Washington Informer

The D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities will present the 27th Annual Mayor's Arts Awards on at 6:30 p.m., Sept. 13 at the Historic Lincoln Theatre.

In addition to revealing the winners in five arts and three teaching categories, the program will feature performances by acts that will include the Poem-cees, Nistha Raj, Christylez Bacon, the Rev. Nolan Williams, National Hand Dance Association, and the African Heritage Dancers and Drummers. Honorees for this year's event will be Melvin Deal, Paul Jorgensen and George Stevens Jr.

The Mayor's Arts Award is the highest honor conferred by the District of Columbia in recognition of artistic excellence and service among artists, arts organizations, and arts patrons in the city.

"The Commission is proud to present the Mayor's Arts Awards to honor the District's premier individual artists, arts organizations and patrons of the arts," said Lionell Thomas, executive director of D.C. Commission on the Arts and Humanities. "The diversity of artistic excellence displayed in this year's nominees highlights our city's rich artistic and cultural heritage."

This year's awards will be presented in the following categories: Excellence in an Artistic Discipline, Excellence in Service to the Arts, Innovation in the Arts, Outstanding Contribution to Arts Education, Outstanding Emerging Artist and Mayor's Award for Arts Teaching (Visual, Performing and Language Arts).

Finalists were chosen by the Mayor's Arts Awards Advisory Jury comprised of prominent members of the District's arts community with expertise in dance, music, theatre, literary arts, visual arts and arts education.

RSVPs are not required but encouraged. Seating is distributed on a first come, first served basis. To reserve seats, please visit www.mayorsartsawards.eventbrite.com. For additional information on the Mayor's Arts Awards or other DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities programs, please visit dcarts.dc.gov or call (202) 724-5613.

"Green Mile" actor Michael Clarke Duncan has died after suffering a heart attack earlier this summer. Clarke, 54, who died early Monday morning, had been fighting for his life after going into full cardiac arrest on July 13. According to reports, he had been on a respirator since being admitted to a hospital in Los Angeles.

Clarke, who was nominated for an Oscar for his role in the "Green Mile," had reportedly begun to breathe "above the respirator," and doctors had been optimistic about his recovery.

A statement released by his fiancé, the Rev. Omarosa Manigault, expressed gratitude for his fans' support.

"Manigault is grateful for all of your prayers and asks for privacy at this time. Celebrations of his life, both private and public, will be announced at a later date," the statement read.

Clarke, also a Screen Actors Guild- and Golden Globe-nominated actor, had appeared in several other films during his career, which was launched in the 1990s.

The "Green Mile, which debuted in 1999, was based on the Stephen King novel of the same name that starred Tom Hanks as a corrections officer at a penitentiary in the 1930s. Duncan played John Coffey, a convicted murderer.

Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Emanuel Cleaver II released the following statement pertaining to the Aug. 30 ruling in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in Texas v. Holder, the state's proposed voter ID law:

"Attacks on our Constitutional right to vote are underway in states across the country and today's decision by a federal court proves these efforts can be challenged and defeated. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 guaranteed that every eligible voter in America would not be turned away from the ballot box, and blatantly discriminatory laws cannot be allowed to stand.

"Attempts to disenfranchise millions of voters, particularly those from African American, Asian and Latino communities must be stopped."While there are individuals working to guarantee our country's regression by proposing and advocating for these restrictive laws, there are many more diligently working in their communities to ensure voters are informed and prepared to exercise their right to vote on Election Day. Today's victory belongs to us.

"The Congressional Black Caucus applauds the Department of Justice for continuing to aggressively challenge these biased Voter ID and other suppressive laws. We will also continue to be vocal and active in defense of our fundamental right to vote."

Redskins' rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III made his home debut on Saturday, Aug. 25 at FedEx Field in Landover, Md. Griffin, the No. 2 pick of the 2012 NFL draft, faced Andrew Luck the draft's No. 1 pick for the first time. Griffin completed 11 of 17 passes for 74 yards and a touchdown and Luck completed 14 of 23 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown. The Redskins defeated the Colts 30-17. /Photo by John E. DeFreitas

ATLANTA – Music and entertainment maverick Jermaine Dupri continues to diversify his discography with new releases this year, including his latest offering, the remix to German producer/DJ Kurd Maverick's "Hell Yeah."

Released earlier this month, the electro dance track features an aggressive bassline and JD's signature vocals in the chorus. "With the 'Hell Yeah' remix, I'm doing pretty much what I've always done to records," says Dupri, "which is take a record that I like and remix it."

Dupri -- a resident DJ in Las Vegas with regular shows around the globe – maintains that songs like "Hell Yeah" dominate clubs outside the U.S. and are in the same vein as massive dance-pop hits such as Calvin Harris' "We Found Love" feat Rihanna and the David Guetta-produced "I Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas.

"Every week, I'm in all these clubs that are infusing hip hop and electro music," he says. "I'm constantly seeing these two worlds collide, so I felt like it would be a great collaboration to bring my vocals and celebrity to 'Hell Yeah.'"

Listen to Dupri's remix of "Hell Yeah" here: http://global14.com/new-music-kurd-maverick-jermaine-dupri-hell-yeah/.

Flack, Bryson Reunion Tour Possible

ATLANTA—Rare performances by Roberta Flack and her longtime musical mate, Peabo Bryson, attracted about 2,500 patrons in Atlanta who were provided separate performances by the two living legends as well. They will be touring most of the country.

Bryson, opened the two-hour show displaying the unique brand of vocalese that has garnered him Grammy Awards and other accolades throughout his successful 35-year career.

In a recent interview from his Atlanta home, Bryson reflected on his formative years in the Baptist churches of South Carolina's Piedmont region.

During his Atlanta performance, he displayed the gospel-like grit that helped him become a household name and romantic crooner with hit songs like "If Ever You're In My Arms Again" and the Disney hits which placed the soul crooner in a more classic category—"Aladdin (A Whole New World)" and "Beauty and the Beast"—his best-selling duets with singers Celine Dion and Regina Belle, respectively.

At midpoint of his show, Peabo announced he would revisit the R&B side of his career. To a rousing ovation, his rhythm section segued to a familiar intro into "I'm So Into You."

"I've always been very particular about the male singers that I work with. Luther (Vandross) was one of my background singers," she said during a pre-concert interview from her home in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C.

"I really hoped that Peabo would accept—I knew he was the one fellow who could perform the songs Live—I'm talking about all those songs that Donny and I had recorded in the studio," she said.

Conversely, Bryson said he was pleasantly surprised that Flack chose him to do the live tour.

"I remember thinking, 'she wants me to sing with her'? I was so honored," he said.

During the first portion of Flack's show, she kicked-it-off with a smooth-but-funky version of her classic, "Feel Like Making Love."

Flack is forever known for her intricately sweet background vocal arrangements.

Both singers reminded us that they are musicians. Roberta, the classically-trained academician of Howard University, was comfortable at her baby grand piano, while Bryson surprised some while performing the Sade classic, "King of Sorrow," as he accompanied himself on an acoustic guitar.

Meanwhile, it's hoped the tour will at least visit select American cities in order to provide real-music lovers a unique opportunity to witness these two living legends.

ARIES Use better judgment with regard to financial matters. Stop rationalizing. Money is important. Do something about the fact that you might find yourself broke more often than you wish. Continuing to deny it will delay doing something about it. Soul Affirmation: I find comfort in the familiar. Lucky Numbers: 6, 18, 24

TAURUS Move slowly concerning relationships this week. People are a little edgy and they don't know exactly where you are coming from. Make full explanations. Don't assume that they know what's on your mind. Most of all, stay positive no matter what. Soul Affirmation: Clinging to the old will inhibit my growth this week. Lucky Numbers: 19, 24, 51

GEMINI You can't be right all of time. Instead of always trying to be right, try to find the logic in other's viewpoint whether you happen to agree or not. Endear yourself to a loved one real soon, by really listening to what they have to say. Don't be so stubborn, that you deny yourself what you really want. Soul Affirmation: I celebrate will those around me. Lucky Numbers: 29, 48, 55

CANCER This week is a good week to dump any extra baggage that has been pulling you down. You have too much potential to throw away and waste your time on issues that will amount to nothing. Stay focused on your goals. Meet and spend time with people who will be able to help you reach them. Soul Affirmation: The word is in me. I bring it forth. Lucky Numbers: 23, 35, 48

LEO Your spiritual vibes will give you insight on a situation that's been on your mind. Share your thoughts with someone close to you. Spend time with friends and family that will provide support and guidance when you make an important decision. Soul Affirmation: I enjoy looking at the road of life sweeping just in front of me. Lucky Numbers: 20, 40, 41

VIRGO Your careless ways with money are going to be apparent this week. Financial mistakes you've made in the past will be especially painful. Don't conceal the pain from yourself. It is a warning that you should take steps to prevent future financial crisis. Soul Affirmation: I let my friendships guide my way. Lucky Numbers: 1, 27, 31

LIBRA Take advantage of the great weather and spend time outdoors enjoying and relaxing with Mother Nature. Learn a new sport, and spend time with family and friends. Don't take travel matters into your own hands. Seek a professional who will be able to plan a wonderful vacation for you without breaking your bank. Cook up some goodies for your loved ones. Soul Affirmation: I change who I am by changing where I am going. Lucky Numbers: 4, 53, 54

SCORPIO Stay positive, don't let negative people get inside your head. You know that things will work out well. Ease rapidly away from anyone who is a naysayer. During the week, things may seem hard at times but soon life will be filled with fun. Enjoy! Soul Affirmation: The slowness of my week gives me time to refresh my energy. Lucky Numbers: 19, 30, 45

SAGITTARIUS The bond that you established with your spiritual side works well in your relationship with a special person. Speak of the reality of the intangible qualities of life. Your lover will understand. Keep attention on the financial matters you've been dealing with. Soul Affirmation: I obey the rules this week and avoid hassles. Lucky Numbers: 18, 29, 30

CAPRICORN The link that you've established with your spiritual self will be strengthened by the people who come into your life this week. This week is a week for seriousness about a relationship. Discuss your deepest thoughts with others. They'll understand and thank you for sharing intimate parts of yourself. Soul Affirmation: Faith keeps me calm in the storms of life. Lucky Numbers: 14, 29, 43

AQUARIUS You've done some of your own love homework. Hopefully you've had an opportunity to learn a new way of seeing the world and in that way you've found a way of loving that is more natural for you. The combination of sexiness and joyful focus can create you a wonderful love experience. Soul Affirmation: I get joy from giving good things. Lucky Numbers: 14, 23, 45

PISCES Share in the glory of your friend who has been recognized for outstanding work. Plan a small get-together to celebrate the occasion. Your time will come, and you will be placed on the pedestal. Your intimacy radar is sensitive. Watch out for a new romance that might come along. Expect the unexpected! You will be pleasantly surprised! Soul Affirmation: Love is easier than breathing. Lucky Numbers: 16, 30, 50