Branford Marsalis News

“From ‘She’s Gotta Have It’ in 1986 to ‘Da 5 Bloods’ in 2020, Spike has directed an astonishing number of feature films… 24!  Not to mention his work in documentaries, television, music videos and commercials.

For her leading role in the film adaptation of August Wilson's 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom,' Viola Davis has been honored by the Palm Springs Film Festival with the Desert Palm Achievement Award. 

The full-list of nominees for the 52nd NAACP Image Awards were announced today in a special virtual event on NAACP Image Awards’ Instagram channel hosted by Tony-award winning actress and singer Anika Noni-Rose, actress and singer Chloe Bailey, actress Erika Alexander, actor, dancer, and choreographer Nicco Annan, and actor and singer TC Carson.

After nearly a year of closures and cancellations, the arts have suffered disproportionately from the destructive impact of the pandemic. For the first time ever, arts councils from Wake, Chatham, Durham, and Orange Counties are joining forces to enlist support for the arts through a live event – Big Night In for the Arts.

On Friday, February 12, 2021, Boston-born composer Sid Richardson releases Borne by a Wind on New Focus Recordings.

Former president Barack Obama recently released his annual list of favorite things of 2020, including films, TV shows, and music. Included on this year's list is 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom,' which was released on Netflix Friday, December 18th.

Primary Wave Music Publishing and the Count Basie Estate have announced Danny Jonokuchi & The Revisionists as the winners of the first ever Count Basie Great American Swing Contest. Chosen out of over thirty entries, Jonokuchi and his band won over the judges with their rendition of the Count Basie classic 'One O'Clock Jump.'

Viola reveals her favorite Christmas song, and talks about the moment she realized she was going to be an actress, her mom inviting 40 extra people to her wedding, her new movie Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, the late great Chadwick Boseman, getting an amazing note and gifts from Oprah, her ten-year-old daughter’s Christmas list, and her husband’s birthday falling on December 24th.

Viola Davis stars alongside the late Chadwick Boseman in 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom,' coming to Netflix on December 18th.

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom is coming! Netflix will release the film adaptation of August Wilson's play on December 18th. Viola Davis and the late Chadwick Boseman star.

Chicago, 1927. A recording session. Tensions rise between Ma Rainey (Viola Davis), her ambitious horn player (Chadwick Boseman), and the white management determined to control the legendary “Mother of the Blues.” Based on Pulitzer Prize winner August Wilson's play.

Primary Wave Music Publishing and the Count Basie Estate are looking to foster the next generation of musical talent and have announced their first ever Count Basie Great American Swing Contest.

Through the Mangrove Tunnels, performed by the JACK Quartet with pianist Steven Beck and drummer Russell Lacy, is a 45-minute work inspired by Lee's experiences growing up exploring the swamps and bayous of Florida.

Pianist Noah Haidu has etched out an uncompromising identity as a pianist and composer by balancing cutting edge songwriting with stirring improvisations.

Orpheus Chamber Orchestra has announced five outdoor concerts in New York and New Jersey in September and October 2020. Small chamber groups composed of Orpheus members will perform live for limited audiences using marked seating to ensure social distancing with masks required.

While stages remain dark, Wharton Center has been working behind the scenes to offer programming that continues to enrich lives through the arts. Wharton Center has shared the 2020-2021 Reimagined Season filled with live Broadway and performing arts events, virtual engagements, and educational opportunities. 

The Department of Music and Dance at Swarthmore College has announced a new virtual performance series that will bring prominent guest artists to the campus community over Zoom sessions on Sundays at 1pm Eastern.

With her last album, Mixtura, vocalist Luba Mason established her own musical genre, a “blend of different musical currents.'

Captured before an intimate gathering of invited friends, family and fans at Manhattan's renowned Power Station studio, the album features an unprecedented trio of vocals, vibraphone and bass featuring master musicians Joe Locke and James Genus and produced by longtime Prince collaborator Renato Neto.

To usher in their 63rd year, The Monterey Jazz Festival is going virtual, live on their YouTube channel. Friday, September 25th through Sunday, September 27th from 5-7pm PST each day. Festival participants will be treated to never-before-seen archival footage plus exciting new performances and personal messages from the MJF family of artists, volunteers, patrons and board members.