A Foxx In The Mix, Landsman’s Thunder Has Soul, Tolerance Hits A Daily Double, The Incomparable Senator Curren Price

For obvious reasons, we had never heard of the movie, “Thundersoul”..

There was no big blitz on The Wrap, OMG, or Huffington post,  however, things were definitely on the buzz at the “Museum of Tolerance,” on Tuesday, October 4th.  Ovation TV hosted.  The topic of discussion,  Jamie Foxx’s executive produced, Mark Landsman’s, Directed, film, “Thundersoul.”  A visual and magnificent audio filled movie/documentary, celebrating the life of Conrad “Prof” Johnson, a musically innovative genius and band instructor, at Houston’s, Kashmere High School.  Thus the name, “Thundersoul” a name that would follow the members of Kashmere, 30 years later.

The first rare stone we discovered, was the State of California’s 26th District representative, Senator, Curren Price.  A strong advocate for the arts, I asked Senator Price how he felt about politics and entertainment creating synergy together, he said, “definitely high on my list of long term priorities, is the probable marriage, that could happen between my love of politics, music and film.”

In addition to the “Thundersoul” screening, the Museum, hit a daily double, by hosting a monumental tribute to African American women who have made tremendous strides towards the cause of human rights, arts and culture.  http://youtube/IaQs9tJtNM0 to view trailer.  There was laughter, eating and the makings of a warm October, as a room full of guest, friends and family, filled the museum’s lobby; to take the first peek at the heavily talked about, “Thundersoul.”  Watching with almost electric eyes,  a tolerant audience while enjoying a very beautiful and spacious room, grew still, as words were spoken by, California Arts Council chairman, Malissa Feruzzi Shriver.

Feruzzi Shriver, re-affirmed everyone’s belief that the Arts were alive and well, and should be as mandatory, as any other daily classroom curricular activity.  Senator Price,  while busy greeting honored guest; held a sensible view of how his position, and role in the inner city communities, could surely help to create more awareness, of the lack of funding for art programs.  The senator spoke with strong vigor,  addressing the issue of music programs and their absolute necessity in under privileged areas of Los Angeles, and the entire world.  “Without having the arts play an integral part of our lives, we will witness definite signs of decline and a deeply troubled society.”   “Thundersoul,” was indeed all that it intended to be, arousing a diverse audience which housed the faint at heart, the righteous and the liberal.  Even in the walls of the Museum, Kashmere’s sound was as penetrative now,  as it was in the 1970’s.  We felt the spirit of the “Prof” as if we had the blood from his veins; pouring directly into ours.    Out to lend their support in celebration of Kashmere’s reunion and, in honor of, the “Prof”, the beautiful Lalah Hathaway, Ray Charles, Jr,  the manager’s of Jamie Foxx, Marcus King and Jaime King, were a just a few of the visible notables in attendance.

In addition, Mark shared quality, vintage, footage of Conrad’s amazing journey.  The film canvassed powerful images of young band members, showcasing their thunderous and riveting sound.  On screen conversations with the now mature Kashmere, etched out a powerful image of success, leaving us wanting, more  Landsman’s interpretation of Conrad and Kashmere’s life, is brilliant.

Conrad “Prof” Johnson, passed away at 93 years of age, but not before the documentary honoring him was complete. “Prof” got to have a final listen. A group of willing and ready students, named the Kashmere High School Band, had given him hope and inspiration that if one could hear the drummer, one could keep in time with the rhythm of life.

The “Prof” lived like he preached, devoting his entire life to Houston’s high school, phenomena, Kashmere.

” if there’s no drummer, there’s no timing, can you hear the drummer”
Conrad” Prof” Johnson.