Sparrow and friends support Something Positive

 For the second year in a row, big names are coming out in support of the dynamic Brooklyn based Afro-Caribbean dance company, Something Positive, for a spectacular one-night performance titled Ancestral Chant. The show will be held on June 4 at 8 pm, at Kumble Theater for the Performing Arts at the Long Island University Brooklyn campus. The concert, which kicks off Caribbean Heritage month, will be preceded by the gala benefit party, Cocktails & Conversations at the University’s Reggio Café at 6 pm. The event will be hosted by Calypso King of The World, The Mighty Sparrow; Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe 2003, Faye Alibocus; acclaimed comedienne and actress, Hazelle Goodman; and Alvin Ailey dancer and associate producer of Disney’s the Lion King on Broadway, Aubrey Lynch II.  

In addition to the hosts, the evening will feature a reading and book signing of The Dance Claimed Me—A Biography of Pearl Primus by Peggy and Murray Schwartz. Entertainment will be provided by recording artist, Kevon Carter, along with music mixed by DJ Keith. Ancestral Chant will celebrate the lives and artistic legacies of three iconic stalwarts of African American and Caribbean culture; rapso music pioneer, dancer and founder of Something Positive, Cheryl Byron; The grandmother of African American dance, Pearl Primus; and jazz legend Nina Simone. The company will perform Sweet Nina Suite, a seven section suite of dances created by Michael Manswell, and set to the music of Nina Simone, Dr Pearl Primus’ Hard Time Blues, and Cheryl Byron’s riveting Ancestral Chant. This is the first time that all three icons and friends, will be honoured at the same time.

Something Positive is comprised of more than 40 dancers, singers and musicians. The company has performed its original repertoire at venues, including Lincoln Center, American Museum of Natural History, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, 92nd Street Y, and Brooklyn Museum. Something Positive has the distinction of being the only dance company invited to perform for the official unveiling of the African Burial Ground National Monument. The company has conducted performing arts and costuming workshops for more than 300,000 youth and community members over the last decade. Proceeds will help to fund Something Positive as they continue to enrich the local community through their performances and public programmes.