In 1910, the Howard Theatre opened as “The Theatre for the People”. Throughout it’s years, it was known to be one of the major venues for black artists. Beset by money problems in a D.C. neighborhood plagued by crime after the riots from the 1960s, it was forced to close in 1980.
After 32 years and a $29 million renovation, the historic landmark in the District of Columbia’s Shaw neighborhood is preparing for an audience as it reopens its doors once more.
On Thursday, a grand opening gala concert will honor Howard Theatre’s past and future with performances from Smokey Robinson and Wanda Sykes. Motown Records founder and producer Berry Gordy will be in attendance as the Howard Theatre begins in a new era functioning as a performing arts hub.
Take a look at the video above which documents the history of the theatre which is located down the hill from Howard University on T Street NW near 7th Street and Florida Avenue.
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Wanda Sykes brings a humerous twist to Erykah Badu’s marketing ploy in her parody of Badu’ Window Seat video.
Even Badu had to laugh at Middle Seat, because it is hilarious. Take a look above and decide for yourself.
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Wanda Sykes latest HBO special entitled I’ma Be Me is hilarious. Like Richard Pryor, Sykes draws for her personal life in developing material for her stand-up act. At know time does she embarrass the audience. Nor is her act vulgar.
Filmed in Washington, D.C. Wanda talks about her sexual orientation and compares it to her race. The D.C. audience was quite comfortable with the material which included her same sex marriage.
Incidentally, the city council of Washington, D.C., took a step towards legalizing gay marriage in the nation’s capital. The House of Representatives voted to expand the definition of hate crimes to include victims who are lesbian, gay, or transgender and prior to the airing of Sykes’ special, President Obama delivered the keynote address at the annual dinner of the gay-rights Human Rights Campaign.
When it comes to comedy, Sykes surpasses Chris Rock whom she credits for providing her with the big break that has led to her successful comic career.
There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that Pryor was and still is the King of Comedy. If one were to say that Sykes is the Queen of comedy, they would be undercutting her talent if they were comparing her to female comics alone. This brilliant comic is head and shoulders with the likes of Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, Redd Foxx and Bernie Mac.
If you haven’t seen the HBO special which aired on Saturday night, be sure to try to catch it when it airs again. Better yet, buy the DVD for your collection, for you are going to want to watch it over and over and over again.
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