PHILADELPHIA – Condoleezza Rice is no stranger to the whims of royalty. So when the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, decided the two should get together to play a song or two for charity, it was decreed.

The former U.S. secretary of state and Franklin took the stage Tuesday evening at Philadelphia’s Mann Music Center in a rare duet for Rice, the classically trained pianist, and Franklin, the divalicious voice of a generation. Their aim was to raise money for urban children and awareness for music and the arts.

“It is a joint effort for the inner-city youth of Philadelphia and Detroit,” Franklin told The Associated Press the night before their concert with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

“We decided to give it a try,” Franklin said. “So here we are, in the city of Brotherly — and Sisterly — Love.”

Their appearance in the three-hour concert before an estimated crowd of 8,000 overflowed with Franklin’s catalog of hits and arias from the world of opera and classical music.

Rice, better known as a diplomat and national security adviser, played piano while Franklin sang her hit “I Say A Little Prayer” as well as “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” Earlier in the program, Rice performed a selection from Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 in D Minor with the orchestra, a piece she said she practiced furiously.

Franklin even tickled the ivories a few times Tuesday night, including for a song off her new album “A Woman Falling Out of Love,” to be released later this year. She also sang a duet — “The Way We Were” — with surprise guest Ronald Isley.

Rice’s given name is derived from the Italian opera stage instruction con dolcezza, meaning “with sweetness.” Long a musician of note, she played from elementary school through college and beyond, in quartets and performing chamber music.

She has even played with cellist Yo-Yo Ma. But, she said this was “the first time I’ve played with an orchestra since I was 18.”

When she learned that Rice played classical music, Franklin sent for one of her recordings “to hear what she sounded like.”

Previously, she said, “All I had seen of Dr. Rice was in a political atmosphere. It just seemed foreign that she would be a classical pianist.”

Franklin was surprised.

“She really does play,” Franklin said. “She’s formidable.”

The two met at a White House function, Rice recalled. “We were just talking and chatting and she said ‘You play, don’t you?’ And I said, ‘Yes.’ And she said we should do something together.”

Rice told the AP their plan to play together was borne of their mutual appreciation for music and determination to keep it near and accessible to children.

Franklin, relaxing in her hotel suite and holding a single long-stemmed peach-hued rose, deplored school budget cuts of music and arts programs as “a travesty” that cannot be allowed.

“Imagine what all of this would be without music. If you have to cut, cut something else. Not the music. We need the music. It soothes the savage beast. We need the music.”

Rice, in a separate interview, agreed.

“Nothing makes me more unhappy than when I hear people talk about music education in the schools as extracurricular,” Rice said.

Both women lauded each other’s talents, and abilities, but Rice made it clear she’ll leave the singing to Franklin.

“You do not want to hear me sing!” Rice said. “I’m a good choir musician, but I think I will stick to playing the piano.”

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The Virginia Museum of Fine Art has something for everyone, from African American Art, Jazz Cafe on Thursdays to Friday Films, you’ll find it at the VMFA and it’s free. Jazz Cafe Thursday, July 29, 6-9pm features, Quatro NA Bossa. Fore more information log onto www.vmfa.state.va.us.

Cool off  with Henrico County Recreation and Parks for an Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social.  It’s a free family event Sunday August 1, from 4-6pm at The Armour House and Gardens at Meadowview Park. The Park is located at 4001 Clarendon Drive off Creighton Road near St. Paul’s Baptist Church in Henrico.

 For more information log onto www.henricorecandparks.com.

It’s the summer – the sun’s out, hammocks are in style. What better way to relax in the summer breeze than by opening a good book? Reading is a great way to unwind outside and enjoy the weather while also exercising your mind – however, with the world being busier than ever these days, a lot of people don’t make time to even open a book. There are many books deemed “beach reads” and “summer trash novels” – perfect for this time of year, yet many times, even fun books get put on the back-burner for laptops or electronic media.

Unwind after a long day at work or spend time outside – even reading before you go to bed would be enough time to crack open an interesting novel or read some short stories! Making time for something as intriguing as a good story might sound like a lot of work, but once you’re involved in reading something you enjoy, the time just melts away. What are some ways to clear your schedule and make time for the fun summer reads?

1. Clear at least half an hour of your schedule each day for reading. Sometimes, giving yourself a set time to do something gives you incentive not to miss that block of time. Maybe you don’t read all that much and are pressed for attention, especially if you have children and other responsibilities to worry about. Even if it’s just the train ride into work or a half an hour after the kids have gone to sleep, reading’s something that stimulates your mind was also bringing you a peaceful vibe. Summer reads that are light and easy are the best – they’ll enthrall you, but aren’t too complex for the warm months. Enjoy the relaxed nature of the weather and read outside – then you’ll get the best of both worlds!

Time And What It Means To Your Life

2. Make a list of books that you want to read. If you have a set plan or at least a general idea of what you want to crack open during the summer months, it’ll be easier to plan those reads in. If you just want to go with what you’re in the mood for, put the books you’re thinking about in a pile and then sort through them each time you finish a book. Either way, you’re thinking about what you really want to read – and that’s a good start!

3. Carry a book around in your bag wherever you go. Even if it’s just a few pages here and there, a little reading while waiting for a friend or sitting outside briefly could be a little treat during the day! If you don’t have a big enough purse, just leaving it in your car or having it available next to you for your lunch break at work could make life a little less stressful. Although it’s important to remember not to be antisocial and not use reading as a crutch in order to not to talk to people, a quick skimming of a page in a novel might be all you need to get back on task!

4. Reduce your time using technology. In the recent decades, the Internet and television have been replacing time when people would ordinarily pick up books. For example, there are many people who would rather sit in front of the television than open a book just because reading feels like a chore to them. If you’re reading something that interests you, then there’s no reason to not enjoy it. Technology is great for the world and the Internet has really revolutionized the way we see the written word, but sitting down with a good book or magazine is a great way to be intellectual without feeling like you’re in school again. Turning off the video games or Blackberry is a great start to reclaiming your reading skills while still relaxing the summer away!

Technology And What It Means For The Next Generation

5. Read everything you can get your hands on. By that, I mean the news – in print or online form, magazines, books, ads in the subway, etc. Basically, anything that involves even the slightest stimulation, since it’s just fun to learn more about the world around you, even if it’s through a magazine or a billboard. Reading should be fun and not a forced hobby. Keeping up a love of the written word is important in life, especially with technology replacing and changing the way we see words. Just pick up a newspaper on the way to work – expand your mind, but only read what gives you enjoyment. It’s the summer!

Check out this article for more information on how to keep your enthusiasm for reading alive. It’s always a good plan to check out bookstores for ideas or browse a used book store – engross yourself in books and maybe you’ll just fall into one right away!

The always stunning, ever so beautiful Zoe Saldana gets the cover of GQ UK and looks amazing. In her spread, the actress discusses her last blockbuster hit Avatar, and how she transformed herself into one of the biggest sex symbols in the industry. If you could get your hands on a copy of this, I would.

Tragedy struck this Virginia town during the holiday weekend as a 7-year-old boy steered a powerboat into a pier on the Hampton River, causing his mother to suffer serious injuries.  The 35-year-old mother later died at the hospital.  Investigators are still trying to determine why such a young child was steering the boat, and how the collision was violent enough to take the mother’s life.

The Latin Jazz Festival will take over Dogwood Dell on August 14 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.  The festival will feature some of the areas top Latin DJs, Latin dancers, performers and Latin music. For more details call the Dell Hot line 804-646-DELL or visit www.richmondgov.com/parks under Cultural Arts.

The Virgina Museum of Fine Arts is now open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 9 p.m. Fridays.

In addition to the galleries, each Friday you can check out art on the silver screen with the launch of the VMFA Friday Film Series, a weekly showcase of motion pictures. On July 23rd, the weekly series will feature ”Frank’s Place” and a special appearance by creator and stars Tim Reid, Daphne Maxwell Reid & co-creator Hugh Wilson.  For more information call 804-340-1400 or log onto http://www.vmfa.state.va.us.

For Example:

• Check out the local museum
• Go camping
• Look for free concerts or festivals
• Check the your local newspaper for free or inexpensive family fun events