Lighting the 1st cigar of the year

Last night I attended a screening of DOUBLE VICTORY at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

The Lucas documentary Double Victory showcases the Airmen’s triumphs amid the adversities of Jim Crow and segregation in the U.S. military. Narrated by Gooding, Double Victory goes inside the lives of many of the living Airmen, recounting stories of racism within the military alongside the Airmen’s tenacious heroism.

Lucas’ Red Tails, which stars Gooding and Howard, takes the stories of the Airmen from textbooks to the feature screen. After the project was rejected by all seven major Hollywood studios, Lucas decided to pump his own money into producing and promoting the movie. Continuing the high-energy, big-action legacy of Lucasfilm, Red Tails goes beyond being a mere history lesson, enlisting CGI and other special effects to create an energetic movie-going experience to illustrate the journey of the Tuskegee Airmen.

After more than 20 years in development and production, Red Tails is scheduled for release on Jan. 20.Double Victory, which was recently screened in Washington during the 2011 Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in September, is scheduled to be released soon.

The fourth installment was held at Lincoln Center Avery Fisher Hall- four womenswear designers (DOHO, Son Jung Wan, Steve J & Yoni P, and Lie Sang Bong) and one menswear designer (Juyoung Lee) were chosen by an international panel consisting of figures from CFDA, FIT, IMG Fashion, and WWD, to showcase their S/S 2012 collections.

Music fueled by DJ @beckadiamond

In this episode Jonn Nubian and Dan Morales interview Maria Martin, Daughter of the Cigar Great Pedro Martin, George Koodray of The Metropolitan Society, Paul Major of Barrister Cigars, Dan Phillips of Dan’s Hats & Caps, and Los Blancos Cigars

Hosted by David Mallow of Barrister Cigars.

The 1st New Jersey Cigar Festival was
held at the Bear Stadium located in Newark, NJ.

David Mallow went all out on this event. upon entrance, guests received a Black Humidor filled with about 20 Premium Cigars from the vendors at the event.
This was followed by a free shave compliments of the American Shave Classic Barber. Then …Well just watch the video and enjoy.

This 5 Year Compilation is a collection of gems from the Record Breakin’ Music (RBM) label.  Ov er the last 5 years, RBM has always represented a wide range of underground music.  Although our releases have all been quite different, the constant theme is a soulful vibe.  Music is always a moving target, constantly changing and evolving.  We’ve been fortunate enough to work with a wide range of artist, many of whom are supporters of pushing musical boundaries in new directions.

Thank you Junior!

Tracklisting:

Price $10.00 (USD)

(for physical copy of this release) click here

Apollo Music Café is a new music series that showcases some of the best, underground artists on the cutting edge of music innovation and performance execution.

Apollo Music Café performances will include a diverse mix of live music performance, poetry, spoken word, comedy and spinning DJ’s.

The musical range will represent the Apollo’s musical history – R&B, hip hop, world music, soul, blues, gospel and rock & roll.  Performances have been selected by a rotating group of curators, including curators from the general public.

Future Now, with Tuan X, Karma Mayet, Gina Breedlove, and Shae Fiol
Friday March 4, Tuan X & Karma Mayet

GET TICKETS via TicketMaster
Saturday March 5, Gina Breedlove & Shae Fiol

Doors & bar 9 p.m./shows 10 p.m.

In this metaphorical mash-up of young contemporary vocalists, artists and acts flow one into another, combining poetry, song, rhythm, harmony, breath, beat, and movement. Curated by Tai Allen.

GET TICKETS via TicketMaster

Last week I attended an event at Milk Studios for The Macallan & Albert Watson Present: Masters of Photography: A Journey.

The series is a limited edition set of special Masters of Photography bottles of Macallan paired with platinum prints.

photo courtesy of Angela Pham

I actually got a chance to chat with him  about the photos during his journey between Spain and Scotland, while enjoying the 18 year old scotch (responsibly of course)

” The Macallan came to me with the incredible story of the Spanish sherry oak casks used to make their single malt and asked me to interpret this as a photographic art project. The freedom and encouragement given to me allowed the creation of a visual journey demanding complete artistic integrity.” - Albert Watson

By the way, Albert Watson was born in Scotland and doesnt drink…lol

His work speaks for itself. He is probably best known for this photo of Alfred Hitchcock

Among others

Monkey and Gun

Naomi Campbell

This is me drinking responsibly.

check out the prints from the series by clicking here

Check out this behind the scenes interview

The Masters of Photography – Behind the scenes of the Albert Watson Edition from The Macallan on Vimeo.