Our Empowerment

On Saturday, August 26, 2006 from 2 pm to 7 pm, African Voices magazine and the Brooklyn Academy of Music Local Development Corp. will present Rhymes, Rhythms & Rituals, a free poetry and music concert at Fort Greene Park. Internationally celebrated songtress Carol Riddick and saxophonist Bill Saxton and his trio will headline the popular concert series. Rhymes will feature an eclectic mix of poetry by Tish Benson, Sandra Esteves, D. Cross and Gary Johnston. The free event will kick-off with a children's storytelling and face painting hour at 2:00 pm. Poet Tanya Tyler will host the event and master storyteller Tammy Hall will host the children's storytelling corner, which is being presented by The Griot Reading Series. Rain or shine“ bring a blanket! Fort Greene Park is located on DeKalb Ave. and Washington Park.

For information call 212.865.2982 or visit www.africanvoices.com. Rhymes is sponsored by NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, JP Morgan Chase, Independence Community Foundation and Rush Arts Philanthropic Foundation.

Tanya C. Tyler-Barber (www.silverpoetproductions.com), author of the chapbooks Portraits and Vicissitudes, will serve as the mistress of ceremonies for an exciting afternoon of poetry, music and storytelling. A native New Yorker, Tanya began writing well over 47 years ago. She has presented her work in schools, museums, churches, prisons, colleges and cable TV. She has often presented her material with music. A gifted writer, Tanya's works include poetry, prose, lyrics, plays and short stories. An excerpt from her play "Wide River Crossing,"? was staged at the Newark Symphony Hall in Newark. Tanya served as board member and associate editor at Blind Beggar Press in New York City where she was published in two anthologies. Along with her husband Leon Barber, president of Silverpoet Productions, Inc., and as vice-president of Silverpoet Productions, Inc., Tanya's most recent productions, Vicissitudes and Vicissitudes II (2005), both of which were a one-woman portrait of her life were a huge success in New York City and on college campuses.

Rising talent Carol Riddick (www.carolriddick.com) released her debut CD "Moments Like This"? in May to a sold-out audience. The vocalist is renowned internationally as Philadelphia's best kept secret. Carol has blessed the tracks of such notable artists as Anthony Hamilton, Jill Scott, Norman Brown, and Kindred. Recently her distinct vocal delivery can be heard on Musiq's "Soulstar."?

Highly regarded in the music community for her vocal dexterity, mesmerizing performances, and genuinely warm personality, Carol Riddick's time is now. Born and raised in South Philadelphia, music has been a part of her life since she was a teenager. It was in her early adulthood that the industry took notice of her vocal talent when she got her start touring with Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff.

Rhymes music lovers will get a taste of Carol's brilliantly produced first CD "Moments Like This."? A stellar artist, she collaborated with several Grammy award-winning producers and songwriters including James Poyser (Erykah Badu, The Roots), Anthony Bell (Jill Scott, Jewel), and Carvin Haggins and Ivan Barias (Musiq, Faith Evans). Carol's fondness for the Philly International and Motown recordings she grew up on is reflected in "Moments Like This,"? which carries on the tradition of music that moves people. The album is laced with live instrumentation and purely soulful vocals; it is simply music for the grown and sexy. Highlights include a song dedicated to her daughter entitled "All I Wanna Be (Krystal)"?, the women's anthem "Brown Eyed Girl"?, and the hit single "You Better Not Hurt Me."?

Rhymes, Rhythms & Rituals will offer a diverse mix of poetry and music. The poetry concert will feature local Harlem jazz legend Bill Saxton. Bill Saxton is firmly rooted in blues and hardbop traditions but includes influences from classical music and has an
individual tough and bluesy sound, which sets him apart from the many mainstream-neo-traditionalists today. Even before studying classical clarinet at the famous "New England Conservatory" in Boston, Saxton played reed locally with musicians like Jackie McLean, Pharao Sanders and Bennie Maupin. Since the early 90s he has begun a solo career ” mainly touring in Europe. ATYMONY is his first album for Jazzline. He recently opened Bill's Place in Harlem to continue the tradition of sharing his love and passion for jazz with the world.

Founded in 1997 by African Voices magazine, Rhymes, Rhythms & Rituals is a showcase for New York's hottest poets and bands in parks throughout the five boroughs. African Voices is a literary magazine founded in 1992 to highlight the literature, art and history of people of color.

The BAM Local Development Corporation (BAM LDC) is working to create a vibrant, mixed-use multicultural arts district in downtown Brooklyn that will be a resource for the arts, the local community, the borough of Brooklyn and the City as a whole.