Socially Sparked

The power of music to melt hostilities is the message of The Socially Sparked Quote of the Week by internationally renowned American pianist Byron Janis. “Music has the power to make allies out of enemies” -- Byron Janis, world renowned American Pianist These words stem from Janis' first-hand experience performing in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) [...]

The Parade of Ships on New York's Waters kicks off the 30th anniversary of Fleet Week NY on Wednesday. Fourteen ships entered New York's Hudson River Harbor this morning on their way to dock for seven days. Now in its 30th year, FWNY is the city’s time-honored celebration of the sea services. It provides citizens [...]

The 2018 Obie Awards let the sparks fly Off-Broadway last night with the 63rd annual Awards ceremony at New York City’s Terminal 5. Co-presented by The Village Voice and The American Theatre Wing, awards were given out to four writers, three directors and 10 artist performers plus special citations, grants and the Lifetime Achievement Award. [...]

Tonight marks theatre's coveted Obie Awards® and the third time you can watch via livestream. The 63rd Annual Awards Ceremony will recognize Off-Broadway and Off-Off broadway’s most adventurous and groundbreaking artists and productions. A Co-presentation by The American Theatre Wing and The Village Voice, the awards categories are informal and there are no advance nominees. [...]

The Socially Sparked Quote of the Week comes from outspoken activist Harvey Milk. The visionary civil and human rights leader firmly believed that dialogue played a crucial role in breaking down prejudices. In honor of this week’s celebrations for Cultural Diversity of Dialogue and the birthday of the late Harvey Milk, we highlight one of [...]

Tom Wolfe was the master of the neo journalism universe. The prolific author died on Monday at the age of 88. Wolfe had an uncanny knack for capturing American pop culture trends and bringing them to life through his masterful writings threaded with his personal perceptions. It has been 50 years since his now notorious [...]

Hope springs anew for saving net neutrality. In an historic 52-47 vote, the Senate endorsed a resolution to overturn last December’s FCC Ruling to repeal net neutrality regulations of 2015. Yesterday’s surprising Senate vote sends a loud message that the issue is far from over. For months since the FCC’s decision, advocates for a free [...]

Roger Thomas sets it straight – when you break down his Vocal Play Group -– Naturally 7 -- it’s simply voicing what comes naturally. The Musical Director and MC recently took five from his American Tour to share his thoughts on all things Roger Thomas, family, Naturally 7, music and social change. Roger Thomas, musical [...]

This merry week in May deserves a daily dose of wonderful. The Socially Sparked® Quote of the Week is about inspiration. "Every day may not be wonderful, but there is something wonderful in every day." -- anonymous Thinking about inspiration, this week is National Nurses Week which culminates with International Nurses Day on May 12th. [...]

World Press Freedom Day celebrates its 25th anniversary today, May 3rd. A free and open press is essential to the balance of power around the world and the public's right to be informed. Since its inception by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, freedom of the press has expanded to now include freedom of [...]

International Jazz Day closes April Sparks with celebrations in over 190 countries from around the world. This year's global host city is St. Petersberg, Russia, which will lead the festivities with a series of educational and outreach programs that culminate in an all-star global concert at the historic Mariinsky Theatre. The concert will be streamed [...]

Jazz Songstress Spider Saloff heats up New York City and environs this weekend with two sizzling hot cabaret shows. The Socially Sparked spotlight artist and award-winning sultry jazz and cabaret talent brings her trademark Spider's spin on the music of Irving Berlin and Peggy Lee to Long Island's Tilles Center on Saturday and New York [...]

Theatre Award season kicks into high gear this week. A slate of nominations announcements for the best of Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway productions and talent continue with the Outer Circle Awards on April 24th and the coveted Drama Desk Awards on April 26th. The awards lineup includes the Obies, Outer Circle Critics Awards, and [...]

An artsy, hip gigantic-size shoe exhibit on display at iconic Bloomingdale’s (Bloomies) NYC flagship locale is turning heads and feet of New Yorkers and tourists. The new exhibit is reminiscent of Bloomies of yesteryear when the legendary retailer was known as the “It” department store for cutting-edge fashion, pop culture, splashy campaigns, celebrity and New [...]

When the Tribeca Film Festival opens April 18th for its 17th year, the spotlight will illuminate a more equal playing field that supports gender equality and diversity. Forty-six percent of this year’s films are directed by women – the highest percentage in the festival’s history. Image courtesy of the Tribeca Film Festival The 2018 feature [...]

The lovable Peanuts Gang become the newest kids on the blocks today when the American leg of The Peanuts Global Arts Collective Tour officially unwraps its graffiti-esque art murals on the streets of New York City. The groundbreaking worldwide, public art initiative is designed to bring communities together through the universal themes ingrained in Peanuts [...]

Twenty two thousand pills on the wall make up the Opioid Memorial heading to Washington, DC Thursday, April 12th thru April 18th. Using art as a catalyst for awareness, education and social change . each pill is carved with a face to represent the 22,000 victims lost in 2015 to prescription opioid overdose. Prescribed to [...]

Marching for the King 50 years later to commemorate a hero of social justice takes on new meaning and energy in 2018. Today the world celebrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 50 years after his violent assassination at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, TN. Nearly 100,000 people across the globe will be [...]

Ninety Six (96) birthday wishes Doris Day -- Hollywood's girl next door. The legendary American actress, singer and animal welfare activist is celebrating her big day with friends and singing to her pets. Here's how to celebrate with Doris Day. Doris Day has one birthday wish this year. The founder of the Doris Day Animal [...]