Skip to main content

Performance Chronicles

 


“Research indicates that the color blue is linked to enhanced performance levels.The findings highlight the significance of color in various contexts, particularly in environments where performance is critical, such as in the arts and other creative fields.


Performance Chronicles adopts a narrative framework to explore and reflect on past experiences related to performance. This approach encompasses a wide range of artistic expressions, including both literary works and dance performances.”


Literary Performance Experiences (Partial Listing)


Apr 14, 2001 and April 16, 2001. Islander Caribbean Restaurant & Lounge, 1201 U St. NW Washington, DC


April 6, 2002. Black Voices for Peace. Faith in Action Ministries. Plymouth Congregational Church, Washington DC

​

April 6, 2002. Homegoing Ceremony. Tree of Life PCS, Washington, DC


April 7, 2002. Kokayi Winston Patterson 50th Earthday Celebration. Cada Vez, Washington DC


April 18, 2002. Bintumani Restaurant and Club, Washington, DC. Hosted by Abena Disroe


June 6, 2002. Starbucks 1st Thursday Poetry Fest. Starbucks Chinatown, Washington, DC. Sponsored by Cultural DC and Desho Productions 


Dance Performance Experiences  (partial listing)


June 2, 1996. Africare Family Festival. SAMBAFRICA. Soul In Motion Players.


February 1, 1997. NationHouse, Washington, DC


June 13, 1997. Marcus Garvey PCS, Washington, DC


October 1999. Balafon Women’s Ensemble. Lincoln Theatre, Washington, DC


November 2, 1999. Balafon Women’s Ensemble. Georgetown University Law School, Washington, DC 


November 4, 1999. African American Heritage Celebration. Soul in Motion Players featuring Balafon Women’s Ensemble. Bowie State University, Bowie MD


April 7, 2001. Celebrate the Rites of Spring. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Market 5 Gallery, Washington DC


May 20, 2001. Unity Rally in honor of Malcolm X. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Ideal PCS, Washington DC


June 2, 2001. Beyond the Monuments Neighborhood Day. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Market 5 Gallery, Washington DC


June 15, 2001. Friends of Brother Ah. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Market 5 Gallery, Washington DC



June 19, 2001. Citywide Juneteenth Celebration. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, MLK Library, Washington DC


September 28, 2001. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Josephine Butler Parks Center, Washington DC


December 1, 2001. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, St, Marks Church, Washington DC


December 8, 2001. 50th Birthday Celebration of Damu Smith. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Josephine Butler Parks Center, Washington DC


December 15, 2001. Cultural Cafe, Washington, DC. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers


February 17, 2002. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Metropolitan AME Church, Washington DC


February 19, 2002.  Black History Month Celebration. Cada Vez. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC


February 24, 2002.  Black History Month Celebration. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC. Sponsored by Riverside Baptist Church and Collective Voices of DC.


February 26, 2002. Celebration of the History of Black Music.  Fairmont Heights Municipal Building. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Fairmont Heights, MD. Sponsored by the Town of Fairmont Heights.


May 19, 2002. A Tribute to Malcolm X. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers. Malcolm X Day, Malcolm X Park, Washington DC


April 6, 2002. Black Voices for Peace. Faith in Action Ministries. Plymouth Congregational Church. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC


April 6, 2002.  Homegoing Ceremony. Tree of Life PCS. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC


April 7, 2002. Kokayi Winston Patterson 50th Earthday Celebration. Cada Vez. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC


April 20, 2002.  Rites of Spring. Market 5 Gallery. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, Washington DC

​

June 6, 2009. DanceAfrica 2009. Dance Place, Washington, DC  with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers 


 August 13, 2009. Malcolm X Park, Washington, DC


August 16, 2009. NationHouse, Washington, DC with Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers 


September 4, 2009. Potter’s House, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers


September 27, 2009. Fiesta DC 2009, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers 


December 4, 2009. Potter’s House, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers


December 27,2009. Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers Kujichagulia Celebration hosted by UNIA-ACL Division 332. Zanzibar on the Waterfront, Washington, DC.


January 1, 2010. Kwanzaa Celebration. Plymouth Congregational Church, Washington, DC  with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers 



May 28, 2010. SHAWARMAKING, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers 


June 11, 2010 and July 18,2011. Potter’s House, Washington, DC with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers


August 14, 2011. NationHouse, Washington, DC with Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers


August 27, 2011 and October 15, 2011. DC History Center, Washington, DC 


April 12, 2011, September 14, 2011, and September 17, 2011. Festival Center, Washington, D.C. with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers 


May 21, 2011. Malcolm X Park. African Liberation Day with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers 


May 28, 2011. The Fusion Grill, Washington D.C. with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers


December 3, 2011. Unity Rally, Washington, D.C. Umoja House with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers


January 1, 2012. Kwanzaa Celebration. Plymouth Congregational Church, Washington, DC  with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers 


April 9, 2012. Howard Theatre Re-Opening. Howard Theatre, Washington, DC.  with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers 


April 29, 2012. Natural Health Festival, Washington, DC


May 18, 2012. African Liberation Day 2012, Howard University Blackburn Center, Washington, DC. 5pm (open to the public) with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

 

 May 20, 2012. Malcolm X Park, Washington, DC. 3pm. (open to the public) with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers


June 8, 2012. Potter’s House, Washington, DC  with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers


September 8, 2012. Lincoln Theatre, Washington, DC. 


September 9, 2012. 34th Annual Adams Morgan Day Festival, Washington, DC. 


October 19, 2012. Potter's House, Washington, DC


August 25, 2013. Malcolm X Park, Washington, DC  with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers

​

May 3, 2014. Funk Parade. U Street NW, Washington, DC  with the Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers 


May 12,  2014. Greenbelt Green Man Festival. Roosevelt Center, Greenbelt MD with Bele Bele Rhythm Collective


May 17, 2014. Lotus Festival. Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Washington, DC 


July 2, 2015. World Children’s Festival, National Mall, Washington, DC. 


September 27, 2015. Hyattsville Festival with Bele Bele Rhythm Collective


October 10, 2015. Greenbelt Rhythm and Drum Festival. Roosevelt Center, Greenbelt MD with Bele Bele Rhythm Collective


December 19, 2015 and January 2, 2016. Hands on Drums, Ivy City, Washington, DC with Bele Bele Rhythm Collective


January 4, 2016. Akoma Drummers, All Souls Church Washington, DC


I have not provided any performance services since I was last hired. 


Popular posts from this blog

DC Black School Leaders

“Nearly 70% of DC principals are black. A majority of those leaders are black women. Over the next few weeks, months, and even years, there will be much questioning about the capabilities and values of a Black and Indian woman on an international stage. This will inevitably be challenging for many people, particularly black women, who are disproportionately subjected to such critique and skepticism. Black women have a vital role in education and, as demonstrated time and again, in our political landscape. If our students are going to experience the consistency, justice and academic experience we know they deserve, taking care of ourselves is not a luxury—it's imperative.”   NationHouse Anniversary 1980s   I gave away this outfit many years ago. I am a proud alum of NationHouse Positive Action Center, a private African-American school that played a significant role in shaping my identity and instilling a deep sense of cultural pride. From the dedicated guidance of Baba Agyei Ak...

Promoting cultural expression through literature and the arts

I am actively involved in offering my services, brand, and creating digital artwork. On August 27,2024 and August 29, 2024, I personally distributed flyers to promote an upcoming event organized by Esther Productions Inc., The Institute for African American Writing, and The Black Student Fund. This event is set to occur on September 14, 2024, at the Tenley Library, and it promises to be an enriching experience for all attendees. The event will take place from 2 PM to 4 PM, providing a fantastic opportunity for participants to delve into the realms of poetry and prose. It aims to celebrate the richness of African American literature and foster a deeper appreciation for the art of writing. Attendees can expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with engaging discussions and performances that highlight the talents of various writers and poets. By attending this event, individuals will not only enjoy a captivating afternoon but also connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for li...

Trust and Innovation

    Every morning, I present my digital artwork, showcasing the various color choices I have made. This practice not only highlights my creative process but also offers potential viewers insights about my digital art that I have created the previous night or the next day after my restful sleep. By sharing these insights, I aim to engage my audience and foster a deeper appreciation for my digital art. For example, the color blue holds a profound significance in my artistic endeavors, embodying the limitless nature of the sky while simultaneously fostering a sense of trust and innovation. As a cool hue and one of the primary colors, blue offers a rich tapestry of interpretations that connect with individuals on various emotional planes. By weaving this color into my artwork, I seek to instill a feeling of serenity and inspiration, prompting viewers to engage with the deeper emotional narratives that my pieces convey. Blue serves as a powerful symbol of the expansive sky, evoking...

Vibrant Visions of Faith

  Vibrant Visions of Faith. Digital art created on canvas. November 26, 2024. Afrika Abney  With the principle of faith, I am fortunate that I graduated from Bell Multicultural High School in 1993 because I felt alone, depressed, traumatized, isolated and discriminated against every time that I stepped inside the school from 1991 - 1993. The colors gold and shades of yellow are deliberately selected to depict optimism, while black represents faith. 

The intersection of poetry and prose within the D.C. art scene

  “The intersection of poetry and prose within the D.C. art scene serves as a catalyst for cultural dialogue and social commentary. Writers often address pressing issues through their work, reflecting the complexities of urban life and the diverse experiences of the city's inhabitants. This literary engagement not only captivates audiences but also inspires action and awareness around various social topics. As the art scene continues to evolve, the integration of literary forms with other artistic expressions promises to further enrich the cultural landscape, making Washington, D.C. a significant hub for artistic innovation and collaboration.” Join Mr. Miller, Ms. Ayala and Mr. Gilmore at Tenley on September 14th. For those interested in learning more about this literary event, please feel free to reach out via email at midnightrosereadingseries@gmail.com. Additional details can also be found on the official website of Esther Productions, Inc. at the provided link - https://www.est...

Creative Chronicles

  Creative Chronicles. Digital art created on canvas. October 26, 2024. Afrika Abney  At the time when digital art began in the 1980s, I was 4 - 13 and a student at NationHouse. I did not start creating digital art until 2009. With over a decade of experience in digital art, I have honed my skills in various techniques and styles. I specialize in creating captivating and visually stunning digital artworks that evoke emotion and tell a story. Upon waking up from my restful sleep and unaware of the discussions taking place, I began to implement my routine and examine my digital art.  Creative Chronicles using vibrant colors and varied brush techniques. 

Radiant Passage

The past is now behind me, and since my enrollment at NationHouse in 1978, I have had the opportunity to explore numerous locations within my hometown. This journey has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the community and its rich history. Each place I visited has contributed to my personal growth and appreciation for the environment that shaped my early years. Reflecting on my experiences, I realize that the time I spent at NationHouse starting in 1978 opened doors to various adventures throughout my hometown. These explorations have not only enriched my knowledge of local culture but have also fostered a sense of connection to the people and places that define my roots. The memories created during these travels are invaluable, as they have helped me forge a stronger identity. As I look back, I acknowledge that my journey since joining NationHouse in 1978 has been transformative. The many places I have visited in my hometown have left a lasting impression on me, shaping my ...

Come Immerse Yourself in Afternoon of Poetry and Baseball with Mr. Miller

Join Esther Productions, Inc, The Institute for African American Writing, and The Black Student Fund for an enriching afternoon of poetry and baseball with Mr. Miller. This event, titled MidnightRose, is a celebration of the diverse voices from the Washington Metropolitan Region and beyond. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the vibrant literary community through the works of award-winning poets and authors, allowing their words to inspire and uplift. MidnightRose is a showcase of the multigenerational, multicultural writers in the Washington Metropolitan Region and beyond presented by Esther Productions Inc., The Institute for African American Writing & The Black Student Fund. Experience the richness of the community through the presentations of award-winning poets and authors. Come allow the words to inspire and empower you. E. ETHELBERT MILLER is a literary activist and author of two memoirs and several poetry collections including his baseball trilogy: If God I...

THE NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK: FOR SELF & FAMILY 2023

      THE NATIONAL RECONCILIATION WEEK: FOR SELF & FAMILY 2023 June 5-June 9, 2023 Virtual Event  "Reconciliation Week Created by Esther Productions Inc.the National Reconciliation Week: For Self & Family has been designed to: Raise awareness about the importance of family in developing whole, healthy children and adults;   Raise awareness about the importance of family to developing strong communities and a healthy society;   Provide specific information and techniques for strengthening the family, whether traditional or blended;   Provide specific information to help young single mothers and fathers understand their roles as parents;   Provide tips to enable single mothers and fathers to become more expert at parenting while juggling other external responsibilities   Encourage more parents who do not live in the same household to embrace co-parenting as a process improve emotional, spiritual and healthy outcomes for their children a...

The importance of accuracy in the digital age

  Quote found on the Internet  “In the contemporary digital landscape, the significance of precision cannot be overstated. As information is disseminated at an unprecedented rate through various online platforms, the need for accurate data has become paramount. Inaccuracies can lead to misinformation, which not only misguides individuals but can also have far-reaching consequences for businesses, governments, and society as a whole. The reliance on digital tools and resources necessitates a commitment to ensuring that the information shared and consumed is both reliable and verifiable. The digital era has transformed the way we access and interpret information, making accuracy a critical component of effective communication. With the proliferation of social media and online news outlets, the potential for errors and misleading content has increased significantly. This environment underscores the necessity for individuals and organizations to prioritize fact-checking and valida...