TV Father & Son Team Reunite For Charity

 Los Angeles - The California African American Museum (CAAM) has played host to some of Los Angeles' most culturally significant events over the last 30 years. From art openings to book signings to vintage film screenings, CAAM has shone a fresh perspective on the rich traditions and legacy of African American art, history and culture.

On Friday, June 11, 2010, CAAM will set yet another precedent with the launch of its new series, Duets & Dialogues featuring television's most beloved father and son duo, Bill Cosby and Malcolm-Jamal Warner.  Produced by Friends, the Foundation of the California African American Museum as a fundraiser for CAAM, this great evening will begin with dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. followed from 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. by conversation between Cosby and Warner before a general audience with a closing question and answer session.  KNBC-TV's Morning News AnchorChris Schauble will serve as program host for this special evening.  

A limited number of dinner/reserved seat program/post-program dessert tickets are available for $150.  General admission tickets for $50.00 include program and post-program desserts.  CAAM is located at 600 State Drive in Exposition Park, in Los Angeles.  Parking is available at Figueroa and 39th Streets for $10 per vehicle.

"We are extremely excited to have the very distinguished Bill Cosby, alongside Malcolm-Jamal Warner for the launch of our series, Duets & Dialogues," states Charmaine Jefferson, executive director of CAAM.  "Our program is designed to pair African American celebrities of note and accomplishment in a setting that allows the easy flow of memories and thoughtful examinations of the present and the future.  For so many of us, Cosby is a pivotal role model within the African American community and beyond. His television role as father to Theo, played by Warner on 'The Cosby Show,' continues to speak volumes to generations of sons and fathers, and Mr. Cosby regularly uses his celebrity to keep asking our young people to be all that they can be."

"And then there is the extremely talented Malcolm-Jamal Warner," Ms. Jefferson continued. "We all  watched Malcolm-Jamal Warner grow into an accomplished and talented young man in his own right.  Whether it is his project selection as a director and actor, or the power of the messages and composition in his brand of jazz and hip-hop style music, Warner is impressive in the scope and range of his talent and human generosity....and we would have expected nothing less.  We know the dialogue from this duet will be stimulating, thought provoking and entertaining." 

Internationally renowned comedian, actor, philanthropist and activist,  William H.  Cosby, Jr., Ed.D. has dazzled generations of fans with his comedy routines, iconic albums, best-selling books and the groundbreaking television hit series, "The Cosby Show."  Perhaps his greatest contribution to American entertainment and culture, "The Cosby Show," portrayed a close-knit, upper class black family and dominated the #1 spot for years, earning popular and critical praise and altering the previous characterization of black families.   

Actor,  spoken word artist, poet, composer and musician Malcolm-Jamal Warner first rose to national prominence starring in "The Cosby Show."  He has continued to achieve success as an actor, but also has received accolades as a poet and bass player.    A seasoned director as well, Warner directed several episodes of "The Cosby Show" along with the comedy series "Malcolm & Eddie,"  "All That," "Keenan & Kel," and a host of music videos. He can be heard on the audio book version of Simon & Schuster's "Fatherhood" by Bill Cosby.  Warner also heads his own band Miles Long and independently distributes their CD's, "The Miles Long Mix Tape" and "Love and Other Social Issues," both of which are extremely popular in the underground music scene. 

Both men have recognized CAAM in the past, Cosby supported and made a performance appearance with his friend Sammy Davis, Jr. at the public opening of CAAM in its then new building back in 1984.  Warner and his band Miles Long have twice headlined CAAM's once a month family performance series Target Sundays at CAAM. 

The California African American Museum (CAAM) researches, collects, preserves and interprets for public enrichment the history, art and culture of African Americans.  In addition to Duets & Dialogues, the CAAM galleries will be open on June 11 to showcase CAAM's current exhibits which include Dance Theatre of Harlem, Forty Years of Firsts, Our Love of John T. Scott, and the Gallery of Discovery.  CAAM's newest exhibition, How We Roll, will open July 22, 2010 and feature a glimpse into the African American influences in the surfing, skating and very contemporary skateboarding culture. 

Chartered by the California State Legislature in 1977, the California African American Museum is a state supported institution. In addition to its permanent collection, CAAM hosts specially borrowed and self-curated exhibitions, free public and school-age education programs, and tours CAAM-owned exhibitions throughout California and the nation.  Admission to CAAM is generally free and open to the public, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm.    

This event may be captured on film for archival purposes.  Attendance includes permission to be a part of this documentation process.

Duets & Dialogues is produced by Friends, the Foundation of the California African American Museum.  Program Director, Charles Reese/Teeth & Eyes Communications.