The very talented and uplifting duo of Tyrone Birkett and his wife Paula Ralph Birkett were a featured music act at the Harlem Book Fair. In their newsletter they share their experience.
Listen to a sample of their work as you continue to read : Perseverance 2000
We were selected to provide the music for the Harlem Book Fair Jazz BBQ Saturday,
JuneJuly 20th. Very interesting… If you know anything about the Harlem Book Fair and books published for the black community in general, recently there has been an upsurge in urban lit, street lit, “romance”, etc. Strangely enough (of course we know how) we were allowed [to] present our gospel music, uncompromisable, in between talks by Zane, a noted writer of black “romance” novels and Omar Tyree who has just recently been enlightened to discontinue writing books glorifying street culture. Then we proceeded to the gospel stage to do a quick set of our music. It was a good opportunity to be a light in darkness and balance hopelessness with the gospel.
Visit their website to sign up for their newsletter or purchase their CD “In the Fullness of Time”.
Related: HBF wrap up
Solid Gold Travel
December 16, 2007
HARLEM BOOK FAIR CONMAN
Max Rodriguez of the Harlem Book Fair is a professional conman. Solid Gold Travel has had the unfortunate experience of being conned by him recently, leaving a huge debt and responsibility.
In early 2007, Mr. Rodriguez entered an agreement with the Bermuda Department of Tourism and Solid Gold Travel to sponsor a Cruise to Bermuda for August of 2008. When the time came for Mr. Rodriguez to pay his agreed upon deposit for the Cruise, he submitted 2 consecutive bad checks. After his second check bounced, we reached out to Mr. Rodriguez via phone and email to no response whatsoever. Now, after several months and several attempts to reach him, Mr. Rodriguez will not respond.
In recent conversations, we have found that Mr. Rodriguez has defrauded numerous other businesses and minority organizations.
As minority business owners for over 20 years, we understand the importance and value of the Black Business responsibility and reputation. Max Rodriguez has built a career out of scamming our community and should be held responsible for his actions.
If you or someone you know has been tricked, conned or ripped off by Max Rodriguez of the Harlem Book Fair, we invite you to share your story or contact us at solidbash@aol.com.