Harlem Speaks - Rome Neal, Singer/Playwright

Actor/Director/Producer/Jazz Vocalist Rome Neal is the Artistic Director of the Nuyorican Poets Café theatre program. Mr. Neal received an Obie Grant with Café founder Miguel Algarin for excellence in theatre. Over the years he has received five Audelco Awards for his direction of Pepe Carril’s "SHANGO de IMA" and Samuel Harp’s "Don't Explain." Mr. Neal also received two AUDELCOS for his acting: one for Lead Actor in Gabrielle N. Lane's "SIGNS," and one for Solo Performance in his critically acclaimed "MONK," by Laurence Holder. Neal also received the National Black Theatre Festival's coveted Lloyd Richards Director’s Award.

As a jazz vocalist, Rome has performed at Town Hall, The Metropolitan Room, The Museum Of The City Of New York, Jazzy Jazz Festival, Sister's Place, The Central Brooklyn Jazz Festival, Saint Nick's Pub, Lenox Lounge, 966Jazz, The Nuyroican Poets Cafe, The Jazz Spot, Creole's, and as the lead vocalist for the Bill Lee Mo' Betta Band. Mr. Neal has a CD entitled: “A Brighter Crooner” and his two DVDs, Rome Neal, “All in The Puddin’” and “Rome Neal’s Banana Puddin’ a Night to Remember”.

You might also have seen his daughter, Lia, as one of the celebrated members of this year’s Olympic Swimming team.