famous style and vernacular sound as a foremost literary artist. Scene II “Isie at the Gatepost,” presents the joyful, inventive, “smart-kid” that Zora Neale Hurston was and remained in her grown-up, womanly spirit. Scene III “Harlem,” presents important aspects of her life and work. Scene IV “Talkin’ bout Zora,” is a eulogy; it segues to Scene V “When the Saints Go Marchin In.”



The show headlined by Award Winning Actress Lynn Whitfield played Zora. Honored guest who shared the evening at the Firehouse were: Playwright/Poet, Dr. Maya Angelou; Award Winning Actress, Ruby Dee; and the writer of this powerful stage production Chair, English Department Howard University, Dr. Eleanor Traylor along with the wonderful cast.




Bottom L-R: Dr. Eleanor Traylor, George Faison, Ruby Dee, Ebony Jo-Ann, Lynn Whitfield, Brain Whitted, Thyais Walsh, Gabrielle Lee, Wambui Bahari, Dolly Henry, Sinclair Mitchell, Charles E. Wallace, Jerome Preston Bates

About the Faison Firehouse
The Faison Firehouse Theater is home to the American Performing Arts Collaborative (APAC), a not-for-profit (501c3) organization co-founded by Tony Award Winner, George Faison in 1997. For more than thirty five years, George Faison has been a driving force in the theater as well as film, video, television, concert dance, concert staging, television commercials and trade shows. George is internationally recognized as having achieved a preeminent place among the world's most important directors, choreographers and writers is known for his uncompromising pursuit of artistic excellence and the production and nourishment of socially relevant art and artist. He has a keen eye for recognizing emerging talent such as S. Epatha Merkerson, Debbie Allen, Stephanie Mills, Phylicia Rashad, Eartha Robinson, Gary DeLoatch, Shedrack Anderson, Jackee and Hinton Battle among others. www.faisonfirehouse.org

A Sunday Afternoon with Andre

The Man, The Myth, The Legend: Andre Leon Talley

written by Tenielle Craig
The Future Media Partner Boys and Clothes Magazine

Striking, regal and debonair, no matter your familiarity or perceived notion of Andre Leon Talley, you’re inquisitively drawn to his presence and intrigued by his passion for worldly fashion. One third of the American Vogue holy trinity alongside Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington, the strappingly chic and secure Editor-At-Large has played the style savior to not just millions of Vogue readers but, to many of Hollywood’s most beloved and recognized personalities. To the untrained eye, figuratively this sore thumb might strike others as a most eccentric and misplaced figure in the world of high fashion. But, after sitting and soaking in his words of wisdom, you come to learn that fashion is indeed his first language.

“Are you the young lady who is supposed to be interviewing me?” he beckoned charmingly. Nervous and unsure if I would be dressed to his liking, I forced a tense smile, nodded yes and stood awkwardly in admiration spellbound by the iconic man before me. “Well come sit with me!” he warmly motioned inviting me to come closer and sit beside him this one Sunday afternoon at George Faison’s Firehouse Theater in Harlem. I’d been prepped earlier on that I’d be granted a quick interview and had already primed myself for an abrupt reception given his many other important cares scheduled for the intimate event. Instead I was welcomed with a much unexpected and opposite treatment. Within the next fifteen minutes, I was a more enlightened and appreciative lover of fashion and the man whom granted me this courtesy intrusion. Perched luxuriously in a grand velvet chair, wearing a chic authentic African clothed cape and caramel-mauve peep toe velvet slippers, this alluring industry legend had proven to be modest, sophisticated and compassionate.

“I loved any picture in Vogue that evoked a world that I didn’t know about in Durham, North Carolina. I was very much creating my own world.”

“I loved any picture in Vogue that evoked a world that I didn’t know about in Durham, North Carolina. I was very much creating my own world.” he tells of his days of obsessively channeling fashion as a young man. “I dreamt about visual stunningness, visual sophistication.” he shares. This curiosity of visual expression would later be honed during his time as a student at Brown University where he’d befriended several fashion students studying at the esteemed Rhode Island School of Design. Mastering his natural aptitude for developing innovative and eye pleasing style stories, he’d earned himself a name within the fashion industry having worked for Women’s Wear Daily, The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, W Magazine and of course his current residency at Vogue Magazine.

“Always have an education to fall back on. That’s the most important thing.” he preached reassuringly. Stressing that quality, consistency, passion and faith are the pillars to success for a fulfilling and lasting career in the fashion industry and life in general, his honesty and encouragement exudes with an authenticity unmatched. An authoritative but, gentle giant Mr. Talley is the finest example of the phrase “Never judge a book by its cover”. Distinguished and enigmatic, whether in Kente or on the tennis courts, Andre Leon Talley is filled with enough charm and humility to heal the world.

All Photos Courtesy of Dexstar G The People Photographer

The Greatest Gift of All

I am asked all the time, Lil Mogul, give me one piece of advice which you think every entrepreneur must have or do to be successful. To me the answer is very clear, FIND a mentor and/or mentors. Business and Life Mentors are trusted friends, counselors or teachers, usually a more experienced person in a specialized field. Some professions have "mentoring programs" in which newcomers are paired with more experienced people, who advise them and serve as examples as they advance. As an entrepreneur, you must seek out that special person and/or people who will provide expertise to assist you in advancing your business choices, enhancing your education, and building your networks. I have personally benefited from being a part of a mentoring relationship in many different arenas of the business.

I was introduced to entrepreneurship at an early age by my parents as well as aunts and uncles. I watched, listened and learned how my family ran a venture capital fund, a construction company, a paper cup factory, a mini supermarket, an aluminum foundry and a business consulting firm. My Dad, Lil Mogul Sr. is my go to business mentor. He is my biggest cheerleader. Charles Kelly is my business and life mentor. He tells me what I need to hear. I have a number of mentors that I don’t talk with everyday; but, I watch and try to emulate because I look up to them and respect their position.

On Sunday, August 2, 2009, George Faison, Founder/Artistic Director of Harlem’s new Faison Firehouse Theater and Tad Schnugg, Co Founder of the Faison Firehouse Theater created and hosted the Special Event celebrating the 85th birthday of one of America’s most celebrated author James Baldwin. The standing room only event was not only attended by family and friends of James Baldwin; but also by, people of the literary, performing arts and entertainment communities that were influenced by him. As you know my concentration and interest in business are fashion, beauty and entertainment. Not only do I look up to both George and Tad as entrepreneurs, producers, teachers and my mentors but their large network of associates too.

Such honored speakers that shared part of their late afternoon on Sunday at the Firehouse were: Playwright/Poet, Amiri Baraka; Award Winning Poet, Sonia Sanchez; Editor-at-Large of Vogue Magazine, Andre Leon Talley; Nephew of Mr. Baldwin, Trevor Baldwin, Sister-In-Law of Mr. Baldwin, Helen Baldwin; Protégé, Alexa Birdsong, Historian & Writer, Herb Boyd; Musician & Singer, Genovis Albright and Chair, English Dept. Howard University, Eleanor Traylor.

“… we are preparing the next generations of leaders here in Harlem.” says, Faison.

After the event, I walked home and reflected on my mentors and what they all mean to me. I look at myself an entrepreneur living in Harlem who is a creative businessman, producer, manager, leader and a mentor that enjoys living this exciting career path. I can’t thank all of mentors enough. So, I ask you, who is your mentor and/or mentors?

All Photos Courtesy of Dex Star G. The Peoples Photographer