This year, Heartbeat Opera built on that collaboration with ‘Breathing Free,’ affirmatively celebrating Black voices in the classical music space.
Music
Local and national stories, reviews, and information highlighting African American music and artists.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
DJ Ray Richardson’s last show
The evening of Sunday, Nov. 15 was the conclusion of a 21-year run of Ray Richardson hosting the popular oldie’s music show called ‘Back in the Day.’
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
2021 ‘Jazz Masters’ unveiled
The NEA Jazz Masters fellowship is the nation’s highest honor reserved for living jazz artists and advocates.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Gospel legend Rance Allen dies at age 71
Legendary Gospel singer Rance Allen, a gifted pianist and guitarist, and singer, passed away at age 71.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Sounds of Blackness percussionist keeps beat of the ancestors alive
Long-time member of the Grammy-award-winning group Sounds of Blackness, Daryl Boudreaux’s many talents have taken him around the world.
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‘I Can See Clearly Now’ singer Johnny Nash dies at age 80
Today we say a sad goodbye to singer and songwriter Johnny Nash. He was 80 years old.
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‘Songs In The Key of Life’ – a tribute to Stevie Wonder
After postponing twice due to quarantine, Saturday, September 12 Crooner’s Supper Club in Minneapolis paid tribute to Stevie Wonder.
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Minneapolis icon reflects on life and legacy
Walter Chancellor is truly a troubadour of the times, with an impressive musical career as a professional saxophonist, educator, and producer.
Posted inArts + Culture, Featured, Music
Selby Ave JazzFest goes virtual, offering weekly doses of music
The Selby Avenue Jazz Festival, a virtual edition, begins the first Saturday of September and every Saturday after
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
August brims with more great jazz
Coupled with the fantastic online events, there’s always a variety of new albums to revel in from an array of artists to love and support.
Posted inArts + Culture, Featured, Music
Local artist’s debut release celebrates traditional gospel and family
Paying homage to this time and the spirit of his grandmother, David Billingsley has constructed a debut album that is steeped in traditional gospel with elements of soul.
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Sounds of Blackness’ Gary Hines shares the inspiration behind new single
‘The kumbaya songs are actually a part of the problem. This is about the Movement, about being an anthem.’
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Jazz world continues to adapt and speak to the times
Many artists are continuing to put on some of the best jazz concerts taking place on the web weekly.
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Chanhassen Dinner Theatres announces summer concerts
Chanhassen Dinner Theatres recently announced a schedule of live summer concerts including ‘Hot Buttered Classic Soul’ featuring Ginger Commodore, Dennis Spears and Jesse Larson.
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Hip hop is the soundtrack to Black Lives Matter protests
No one who has listened to hip hop since its origins in the 1970s should be surprised that rap music has become the soundtrack to protests.
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Grammy award-winning Sounds of Blackness are back with ‘Sick & Tired’
The three-time Grammy Award-winning Sounds of Blackness are back with a timely anthem for the movement entitled ‘Sick & tired.’
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The beat goes on in spite of pandemic
New jazz to lift the spirit We all are social distancing due to the pandemic, and yet music development still happens. Livestream events featuring musicians from the jazz community continue to take place weekly. In fact, many artists have recently released new music and planned debuts go on. It’s very encouraging and inspiring to see. […]
Posted inArts + Culture, Featured, Music
Teens rap on COVID-19
The African American Community Response Team, in partnership with the Summit Academy OIC Best Buy Teen Tech Center, launched a COVID-19 Rap Challenge for teens ages 13-18.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Crooners cleared to launch ‘Lakeside Drive-In’ concert series
After a delayed start, Crooners is ready to launch its drive-in concert series.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Betty Wright’s passing marks the end of ‘soul music’ era
Betty Wright took soul to another level; she was first of what became known as the Miami sound.