B B-way bound...

Audra McDonald (most recently in A Raisin in The Sun) is returning to the stage to play the lead role in 110 In The Shade. The show opens in NYC on May 9th, but you can save 30-40% on tickets by taking advantage of a special offer. To order online, go to: www.roundabouttheatre.org and enter code: 110DIR. If ordering by phone, call 212-719-1300 and mention code: 110DIR. Regular tickets range from $36.25-111.25, but with this code, you will only pay $22.75-78.25 (depending on the availability), but you must buy your ticket(s) by April 20th. Enjoy the show!

B on Broadway...

Fantasia Barrino is arguably the best talent to emerge from the American Idol races, and certainly the most original. After all of the Jennifer Hudson hype, it's time for AI's Season 3 winner to shine on a stage all her own. Fantasia is making her Broadway debut in The Color Purple on April 10th, 2007. Apparently, Fantasia's fellow AI contestant, LaToya London will join the national tour of The Color Purple in the role of Nettie, along with Michelle Williams (of Destiny's Child), who will play Shug Avery. The national tour gets started in the windy city of Chicago and runs from April 17th to July 22nd.

If you haven't booked a flight for you, your mom, aunt, sister, cousin, or best friend, to see this comical, yet brilliantly executed musical, now is the time. Fantasia is sure to be a crowd pleaser and remind everyone why she was chosen as the idol. Fanatasia performed one of the songs from The Color Purple on American Idol the other week. Take a look at her emotional performance, along with a few short clips of your favorite celebs who have graced the Broadway stage...

B-way allstars...

B sweet...

Uptown bakery, Make My Cake, is the quintessential, one-shop-stop to indulge your sweet tooth. Make My Cake uses the freshest ingredients to create artfully designed cakes for special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, corporate events, and any other excuse to celebrate. Celebs such as Al Roker and Diddy have been spotted at the dessert emporium.

In addition to customized cakes, you can also swing by to pick up other treats like cupcakes, cookies, and more!

This spot epitomizes Harlem's potential to fulfill the needs of it's residents by creating commerce with black-owned businesses.

Lauren Rodwell, Harlem resident, and frequent Make My Cake customer, recommends the banana pudding!

(salivating yet?...)

Don't forget to browse through the retail wall. Carefully appointed items blend in with the decor, contributing to the warm, energetic feel of the bakery.

Come in with a mission, or you might get sidetracked by all of the delicious choices. No special occasion?...create one! We all deserve to treat ourselves!

B educated...TONIGHT!

Tonight, the NYULYP (New York Urban League Young Professionals) is holding a general body meeting at 120 Wall Street, in the 8th floor conference room. The topic of the meeting will be the state of the public education system in New York City. The goal is convey an understanding of what is working for our children and what is putting them at a disadvantage. With this knowledge, NYULYP hopes that young professionals with children or without children, can better assess how to contribute to the academic well being of our students. Networking begins at 6:15p and the business meeting commences at 6:45p.

B celebrated...

Every year, we're challenged to find a new and exciting way to celebrate our birthday. This year, consider hosting a birthday brunch, which is the perfect way to gather with friends and have a great meal at a smaller price point. You can also avoid evening scheduling conflicts, and still have the rest of the day to spend with your loved one(s)!Harlem eatery, Billie's Black Bar Lounge & Restaurant

Carla Rutledge, Founder of Boutique Finesse, celebrated her 24th.

A live band provided just the right amount of entertainment.

Carla's friends brought in her special day.

Happy Birthday Carla!

B out TONIGHT...

B inspired...

"Sometimes you got to hurt something to help something. Sometimes you have to plow under one thing in order for something else to grow."
~Ernest J. Gaines

B into film..

This weekend, head to uptown for Harlem Stage on Screen (a.k.a. the Harlem Film Festival). Works by up-and-coming Harlem filmmakers will be shown, along with discussions about each picture's inspiration. Films such as Ian Inaba's American Blackout, Althea Wasow's The Wannabe, and the premiere of Claire Andrade Watkin's Some Kind of Funny Porto Rican, will be showcased. And don't miss the Sunday tribute to Bill Duke's classic film, A Raisin in the Sun. Click here for a complete schedule. Tickets are only $10 per day.

B an idol?...

What would American Idol be without a season scandal? This year, Antonella Barba's "girls gone wild" photos have taken over the web and seemingly helped the young singer, creating what Time.com is calling The Antonella Effect. Added controversy has surrounded the scandal since past Idol contestant, Frenchie Davis, was booted from the show when similarly questionable photos of the singer surfaced.

Protesters gathered outside of the studio last night due to the disparity in the way these contestants were handled. View co-host, Rosie O'Donnell believes Idol's actions/in-actions are "racist and weightist" as Frenchie was publicly denounced for her nude/lingerie photos, while Antonella was praised by Simon Cowell for how well she's handled the media pressure during this difficult time.

Some argue that Frenchie's case was different because she was paid for her pictures, while last night on Larry King, Antonella's friends claimed her photos were only meant for one person's eyes. On that same news show, past AI runner-up, Diana DeGarmo mildly insinuated the producers may have pushed Antonella through the competition because of the potential drama and publicity it would bring the show. Take a look at one of Antonella's performances from the show. I, too, question how she even had the opportunity to hit the stage.

Think back to the LA auditions...remember when Barba squeaked through as the last female contestant to make it to the top 24 over a seemingly more talented brunette singer? Was that a possible foreshadowing of the impact she would bring to the "singing" competition. You be the judge.

B en Mexico...

It's the time of year when a quick weekend getaway is all you need to avoid the Winter blues and recharge for Spring. Have you thought about Mexico? Don't be too quick to write it off as a wild bed of boozing, fit only for Sophomore Spring-breakers. Destinations such as Cancun and Acapulco provide the perfect setting for sun, water sports, a little clubbing, and most importantly, relaxation. Another benefit is both locations are fairly accessible (ex: JetBlue has direct flights from NYC to Cancun) and fares for less than $400 are out there if you can find a good deal.

CANCUN

Beach scene: The sand is fine, and the water is crystal blue - true perfection!

LeBlanc Spa Resort, is the ultimate all-inclusive hotel. The expense is well worth the personal service, delicious meal choices and extras you'll get in exchange. Lavender-scented pillows, Silk Therapy toiletries, and floor butlers are just a few examples of what comes along with the LeBlanc experience.

Poolside at LeBlanc

Check out Dady'Os, one of the quintessential clubs in Cancun.

The City is one of the newer, larger, gladiator-style venues.

ACAPULCO

Beach scene: The sand is powdery in some parts, and grainier in others. The water is blue-green with big waves well-suited for windsurfing.

Beach volleyball

Laying out is a must, whether you're working on a tan or you just want to feel the sun.

Or, head to the pool to chill...the sun rays will sneak up on you, so layer on the SPF.


The cliff divers show is spectacular. Boys and men aged 7 to 30-something climb up the side of the cliff, then free fall into the water. For added effect, check it out at night when the final dive is made with flaming torches.

Enjoy a tasty beach front meal for less than 110 pesos (conversion = $11). Try the Moharra fish.

Fresh delights such as coconut milk, mango and plantain chips are in abundance.

Take in the scenery and local culture.

Before heading back to reality, take a stroll in the local mercados and pick up some vanilla, coconut treats and silver jewelry.

Adios!

B reborn...

On March 26th, 2007, the New York Urban League Young Professionals are hosting Rebirth! 2007: "A Renaissance Remixed". The night will feature live music, a fashion show, wine tasting, an open bar (courtesy of Belvedere Vodka) and so much more!
Ticket prices are $50 for all NYULYP members and $65 for all non-members. To purchase tickets, contact YPRebirth@nyul.org or call 212.926.8000 ext. 126.

Are you ready to be America's Next Top Model? NYULYP are seeking models to take part in the Rebirth! fashion show. Open calls will take place in the following locations:

Date: March 7th (Wed)
Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Place: Pre-Post
Location: 547 W. 27 th Street (btwn 10th & 11th Ave.)

Date: March 8th (Thurs)
Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Place: Wish 26
Location: 756 6 th Avenue @ W. 26th Street

Date: March 14th (Wed)
Time: 6:00pm-8:00pm
Place: N Harlem
Location: 114 W. 116 th Street @ Lenox Avenue

Models need only attend one of the above model calls. Must be 21 years of age or older. Please bring comp card/picture, measurements, and be prepared to walk and have your photo taken.

More information: YPRebirth@nyul.org or http://www.nyulyp.org/rebirth

Application Fee: $25.00

B presidential...

As people continue to question whether or not we're ready for a black president, the answer for many Obama supporters is not about race, but about the man. If you plan to be in NYC this Friday, March 9th, and you're one of the hopefully audacious voters that believe Senator Barack Obama is the candidate that can bring integrity to the oval office and restore America's faith in global diplomacy, we have just the event for you. The JI Group is hosting an evening benefiting Obama for America at The Grand with Senator Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama. To attend the event you can enlist as a Supporter ($100), a Host ($1000), or a Chair ($5000), based on your financial contribution. To RSVP, call (212)-763-4853 or email NYCLateNight@barackobama.com. All payments must be received by Wednesday, March 7th, so don't delay. For more information go to www.thejigroup.com.

B censored...?

New York City has officially banned the use of the "N-word" on a voluntary basis, based on a bill sponsored by Councilman Leroy Comrie. The bill was proposed at the onset of Black History Month, and is clearly a response to the recent "N-word" outbursts of public figures such as Michael Richards and Paris Hilton. Some say the "N-word" should be banned for it's longstanding history and representation of oppression, while others believe the word has evolved into a term of endearment that can be exchanged between blacks with shared cultures and experiences. What do you think?

B jazzed!

Mardi Gras is behind us, but the good times are still rolling in the Big Easy. The New Orleans Jazz Festival is arguably the most festive and spirited time of year. Jazz Fest is two weekends of music by national and local artists, sinfully delicious Cajun/Creole dishes (i.e. crawfish etouffe, gumbo, fried turkey wings, etc.), art, warm weather and icy daiquiris and/or beer, depending on your preference. It's a time to leave your briefcases and stilettos at home and pack your khakis, sunglasses and most comfortable pair of flip flops. While in the city you can take advantage of a relaxing streetcar ride down St. Charles in the morning, and a more "invigorating" stroll down Bourbon Street at night. And don't feel guilty about enjoying the pleasures of this magical city becuase every time a visitor enters New Orleans, it promises a revitalized economy for N.O. post-K. Jazz Fest season takes place over two weekends, April 27-29th and May 4-6th. On the first weekend you can see artists such as: Jill Scott, Norah Jones, Ludacris, and Rebirth Brass Band. On the second weekend, watch out for: John Legend, Branford Marsalis, New Edition, and Joss Stone.