J's Jook Joint at the Atlas
On May 12th and 13th, the African Continuum Theatre will present J's Jook Joint - a special, limited engagement cabaret that is a modern-day twist on the historical "jook joint" experience. Featuring the best and brightest of Washington D.C.'s African-American performers, J's Jook Joint highlights the continuum of African-American music- from jazz standards to gospel-inspired pop to soul-infused show tunes. The performers read like a who's who of Helen Hayes award nominated D.C. actors and singers who been seen on the stages of
Signature Theatre, Arena Stage, Round House Theatre and the African Continuum Theatre. J's Jook Joint is directed by Helen Hayes director Scot Reese.
Featured performers/styles:
A Show (7:30 pm on Friday, 10:00 pm on Saturday)
• Bev Cosham – Jazz standards
• Erika Rose – Show tunes, musicals
• Maurice Clemons – gospel/pop
B Show (10:00 pm on Friday, 7:30 pm on Saturday)
• Bina Malhotra – Jazz standards
• Eleasha Gamble – Show tunes, musicals
• Stephawn Stephens – gospel
• Cliff Walker – pop/show tunes
J's Jook Joint will be presented at the Atlas Performing Arts Center at 1333 H Street NE, Washington, D.C. on May 12th and May 13th. Show times will be at 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm each evening. Tickets for J's Jook Joint are $20.00 for general seating and $30.00 for table seating. For tickets and performance schedule, contact the Atlas Box Office at 202-399-7993.
3 comments:
Any idea where the term "jook" joint is from? The only time I've heard it before is from my relatives that live in south Georgia; usually in reference to a modest place with a predominantly black clientel where you can listen to music and drink beer.
Try this
http://www.oberlin.edu/library/papers/honorshistory/2001-Gorman/jookjoints/allaboutjooks/etymology.html
This isn't entirely relevant, but the Jook topic does tie in. An up and coming band called MOFRO considers themselves a modern act that would fit well in a 30's Jook House. I even have a poster that says "MOFRO: Bringing the Jook to a house near you". Their motto is 'Front porch soul'. Good stuff and the best music I've heard in the last 5 years. http://www.mofro.net
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