Coming Soon
Broadway Performers Give Back to Artists for World Peace
There are people who talk about changing the world and there are those who actually do it. Artists for World Peace is an organization that is committed to the latter. The non-profit organization’s goal is simply and powerfully stated on its website:
We are artists and activists who promote peace by feeding, housing, educating and providing healthcare to the most vulnerable, lifting communities to a place of hope.
Through an impassioned idea to create a traveling Peace Belt, founder Wendy Black-Nasta created the organization. The Belt is comprised of 144 pieces of currency and gemston
es from around the world.
Since 2003, the Peace Belt has traveled to over twenty-five countries on five continents. It has been worn during hundreds of artistic performances, sacred ceremonies, and at peace and spiritual gatherings in New York (Ground Zero), South Korea, Haiti, Spain, Brazil, Tanzania, Canada, Egypt, Tonga, Scotland-the list goes on. Wherever the Peace Belt travels, dancers, artists, musicians, peace activists, and spiritual leaders meditate on and lend their voices to support peace. In this way, the belt becomes a living link between cultures and a symbol of peace and unity of all nations, of all people as one.
This year, Artists for World Peace will present its fifth annual Broadway fundraiser on October 11th at Joes’s Pub. Audience members will be treated to outstanding Broadway performers who will sing, dance, and tell stories to help children all over the world. This year’s performers include Dionne Figgins (Trip of Love, Motown, Memphis, Leap of Faith) and Daniel J. Watts (Whorl Inside A Loop, After Midnight, Motown, Memphis, Ghost, In the Heights).
Each performance will incorporate the traveling Peace Belt. Figgins and Watts will become a part of a fundraising performance and a special tradition with a foundation that has helped build schools, created safe houses for battered women and children, and sponsored the living and educational expenses of dozens of children. To whom much is given, much is required. It is inspiring to see such prestigious performers participate in giving back to the world. For more information on how to support this worthy cause, click here.
Celebrity Takeover
Tituss Burgess Has New Music, A New Movie, & No Time For Mess + The Preacher’s Wife Musical Update
On Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Tituss Burgess gave us an update on his musical adaptation of the 1996 movie, The Preacher’s Wife – starring Denzel Washington and Whitney Houston. On the late-night talk show, a viewer called in to ask if there had been any updates regarding the show and Burgess shared that:
“ We are very close to signing with a hot-shot producer in New York, which means that the show is closer to appearing in London or here. But there’s also a recent development which could delay it for the better. You’ll find out about it later”
So not only do we know that the musical is still on its way to bless us, but there is an announcement about the show on the way! If you ask me, this is incredibly exciting. Tituss Burgess’ career has gone from stage to screen, and his abilities as an actor and singer are undeniable. Knowing that we are closer to seeing his skills as a musical theatre composer is mad exciting. Watch a clip from the interview above.
While we wait for The Preacher’s Wife Musical, listen to Burgess’ newly released EP Saint Tituss. Burgess sings his face off as he skillfully talks about issues that are personal and political — all while wrapping things up with a joyous celebration of resilience as positivity. He also has two songs that feature Daniel J. Watts including the single 45
He also has a new movie on the way. “Dolemite Is My Name” starring Eddie Murphy along with Burgess, Mike Epps, Chris Rock, & more will premiere at the Toronto Film Festival. A national release date has not been set as of yet but is sure to be on its way.
While discussing the new movie during the same interview, Cohen asked Burgess about his relationship with Murphy. The way Cohen presented the question insinuates there might have been a problem between the two because of a ‘problematic past with the gays’ on Murphy’s part. The response given by Burgess is swift and loaded with “you tried it, but you won’t get me”:
“He wasn’t problematic for Tituss. We had a wonderful time. We talked about Dreamgirls and he should have won the Oscasr, I believe. He was great. Any troubles he may have had with gay people I guess are gone because he loved me.”
and this is why we live.
