The heat of the day became exhausting, but when you’re out listening to the live jams of the day, who really cares. Rock the Garden returned to its home at The Walker Art Center’s Sculpture Garden after having moved to Boom Island river front last year due to construction. With its signature two stages, many […]
Music
Local and national stories, reviews, and information highlighting African American music and artists.
Posted inArts + Culture
Who is Destiny Roberts?
Local rising star blazes her own trail From interviews on a popular radio show to live performances at the hottest shows, Destiny Roberts’ profile has risen considerably in the last year. The MSR recently sat down with Roberts to catch up with her career moves and answer the question: just who is Destiny Roberts? “When […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Alfa Anderson of Chic reflects on education career & new music
Second of two-part story After being a member of Chic and working with various artists as a studio singer in the 1970s, Alfa Anderson went back to school during the 1980s. She had previously taught in college before she made it big with Chic, and after she earned her second master’s degree, Anderson taught in […]
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Alfa Anderson of the icon group Chic returns with new music
First of two parts Music has always been a part of her life, but meeting a soon-to-become-a-legend forever changed Alfa Anderson. Anderson, then a reputable studio musician, was rehearsing for a Lou Courtney gig with friend Ednah Holt, who suggested the two go over to the next studio and meet Luther Vandross. Vandross, she recalls […]
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Local country artist headlines ‘Red, White & Boom’ July Fourth celebration
With a rough airy voice, Tre Aaron is hoping to make a space for himself in country music. Aaron is often shy concerning his good looks and muscular build, but exhibits the personality of an extrovert when his feet hit the stage. Tre Aaron and The Sidewalk Blues Boys decided to make themselves official as […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Black Liq reflects on his triumph over adversity
Soundset celebrated its 10th anniversary Sunday, May 28, in grand style — over 35,000 people helped ring in the occasion. With a full line up of established, new, local and national hip hop acts, this year’s festival offered something for everyone. The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder (MSR) caught up with Black Liquid (BL) a multifaceted artist featured at […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Blazing performances lift Soundset 2017 (photos)
No-shows and rain couldn’t dampen 10th anniversary Over 35,000 people and hip hop joined together on Memorial Day weekend for the 10th anniversary of Soundset, billed as the largest independent one-day hip hop festival in the world. All four elements of hip hop were on display at the festival on Sunday, May 28, from […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Fans and musicians gather at Prince’s house for four-day celebration
Entering Paisley Park one year after the date of Prince’s death was a lot less somber than the museum tours held last fall. The urn holding his ashes, which had previously been in a display case in the center of the atrium, was moved to a spot above visitors just below the skylights. The atmosphere […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Reflections on Prince live in concert
Legendary artist still in top form at last show (This story was originally published June 2, 2016) It was a clear departure from his previous live performances over the years, but his Thursday night concert in Atlanta is one Kenya Taylor will never forget. “The minute he walked out on stage, everybody lost it. He sat […]
Posted inArts + Culture, Music, Remembering Prince
In memory and celebration of Prince: art, parties & music, music, music!
Editor’s note: Please find our 2018 list here. The Twin Cities will be full of celebrations this week to honor the life and legacy of Prince, leading up to the one-year anniversary of his passing, April 21. The celebrations will include Minneapolis landmarks lit up in purple April 20-21. Some events have already sold out, but there’s still plenty of purple […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Rakim still moves the crowd
Over 750 rap enthusiasts sold out the Amsterdam Bar Hall in St. Paul March 15 to bear witness to one of the greatest lyricists of all time: Rakim. Rakim Allah was introduced to the world in 1986 with a classic 12-inch record entitled “Eric B. is President.” The rap duo known as Eric B. and […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Tech N9ne’s Strictly Strange show rocks the Myth
Tech N9ne, along with his fans, showed up and showed out at the Myth nightclub in Maplewood Friday, March 24. The venue was full of energy as Tech N9ne and his Strange Music label mates took to the stage in front of a packed house. HD-TVs displayed footage, fog machines, costume changes and technicians — […]
Posted inMusic
Chuck Berry, ‘Father of Rock and Roll,’ passes at 90
Internationally iconic guitarist, singer and songwriter Charles Edward Anderson “Chuck” Berry was found unresponsive at his home in St. Charles County, Missouri. He was pronounced dead of natural causes at age 90. Hailed as “The Father of Rock and Roll,” Berry died on March 18, leaving a legacy that will last forever. Berry, inspired by […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Rihanna honored by Harvard for charity work
“So I made it to Harvard!” Rihanna said playfully with a swing of her ponytail. “Never thought I’d be able to say that in my life, but it feels good.” On Tuesday, Feb. 28, the pop singer accepted the 2017 Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Harvard Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations. Students packed into […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Legendary Rance Allen Group still stirring souls after all these years
Their late mother would be proud of Rance Allen and his two brothers — the three oldest of her 12 children. Rance and his brothers Tom and Steve, the Rance Allen Group, are an example of how family togetherness, talent and purpose can create an enduring legacy. “[Our mother] taught us more than anything…to be […]
Posted inArts + Culture
UMAHH celebrates 25th anniversary of Ice Cube’s ‘It Was a Good Day,’ protests Trump
January 20 is a day that many hip hop lovers remember fondly. Twenty-five years ago on that day, Compton rapper Ice Cube released the classic hip hop song “It Was a Good Day.” Over a sample of “Footsteps In The Dark” by the Isley Brothers, Cube describes a good day as not being harassed by police, not […]
Posted inArts + Culture
From humble beginnings to bright horizons
Twin Cities-based artist Mike DeCole is making moves Humble beginnings may be just a phrase or great marketing ploy for some, but for Mike DeCole it could be the title to his autobiography. DeCole is an up-and-coming R&B artist based in the Twin Cities who has had a successful 2016 and is looking to take […]
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
Jeff Lorber and friends thrill at reunion show
By Raymond Jackson Contributing Writer The Dakota Nightclub continues to show why it’s one of the best musical venues in downtown Minneapolis, as it recently brought Jeff Lorber and friends back to the club for what was billed as a reunion show. Lorber was joined by Twin Cities’ own Stokley Williams, lead vocalist and drummer […]
Posted inArts + Culture
Paisley Park will mark anniversary of Prince’s death with four-day celebration
It was announced Tuesday, November 28, that Paisley Park will mark the one-year anniversary of Prince’s death with a celebration to honor his legacy. Entitled “Celebration 2017,” the four-day event kicks off April 20, 2017 at Prince’s Paisley Park in Chanhassen. According to the press release, the event will bring together artists who have worked closely […]
Posted inPhoto Galleries
PHOTOS | Sheila E. honors Prince’s legacy of giving with Purple Philanthropy benefit concert
Percussionist, singer/songwriter and longtime Prince protégé and musical collaborator, Sheila E., paid homage to Prince and his legacy of charitable giving with the “Purple Philanthropy” concert at Minnesota Orchestra Hall Oct. 23. Sheila’s father, jazz percussionist Pete Escovedo, members of Prince’s family, ex-wife Mayte and other Prince associates, plus young local musicians, joined her on stage to […]