Calypso, the traditional carnival music of Trinidad, is so infectious with its driving beat, upbeat rhythms and colorful lyrics, that it defies you not to get up and dance or sing or both.

NBPC (National Black Programming Consortium) and The Harlem Library Cinema Series return to the George Bruce Branch this Spring with a sparkling documentary, Calypso Rose: Lioness of the Jungle, about the queen of this music: Calypso Rose. Born McArtha Sandy Lewis on the tiny island of Tobago, Rose has risen to become the Grande Dame of Calypso.

Calpyso Rose: Lioness of the Jungle, the June film screening from NBPC tells the story of her life and remarkable career in vivid detail. From the NBPC site you find the following description:

Calypso Rose is an ambassador of Caribbean music, a living legend, a charismatic character, the uncontested diva of Calypso Music. Paris, New York, Trinidad, Tobago, back to Africa, in each place, we learn a little more about the many faces and facets of her life. It is a film not only about memory, the exchange and discovery of world cultures, but also about the journey of a militant and authentic woman, an Afro-Caribbean soul, an exemplary artist, far from the glitz and glitter, at the dawn of her life.

Join us on June 13, 2011 at 5:30 pm for this captivating film about a captivating woman.

See you there.

Explore Further:

• Browse the library’s databases to read a little more about Calypso Rose. Take a look at the following articles from Academic Search Premier: "Fiery Queen" and "Calypso Rose sets Symphony Space ablaze with Fire..."
• Browse the library’s databases to explore the broader topic of Calypso Music. Take a look at these two "Calypso" articles from World Book Online Reference Center and Grolier Online.
• Learn more about The National Black Programming Consortium. Visit blackpublicmedia.org and browse their site to see what they’re all about.