Aretha Franklin News

Conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops set the mood for the recent Opening Night at Pops, featuring the luminous Cynthia Erivo, with a rhythmic “The Club” from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights” and the rousing “Gotta Dance” medley from “Jerome Robbins’ Broadway.”

Cynthia Erivo will lead a one-woman production of Dracula, set to premiere next year in London's West End. Learn more about this upcoming production here!

And when it comes to the humble Harlem hair salon in Jaja’s African Hair Braiding, now in its New England premiere at SpeakEasy Stage in the Roberts Studio Theatre, Calderwood Pavilion at the BCA, through May 31, make that something to marvel at.

The Princeton Festival runs June 6-21 and includes pops concerts, opera, an evening of dance, a Vivaldi concert and a Motown tribute, plus a joy-filled finale featuring the music of ABBA. A Baroque concert and bluegrass-infused violin recital take place at nearby Trinity Church. There are also a Community Day and Juneteenth events.

The film adaptation of Prima Facie, starring Cynthia Erivo, is headed to the Cannes Film Market, where the project will now be shopped to potential buyers.

Penn Live Arts, known for its presentation of thought-provoking and transformational performances across multiple genres, announces its 2025-26 season, curated by Executive and Artistic Director Christopher A. Gruits.

Vocal powerhouse Ryan Shaw and acclaimed pianist/composer/arranger Ray Angry (The Roots) have teamed up for Off Broadway, a new studio album featuring R&B, soul, jazz, rock, reggae, house, and classical-inspired takes on classic Broadway hits. Listen to it now!

Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board is presenting their first ever Swing Into Spring jazz celebration, a new spinoff of the popular Montco Jazz Festival. Learn more!

Grammy Award-winning vocalist and songwriter Ledisi has officially released her 14th studio album, The Crown. The project showcases 11 tracks that explore the rich layers of Ledisi’s artistry, blending R&B, soul, gospel, and dance. Listen to it here!

The Bea Hive Bash at The Auditorium, celebrating the legacy of Beatrice “Bea” Spachner, the patron responsible for rescuing the historic building from being demolished in the 1960's, this year's iteration of The Auditorium's annual summer party is a fab 60's-themed bash paying homage to The Auditorium's triumphant grand re-opening night in 1967.

bergenPAC (Bergen Performing Arts Center) will present the final concert date of entertainment icon Johnny Mathis' 'The Voice Of Romance' Tour and celebrates the 70-year career of his timeless music. Learn more!

Devon Allman has announced the release of a new star-studded album, Blue Summit, accompanied by a tour that kicks off on August 7 in Baton Rouge, LA, wrapping up on Sept 12 at the iconic Telluride Blues & Brews festival.

Actor/playwright/storyteller Rhonda 'Passion' Hansome will be among the performers featured at TALE on Friday, April 25 at the Red Room @ KGB Bar in Manhattan.

Harlem Jazz Series welcomes the legendary Alex Harding on April 25, 2025! Known for his commanding presence on the baritone saxophone, Harding has played alongside some of the greatest names in jazz.

The Hylton Performing Arts Center has revealed its 2025–26 season of performances, featuring a wide range of artists, ensembles, and productions as part of its four main series. Learn more!

GRAMMY nominated singer/songwriter/pianist Sheléa will star in a new PBS special titled 'Aretha! With Sheléa and The Pacific Symphony' premiering on PBS stations beginning Friday, May 30.

Blues band The YellowHouse will make their Spire Center for Performing Arts debut on Saturday, August 23. As a band, their mission is to raise money for non-profits in their community.

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra (LACO) rolls out the red carpet for its 2025 Gala Celebration honoring esteemed studio executive Paul Broucek, President of Warner Bros. Pictures Music, who has made a global impact on the film and television industry, on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Skirball Cultural Center's Ahmanson Ballroom in Los Angeles.

Broadway alum and R&B vocal powerhouse Ryan Shaw has just released a brand new track, the inspirational “Rising Up,” featuring the Average White Band. Listen to it here!

The Dayton Performing Arts Alliance has revealed its 2025–2026 Season in the Wintergarden of the Benjamin and Miriam Schuster Performing Arts Center. Learn more!