New York’s #1 Afro-Caribbean performing company, Something Positive, will launch their latest CD titled “VISION” at their 4th Annual Cocktails & Conversations benefit on Thursday, June 27th, 7PM at West Village hot spot The MADELYN (82 West 3rd Street between Thompson and Sullivan). This benefit and CD release honors the 10th anniversary of founder Cheryl Byron’s passing and offers a reprise of Cheryl Byron and Something Positive’s recordings from their acclaimed 1993 album, “Freedom Soon Come”. This re-mastered and re-titled version of Byron’s original work comes complete with a riveting rendition of the title soundtrack, VISION, written by Byron and recently recorded by current Artistic Director Michael Manswell and company.
“VISION”, pays homage to the Mother of Rapso music herself from the company she birthed and nurtured. It honors the timeless and continuing relevance of the themes that pervade her work: the interconnectedness across all peoples of art, culture, spirituality, and the persistent presence of the divine in the ordinary. The re-issue on disc and online allows Byron’s legacy to be chronicled, archived and shared in a sustainable way. “VISION” promises to take listeners on a cathartic journey from feelings of grief and sadness to joy and excitement.
Something Positive has performed their original repertoire of music and dance at venues including the African Burial Ground National Monument, American Museum of Natural History, Lincoln Center, and Harlem’s famed Schomburg Center. With more than 2,000 facebook fans, successful tours of the United States, Caribbean, and Central America, and supporters that include Board Walk Empire Star Justiin A. Davis, Actress Hazelle Goodman, Calypso legend The Mighty Sparrow, and actors Malik Yoba and Danny Glover, Something Positive is showing no signs of slowing down.
Cheryl Byron is an icon of Caribbean and African art and culture. A native of Trinidad and Tobago, she migrated to New York where she established Something Positive and continued her artistic work and cultural advocacy. Today, Something Positive is comprised of more than 40 dancers, singers and musicians. In addition to performing both nationally and internationally, the company has conducted theatre, dance, and music workshops for more than 500,000 youth and community members over the last decade.
Tickets to the CD release launch and benefit are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. Proceeds from Cocktails & Conversations and sales of “VISION” will help fund Something Positive as they continue to enrich the local community through their performances and educational programs.
