Artistic pursuits of jazz artists continue with worthy awards, new recordings, live performances and more
Arts + Culture
A space for local and national arts and entertainment stories, with an emphasis on stories pertaining to the African American experience.
Posted inArts + Culture
From ‘hillbilly’ to Beyoncé: The complicated history of race and authenticity in country music
Beyonce’s foray into country arrives at a time when more and more Black musicians are charting country hits.
Posted inArts + Culture
Wendy Williams diagnosed with progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia
Wendy Williams, a media mogul, has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
Posted inMovies
Celebrate Black History Month with these 25 essential movies
A list of must-see movies for Black History Month and how to view them.
Posted inArts + Culture
Hollywood stars shine at Reel Revolution North event in North Minneapolis
At the Reel Revolution North event, Terrance Howard, Yolonda Ross, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor discussed their careers and the opportunities taking place in Minnesota’s film industry.
Posted inArts + Culture
‘American Fiction’: a smart, funny but flawed commentary on race and the literary world
‘American Fiction’ is a star-studded, well-crafted, and insightful commentary on race and representation.
Posted inArts + Culture
Review: ‘Bob Marley: One Love’
The power of Marley’s music will lift viewers’ spirits for one hour 44 minutes, as his story unfolds.
Posted inArts + Culture
Black directors shine at 40th Sundance Film Festival
The Sundance Film Festival celebrated its 40th year with several premieres for Black directors.
Posted inArts + Culture, Theater
‘Purple Rain’ musical set to debut in Minneapolis before Broadway
‘Purple Rain: The Musical’ will premiere at the State Theatre in Minneapolis in 2025 before its Broadway run.
Posted inArts + Culture
Oglesby’s ‘Handprints’ captures an artist’s coming of age
Greta Oglesby’s personal play ‘Handprints’ highlights key figures in her life.
Posted inMovies
Film and TV viewing to celebrate Black History Month
Black History Month offers a wealth of films and series that explore the economic impact of slavery, Jim Crow, segregation, and the Civil Rights Movement, as well as the contributions of Black women in hip hop, Little Richard, and the Color Purple.
Posted inArts + Culture
Remembering Joe Madison, trailblazing radio host and activist
Joe Madison, SiriusXM host and activist, dies at 74, leaving a legacy of justice and advocacy.
Posted inArts + Culture, Books
Veteran journalist Michele Norris to talk race, identity at upcoming Westminster Forum
Michele Norris, award-winning journalist and founder of The Race Card Project, will appear at the Westminster Town Hall on Feb. 1 for an in-depth conversation about her latest book.
Posted inArts + Culture
There’s lots of great live music ahead
There are quite a few top jazz artists coming to town. Here is a look ahead.
Posted inArts + Culture, Movies
HBO’s ‘South to Black Power’ explores reverse migration for political power
Charles Blow’s 2021 bestseller “The Devil You Know: A Black Power Manifesto” has inspired the HBO Original documentary “South To Black Power”.
Posted inArts + Culture
Local brothers’ latest film ‘Mr. Hit Me Up’ explores the power of friendship, trauma, and love
Trey Bell and Malik Peer, two brothers from Minnesota, have achieved success in their music career and transitioned to filmmaking, focusing on bringing realism to the screen and collaborating with local talent.
Posted inArts + Culture
Journey of Louis Hunter: From rioting charges to owning a plant-based restaurant and a film
Louis Hunter, who was charged with rioting after the police killing of his cousin, Philando Castile, has overcome the charges and now owns a restaurant and has a film inspired by his life story.
Posted inArts + Culture
Actress Kerry Washington is vulnerable and honest in new memoir
Kerry Washington’s memoir, ‘Thicker Than Water’, is a love letter to her parents and a recounting of her life as an actress, mother, and wife.
Posted inArts + Culture
Veteran actress and playwright thrives in Twin Cities theater scene
Greta Oglesby, an accountant-turned-actress, has been a staple of the Twin Cities theater community since the early 2000s.
Posted inArts + Culture, Music
The year in jazz: My top 10 favorites
The best jazz albums of 2023 include Brian Blade, Louis Hayes, Nina Simone, Wynton Marsalis, Fred Hersh and Esperanza Spalding, Ron Blake, and Eric Alexander…