Usher and Chris Brown R&B Tour comes to Minneapolis on June 30 at U.S. Bank Stadium as part of a 33-date co-headlining stadium run across North America.
Music
Local and national stories, reviews, and information highlighting African American music and artists.
Posted inMusic
New Edition Wins Fan Vote but Falls Short of 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
New Edition Rock Hall omission despite leading the fan vote with over one million votes sparks frustration as the 2026 induction class is announced without the Boston R&B legends.
Posted inOn the Radar
Kevin Washington’s musical journey from Detroit to Walker West
Kevin Washington isn’t just a jazz drummer; he is a musical vessel for Black music. From his Detroit upbringing to his Minneapolis residency, Washington blends funk, gospel, and punk rock to create a spiritual experience he calls “the source.”
Posted inMusic
TLC, Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue Headline Minnesota State Fair Grandstand
The Minnesota State Fair has announced a major addition to its 2026 Grandstand Concert Series, bringing together three iconic groups for one night of music and legacy. TLC, Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue will take the stage for “IT’S ICONIC” on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Grandstand. A night of legendary hits The […]
Posted inMusic
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis bring “Nothing But Hits” to Las Vegas residency
Legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis will debut their “Nothing But Hits” Las Vegas residency celebrating decades of chart-topping music.
Posted inMusic
From plastic sax to Hall of Fame
Walter Chancellor Jr Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction recognizes 62 years of dedication to the saxophone, from Des Moines beginnings to a lasting Minneapolis music legacy.
Posted inJames on Jazz
Gratitude for great jazz past and future
Jazz at Lincoln Center Wynton Marsalis begins a phased leadership transition after 40 years, as the jazz world reflects on his impact and looks ahead to 2026.
Posted inMusic
Kanye West Seeks Forgiveness from the Black Community in Wall Street Journal Apology
Ye issued a public apology to the Black community in a Wall Street Journal ad, addressing mental health, accountability, and actions that caused harm.
Posted inEvents
Bruno Mars to Bring ‘The Romantic Tour’ to Minneapolis in 2026 Stadium Stop
Bruno Mars Minneapolis 2026 brings The Romantic Tour to U.S. Bank Stadium, marking his first full stadium tour in nearly a decade.
Posted inArts + Culture
Beyoncé Enters Billionaire Ranks Few Black Americans Have Reached
Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has reached billionaire status, marking a rare milestone for Black women in entertainment and highlighting the power of ownership, control, and long-term business strategy.
Posted inMusic
New jazz club brings community-centered good times to Uptown
The Brownstone Jazz Club in Minneapolis is a new Uptown venue focused on live jazz, community connection, and creating space for local artists to grow.
Posted inJames on Jazz
Jazz masters, Grammy picks, and a standout night at Orchestra Hall
Grammy nominations, NEA Jazz Masters honors, and a standout Wynton Marsalis performance highlight a powerful season for jazz.
Posted inArts + Culture
How Grant West helped students find their musical voices
For nearly four decades, Grant West has been a guiding force in St. Paul’s arts and culture landscape — an educator, advocate and community builder whose belief in the power of music has shaped generations of young musicians. As co-founder of Walker West Music Academy, West has helped students discover their talents while creating one […]
Posted inMusic
D’Angelo: Pondering what could have been
D’Angelo, the groundbreaking soul artist behind “Brown Sugar,” “Voodoo” and “Black Messiah,” has died at 50 after a private fight with cancer. From his church roots to his rise as a defining voice of neo soul, his legacy shaped artists across genres. Peers like Questlove and H.E.R. describe him as a rare, pure artist whose music, mentorship and spirit transformed the landscape of Black music.
Posted inArtists
Minnesota Artist Nur-D Calls on Community to Help Save Fair Play Entertainment Recording Studio
Minnesota artist Nur-D is asking the community to help save Fair Play Entertainment, the recording studio he co founded in South Minneapolis. The space has become a creative home for new and independent artists, but rising costs threaten its future. Nur-D and DJ Hayes hope to raise $8,000 to continue offering accessible studio time for local musicians.
Posted inArts + Culture
Fall into jazz: smooth sounds and star performances this season
The crisp, cool air of autumn is here, the fall colors are on full display, and soon some of jazz’s brightest stars will be too. Add to that a host of warm, colorful new recordings perfect for cozying up on chilly days ahead. Boney James and Kirk Whalum, two of today’s biggest contemporary jazz artists, […]
Posted inTicket Giveway
Win Tickets to See Herbie Hancock Live at the Orpheum Theatre!
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder is giving readers an unforgettable opportunity to see Herbie Hancock, one of the most influential musicians of our time, live in concert on Wednesday, October 22 at 7:00 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis.
Posted inMusic
Twin Cities Hip-Hop Day Honors Legacy and Creativity at Minnesota History Center
Twin Cities Hip Hop Day 2025 turned the Minnesota History Center into a living archive, honoring more than 40 contributors to the culture. Organized by Ryan “Stage One” Dillard, the celebration bridged generations and affirmed Minnesota hip hop’s legacy of community, creativity, and truth.
Posted inMusic
D’Angelo, Soul Visionary and Reluctant Icon, Dies at 51
D’Angelo, the trailblazing artist whose sound reshaped modern R&B, has died at 51 after a private battle with cancer. From “Brown Sugar” to “Voodoo” and “Black Messiah,” his live, groove-rich music and fearless artistry influenced a generation and expanded what Black music could be.
Posted inJames on Jazz
Fall jazz lineup promises new albums and live performances
From Craig Taborn’s “Trio of Bloom” to JD Allen’s “Love Letters” and Charles Lloyd’s “Figure in Blue,” fall jazz in Minnesota is rich with new sounds and live highlights. The Dakota’s October slate features Kenny Garrett, Dee Dee Bridgewater with Bill Charlap, and Brandee Younger, with Herbie Hancock at the Orpheum.