Abena Koomson

Video: Natalie Merchant Debuts 'Come On, Aphrodite' Music Video

Natalie Merchant unveils a new video for her latest single “Come On, Aphrodite”—watch here. Filmed in Brooklyn, New York, the new video is directed by Matthew Shattuck (Foo Fighters, John Legend) and edited by Andrew Pulaski (Joey Bada$$, A$AP Ferg). Watch the new music video now!

Natalie Merchant Unveils New Single 'Come On, Aphrodite'

It is the first track released from Merchant’s forthcoming album, Keep Your Courage, and establishes the record’s themes of love and passion as essential to the human experience. Merchant’s ninth solo studio album, and the latest new material since 2014’s self-titled record, Keep Your Courage will be released in April.

Natalie Merchant To Bring 2023 U.S. Tour To Byham Theater, April 18

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces that tickets are on sale for Natalie Merchant's concert on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at the Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.  This event is presented by National Artists. 

Natalie Merchant Will Perform at Hershey Theatre in April

Natalie Merchant is coming to Hershey Theatre on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at 8 p.m. with the “Keep Your Courage Tour.”

The Django to Welcome Today's Premier Swing Band, 15+ Vocalists, and Hot Latin Tuesday Nights This Summer

THE DJANGO will bring another month of stellar jazz by some of the field’s heroes alongside young, emerging artists.

Jacob's Pillow Announces Winter/Spring 2022 Pillow Lab Artist Residencies

Jacob’s Pillow has announced eight artist residencies this winter and spring at the Pillow Lab, its year-round incubator of new work. The annual season of customizable residencies supports U.S.-based and international dance artists during crucial development, research, and technical stages of choreography-driven projects.

FELA! Audio Adaptation is Coming to Clubhouse in May

An audio adaptation of the musical FELA!, written and directed by filmmaker Funa Maduka, will premiere on Clubhouse, the popular drop-in audio chat platform, on Saturday, May 15 and Sunday, May 16.

National Sawdust Announces FIRE THIS TIME Series

National Sawdust presents conversation series, Fire This Time, launching April 20th. The host, poet Lynne Procope, will sit down with musicians, critics, stick fighters, DJs, academics, curators, poets & music lovers at the ley lines of organizing, activism, and the legacy of perhaps the most influential writer of the last century, James Baldwin.

The Resistance Revival Chorus Release 'Ella's Song' in Honor of Juneteenth and Ella Baker

The Resistance Revival Chorus have released a video for their powerful recording of 'Ella's Song' in honor of Juneteenth and celebrating Ella Baker.

VIDEO: Watch Oneika Phillips, Lillias White and More Come Together to Spread Joy with FELA!

It's been over a decade since Fela! first took Broadway by storm, and still, in 2020, its cast is united and making a difference. Oneika Phillips, who starred in the 2012 return engagement, put out a call to her cast mates to come together for the #DontRush Challenge. 'It evolved into an even more meaningful project with layers of celebration such as aligning with the ten-year anniversary of the show's 11 Tony nominations, including Sahr as Fela and Lillias White as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. A decade ago, we were at the height of breaking ceilings and blowing minds on Broadway,' writes Phillips.

VIDEO: Watch Oneika Phillips, Lillias White and More Come Together to Spread Joy with FELA!

It's been over a decade since Fela! first took Broadway by storm, and still, in 2020, its cast is united and making a difference. Oneika Phillips, who starred in the 2012 return engagement, put out a call to her cast mates to come together for the #DontRush Challenge. 'It evolved into an even more meaningful project with layers of celebration such as aligning with the ten-year anniversary of the show's 11 Tony nominations, including Sahr as Fela and Lillias White as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. A decade ago, we were at the height of breaking ceilings and blowing minds on Broadway,' writes Phillips.

Fela!, the critically acclaimed new musical based on the life and music of groundbreaking African composer, performer and activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, is directed and choreographed by Tony® Award-winner Bill T. Jones (Spring Awakening), with a book by Jim Lewis and Bill T. Jones. Sahr Ngaujah and Kevin Mambo play the title character at alternate performances, while the world renowned Antibalas and other members of the NYC Afrobeat community, under the direction of Aaron Johnson, perform Kuti's rousing music live onstage.

Broadway dominated The View yesterday, March 3. Following an interview with The Miracle Worker's Abigail Breslin, the Fela! cast took the stage to perform 'Zombie' for viewers. Valerie Bertinelli filled in for Whoopi Goldberg, alongside View regulars Barbra Walters, Joy Behar, Sherri Sheperd and Elizabeth Hasselbeck. Audience members were sent home from the taping with a pair of tickets to see the Fela!. The View airs weekdays at 11:00am EST on ABC.

As a nod to Black History Month, during the course of the week NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams pays tribute to a series of history makers, including FELA!'s Bill T. Jones. In the video piece below, Anne Curry profiles Jones and speaks to the Tony Award-winning director and choreographer him about his career, achievements and the tremendous success of FELA!

See what it's like to dance in the shoes of one of Fela!'s 'swing' performers in this video diary.

Fela!, the new musical based on the life and music of groundbreaking African composer, performer and activist Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, will open on Broadway at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre (230 West 49th Street) tonight. Performances began on Monday, October 19

Sting and Alicia Keys were amongst other well-known music and entertainment personalities to visit the Broadway sensation Fela! during its first week run, and the praise for this dazzling production was unanimous.