Songs I'd Like To Share and Other Notes

Kate Valk returns in the title role of the Wooster Group's "The Emperor Jones."
Photo by Paula Court, NYTimes

If all goes according to plan, I'll be the featured listener this Saturday on Freeform Faust on KWLC. In my college years, I had a show for three years. I picked out songs mostly by women about women to help Faust equalize his male:female ratio. I owe my own awareness to Lara many years ago. Tune to KWLC on Saturday from 12:30pm—2:00pm (CST) to hear Freeform Faust.

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Saturday night Josh and I saw Dave Chappelle's Block Party. It was marvelous how there were no surprises, yet the power of seeing things unfold was immense. From the excitement of the CSU marching band going on short notice, to performances by the all-star line up. Plus lots of love to Brooklyn, and Bed Stuy. From the film's site:

A genuine crowd-pleaser, Dave Chappelle's Block Party spotlights comedy superstar Dave Chappelle as he presents a Brooklyn neighborhood with its very own once-in-a-lifetime free block party. The unprecedented combination of comedy and music was shot on location. In addition to Mr. Chappelle performing all-new material, the stellar roster of artists includes Kanye West, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Common, Dead Prez, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, the Roots, Cody ChesnuTT, Big Daddy Kane, and - reunited for their first performance in over seven years - the Fugees.

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Sunday I bought a ticket at the door for the Wooster Group's Emperor Jones. It featured Kate Valk in the title role (from Eugene O'Neill's 1920 script), done in black face and heavily referencing minstrel show depictions. There are a couple of pieces about Kate Valk and the production. It is simply amazing how she channels the big imposing Brutus "Emperor Jones."