Mellow maestro, smooth jazz keyboardist-producer Wenso Ashby’s new album is Artistry, paying homage to, among other jazz masters, Joe Sample and Duke Ellington. In a modest setting, the collection showcases this internationally accomplished veteran on such lush offerings as “Signature” and “Midnite Walkin,’” piano backed on bass by guests Charles Hayes, Julius Walker and Duane … [Read more...]
Conference to celebrate 10 years of healing Black men
Sankofa is an Akan symbol of the belief that the past serves as a guide for planning the future. It is this wisdom in learning from the past, which ensures a strong future. – Carter G. Woodson Center Time and time again, the adage has proven true that those who do not learn from history are condemned to repeat it. Nowhere is this more salient than in the African … [Read more...]
Catching up with living legend James “Cornbread” Harris
If you catch one club act this weekend, make sure it’s jazz maestro pianist James “Cornbread” Harris at Loring Pasta Bar where he’s a regular Friday draw. The evening I made it over, the master was in fine form. I arrived in time for his off-the-cuff ode to transportation and a rambling missive somehow connecting Jimmy Forrest’s “Night Train” and Duke Ellington’s “Take the … [Read more...]
Local playwright celebrates exploration of gender with new play
Pillsbury House Theatre’s (PHT) world premiere of Sharon Bridgforth’s dat Black Mermaid Man Lady/The Show is the latest triumph for successfully innovative voices. Bridgforth has been at PHT since 2005 and figure in Twin Cities theatre since 1995. An abridged list of her accomplishments includes being published in love conjure/blues, the Lambda Literary Award-winning The … [Read more...]
Corporate backgrounds inform couple’s franchise venture
You don’t have to be Italian to love Italian ices. In fact, it’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t. Accordingly, Justin and Desirae Butler quite arguably have embarked on a can’t-miss enterprise investing in their Rita’s Italian Ice franchise. The overall company has enjoyed national success since 1984 and has partnered with the likes of Nabisco and Cadbury. Add to this … [Read more...]