B-BOY BLUES 30th Anniversary Celebration: Real Talk

THIS IS A FREE EVENT. SPACE IS LIMITED!

Years before “homo thug” and “down low” became infamous catchphrases and Li’l Nas X was crowned an international pop star … there was James Earl Hardy’s B-Boy Blues.

Charting the romance between a college educated journalist from Brooklyn and a homeboy/bike messenger from Harlem, the novel was released in November 1994 and surprised many when it became an out-the-gate hit, topping indie bestseller lists and setting a LGBTQIA+ press record. Praised as the first gay hip hop love story, the novel has given birth to seven bestselling sequels; the BroadwayWorld award-winning stage play produced by DUAF; and the GLAAD Media Award nominated film adaptation (which is currently streaming on BET+).

This DUAF-sponsored event will serve as the official kick-off for Mr. Hardy’s tour to celebrate the novel’s 30th anniversary. Mr. Hardy will trace the book’s journey from the page to the stage to the screen; share fan favorite excerpts and anecdotes; and explore its cultural impact (an influence that can be seen in the television series Noah’s Arc and the Oscar-winning Best Picture Moonlight) with actors from both the theatrical and screen versions.

Host or Publisher Downtown Urban Arts Festival