OrigiNation and the O’Shea Chaplin Academy of Irish Dance and Serious Bizness featuring Ray Greeene - Elma Lewis Playhouse in the Park August 14, 2007

The Franklin Park Coalition (FPC) partners with the National Center of Afro-American Artists (NCAAA) and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department's ParkARTS Program to present a performing arts series named for the founder and director of the Elma Lewis School of Fine Arts. Lewis, a beloved Boston icon, established Playhouse in the Park in 1966, and presented artists like Duke Ellington, Olatunji, Billy Taylor, the Boston Ballet and Odetta. In its original inception, it ran through 1978.
The dancers of OrigiNation are dedicated to promoting the importance of self-respect, health, nutrition, education and self-esteem, while emphasizing the impact that African influences have had on dance. Under the direction of choreographer Shaumba Yandje Dibinga, they specialize in hip-hop, jazz, tap, step and Caribbean dance. The O’Shea Chaplin Academy of Irish Dance presents their combination of traditional and contemporary Irish dance and costumes. Their performances have won them accolades and awards, nationally and internationally. Founded in Galway by Rita O'Shea 50 years ago, the Academy has been based in Boston for over 40 years now. These two companies dance together for some explosive cross-cultural hip-step-hop.

Serious Bizness is a Boston-based band of industry professionals who jam to create a little bit of funk and a whole lotta rhythm and blues. Led by Webster Roach (bass), the group consists of Wayne Jones (guitar), Ryan Brown (keyboards), Chris Royal (saxophone) with Ray Greene on vocals and trombone. Members of the group have toured nationally and recorded with artists such as: Walter Beasley, Najee, John Legend, Chuck Loeb, Bob Moses, Andre Ward, Rick James, Lauren Hill and the Backstreet Boys.

Official Website: http://www.franklinparkcoalition.org