Football fans will not have to sacrifice watching delayed games from Brazil the way they were forced to in 2010 when South Africa hosted the FIFA competitions. On this go-round SOBs (Sounds of Brazil) in Manhattan promises live coverage from June 12 until July 13 when the competition ends.
For the second time in the 74-year history of FIFA World cup competitions, Brazil is the host nation for 32 qualifying countries. Although no English-speaking Caribbean country made the cut, Honduras will carry the banner for those cheering the region’s best football players.
Costa Rica, a Spanish speaking nation will also represent.
Africa is sending teams from Nigeria, Cameroon, Algeria, Ghana and the Ivory Coast. And from North America, Mexico and the United States will kick-off the continent’s boot-strapped champions.
The lion-share of qualifiers include: Europe and South America with South Korea and Japan claiming Asia’s role in the quadrilateral contests.
Anyone interested in viewing the competitive sport should contact www.sobs.com.
‘INVINCIBLE’ TRIBUTE FOR MICHAEL JACKSON
There will be no hologram of Michael Jackson when Lehman Center for the Performing Arts delivers a multi-media live performance honoring his legacy with a presentation billed “Invincible: A Glorious Tribute To Michael Jackson.” Slated for June 21 at 8:00 p.m. an exclusive New York City engagement will feature songs from the newly released chart-topping album “Xscape” and songs from the album including the hit single “Love Never Felt So Good” “Loving You,” “Blue Gangster” and “Slave to The Rhythm,” the track which received worldwide attention recently when it was showcased at the 2014 Billboard Music Awards with a hologram performance of the King of Pop dancing to his lyrics. The Black Music Month tribute will feature and star three talented performers who each will deliver the essence and talent of the entertainer who died June 25, 2009. Ivan Kelley will retrace the period the young lead-singer of the group the Jackson Five made his debut on Motown records. Jeffrey Perez will rekindle the time-frame that the singer/songwriter honed his own career as a solo singer and won the hearts of music lovers throughout the world. And Pete Carter will re-live the years the spirited dancer pioneered the Moonwalk and other MJ-specific dance routines.
Undoubtedly, each will deliver hits such as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Thriller” “Smooth Criminal,” Earth Song” and many of the favorites that topped the charts of the era. With family appeal an integral concern, visuals and guest performances by the Harlem GospeLive singers, beat-box talent Kenny Muhammad The Human Orchestra, a Litefeet dance performance by NYC’s own W.A.F.F.L.E. and a live band with master percussionists and singers will highlight the tribute.
Created, produced and directed by Bessie Award winner Darrin Ross, the production will be choreographed by Brandon Albright, Pete Carter, Lavon Patterson and Victor Lewis Jr. Doron Lev is the musical director.
Lehman College is located at 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West in the Bronx. For more info. Log onto www.lehmancenter.org
‘THIS IS JAMAICA…MY JAMAICA!’ LAUNCHES ISLANDWIDE FESTIVAL 2014
Plans for Jamaica Festival 2014 were announced on June 4 when Lisa Hanna, the island’s minister of culture announced that this year event will be staged under the theme “This is Jamaica…My Jamaica!”
Reportedly an artistic team conceptualized a redesigned program towards the continued strengthening of the cultural and creative industries. Integrated this year is an expansion of activities in the areas of literature, film, television, culinary and fashion.
For the June 4 launch, the minister requested media and other patrons who attended the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre to celebrate the theme by adhering to a dress code that boasts the national colors of black, green and gold. The former beauty queen and current Member of Parliament yielded with flexibility to fashion permitting outfits enhanced by a “Tups a White.”
More on the program in next week’s Life column.
Catch You On The Inside!
