July 24, 2012 was the first official day of shooting at the Lewis Arts Center in Coconut Grove. After learning the fundamentals of filmmaking these 13 students wrote and produced their very own short film titled “The Rockin’ Vampier.” When completed, the film will have a running time of approximately 5 minutes and will be presented at the culminating event in August.

On this day these extraordinary artistic leaders of tomorrow transformed the Lewis Art space into a functional bed room as the cameras rolled and the first scene wrapped.

To see more photos click here

Ghetto Eyez Publishing, the Publishing House that brought you “To Live and Die In Bed-Stuy” and “Bottom Bitch” brings to you “Convicted At Birth” a gripping tale from the life of Kool Aid through the pen of Malik about family, jealousy and betrayal.

Get your copy NOW! available on Kindle for the first time, for only $7.99 

CLICK HERE to read an excerpt from “Convicted At Birth”

First time author “Kool Aid,” has Joined the Ghetto Eyez Publishing family with the release of his debut Novel “Convicted At Birth.” Base on the true life Story of the author this larger than life book introduces its readers to the dark, grimy, underbelly of street life.

Growing up in the most desecrated parts of Brooklyn, being abused and abandoned by his parents leads Junior to one place, the streets. There he would become the infamous Kool-Aid, where he will prove to everyone that a situation doesn’t make people; it only reveals who they really are….

Kool Aid’s accounts of his life are so vivid you can almost experience his pain through his pen. This book is a must read.

Get your copy NOW! available on Kindle for the first time, for only $7.99 

CLICK HERE to read an excerpt from “Convicted At Birth”

James Baldwin

Original size 36″x36″

Acrylic on canvas 2012

Original

Also available in

Giclee $225

Open Edition $35

Greeting Cards $10

Nina Simone

Original size 36″x36″

Acrylic on canvas 2012

Original

Also available in

Giclee $225

Open Edition $35

Greeting Cards $10

Joseph is best known for elongated figures with exaggerated hands and feet. His unique approach to the human form embodies sports figures, Jazz themes, dancers and images reminiscent, of his childhood in Brooklyn.

The musical guest for the evening is Warren Wolf. He’s regarded as one the most gifted vibraphonists in the arena today and he joins us direct from Baltimore, Maryland.

This promises to be a fantastic evening and I’m looking forward to seeing you. Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will also be served.

To find out more about this event go to www.WDNA.org or listen to 88.9 FM.

Artist and co-founder of Black Art In America, Najee Dorsey along with fellow artist Joseph C. Grant, Jr. at the Purvis Young Art Museum in Wynwood

Artist Joseph C Grant, Jr. will present pieces from his current collection “Through These Ghetto Eyez” at The Purvis Young Art Museum in Wynwood on April 14, 2012 during Second Saturday Art Walk.

This marks the first time that Joseph’s work will be presented in this part of Miami. Along with displaying his art, Joseph will be working on a piece from his new collection live during the exhibition.

Currently the Brooklyn artist is working on a new series dedicated to the history of the black firemen in America titled “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” 

This new collection is scheduled to make its debut during Art Basel Miami 2012 followed by a New York City opening in January 2013, but you may be able to get a glimpse of his new series during Second Saturday Art Walk in Wynwwood before it is officially unveiled.

This one of a kind collection tells the history of the black firemen in America through art. This history making collection will also be converted into a coffee table book and a limited edition calendar for 2013.

To find out more about Joseph C. Grant, Jr.’s up and coming shows or more about his collection, “We Didn’t Start The Fire,” visit him at www.JosephCGrantJr.com

ALVIN

Original size 18″x24″

Acrylic on canvas 2011

Original

Also available in

Giclee $160

Open Edition $35

Greeting Cards $10

FOR YOU MADAME

Original size 18″x24″

Acrylic on canvas 2011

Original

Also available in

Giclee $160

Open Edition $35

Greeting Cards $10

Every Wednesday evening at The Backlot Wine, Bar and Lounge, conveniently tucked away inside of the Paragon Theater in Cocowalk from 6:30pm – 10pm, laughter is king and independent movies rule the big screen.

“Comedy and Cinema in the Grove has made Wednesday night become the new Friday,” says Kwame Taijon a weekly patron. The word is out about this one of a kind showcase that combines stand up comedy with all genres of independent films in the plush comfort of the Backlot private lounge and Audi screening room.

From Right to Left: Gil Tucker, Joseph C. Grant, Jr., Lidj Tafari, Comedian R-Jay, Mario Tory and Sean Larkins of the Rickey Smiley Morning Show

“You never know who’s going to show up to bless the mic.” Says comedian R-Jay. Last week the very funny Mario Tory made an unscheduled stop. Our scheduled headliner Gil Tucker brought the house down while the host Comedian R-Jay kept everyone laughing.

Every week, along with the very talented and funny comedian R-Jay audiences are treated to a hilarious headliner before the feature presentation. This week, on December 14, 2011 the headliner will be comedian Artist Treece.

Also on December 14, 2011 the short film line up for the evening will include Attika Torrence’s “Dilemma” and  “Signs” by Patrick Hughes. Our featured Filmmaker Lawrence Law Watford will join us via Skype directly following his short film “A Christmas Wish” for a Q & A session.

The Backlot’s professional staff caters to the audience every Wednesday night with a special menu while patrons sit back and literally kick their feet up to enjoy the show.

For the month of December there is no cover charge and only a 1drink minimum!

The Backlot Wine Bar & Lounge is located Inside Paragon Grove 13 at Cocowalk, 3015 Grand Ave. on the 3rd Floor in the heart of Coconut Grove, Florida.

For more information contact: Joseph C. Grant, Jr (917) 971-9116 or Lidj Tafari (786) 709-5533

Facebook at Comedy and Cinema in the Grove or go to www.ComedyAndCinema.com

Get over the hump day the right way at a place where work and stress will surrender to the laughter of stand up comedy and the thought provoking cinematic talents of independent films.

Every Wednesday evening at The Backlot Wine, Bar and Lounge from 6:30pm – 11pm comedian Mike Mercadal will introduce some of the funniest comedians along with the best independent films in the business at this amazing, groundbreaking, one of a kind event.

Backlot private lounge and Audi screening room in the heart of Coconut Grove will play host to this delightful mixture of raw talent. The Backlot Wine Bar & Lounge is located Inside Paragon Grove 13 at CocoWalk, 3015 Grand Ave. on the 3rd Floor.

The brainchild of filmmaker and artist Joseph C. Grant, Jr., Comedy and Cinema in the Grove was created as a way to elevate the awareness of comedians and independent filmmakers from all over the world by providing them with an outlet for their cultural contributions.

With a weekly rotation of comedians and filmmakers, it will serve as a venue for expression catering to established and new artists on the rise. There will also be a round table Q and A and hysterical comedic film review to conclude each night.

There is a $10 entry fee.

$5 for students with valid identification