Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson ONE” has been updated with new choreography, drone displays, and renewed run through 2030, featuring a story of the King of Pop’s legacy and the battle between paparazzi and artistry.
Arts + Culture
A space for local and national arts and entertainment stories, with an emphasis on stories pertaining to the African American experience.
Posted inVibrant Storefronts
Blackbird Revolt: Designing for Justice and Liberation
The Arts & Culture Vibrant Storefronts Initiative is redefining downtown Minneapolis by transforming vacant spaces into thriving hubs of creativity, culture, and innovation, with Blackbird Revolt, an abolitionist design studio, leading the way.
Posted inArts + Culture
Architectural design as a tool for community healing
Changó Cummings, a multidisciplinary architectural designer, is reshaping the landscape of architecture by employing art and design to challenge traditional norms and support marginalized communities, creating spaces that address both the physical and spiritual needs of BIPOC communities.
Posted inMusic
Walker West Music Academy scores major grant
Walker West Music Academy has received a $4 million gift from the Sauers Family Foundation to expand its mission of sharing music inspired by the African American cultural experience, and will use the funds to acquire and renovate a building at 650 Marshall Ave.
Posted inMusic
The “Beyoncé Bowl”: A Christmas Halftime Performance to Remember
Beyoncé delivered a spectacular halftime performance at the NFL Christmas doubleheader, featuring guest appearances from Post Malone and Shaboozey, a special appearance by her daughter Blue Ivy, and a payday of $20 million, cementing her place as an unmatched entertainment icon.
Posted inVibrant Storefronts
From vacant to vibrant
The City of Minneapolis Department of Arts & Cultural Affairs has launched a Vibrant Storefronts initiative to revitalize the Harmon Place Historic District by subsidizing rent in previously vacant storefronts, providing affordable rent for art groups and stable tenants for landlords.
Posted inMovies
Best of the Best Movies 2024
The 2024 film year was filled with strong performances, astute directing, and behind-the-scenes talent, with notable films including The Brutalist, Conclave, Wicked, and The Piano Lesson.
Posted inMovies
The Fire Inside
The Fire Inside tells the inspiring story of Claressa Shields, a young girl from Flint, Michigan, who becomes a world champion boxer and Olympic gold medalist, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of female athletes.
Posted inMusic
10 New Christmas Albums to Add to Your Holiday Playlist
Jennifer Hudson’s new holiday album, “The Gift of Love,” features a mix of traditional carols and hymns, as well as new Christmas music from artists such as Brandy, DOE, Anthony Evans, and more.
Posted inArts + Culture
Dayton’s eighth-floor holiday shows: A beloved Minnesota tradition that captivated generations
The eighth-floor holiday shows at Dayton’s department store in Minneapolis, which ran from 1963 to 2016, were a beloved tradition that brought generations of Minnesotans together and showcased the exceptional talent of the local artistic community.
Posted inArts + Culture
Minneapolis Institute of Art Announces “The True America: Photographs by Ernest Cole”
The Minneapolis Institute of Art is set to present a powerful exhibition of Ernest Cole’s previously unpublished photographs of Black communities in the U.S. during the 1960s and 1970s, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of everyday people living through a period of significant social change.
Posted inMusic
Enjoy a jazzy holiday
Jazz pianist George Cables celebrates his 80th birthday with the release of his new album “I Hear Echoes” on High Note Records, while Branford Marsalis signs with Blue Note Records and the Branford Marsalis Quartet will go on an extensive tour throughout the United States and Europe.
Posted inMusic
Candlelight: Best of Hip-Hop on Strings – A Night of Musical Magic in Minneapolis
The Luminary Arts Center in Minneapolis is hosting a unique Candlelight concert featuring the Listeso String Quartet + Drums performing iconic Hip-Hop tracks on strings, set against the backdrop of a dimly lit room illuminated by candlelight.
Posted inBooks
Stay the Course and WATCH! Del Shea Perry’s Journey of Faith and Healing
Del Shea Perry’s ministry and business, Itzadel Watches, have become a powerful symbol of faith, with her watches serving as tools for witnessing and service, aimed at feeding the homeless and spreading God’s word.
Posted inBooks
T. Mychael Rambo adds children’s book author to his resume
T. Mychael Rambo, a long-time theater professional and educator, has recently published a children’s book, “The Stories from My Grandmother’s Hands”, which focuses on racialized trauma and the use of music and movement for healing.
Posted inMovies
Black Women Veterans Honored in Tyler Perry’s The Six Triple Eight
Tyler Perry’s The Six Triple Eight tells the remarkable story of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female Army unit to serve during WWII, who sorted and delivered 17 million pieces of mail in just three months.
Posted inMusic
Michael Jackson’s Thriller: A Legacy That Continues to Dominate Music and Culture
Michael Jackson’s 1982 album “Thriller” remains the gold standard in music, with record-breaking sales, eight Grammy Awards, and a lasting influence on popular culture, music, fashion, and dance.
Posted inMovies
Pansy’s relentless rants and insults define her character in Mike Leigh’s Hard Truths
Marianne Jean-Baptiste delivers a powerful performance as Pansy, a woman who is constantly angry and abusive to her family, friends, and strangers, in the film Hard Truths.
Posted inEvents
Celebrate Multicultural Storytelling at “Stories in Motion”
Experience a night of multicultural storytelling at Stories in Motion, an evening featuring short films, live entertainment, and delicious food, celebrating diverse voices and supporting underrepresented filmmakers.
Posted inGiveaways
Win Tickets to See Annie Mack Live at the Landmark Center!
The Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder is giving away 5 pairs of tickets to see the incredible Annie Mack live at the historic Landmark Center in St. Paul on December 20, 2024.