April 06, 2017 

Shonassee Shaver 

Contributing Writer

 

Film, television and comedian, Michael Colyar presents “Michael Coylar’s Momma,” A Fool Telling His Truths In Two Acts.  Directed by writer and actor Iona Morris, the one-man show will debut at the ACME Comedy theater located in Hollywood at 135 N. La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036 and will debut on the weekends of April 7- 9th at 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm as well as April 14 – 16th from 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm.

 

The tour is not a comedy, but a dramatic stage production dealing with the life of Michael Corlyar. “The play tells my story,” he said. “Michael Coylar’s Momma,” showcases a timeline of ups and downs of the comedian, chronicling his admiration for his mother, childhood, life and career in Hollywood.

 

A Chicago native, Colyar always wanted to be an actor and go to Hollywood. He admits it wasn’t always easy getting and staying there. His journey of himself going through his personal and professional turmoil presents itself in the play. Colyer is transparent in the show, staging an honest dialogue for his fans and peers to witness.

 

“The show is about how my life has transcended,” stated Colyar.

 

“I peeled my skin off and gave it to them rough,” Colyar referencing to how he hones in on a raw performance for the production.

 

He had a special relationship with his mother. Influenced by his mother’s love and support, the one-man show is not just about himself but a dedication to his mother.

 

He had strong drive to go far ‘West’ towards Hollywood.  As a child he knew his calling was to become a performer. “I always wanted to go to Hollywood. I remember being 6 or 7 years old wanting to run away to Hollywood, wanting to run West.” Colyar recalls his eagerness to entertain the world as comedic actor, starring in high school plays. He journeyed from Chicago to Tinseltown, hoping to conquer Hollywood. In “Michael Colyar’s Momma,” this real-life excerpt expresses his desire to become an entertainer and make people laugh.

 

Although, he made it to Hollywood, he dealt with money woes, stating, “I have been rich twice and have been broke seventeen times,” he jokes.

 

Colyar captures his truth; sharing his struggle with substance abuse in the play. He battled an intense drug addiction to crack cocaine and recovered and is happy to announce that on March 6, 2017 marked another year of sobriety for himself. He suggests that the connection between artists and substance abuse can be a common thread in the entertainment industry. With the help of his mother, wife Kelly and spiritual journey, helped him to overcome his addiction.

 

After his mother died, he believes his mother sent Kelly to him. He credits her for supporting him through his struggle.

 

“Michael Colyar’s Momma” captures personal bouts and his career in Hollywood.

 

Honored by the success of the play as well as earning the praises of his peers, Colyar reveals how special it was that Louis Gossett Jr., Angela Bassett and Jenifer Lewis raved about his performance in the show. Tina Knowles came to the play with husband and actor Richard Lawson.  Knowles was impressed by his jokes, that she used them on her Instagram account the next day. “I love to inspire others,” said Colyar.

 

“If you like your momma, you’re going to love this show. If you like me and your momma, you’re going to love this show,” Colyar reveals in his comedy style.

 

Despite a rollercoaster life in and out of the spotlight, Colyar has been entertaining fans with his talents forever while working alongside some of the hottest actors. Colyar received his first big break, co-starring with Robert Townsend and Keenen Ivory Wayans in “Hollywood Shuffle,” Angela Bassett in “What’s Love Got to Do With It”, director John Singleton’s “Poetic Justice” and Ice Cube and KeKe Palmer in “Long Shots.”

 

His film credits extend to being a voiceover artist in “The Princess and the Frog” and “The Cleveland Show” as well as popular sitcoms “Martin,” The Bernie Mac Show,” “Def Jam,” “Comic View,” “The Parkers,” “Everybody Hates Chris” and “Black-ish.”

 

Considering his obstacles, he has led a long career, stating, “I am celebrating 30 years in the game.”

 

Colyar has achieved success in the business, however, he is still proud of being the King of Venice Beach, where he would entertain the crowd performing comedy skits for 9 years.

 

An author to poetry book for adult children, “Miss Innocent goes to Kool Skool and Other Silly Stuff,” ‘Michael Goes Motivational,” “A Funny Thing Happen on the Way to the White House” detailing former President Barack Obama accomplishments, Colyar is currently working his 2nd book.

 

Beyond a triple threat, Colyar is a radio personality to The Michael Colyar Morning Show, I Get Up Late!

 

A man of many feats attributes that his faith in God got him back on the right track, sober and continuing to do what he loves to do. The veteran has used his tragedy and triumph to become a motivational speaker.

 

On the secret to longevity and continued success, “don’t give up,” he answers. Colyar states you have to be passionate about what you do in life.  “I don’t perform for money, but I get plenty of it.”  You have to love what you do and do it the best!”

 

Colyar has a host of gigs lined up, be sure to continue to keep up with the legendry comedian by visiting  therealmichaelcolyar.com and follow him at twitter.com/MichaelColyar, instagram.com/michael_colyar and www.facebook.com/MichaelColyarFanPage.

 

Go to brownpapertickets.com/ event/2901841 to purchase tickets for “Michael Colyar’s Momma,” as he shares his pain and laughter with the world in his one-man show. 

March 30, 2017

Aries   

March 21 – April 19 

The New Moon in Aries on Monday is the best of the year for you. It’s the time to make a fresh start in any areas you see fit. This is a great opportunity to write down your plans for the coming year in as much detail as possible, visualize them, and refer to them often. At the same time, the coming week could see you pushing ahead with an idea that you are quite passionate about. If other people are involved, careful negotiation may be in order.

  

Taurus 

May 21 - Jun 20 

If you’ve been thinking about starting a spiritual practice, such as meditation, journaling, or yoga, this is the week to make a start. The New Moon in a secluded sector of your chart could encourage you to go within and explore those hidden depths. There is more, though, as you may feel moved to take up a project that has fallen by the wayside. After close analysis you may find that it has a lot more potential than you realized.

 

Gemini 

May 21 - Jun 20 

If you’ve recently joined a group or have been thinking about it, today’s New Moon can be confirmation that you’re on the right track. You may feel that you’ve come to the right place as the people you connect with instantly seem like friends, which can be very reassuring. As Mercury, your personal planet, eases into a secluded sector of your chart at the end of the week, periods of reflection could be very good for you.

  

Cancer 

Jun 21 - Jul 22 

An opportunity associated with your career or ambition of yours may be in the cards this week. With the New Moon prompting you, you might want to go for it. This is a sterling time to do so, provided that you aren’t in too much of a hurry. With Venus in this same sector and currently retrograde, things could change over the weeks ahead. If you adopt a step-by-step approach, you’ll be able to navigate these with skill and confidence.

 

Leo 

Jul 23 - Aug 22 

This week’s New Moon can be a great opportunity to upgrade your skill set or consider a course of study that paves the way for a better job or improved business prospects. Anything that can expand your horizons can be really good for you now. And with Mars in the topmost sector of your chart encouraging you to take your place in the spotlight, anything that can help you to do so is very welcome at this time.

 

Virgo 

Aug 23 - Sep 22 

Today’s New Moon could bring an opportunity to explore a business idea or financial plan, especially if it encourages a fresh start. This could be very welcome to you, as the idea of turning over a new leaf may seem particularly appealing now. Just take the first steps over the next day or so and get the ball rolling. Later in the week, an idea that is deeply meaningful to you could move to the top of your priority list in a big way.

 

Libra 

Sep 23 - Oct 22 

A fresh start may be possible in a key relationship, especially with today’s New Moon encouraging you or another to make the first move. Whether this is a budding romance or long-term partnership, the current blend of energies offers a gear change, which might involve committing further or taking on a challenge that both of you relish. On another note, you might need to compromise regarding a family issue, but this may mean that you end up making the bigger sacrifice.

  

Scorpio 

Oct 23 - Nov 21 

A New Moon in your lifestyle sector could encourage you to take a look at the way your daily life is panning out. Is it time for a change? The current blend of energies suggests it may be. Perhaps starting with health and wellness issues can put you on a more positive track. In addition, a plan that is very dear to you on a personal level may need a few adjustments before you make a start.

 

Sagittarius 

Nov 22 - Dec 21 

The week ahead can provide an chance to take up a hobby or pastime that you enjoy very much. Small beginnings could lead to a profitable business and future if you play your cards right. The urge to be more creative and explore your potential in this area could lead to big things if this is something you’re passionate about. The move of Venus into your home and family sector hints at plenty of chances to entertain at home.

 

Capricorn 

Dec 22 - Jan 19 

A new beginning may be likely on the home front this week and something you’ve been considering for some time. Conditions could come together now to make this possible, particularly if other family members are ready for a discussion. Regarding a key plan, you might need to let go of some preconceived ideas before it can flourish. A chance to reconnect with someone may be very welcome and something at the top of your priority list this week.

 

Aquarius 

Jan 20 - Feb 18 

Opportunities abound in the coming days, but one in particular could be great news for you, especially if it encourages a new beginning. It might be a good idea to bide your time regarding this, as with Venus retrograde there could be a few changes in the weeks ahead. Make inquiries and take some tentative steps, but be prepared to adapt should the need arise. Mercury’s move into your home and family sector can be a chance for some key conversations to take

  

Pisces 

Feb 19 - Mar 20 

The week ahead may be a call to take a closer look at your budget and perhaps create a new one that is more balanced and appropriate to your current needs. With Mars, your financial planet, now moving through Taurus, it can be worthwhile to network with people who can help you make the most of your present income. This can be a time to gather knowledge and understand how you can enhance your financial security while still enjoying life.

March 30, 2017 

By Lapacazo Sandoval 

Contributing Writer 

 

Transgendered artist Yance Ford is angry and he has every right to be.  In 1992 her brother, William Ford Jr., an innocent and unarmed Black man, 24 years of age was murdered by a “suspected killer,” a 19-year-old white man and was not indicted by a white judge and an all-white jury.  To chronicle this injustice filmmaker Yance Ford made the powerful documentary “Strong Island”  which has been described as “a memoir” of a true crime.  A crime that leaves the viewer shaking their head is utter disbelief.

 

Netflix recently announced their acquisition of “Strong Island” which had its world premiere at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival,  and then went on to screen to great acclaim at both the Berlin and True/False film festivals and was screened, this month as part of New Directors/New Films, presented by The Museum of Modern Art and The Film Society of Lincoln Center.  “Strong Island” will launch globally on Netflix and in limited theatrical release.

 

“Because Netflix is a global platform, Strong Island will be seen by communities around the world who are dealing with the issues that are unpacked on screen,” said Ford.  It's my hope that this film will offer some a way to make sense of their own experience, and others a new way of seeing. Nothing comes close to describing how astonishing it is for me, that the world will in some measure come to know my brother.”

 

“Strong Island further highlights the scope of what kinds of stories can be told through documentary filmmaking,” Netflix VP of Original Documentary Programming Lisa Nishimura added. “Yance Ford’s intimate re-telling of his family’s history of love, violence, and loss is filtered through such a personal lens that each shot captures the complexity of the film’s many intersecting threads of race, sexuality, class, and gender; yet the explosiveness of each of these topics in our current cultural conversation is undeniably wide-ranging.”

 

Here is a brief excerpt with director Yance Ford:

 

Q: Your brothers’s death was in 1992. The same year that four LAPD Officers were acquitted from their beating of the late Rodney King; an unarmed Black man.  Did this have any impact on why you decided to make “Strong Island?”

 

Yance Ford: On the night that riots engulfed South Central Los Angeles, I sat in my college dorm room transfixed by the televised images, silent and awake. On April 29, 1992 four LAPD Officers were acquitted of the most serious criminal charges from their beating of Rodney King. The Defense made the argument that the videotape did not represent reality, that the jury could not believe their eyes, that “something else” had happened to justify the beating.

 

[Just] Twenty-two days before, my older brother had been shot and killed by a 19 year-old white man who claimed he fired in self-defense. William, who was unarmed, was described as “the nicest guy in the world, but then something would happen, something would come over him” and the police pursued a line of inquiry designed to characterize William as a menace.

 

Q: In the press notes when you are asked “why” you made the film you answered: “When I first began this film my goals were simple- uncover why my brother’s murder went unpunished and look at what injustice lived out over time had done to my family,” but I am asking you — now — why did you really make “Strong Island?”

 

YF:  THIS IS WHY:

 

Officer Darren Wilson admits:

 

1) Michael Brown never tried to take his gun.

 

2) Michael Brown never tried to hit or grab the officer.

 

3) Darren Wilson grabbed Michael Brown without provocation.

 

4) Darren Wilson fired a second shot and missed Michael Brown as he was running away with his back to the officer.

 

5) Darren Wilson shot Michael Brown in the face, and then shot again and hit the top of Michael Brown’s head.

 

6) Michael Brown did not reach for his waistband, his hands were up at his chest.

 

7) Darren Wilson fired 10 bullets at the unarmed Michael Brown.

 

8) Darren Wilson tampered with evidence by a) washing his hands of Michael Brown's blood; b) clearing his own gun; and c) bagging the gun.

 

9) Darren Wilson’s fiancee (at the time, now wife) was a Training Officer at the Ferguson Police Department, and assisted him in compromising the integrity of the evidence.

 

10) Darren Wilson has been formally disciplined for misconduct and accused of excessive force as an officer.

 

11) Darren Wilson has used racial slurs against black people.

 

Injustice thrives in silence and it was my job to destroy that silence.