Headliner Goapele serenades Selby JazzFest faithful End-of-summer traditions are bittersweet. Peak, mid-season heat cools, leaving near-perfect days for celebrations like the Minnesota State Fair and other outdoor events like the annual Selby Jazz Festival. Greeting the 18th annual festival, held at the intersection of Selby Avenue and Milton Street in St. Paul … [Read more...]
Local and national stories, reviews, and information highlighting African American music and artists.
Black musical standards shine in ‘Smokey Joe’s Café’
“They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway. They say there’s always magic in the air.” If you’ve already put music to these lyrics, you may be familiar with the version of “On Broadway” made popular in the 1960s by the Drifters or the rendition that captivated a new generation earlier this decade thanks to Jennifer Hudson’s performance in the NBC hit TV series … [Read more...]
Annie Mack gives and gets healing through song
Blues and jazz vocalist Annie Mack “My mother had a love of music that she passed on to my sister and me,” recalled Minnesota-born-and-raised jazz and blues vocalist Annie Mack. “The record player — that was her night out. She couldn’t go out to the bar or a show with two kids at home and nobody to watch them. “So for her, going to pick up something from the liquor … [Read more...]
Black concerts – Sept. 9-14: classic reggae, Lenny Kravitz and Lil Wayne returns (maybe)
Hot concertgoer summer is coming to a close. But hot shows are slated for early September to help carry the vibe into fall. Lenny Kravitz Cool is Lenny Kravitz’ brand. He is a rock star in the purest, simplest way — effortlessly stylish, wild and passionate yet unflappably chill. And he's performing at the Orpheum Theater. The show is part of a tour celebrating … [Read more...]
Dancehall legend Burna Boy brings tour to Skyway Theatre Sept. 7
Burna Boy is back and as amazing as ever. The Nigerian reggae-dancehall giant released the album "African Giant" in July, a masterclass in reggae rhythm and dancehall jump-offs. Burna’s “The African Giant Returns” tour will be at the Skyway Theatre tomorrow night starting at 7 p.m. Damini Ogulu, known as Burna Boy, has been bleeding together reggae and dancehall since his … [Read more...]