Posted on Friday, 05.08.09
BLACK IN TIME | BY DOROTHY JENKINS FIELDS
Pink Tea at Lyric Theater honors heritage
BY DOROTHY JENKINS FIELDS
Special to The Miami Herald
History will be made when the historic Lyric Theater in Miami's Overtown hosts an inaugural performing arts series in the setting of ``the Pink Tea.''
The occasion is the Church of the Open Door's 41st anniversary Pink Tea and a celebration of the performing arts from 4 to 6 p.m. May 17.
Church history states ``the Pink Tea originated many years ago by the Church of the Good Shepherd in Chicago, Il. Other churches adopted the idea and held World Mission Pink Teas where ladies dressed in costumes of other countries.''
In Miami, the Pink Tea idea was introduced at the Church of the Open Door by Pastor Emeritus, Reverend Harold D. Long.
From the outset, the Pink Tea at the Church of Open Door featured outstanding concert artists and local talent. It began as an annual fundraiser and continued on the church's campus in Liberty City. Kervin Clenance, chair of the Pink Tea and the Men's Fellowship Summer Music Series said ``the decision was made this year to combine the annual Pink Tea with a performing arts series in Overtown at the historic Lyric Theater connecting us to our heritage and community's roots.''
The 2009 Pink Tea performers, Samuel Eudovique, tenor, and Marshall Davis Jr., tap dancer, will salute Sammy Davis Jr. Eudovique and Davis will bring back the genius of Sammy Davis Jr., who during racial segregation was equally at home on Miami Beach and Overtown in the 1950s and 1960s.
The great grandson of Overtown pioneer Bishop Randolph Williams, of the Church of God in Prophecy, Marshall Davis Jr. began tap dancing in Liberty City at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center. His honors include the coveted 1991 Star Search Teen Dance Champion.
Samuel Eudovique was born in Barbados and was exposed to classical music at an early age by his grandmother. He has performed with the Coral Gables Symphony, the Miami Lyric Opera and the Opera Company of Brooklyn.
The Pink Tea will follow immediately after this performance. The ladies of Circles I, II, III; the Men's Fellowship; the Youth Group and Young Adults will host their respective tables competing for the title of ''Winner'' of the annual competition. Each table will contain pink pastries, tea sandwiches and the traditional pink punch.
According to longtime decorating committee member Shirley Archie ``both the outside and inside of the Lyric Theater and Welcome Center Lobby will be decorated in pink. Everyone is encouraged to wear something pink.''
The Men's Fellowship Summer Music Series is comprised of the John Hobbs concert on June 21 and the Nicole Henry Concert on July 26. Born in Miami, Hobbs grew up with his grandparents in Augusta, Ga. A self-contained performer, he plays guitar and piano; sings gospel, jazz, pop, and adult contemporary music -- from traditional to classical.
The performance series ends with internationally renowned jazz artist Nicole Henry. Born in Philadelphia and raised with a mom who played classical music, Henry is a singer/songwriter with a voice that combines jazz with pop to produce soulful music. She performs regularly around Miami.
Beginning at 4 p.m., each performance promises an afternoon of music, culture and fun. For ticket information, call 305-759-0373.
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