Aaron Graves News

Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center is offering a stellar series of jazz performances with more than two dozen musicians, vocalists, and dancers appearing in West Chester this September through December, hosted by local jazz and blues artist, Sara Michaels.

Acclaimed Jazz/Blues Artist Sara Michaels has revealed details for the first single from a new collection of songs that she is currently working on. 'Hard Winter,' which she says she wrote in the midst of the Pandemic as a way to 'find hope, healing and joy again,' is available now on all DSPs, along with her poignant video.

AWAACC will present Pittsburgh’s Black Art Scene: Past, Present & Future, a retrospective on Pittsburgh’s role in the cultural lexicon and the artforms and artists that have contributed to the city’s historic Black arts scene, along with special editions of ongoing programs.

The Kimmel Center Cultural Campus, along with Resident Company support from Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and The Philadelphia Orchestra, celebrates Women's History Month in March 2020 with an array of programming honoring a breadth of female artistry and expression. Additionally, in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, Philadelphia and Drexel University's Vision 2020's 'Women 100' National Women's Equality Initiative will host a series of events, including the Seat at the Table FREE and interactive exhibition, opening in March and running through September in the Kimmel Center's Commonwealth Plaza.

The Kimmel Center Cultural Campus has announced three new Jazz Residency teams for the 2019-20 season: Ruth Naomi Floyd (Composer/Vocals) and Charles a?oeChaza?? Lattimore Howard (Lyricist/Poet); Immanuel Wilkins (Composer/Saxophone) with Rog Walker (Photographer) and David Dempewolf (Video Installation); and Richard Hill Jr. (Composer/Voice/Bass). Each team will create a new, relevant, and engaging a?oePhilly Madea?? work for the community. In the Kimmel Center Jazz Residency's seventh consecutive year, all three of these original pieces will focus on the relationship of Philadelphia against a social issue, including the homelessness issue, the introspective examination of one's cultural identity as a citizen, and a futuristic look at neighborhoods.

The blues may be cool, but Miche Braden and the music are hot in this lively production of playwright Angelo Parra's THE DEVIL'S MUSIC: THE LIVE AND BLUES OF BESSIE SMITH at Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell. Even if you don't know much about Smith, you'll walk out of the show feeling as though you've just spent the evening in her company. A trio of outstanding musicians joins the actress on the richly-rendered set by James J. Fenton. Don't miss this!

Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) presents The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith by Angelo Parra and directed by Joe Brancato, January 9- February 2, continuing the theater's 35th season with the soulful blues. The play will be performed in the recently-renovated Nancy L. Donahue Theatre, located at 50 East Merrimack Street in historic downtown Lowell. Tickets range from $60 - $20 and are on sale now through www.mrt.org or by calling 978-654-4678.

Penguin Rep Theatre (Joe Brancato, Artistic Director, and Andrew M. Horn, Executive Director) and Edmund Gaynes, in association with Don and LizAnne Mitchell, presents The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith, a musical by Angelo Parra, conceived and directed by Joe Brancato. Miche Braden stars as Bessie Smith, along with Aaron Graves, Jim Hankins, Keith Loftis, and Anthony E. Nelson, Jr. Performances began June 7th Off-Broadway at St. Luke's Theater (308 West 46th Street). Tracie Bennett, currently starring in END OF THE RAINBOW on Broadway, stopped by the show with her co-star Tom Pelphrey. View photos below!

Walnut Street Theatre's Independence Studio on 3 brings back the spirit of Philadelphia's own Ethel Waters with her life stories and memorable songs in Ethel!

Walnut Street Theatre's Independence Studio on 3 will bring back the spirit of Philadelphia's own Ethel Waters with her life stories and memorable songs in Ethel! Written by and starring Broadway's Terry Burrell, this world premiere begins with previews on February 21st, opens February 23rd and runs through March 11th in the intimate Independence Studio on 3.

Walnut Street Theatre's Independence Studio on 3 is set to bring back the spirit of Philadelphia's own Ethel Waters with her life stories and memorable songs in Ethel!

Walnut Street Theatre's Independence Studio on 3 is set to bring back the spirit of Philadelphia's own Ethel Waters with her life stories and memorable songs in Ethel!

Walnut Street Theatre's Independence Studio on 3 is set to bring back the spirit of Philadelphia's own Ethel Waters with her life stories and memorable songs in Ethel!

Walnut Street Theatre's Independence Studio on 3 is set to bring back the spirit of Philadelphia's own Ethel Waters with her life stories and memorable songs in Ethel!

Penguin Rep Theatre, in Association with Edmund Gaynes, will present The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith, written by Angelo Parra, conceived and directed by Joe Brancato. Miche Braden stars as Bessie Smith, along with Aaron Graves, Jim Hankins, Keith Loftis, and Anthony E. Nelson, Jr.

Penguin Rep Theatre (Joe Brancato, Artistic Director, and Andrew M. Horn, Executive Director) and Edmund Gaynes, in association with Don and Lizanne Mitchell, will present The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith, a musical by Angelo Parra, conceived and directed by Joe Brancato.

Penguin Rep Theatre (Joe Brancato, Artistic Director, and Andrew M. Horn, Executive Director) and Edmund Gaynes, in association with Don and Lizanne Mitchell, will present The Devil's Music: The Life and Blues of Bessie Smith, a musical by Angelo Parra, conceived and directed by Joe Brancato.

Playing May 6-22 with discounted previews on May 3, 4 and 5, The Devil's Music tells the thrilling life story of one of America's most beloved entertainers, and stars Miche Braden, who originated the role of Bessie Smith Off Broadway.