When Smalls Had It All by Daniel Carlton
as part of Harlem Jazz Shrines 2012
When we hear that a show is educational , its easy to think that it won't be fun, or too young, or whatever associations we have with being asked as kids( or as the adult chaperon ) to see something that is good for us. I would like to shatter that perception or reality by inviting you to this highly , musical piece being presented by yours truly as part of the Harlem Jazz Shrines 2012 festival. My show "When Smalls Had It All" is being sponsored by the wonderful organization Jazzmobile (with funding on a commission from :*Commissioning support from Charlie Parker Jazz Festival 20th Anniversary, and City Parks Foundation and Jazzmobile..
HARLEM JAZZ SHRINES FESTIVAL 2012
MAY 7-13, 2012
Celebrating Harlem’s Historic Jazz Venues: Apollo Theater, Club Harlem, Havana San Juan, Lenox Lounge, Minton’s Playhouse, Monroe’s Uptown, Park Palace, Showman’s Jazz Club and Small’s Paradise.
Concerts by amazing musicians will take place at night in many sites in Harlem to recreate these seminal hotbeds of innovation and tradition. My venue is Smalls Paradise..Harlem's longest running nightclub....from the 1920's -the 1980's. I will use live music ( from masterful musician's including Claudia Hayden on Flute, master Bassist Booker King, sax player, and a keyboard) to create an atmosphere of song and dance. I will use fictional characters who interact with the audience as if they( the audience) are sitting or waiting to dance at Smalls throughout the different eras. The dialogue will be verse. Images from the different eras in Harlem will be projected . Dancing encouraged. History taught through characters like a caretaker who sees Small's last day, different MC's , A numbers runner in the 1920's, A WWII soldier returned looking for his girl-and describing how Charlie Parker and the new music Be-Bop got him through the war, Wilt Chamberlain's right hand man in the 1960,s, A rapper in the 80's who comes to Smalls looking for the perfect break-beat..and many more..all played by moi. Did I mention live music?
Check out the Harlem Jazz Shrines Link for all of the great offerings and venues ...but for an early morning good time , bring your classes ( 6th grade and up) a group , or yourself to : Harlem USA 124t and St Nicholas ( in the building that hosts the Magic Johnson Theater) 2nd floor May 10th or 11th 10:00 A.M -11:15
FREE FREE FREE ..but call Jazzmobile for reservations
http://harlemjazzshrines.com/calendar
Small's Paradise Education/Public Programs
Wednesday, May 9, Thursday, May 10, Friday, May 11 10 a.m. | Registration Required
Poet/actor/narrator Daniel Carlton will illuminate the history of this famous venue with the superlative presentation, "When Small's Had It All*," an interactive, multimedia theatrical work that salutes and recreates the electric atmosphere of the club with music, visuals and storytelling.
For Grades 6 -12
Registration Required: Teachers Call 212 866-4900 ext. 31
Commissioning support from Charlie Parker Jazz Festival 20th Anniversary, and City Parks Foundation and Jazzmobile.
