September 15, 2016 

LAWT News Service 

After an 8-year hiatus, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) has announced the return of Jazz at Drew on October 1.  Founded in 1991, Jazz at Drew enjoyed an 18-year run.  The event calls alumni and friends of CDU back "home" to the CDU campus.  In its 8-year absence, CDU has been focused on strengthening its academic programs as well as adding new schools and programs like its Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing, and its Physician Assistant Program and stabilizing its executive leadership. This year CDU celebrated its 50th anniversary, stronger than ever.  Jazz at Drew is the culminating celebration of an entire year of marking that milestone.

 

Many of the event’s past performers have been invited back for the relaunch.  They will join new talents and surprise guests who will share the stage on this historic occasion.  And, all of them will be playing and singing their hearts out for the benefit of CDU students.

 

CDU President and CEO Dr. David Carlisle is credited with the return of Jazz at Drew. Certainly it has been a question since he arrived in 2011.

 

When the executive team asked the question about what to do to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the return of Jazz at Drew was the answer. The planning team includes retired Jazz at Drew founder Roland Betts, who held a variety of positions at CDU for 32 years. “Jazz at Drew was like a healing force in this community and we adopted the theme of building cultural bridges through music,” said Betts. “I will do whatever is needed to ensure its success.”

 

The lineup reflects some of the most talented performers in jazz.  Rickey Minor is known for leading the Tonight Show Band, master drummer Ndugu Chancler will bring surprise guests, as will Poncho Sanchez and His Latin Jazz Band.  Famed violinist Karen Briggs, the vocal range of Dwight Trible, Anthony Faulkner, GB5, guitarist Paul Jackson, Jr. and Terrace Martin round out the lineup.

 

“Yes, it’s about the artists, yes, it’s about the University and yes, it is about the community but really, the special thing about the event is it is about all of the above,” said President Carlisle.  “It’s about bringing everything together and becoming a celebration in and of itself. It’s really a complete package.”

 

“Coming to Jazz at Drew, you get to experience the music, the people the culture the food but more importantly, you’re going to be helping out students that will grow with the program, will graduate and then come back and help support you as a community,” said Amin Maghsoodi, Admissions Director.

 

Jazz at Drew is presented by Dignity Health, while the Office of L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas is Health Pavilion sponsor. Gold sponsors are The California Endowment, Aids Healthcare Foundation, Avanti Hospitals and Daniel, Russell, and Charles, Co., LLC. Radio stations KTWV and KJLH are presenting Media Sponsors and the Los Angeles Sentinel and Pace News are Print Media sponsors. Jazz at Drew Scholar Sponsors include Good Samaritan Hospital, Jemmott Rollins Group, Inc., RFP Insurance Agency, WattsHealth, Aetna, Altamed, and Arthur J. Gallagher and Company.

 

For ticket and other information visit jazzatdrew.com/tickets or www.cdrewu.edu.

September 15, 2016 

Aries   

March 21 – April 19 

The week ahead could be a little bit emotional with the Lunar Eclipse building over the days ahead and coming to a peak on Friday. You may find that it helps to make your schedule lighter and easier, as the Eclipse can bring unexpected events or even drama at work or in everyday life. Even so, you have the support of others as lucky Jupiter starts its journey in your relationship sector. Whatever the problem, someone will come along to help out. 

 

Taurus 

May 21 - Jun 20 

Is it wise to commit to a relationship? This question may be on your mind in the week ahead and could be highlighted by the Lunar Eclipse on Friday. If you find yourself falling in love, it might be best to hold back for a week or so to get your bearings. Relationships begun at the time of the Eclipse can often take an unexpected path. Don't be in too much of a rush to get together just yet.

  

Gemini 

May 21 - Jun 20 

There could be some disagreements at home that need careful handling. If you can't reach a compromise early in the week, then you may find that things come to a head at the time of the Eclipse on Friday. Therefore, it would be better to resolve any niggling issues sooner rather than later. The weekend could bring an interesting encounter that broadens your horizons or connects you to an exciting opportunity you won't want to miss.

 

Cancer 

 Jun 21 - Jul 22 

You may not see eye to eye with someone at work, making for an edgy start to the week. It could be because one of you is focused on the details while the other is looking at the bigger picture. If you can embrace both ends of the spectrum, you might achieve a lot more. And with a Lunar Eclipse in your sector of travel and exploration, you may find that a trip takes on a very different meaning or purpose than the one intended.

 

Leo 

Jul 23 - Aug 22 

You may be wondering whether to play it safe or purchase a big-ticket item or experience. With Mercury retrograde in your financial sector, it might be better to wait until after September 21. Opting for a small luxury or treat may tide you over. Emotions could rise to the surface this week with a Lunar Eclipse in your sector of shared assets. Bearing this in mind, it might be wise to play it safe if you're concerned about unexpected expenses.

 

Virgo 

Aug 23 - Sep 22 

A conflict at home could upset your plans unless you can find a way to compromise. In fact, this might be the better option. With a Lunar Eclipse in your opposite sign later in the week, lingering tension could come to a head. It might be best to make a few small sacrifices rather than find yourselves at loggerheads. If someone is proving to be more trouble than they're worth, it might be time for a heart-to-heart chat.

 

Libra 

Sep 23 - Oct 22 

Even if Jupiter at the very beginning of your sign brought a positive event or new confidence your way, this week still needs careful handling. Early on you may find it difficult to negotiate with a certain person, which could make you flustered. It might be best to go with the flow, because a Lunar Eclipse in your lifestyle sector means unexpected changes could scuttle your plans anyway. That said, the weekend could bring an upbeat surprise your way.

  

Scorpio 

Oct 23 - Nov 21 

Issues related to your social life could come to a head this week, particularly because the Lunar Eclipse can stir up feelings. If you didn't deal with a situation when it happened, you might feel like bringing it up now. But tread carefully. There could be a tendency to overreact, which could spoil a good friendship or relationship. Also, avoid starting a romance too quickly. Give it a week or so before you make a critical decision.

  

Sagittarius 

Nov 22 - Dec 21 

This week's Lunar Eclipse could affect both home and career issues and even spotlight a situation that involves both. If you feel someone is preventing you from pursuing a goal or dream, the frustration could be evident this week. However, it would be best not to act without thinking things through. If you take the time to explain your views, this person could come around. If not, you could decide to go ahead anyway.

 

Capricorn 

Dec 22 - Jan 19 

If you've been confused about what you want in life, things may begin to fall into place over the coming weeks. Indeed, with Jupiter at the very beginning of your career and ambition sector, you may find that your confidence increases and with it the ability to trust that you're making wise decisions. With a Lunar Eclipse this Friday, think very carefully about taking on a challenge or opportunity. Research the details in depth before you commit.

 

Aquarius 

Jan 20 - Feb 18 

With Jupiter newly in your sector of travel and study, the world is your oyster. New possibilities can open for you, bringing you the chance to expand your horizons. With a Lunar Eclipse building this week and peaking on Friday, take it easy regarding finances and your personal accounts. It might be wise to monitor your spending, as an unexpected bill or expense could appear. The weekend could bring a lively encounter that feels like a breath of fresh air.

  

Pisces 

Feb 19 - Mar 20 

Be very careful if you're arranging a contract or attempting to close a deal this week. With Mercury retrograde in your sector of relating and the Lunar Eclipse in your sign, it might be wise to refrain from making any commitments now. The week ahead could spotlight the reasons why it would be better to wait. This doesn't mean the end of a deal or opportunity. It offers the chance for further discussion and negotiation that could work in your favor. 

September 15, 2016 

By Kam Williams 

Contributing Writer 

Beginning as a stand-up comedian, Craig Robinson first made his mark on the comedy circuit at the 1998 Montreal “Just for Laughs” Festival. Now headlining venues and festivals across the country, he does both solo acts as well as full-band sets with his band, “The Nasty Delicious.”

 

Before deciding to pursue his comedy career full time, Craig was a K-8 teacher in the Chicago Public School System. He earned his undergraduate degree from Illinois State and his Masters of Education from St. Xavier University.

 

It was while studying Education that he also discovered a love of acting and comedy when he joined the famed Second City Theatre. Craig is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Darryl Philban on the TV series “The Office,” but he’s also starred in such movies as Knocked Up, This Is the End, Hot Tub Time Machine, Hot Tub Time Machine 2 and Sausage Party, as well as his very own TV sitcom, “Mr. Robinson.”

 

Here, Craig talks about his latest film, “Morris from America.”

 

Kam Williams: Hi Craig, thanks for another opportunity to chat with you. How’re you doing?

 

Craig Robinson: I’m good, Kam, how about yourself?

 

KW: I’m doing fine, thanks. I really enjoyed Morris from America, which represents a bit of a departure for you, being a dramatic role. What interested you in the project. 

 

CR: I liked the way that my character talked. I liked the way that Curtis and his son kinda got through to each other... the way they rolled through the little stuff to get to what's really important.And I just felt that he was layered.

 

KW: I think that chemistry between Curtis and Morris was critical to the success of the film. How long did you get to know and to practice with Markees Christmas prior to shooting?

 

CR: We only got to meet once to say hello to each other before he flew over to Germany. He was already there about three or four weeks before I arrived. We had one rehearsal the night I arrived, and then we were shooting the next day. Yeah, that’s about how much time we had, but we still had very good chemistry.   

 

KW: Yeah. Your characters feel a little isolated as newcomers to Germany. Did you feel alienated there in real-life also?

 

CR: [Chuckles] No, when I’m traveling, I tend to keep my mind open, because I’m on the lookout for what I’m going to learn about myself. So, I didn’t feel isolated or alienated. We had a good time, and we were in Heidelberg and Berlin, two completely different places.  Heidelberg is quaint and sweet, while Berlin is just sexy.

 

KW: I’ve heard that Berlin is very cosmopolitan and that most people speak English there.

 

CR: Yes, it’s very easy to get around in Berlin. And they have Uber.

 

KW: Did you perform any of the songs on the Morris from America soundtrack?

 

CR: I don’t know if it made the soundtrack, but that was me doing Biggie’s “It Was All a Dream” in the scene in the bedroom with the girl.

 

KW: Did you have any hesitation about signing on to do a film set in Germany that was being directed by Chad Hartigan, a guy born in Cyprus and raised in the U.S.

 

CR: No, I really, really liked the script and the the main characters' relationship. I felt like it was something I could sink my teeth into. I also liked the challenge of making an indie movie which I felt could expand my horizons. It was all very exciting to me, including doing it in Germany. and remember, Chad was taking a chance on me, as well. I’m grateful to director David Gordon Green [Pineapple express] for highly recommending me. 

 

KW: Did you ever study German?

 

CR: In the third grade, I had a German music teacher who taught us a few German folk songs like O Tannenbaum. No, I never really studied German. For this film, I learned to speak my dialogue phonetically.

 

KW: I think you did a great job.

 

CR: Thanks, man.

 

KW: Besides you and Markees, I also think Lina Keller was great as his love interest.

 

CR: Yeah, she killed it! She really stands out because you kinda don't where she’s coming from, but she feels genuine. She played it perfectly. She’s something else! And Carla Juri was great, too.  

 

KW: I also enjoyed Sausage Party, your other movie that’s currently in theaters. I interviewed Seth Rogen for that one. How does he manage to assemble such great ensemble casts for his pictures?

 

CR: Trust! He puts out quality movies. He’s fun to work with. and you know that you’re going to be allowed to improvise and be presented in your best light. If he calls, I’m like, “Let’s go! Yeah, let’s do it!” 

 

KW: What would you say was the message of Sausage Party?

 

CR: I’d say it’s about everybody coming together for a common cause.

 

KW: And what would you say was the message of Morris from America?

 

CR: Being able to get through stuff and grow.   

 

KW: What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

 

CR: You want me to just admit that for the public?

 

KW: Yeah, then I could tweet it to the world. 

 

CR: Getting into comedy, thinking I could actually be successful at it.

 

KW: The Dana Perino question: What keeps you up at night?

 

CR: Sleep apnea. [Chuckles] 

 

KW: Would you mind giving me a good generic question I could ask other celebrities?

 

CR: Sure, what's the last thing you dreamt about?

 

KW: That’s very good! thanks. 

 

CR: You’re welcome.

 

KW: And thanks again for the time, Craig, and best of luck with both films.

 

CR: Thanks, Kam, always a pleasure. Take care.

 

To see a trailer for Morris from America, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKhFNgFdbDk