Neon marks 50 years of hip-hop with ‘Beat Street’
The Neon in downtown Dayton will host a screening of the classic film “Beat Street” at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6. The event will feature a special lecture from producer, musician and hiphop historian TL Cross.
“Beat Street” is considered one of hip-hop’s most important and influential movies. Produced by Harry Belafonte and directed by Stan Lathan, who has won three Emmys for directing and executive producing Dave Chappelle’s comedy specials, this film arrived on the heels of “Breakin’” in the summer of 1984. Synopsis: “When rapper-D J Kenny (Guy Davis) meets cultured jazz artist Tracy (Rae Dawn Chong), he is so inspired by her dedication that he vows to use his talents to escape the ghetto. But when his friend, a gifted graffiti artist, is killed in a tragic accident, Kenny comes face to face with the high price of artistic passion.” This “gritty, streetwise musical” (LA Herald-Examiner) features a who’s who of the movement’s early stars.
TL Cross is a cultural historian, TV personality, musician, platinum songwriter and producer, narrator and educator. Growing up in the Jamaica section of Queens, New York, he has experienced
a lot throughout his life and career. “Coming up in Queens was lowkey like starring in your own Tribe Called Quest music video mixed with Run DMC and Nas elements,” Cross noted in a news release.
Although Cross has received numerous accolades, including an American Music Award and two ASCAP awards, he is widely known today for his work as a cultural historian. His online shows include “Wow, TL Cross!” and “Cross in a Minute,” and he serves as host of Bounce TV’s “Hip Hop State of Mind.” Cross has also worked with such hip-hop and R&B artists as 50 Cent, Jazmine Sullivan, Musiq Soulchild, Ghostface, Usher, P. Diddy, Jadakiss,112, Yolanda Adams, Mary J Blige, and more.
Tickets are $12.50 each.
To purchase tickets or for more information, visit online at www.neonmovies.com or visit the box office at 130 E. Fifth St.
DPAA announces new vice president for philanthropy
Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (DPAA) has selected William Perry as its new vice president for philanthropy.
Perry, a Dayton native, has more than 20 years of experience in Dayton’s non-profit sector raising funds, creating and cultivating community partnerships, and most recently raised more than $200,000 through government funding and sponsorships to help Culture Works and its new wholly-owned subsidiary, CW Events, move into the Dayton Arcade. His employment with DPAA began on Nov. 1.
“We are grateful and fortunate to welcome Bill as our Vice President for Philanthropy,” says DPAA President and CEO Patrick Nugent in a news release. “His many years working with philanthropy in Dayton will help those who love DPAA find ways to support projects and performances they love most. His leadership will guide our development team to ensure that DPAA remains strong and stable so that we can continue to inspire our community to fall in love with the arts.”
Perry comes to DPAA from Culture Works and has been director of development and marketing since 2019. Before his tenure at Culture Works, he held marketing and development positions at several Dayton nonprofits including Clothes That Work, United Way of the
Greater Dayton Area, and Dayton Art Institute.
“The leadership team at the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance has built an amazing season that brought together a fantastic group of creative professionals,” says Perry. “I’m excited to work with Patrick and my new colleagues to ensure DPAA has the resources it needs to fuel amazing arts experiences for all of us to enjoy.”
Perry and his husband, J.T. Rusch, are active volunteers in the community, most recently as members of the Dayton Art Institute’s Associate Board. He has also served as a member and officer of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Greater Dayton Region Chapter.
Season announcements
Brookville Community
Theatre’s 39th season will consist of: Mary Chase’s comedy “Harvey” (Feb. 8-18, 2024, directed by Jonathan Emmert — auditions: Dec. 18-19, 2023 at 7 p.m.); Bernard Pomerance’s drama “The Elephant Man” (Apr. 11-21, 2024, directed by Sara Bortz — auditions: Feb. 13-14, 2024 at 7 p.m.); Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man” ( June 20-July 7, 2024, directed by James Nelson — auditions: Apr. 16-17, 2024 at 7 p.m.); William Inge’s dramedy “Bus Stop” (Sept. 5-15, 2024, directed by Sherron Henry — auditions: July 9-10, 2024 at 7 p.m.); and Jason Howland, Mindi Dickstein and Allan Knee’s musical adaptation of “Little Women” (Nov. 7-17, 2024, directed by Adonis Lemke — auditions: Sept. 10-11, 2024 at 7 p.m.). For more information, call 937-833-6790 or visit thebct.org.
The Ohio Light Opera’s 45th anniversary season will feature “The Arcadians,” “The Count of Luxembourg,” “The Gondoliers,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Me and My Girl” and “The Sound of Music.” The season is slated for June 8-July 28, 2024. Box office opens Jan. 10, 2024. The Ohio Light Opera is the resident professional company of the College of Wooster. For more information, visit ohiolightopera.org.