River View Players Artist Presentation Series Nurtures Performers and Writers

Artist Development Series is Transforming a Neighboorhood

Cafe Largo, an upscale Restaurant/ Lounge, is hosting the events by providing a performance space as well as access to their delicious menu. They are located in the heart of a mostly Dominican neighborhood that is deprived of a cultural hub. River View Players is trying to bridge that gap by providing a multicultural experience through local artist presentations. Located at 3387 Broadway near W 137th street just feet away from the entrance to the #1 train stop. The lively community has its street musicians who regularly during warmer weather play their Congas and Bongos in the meridian that separates the two sides of the street on Broadway. Cafe Largo has become an oasis in the desert of a culturally deprived community and provides an upscale dining experience to the local residents and visitors.

Earlier in 2008 Laurence Holder who is a resident of nearby River View Towers approached the ownership of Cafe Largo about his ideas. They believed in him and his vision enough to approve of allotting him 2 hours on Sundays from 4-6PM for the presentations. They felt that a partnership with the community, businesses and artists was something all could benefit from. Laurence contacted Summerhill 7 about being a part of the vision and working with him. Summerhill agreed and joined him. He then approached Emmitt Thrower a long time friend who had performed in a few of Holder's plays. In "F" he portrayed Jesse Jackson and in Red Channels he portrayed Paul Robeson. Laurence also directed Emmitt in "Stealin Home" a play written by Fred Newman the Artistic Director of Castillo Theater. The play was written specifically for Emmitt by the playwright about Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in baseball.