Aretha Franklin News

The Philly POPS has announced a dynamic new lineup for the 2021a?"2022 season, featuring eight exciting shows, including all-new programs and returning fan-favorite guest artists.

As the San Francisco Bay Area reaches six months of sheltering-in-place, the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic for mental health have become more prevalent than ever. In response, The Marsh is bringing back virtual LIVE performances (with post-event discussions) of Brian Copelanda??s captivating drama a?oeThe Waiting Period.a?? This deeply moving and surprisingly funny work that outlines his own struggles with depression and suicidal thought has been shown to literally save lives. The first performance will be Saturday, September 5th at 7:30pm PDT, with 5 subsequent performances on alternate Sundays at 5:00pm from September 13th through November 8th. All performances are offered free of charge. Please visit The Marsh website for additional information. As people around the world continue to navigate the potential health and financial impacts of the ongoing pandemic, Copeland knew that offering performances of a?oeThe Waiting Perioda?? would provide a safe space and support system for those in need during these trying times. BroadwayWorld had the pleasure of speaking with Copeland twice in recent months about the show and his long, fascinating career. In two decades as a successful standup comedian, he opened for musical icons such as Smokey Robinson and Aretha Franklin. He has also hosted popular, long-running talk shows on KGO radio and TV. He is perhaps best known as creator and star of numerous of solo shows, including a?oeNot a Genuine Black Mana?? which he developed at The Marsh and remains the longest-running solo show in Bay Area history.

The JOCUNDA MUSIC, FILM & THEATRE FESTIVAL Presents an ENCORE Virtual Play Reading of GREENWOOD by Coolidge Harris, Jr. and Directed by Van Dirk Fisher on Sunday, September 6th at 8PM EST.

On the eve of Charlie 'Bird' Parker's 100th birthday, it is impossible to overstate the impact and influence that the legendary jazz icon has had on music and culture. Born on August 29th, 1920, in Kansas City, Kansas, Parker is simply one of the most important Black American figures in history.

“Shut Up And Sing,” a new song from Brent Cobb’s highly anticipated new album, Keep ‘Em On They Toes, is debuting today.

Based on the overwhelmingly positive response, BDT Stage will continue the Outdoor Concert Series through September. Patrons are assigned socially-distanced plots on our south lot. They bring their own lawn chairs and blankets, are served a pre-ordered picnic dinner and light dessert, and enjoy a live outdoor concert in the early evening.

Today we asked readers which music artist should be the next to get the jukebox treatment!

Multi GRAMMY®-nominated vocal powerhouse Ryan Shaw's new studio album IMAGINING MARVIN is set for a November 27th release via Shaw's own FORM (Fans Of Real Music) Records with distribution by Broadway Records. Inspired by one of Shaw's idols, Marvin Gaye, IMAGINING MARVIN is the powerful new project that originally premiered live in New York City.

Back with the a?oebeat that just won't quita?? (San Francisco Chronicle), STOMP returns to Sarasota in 2021! The family-friendly and fun-filled production comes to the Van Wezel on Sunday, March 7, 2021 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Single tickets are $37-$72 and go on sale to the public on Friday, August 28, 2020 at 10 a.m. 

San Francisco Playhouse continued its commitment to developing new plays and nurturing the voices of active writers with the selection of the playwrights who will comprise the third year of the company's five-year commission program.

The Apollo Theater today announced details of its fall 2020 season, which will take place exclusively online on the Apollo's Digital Stage. The season features a broad range of free virtual events, including Wyclef Jean performing his album The Carnival; a special Live Wire conversation focused on the artistry of Aretha Franklin and more.

Oklahoma Americana husband / wife duo, The Imaginaries, Shane Henry (guitar, vocals) and Maggie McClure (keys, piano, vocals), are exclusively premiering their stunning video for their third single “Walking On A Wire” today with Cowboys & Indians Magazine – watch it HERE.

The Van Wezel announces additional shows for 2021! PROUD Tina: The Ultimate Tribute to Tina Turner comes to the Van Wezel for its Sarasota debut. The Sweet Caroline tour returns to the Hall by popular demand, and single tickets for Neil Berg's 112 Years of Broadway will be available this week. 

The Richard Lawson Studios launched a new Master Class series to rave reviews on August 4th, 2020 with veteran BET Casting Director Robi Reed. Classes will take place every Saturday morning at 10 AM PST.

The first wave of featured performers has been announced for HBOa??s adaptation of the critically acclaimed stage show, based on the #1 New York Times bestseller of the same name by author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates.

Forest VanDyke, Darius-Anthony Robinson, and Kris Coleman performed 'Quiet' by Jonathan Reid Gealt as a tribute to Black Lives Matter.

Powerhouse vocalist and actor Audra McDonald returns to the Van Wezel in 2021! Musician, vocalist and composer Damien Sneed brings A Tribute to Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul to the Hall for its Sarasota debut, and single tickets for South Pacific will be available for purchase this week.  

The Toledo Symphony Orchestra (TSO) announced today new plans for its 2020-2021 performance season, the orchestraa??s 77th season, and Alain Trudela??s third season as Music Director.

The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall welcomes superstar instrumentalist Kenny G back to Sarasota in 2021! Additionally, single tickets for Blue Man Group, Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show and Fiddler on the Roof will be available for purchase beginning this week.

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and Music Director Fabio Luisi (Louise W. & Edmund J. Kahn Music Directorship) today announce NEXT STAGE, revised programming for Fall 2020 Texas Instruments Classical Series, Pops Series and Dallas Symphony Presents concerts.