Turn The Page: A Movement to Uplift Black-Owned Bookstores

Turn The Page is an anti-capitalist movement to uplift Black-Owned bookstores, Black literature, and Black voices. Our collective is made up of artists, activists, and allies. We are Queer and Black + Latinx-led, grounded in Black radical, feminist, queer, and anti-capitalist thought.

Our movement began after observing people throughout the country turning to white-owned bookstores like Amazon to purchase anti-racist literature. Frustrated by this, we challenged the folx in our networks: commit instead to 1) supporting Black bookstores with monthly purchases, 2) reading and engaging with the Black-authored literature, and 3) getting friends to join you in this work.

Turn The Page partners with Black-owned bookstores to build a relationship that centers the bookstores needs. Our current partnership is with SOURCE OF KNOWLEDGE (SOK), one of two Black-owned bookstores in all of New Jersey. With our bookstore partner, we collaborate on bi-monthly Black Liberation Literature Collections for our reader communities and virtual events related to our featured works.

Recently, we launched our August-September Collection, full of beautiful works we encourage you all to add to your bookshelves. All of the books can be ordered directly from SOK through our website. Also, we have set out to raise $25K for Read and Feed, SOK’s free yearly literacy program. We have raised $9,000 so far, but continue to need your support to reach our goal.
We invite you to join the movement however you're able!

“Believing in something is never enough. We must turn our beliefs into collective action.”
- Charlene Carruthers

Facebook URL: http://www.facebook.com/turnthepagemovement/

Twitter URL: http://twitter.com/ttpmovement

Instagram URL: http://instagram.com/turnthepagemovement

Other Website: http://turnthepagemovement.org

Slime Queen EP out, debut album forthcoming September

Poet/writer/Fulbright Fellow/singer/producer Julie Chen '17 released her debut EP "Some Slower Songs" on July 28, 2020, with features from Michelle Navis '17 and Josh Chen '14, and cover art by Simon Wu '17. Stream it on SoundCloud now at https://soundcloud.com/sssslimequeen/sets/slime-queen-some-slower-songs, and stay tuned by following @sssslimequeen on SoundCloud and Instagram for the debut album "Slime Season 2020" forthcoming September and ensuing live performances!

Online Recording Class for YouTube, Soundcloud, Instagram

IVA Voice Studio is offering a weekly online seminar for students to learn how to record their creative work in a home studio and post that content on online music forums like Instagram, SoundCloud, and YouTube. With the help of Universal Music artist IVA and New School of Jazz and Contemporary music trained Michelle Ley, you will:

* Learn to record with hardware and software that you already have or that is easy to access
* Create a space at home in which you can make high quality recordings
* Record audio and video that makes your listeners/viewers pay attention
* Learn how to promote your creative work online
* Get help creating and promoting your Social Media accounts
* Get help registering your original work if necessary with ASCAP or BMI to protect it
* Perform/present online LIVE with your classmates
* BONUS – private follow-up strategy session to help keep your recording going strong.
Detailed Curriculum: https://ivavoice.com/online-class/

Facebook URL: http://facebook.com/ivavoice

Instagram URL: http://instagram.com/iva_voice/

Other Website: http://ivavoice.com/online-class/

Other: https://linktr.ee/ivavoice

My essay on Tibetan bardo/COVID-19/Japanese "ma" in Kyoto Journal

I'm delighted to have an essay, "In the Cave," in Kyoto Journal 98! This beautiful issue focuses on the Japanese concept of "ma": empty space with creative potential. I wrote about the connection between the Tibetan idea of "bardo" (the interval between death and rebirth, as well as any period when our ordinary reality is suspended), COVID-19, and ma: "The epidemic interval we're experiencing is an in-between like ma, like bardo...space charged with possibility." The issue is available through the Kyoto Journal website: https://bit.ly/32oiEYO

'Our Philadelphia,' a new documentary short about the untold aftermath of gun violence

This summer, in collaboration with a group of teenagers, Nora Gross '08 produced a documentary short, 'Our Philadelphia.' The film offers a rare peek into the aftermath of neighborhood gun violence and particularly how it impacts the young friends of victims. The young people who directed the film and are featured in it, all Black male teenagers, share openly about the memories of their friends, the way they cope with their grief, and their hopes and fears for the future.

The film's virtual premiere on YouTube on July 11, 2020 was followed by a Q&A over Zoom with two of the film's youth directors. More information as well as links to the 15 minute film and recorded Q&A can be found at: http://www.camrapenn.org/ourphiladelphia

The themes of the film are connected to Gross' doctoral dissertation which she just completed at the University of Pennsylvania (Sociology and Education). She is now starting as a Visiting Assistant Professor at Boston College, and working on a second short film emerging from this project about the experiences of the mothers of gun violence victims.

Short documentary featured on The New Yorker

Just wanted to share my short documentary Yves & Variation, which is an observational portrait of a New York City doorman, violinist, father, art dealer, and philanthropist. The film was published by The New Yorker in August!

My New Book is Available for Pre-Order on Amazon!

Hi Fellow Princetonian!
I hope you are well. I wanted to let you know that my book, "Don't Mess with Stress™--A Simple Guide to Managing Stress, Optimizing Stress, and Making the World a Better Place" is launching right now in Kindle format for Pre-Order on Amazon! Both e-book and paperback are set to release on November 17th.
Please see the link if you would like to purchase it:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08FHP723C/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_bAOmFbRD7SQ5M

Thank you so much for your support!
Warmly,
Jill

New Facebook Group Quizes your Knowledge of Visual Culture

"Guess the Artist"--created by an Art & Architecture alum, is a thrice-weekly Facebook quiz testing connoisseurship and knowledge of iconography, history, influences, and other aspects of visual culture, based on a selected image. Examples might be little-known works by well-known names, album covers, advertising images, doodles, etc. -- intended to engender dialogue and debate about who, what, and/or why. Current members include art specialists and keen novices -- the point is to have fun, test your eye, and take a break from the usual FB fare. Search the Facebook group "Guess the Artist" and ask to join -- everyone welcome.

Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/groups/602904116990161/

Majesty: American Royals II

My new novel, Majesty, comes out September 1! Majesty is the sequel to American Royals, which reimagines present-day America as a constitutional monarchy (think a modern version of The Crown, by way of Crazy Rich Asians). It follows all the drama and romance of the American royal family, focusing on the young woman who will be our very first queen. The Guardian called it “a soapy, escapist blockbuster,” and the Skimm said “we couldn’t put this one down.” Available 9/1 wherever books are sold!

Ticket Website: https://www.getunderlined.com/books/598279/american-royals-ii-majesty-by-katharine-mcgee/

Facebook URL: https://www.facebook.com/KatharineMcGeeBooks/

Instagram URL: https://www.instagram.com/katharinemcgee/feed/?hl=en

My interview with Iranian-American writer Porochista Khakpour for Guernica, and a writing class at HEC Paris

I talked with Iranian-American novelist and essayist Porochista Khakpour for Guernica about imagination, creative freedom, and Khakpour’s wonderful new essay collection, BROWN ALBUM. Imagination, Khakpour says, “is an important word for our current moment,...tied to a moral impulse or collective morality, and we need to be able to tap into that.” (https://bit.ly/304R7f3)

Also in July, I was delighted to speak with high school students at HEC Paris about the power of writing, how finding our voices through the written word allows us to explore and engage with ourselves and the world. (https://bit.ly/2WXgsVZ)

Website: http://www.anntashislater.com

R Middleton Abstract Paintings in Your Mailbox or Online

My decades long journey in abstract expressionist painting started at 185 Nassau. This year was to be the launch of a dream art gallery and events space in my hometown, Jacksonville, Florida. A few short weeks after opening night everything changed. Now I am pursuing a transformed mission to bring art directly to others wherever they may be during these challenging times. I am sending "Rart Bouquets" in the mail to anywhere in the world, starting at $30. You can also check out HUMANISM, the exhibition of large abstract paintings that hung on the walls for months with no one to view it. It's all at my website, www.RMiddleton.art. I'm also extremely active at Instagram.com/RMiddleton.art

Facebook URL: http://www.facebook.com/rmiddleton.art/

Instagram URL: http://www.instagram.com/rmiddleton.art/

Other Website: http://www.RMiddleton.art

Announcing School of American Ballet's Ballet Connoisseurship Seminar Series, Fall 2020 Digital Season

Ballet Connoisseurship is an educational offering for adults providing seasoned ballet goers, patrons, students, scholars, and newcomers alike with knowledge and perspectives that will enhance their appreciation of ballet. School of American Ballet Executive Director Carrie W. Hinrichs '97 conceived the program, and it is curated by Alexis Branagan '11. Ballet Connoisseurship seminars will be digital this Fall, with live Zoom sessions weekly on Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30pm, September 2 through October 7. Each seminar is available for individual registration. The first three seminars are on the theme Celebrating NYC, Jerome Robbins Style. The latter three courses fall under the theme of Comedy in Ballet. Speakers include: former NYC Ballet ballerinas Patricia McBride, Susan Pilarre, Stephanie Saland, and Jenifer Ringer; NYC Ballet principal dancer Adrian Danchig-Waring; and Broadway actress Nancy Tincotin.

Ticket Website: http://sab.org/ballet-connoisseurship/

The Trojan War Museum and Other Stories Available in Paperback

The story collection The Trojan War Museum by Ayse Papatya Bucak P'93 will be published in paperback by Norton on August 22, 2020. The collection was awarded The Spotlight Award by the Story Prize and was short-listed for the PEN/Robert W Bingham award for a debut short story collection.

Twitter URL: @thefreemfa

Other Website: http://aysebucak.com

Heartbeat Opera seeks Managing Director

Dear Heartbeat Community,

We hope this email finds you healthy and well! Heartbeat Opera is hiring a full time Managing Director. We are hoping for an ambitious, energetic partner to join our close-knit collaboration--and outside-the-box thinker and leader who will take pride co-steering Heartbeat through this pandemic and onto a thriving future.

Do you know great people who might be interested in applying? We would be so grateful if you could forward this email to any potential candidates we should meet, as well as spread the word on social media. Thank you so much!

All best wishes,

The Heartbeat Team


Click here to learn more
https://www.heartbeatopera.org/jobs

Brandon Michael Lowden '09 Contributes Songs to International Virtual Collaboration Project

In WeSongCycle from Performing Arts Tokyo, the next generation of musical theater creators come together globally via the Internet to build a song cycle with input from mentors and industry professionals. The creative process will be recorded and presented as a six-episode YouTube documentary, culminating in a presentation of the finished work.

Weekly episode release from June 20 to July 25.

Facebook URL: http://www.facebook.com/PerformingArtsTokyo

Twitter URL: http://twitter.com/P_A_Tokyo

Instagram URL: http://www.instagram.com/wesongcycle/

Other Website: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnweVICx9XS_9XaCb-rXUIg

WQXR Presents “Heritage and Harmony,” A Unique Virtual Concert Featuring Leading Musicians of Asian Descent Performing Modern and Traditional Works by Asian Composers

Available online starting Thursday, May 28 on WQXR.org

In collaboration with WQXR, I am honored and so very proud to present Heritage and Harmony, a unique virtual concert featuring leading musicians of Asian descent performing contemporary and traditional works by Asian composers.

The concert is both a recognition of the tremendous contributions to the musical canon by classical musicians of Asian descent, and also a reminder of the need to stand together against mindless intolerance.

Heritage and Harmony launches on Thursday, 5/28th, here:  https://www.wqxr.org/story/heritage-harmony/

All the performances were recorded by these outstanding musicians while sheltering at home.  Among the featured artists is two time Grammy award winning composer Christopher Tin, does Baba Yetu, from the video game Civilization IV sound familiar? 

In honor of Asian Pacific Heritage Month and beyond, from our homes to yours, we stand together in Heritage and Harmony!

Helping Kids Focus on the Process (vs the Products) of Creativity

Like most kids, Alexander loves making art of all kinds. He gets such positive feedback from his family, friends and school (so many prizes!), he wants to keep them all! Forever! Fortunately for everyone, an intervention comes in the form of an old fairy tale, The Kingdom of Tides, in which King Shivo and his people learn a lot about creativity with the help of the Moon. The Kingdom of Tides can be a source of practical (à la Marie Kondo) and metaphysical inspiration for the young and not so young to find joy in creating every day.

This picture book borrows from Hindu teachings and is the first in a series of philosophical picture books by Bill Wescott ’85. Bill believes “a childhood lasts a lifetime” and hopes that readers will find meaning in the experience of sharing the book with little loved ones.

Other Website: https://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Tides-Will-Wescott-ebook/dp/B085GM52CQ

Author Ann Tashi Slater ('84) has new work in Catapult and Tricycle

Author Ann Tashi Slater ('84) has new work in Catapult and Tricycle. She offered a virtual memoir writing workshop in May for Princeton alumni in France and the UK, as well as one for students at The American University of Paris. For more: 
www.anntashislater.com

Follow: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Film Release: "The Dinner Party"

Hi Tigers! My latest film, "The Dinner Party" was just released and is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. It's a modern day Greek tragedy with a hint of dark comedy. Fun fact... this film was directed by Marco Capalbo *89. I was cast in this movie and neither of us had any idea that the other was a Tiger until we had a meet-and-greet at his home and I saw the latest edition of the PAW on his coffee table! If you are looking for content to stream during quarantine, please give us a look!

Ticket Website: http://www.amazon.com/Dinner-Party-Kelly-Decker/dp/B087KV3BH2
Facebook URL: http://www.facebook.com/The-Dinner-Party-101248057988115/
Instagram URL: http://www.instagram.com/dinnerpartyfilm/

Happy & You Know It: A Novel

My new novel, about a musician who takes a job singing for a playgroup of wealthy mothers only to get drawn into their glamorous lives and dangerous secrets, came out May 19th! It's a May Book of the Month selection, a Library Reads pick, and one of Newsweek's Spring Must-Reads. Bookpage called it a "romp with substance," while Betches dubbed it "Mean Girls meets The Nanny Diaries."

You can order it anywhere books are sold! More info here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/608155/happy-and-you-know-it-by-laura-hankin/