Summer nights, after work or a day out, will once again be alive with music and dance thanks to Bryant Park Picnic Performances presented by Bank of America.

Starting in June, the Picnic Performances will bring the best of NYC to the stage, including the New York City Opera, Jalopy Theatre, Carnegie Hall, the Classical Theatre of Harlem and the American Symphony Orchestra.

RECOMMENDED: A massive spring market will be open for shopping at Bryant Park

Best of all, all 26 performances are free and open to the public! On these days, picnicking at Bryant Park will include a show.

“Thanks to Bank of America’s support, Picnic Performances has become an established venue for major cultural events,” said Bryant Park Corporation’s President Dan Biederman. “There is no easier way to experience NYC’s extraordinary music, theater, and dance: just come to Bryant Park, grab a free blanket or chair, and enjoy.”

Below is the full, awesome line-up:

• June 1 — New York City Opera: La Bohème at 7pm
• June 2 — Jazzmobile: Steve Oquendo Latin Jazz Orchestra at 7pm
• June 8 — Contemporary Dance: Robin Dunn and more TBA at 7pm
• June 9 — Contemporary Dance: Artists TBA at 7pm
• June 15 — Contemporary Dance: Terk Lewis + Kayla Farrish at 7pm
• June 16 — Contemporary Dance: Soles of Duende + Josh Johnson at 7pm
• June 23 — Emerging Music Festival: THUS LOVE, Psymon Spine, Katy Kirby at 7pm
• June 24 — Emerging Music Festival: Ky Vöss, Seramic, Miss Grit, Dead T00th at 5pm
• June 30 — Jalopy Theatre: Michael Daves Quartet ft. Tony Trischka, Yacouba Sissoko, Terrell King at 7pm
• July 07 — Carnegie Hall Citywide: Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra at 7pm
• July 14 — Carnegie Hall Citywide: Tessa Lark + Michael Thurber at 7pm
• July 21 — Carnegie Hall Citywide: Magos Herrera featuring The Knights at 7pm
• July 28 — Carnegie Hall Citywide: Champe-Soukous Collective at 7pm
• August 03 — Ailey Moves NYC: Ailey II at 7pm
• August 04 — Carnegie Hall Citywide: Ndlovu Youth Choir at 7pm
• August 18 — New York City Opera: The Barber of Seville at 7pm
• August 19 — New York City Opera: Alessandro Lora in Concert at 7pm
• August 25 — Accordions Around the World: Diana Burco, Suistamon Sähkö, Ragini Ensemble at 7pm
• August 26 — Roulette Intermedium: 75 Dollar Bill, Ka Baird, Additional Artist TBA at 7pm
• September 01 — Classical Theatre of Harlem: Langston in Harlem at 7pm
• September 07 — American Symphony Orchestra: American Expressions at 7pm
• September 08 — New York City Opera: Romeo and Juliet at 7pm
• September 09 — Drom: Gaye Su Akyol (U.S. Debut) at 7pm
• September 14 — Harlem Stage: 40th Anniversary Celebration at 7pm

All performances will be livestreamed for free on Bryant Park’s social media channels and website in case you can’t make it in person.

These Picnic Performances have become popular, so much so that last year, 75,000 people attended and nearly half a million watched online.

Don’t miss out—put these on your calendar this summer!

* This article was originally published here

We often invoke the expression “What’s past is prologue” to suggest the continuity of the Black experience from one generation to another. Well, a good example of that occurred recently in the Republican-led Tennessee House when two representatives thrust their fists in defiance after being banished for supporting gun control.

No, Representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson were not on the victory podium like Tommy Smith and John Carlos were in Mexico during the Olympics, but their action, along with brandishing bullhorns on the state House floor resonated with a similar conviction and determination.

They were joined by a white woman Rep. Gloria Johnson, who was not removed from the House, which drew accusations of racism.

This incident comes in the wake of notable Democratic victories in Wisconsin and Chicago, where Brandon Johnson became the Mayor-elect. The expelled Justin Jones has been reinstated, and there’s a good chance Justin Pearson will also return to his seat after a vote by the Memphis commission.

As we move closer and closer to the 2024 elections—and Biden, who has not announced a rerun, though he has told some friends he will—all of these positive developments should not be ignored by the Democratic National Convention. The other day Biden announced that the convention will be held in Chicago which is another indication of the past is prologue.

In several ways the election date is way down the road, but it will be here sooner than you expect. Either way, the DNC has to take advantage of the energy and political savvy employed in Tennessee and make sure an impetus is given to the increasing number of young citizens poised to enter the political arena.

The post Past is Prologue appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.

* This article was originally published here

On April 7, two-time Emmy nominated actor, producer, comedian, pastor, author , and Christian hip-hop artist Kel Mitchell , released his new single “Go Time,” on all digital streaming platforms. “Go Time” is an upbeat and inspirational hip-hop track and anthem for positive self-talk. The new single arrives on the heels of the recent announcement that Mitchell will reprise his iconic role from the ‘90s cult classic film, Good Burger, alongside Kenan Thompson, in a sequel slated to go into production this Spring. Says Mitchell, “Go Time’ is a daily reminder to use your faith and more when God says move!”

Keisha Knight Pulliam gave birth to her second child , a boy, on April 9, which was the “Cosby Show” alum’s 44th birthday, according to various news outlets. Pulliam posted a video on social media from her hospital bed, in which her husband, actor Brad James, was still clad in hospital scrubs. Pulliam, who currently stars on “House Of Payne,” also has a six-year-old daughter, Ella, who she shares with her ex-husband, former NFL player Ed Hartwell. Pulliam met James on the set of the TV movie “Pride and Prejudice: Atlanta” in 2019. The couple got married in September 2022.

The Living Legends Foundation (LLF) Presents its 10th Annual A.D. Washington Scholarship Golf Tournament on April 14 at the Crystal Golf & Country Club in Hampton, Georgia, located in the Greater Atlanta area. Golfers from across the country will compete in a day of golf and networking while supporting the mission of the Living Legends Foundation, which also celebrated its 30th anniversary in October 2022. The proceeds from the golf tournament will benefit the Living Legends Scholarship Program for Black college students at any accredited institution pursuing careers in the music industry, specializing in marketing, communications, distribution, and more -affiliated areas

That was some kind of high-class expensive Easter vacation that Lori Harvey and her boyfriend “Snowfall” star/producer Damson Idris, who is also currently starring on the new “Swarm” series, experienced in the Turks and Caicos Islands, reports the Daily Mail. The hot couple stayed at the luxury resort Amanyara,where two to six-bedroom villas go for over $3,000 per night

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* This article was originally published here

WASHINGTON (AP) — When the COVID-19 public health emergency ends in the U.S. next month, you’ll still have access to a multitude of tests but with one big difference: Who pays for them.

For the first time, you may have to pick up some or all of the costs, depending on insurance coverage and whether the tests are done at home or in a doctor’s office.

But there’s still time to get some free tests before the May 11 change, and there could still be free ones available afterward. Some state and local governments may continue to distribute free home tests through clinics, libraries and community centers. And the federal government, for now, is still sending free tests through the U.S. Postal Service to households that haven’t already received two shipments.

And don’t discount those old tests you haven’t used. The expiration date on the package may have been extended. The Food and Drug Administration’s website provides a list to check and see which tests are still good.

Here’s a look at what the end of the government’s emergency declaration on May 11 means for testing:

AT-HOME TESTS

The biggest changes will be for over-the-counter tests, which account for the vast majority of screening in the U.S. today.

Since early 2021, the federal government has required all private insurers to cover up to eight COVID-19 tests per month. That requirement will soon go away. Coverage is also scheduled to lapse for tens of millions of seniors in the federal government’s Medicare program, though some members of Congress are pushing to extend the benefit.

While some private insurers may continue to cover all or some home tests, there will be no longer be a nationwide rule. A two-pack of tests typically costs between $20 and $24.

“What we will see is a hodgepodge of approaches by different insurance companies, which is going to make it difficult for individuals to know what they’re going to be paying,” said Christina Silcox, of the Duke Margolis Center for Health Policy, which recently issued a report on the outlook for testing.

One exception will be for those enrolled in the government Medicaid program for low-income individuals and families, who will continue to receive free tests until September 2024.

IN-OFFICE TESTS

Americans can also expect to pay more for any COVID-19 tests performed at a hospital, clinic or doctor’s office.

Insurers have been barred from charging copays, or any other cost-sharing fees related to COVID-19 testing. That requirement also ends next month.

While insurers will still cover basic testing costs, some people could face new fees for a portion of the test’s price or for the services of the health professional performing it. Lab tests have typically ranged between $70 and $100 and some of that could be passed along to patients.

COVID-19 vaccines and drugs will remain free because they are not paid for through insurance, but by the federal government. One concern is that uncertainty around testing costs could lead to delays in treatment. Current treatments for high-risk patients, like Paxlovid, generally need to be taken within the first few days of symptoms to be effective.

If people are worried about testing costs, “they may wait a couple days to see if things clear up and miss that five-day treatment window,” Silcox said.

TESTING CAPACITY

The U.S. struggled to build up its test manufacturing capacity during the first two years of the pandemic, with demand waning after each surge. Experts worry that the country could again be caught flat-footed after the federal government stops purchasing tests in bulk.

Only after the U.S. government said it would buy 1 billion tests did production stabilize, reaching a peak of 900 million monthly tests in February 2022.

“Those bulk purchases basically guaranteed the market for test manufacturers,” said Jennifer Kates, a senior vice president with the nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation.

As of September, manufacturers were still producing over 400 million tests per month, far exceeding U.S. testing levels, according to Duke researchers.

Companies including Abbott Labs say they will be able to ramp up test production as needed. But the company declined to discuss specific production targets or how they will be impacted by the end of the health emergency.

Congress has shown little willingness to buy more tests and the Biden administration did not propose new spending in its latest budget.

“That upfront guarantee by the federal government that takes care of testing volatility won’t be there anymore,” Kates said.

TESTING TECHNOLOGY

The hundreds of different COVID-19 tests authorized by the Food and Drug Administration over the last three years will remain available after May 11. That’s because the FDA OK’d those products under a separate emergency measure that isn’t affected by the end of the national declaration.

Still, FDA officials have been encouraging test makers to apply for full regulatory approval, which will allow their products to stay on the market indefinitely. Last month, the FDA formally approved the first rapid COVID test.

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Follow Matthew Perrone on Twitter: @AP_FDAwriter

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

The post Free COVID testing will fade with US health emergency in May appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.

* This article was originally published here