Aretha Franklin News

Last week, while talking with Tony Award-winning actress/singer/songwriter Renee Elise Goldsberry - during which we discussed her upcoming series of concerts with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra - she responded to my query about how much of 'Renee' is in each of the myriad characters by which she's come to be known and loved by her legions of fans.

 BroadwayHD, the premier streaming service for live theater, is set to release the electrifying musical A Night with Janis Joplin to its platform on January 19th.   Starring Mary Bridget Davies, Broadway's original 'Janis' in her Tony Award® nominated performance, the show was filmed live during one of its final performances on October 4, 2018 at La Mirada Theatre for The Performing Arts in Los Angeles. The release of BroadwayHD's groundbreaking live-capture of the show will coincide with the anniversary of the rock icon's birthday, while ushering in the 50th anniversary celebration of Woodstock and her famed performance at the legendary concert.

City Winery Chicago, 1200 W. Randolph Street, announces the return of Grammy-nominated independent R&B artist Eric Roberson and more. The following shows go on sale to the public on Thursday, January 17 at noon. All tickets will be available at citywinery.com/chicago.

The Apollo Theater will bring the New York premiere of TWISTED MELODIES, an intimate one-man production about the life, artistry, and struggles of 1970s soul singer and composer Donny Hathaway, to its iconic stage, 45 years after Hathaway himself last performed on it. From his hits with Roberta Flack, his solo songs, and his work as both an arranger and studio musician for artists such as Aretha Franklin, Curtis Mayfield, and the Staples Singers, to his diagnosis of schizophrenia, Hathaway's personal struggles both inspired and hampered his music. On the 40th anniversary of his untimely death, Hathaway will be honored posthumously with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in February 2019, celebrating his influence and contributions to the music industry that continue today. Directed by Derrick Sanders and featuring Kelvin Roston Jr., this limited engagement at the Apollo Theater opens on Thursday, May 30 and runs through Sunday, June 2. Ahead of the production, a free Live Wire conversation with musician Gordon Chambers, "Everything is Everything, the Music of Donny Hathaway," will take place on May 13 at 6:30p.m. as part of the Theater's education series that honors iconic artists who have impacted the arts and culture.

A new radio documentary that explores the history of black gospel music and illustrates its significant influence on the formation of rock and soul music will be broadcast by US radio stations in February, during Black History Month.

Bay Street Theater & Sag Harbor Center for the Arts is pleased to announce The Hoodoo Loungers 10th Anniversary Concert Celebration on Saturday, February 2 at 8 pm. Tickets are $30 when purchased in advance and $40 when purchased the day of the event; on sale now at baystreet.org or by calling the Box Office at 631-725-9500. The Box Office is open Tuesday- Saturday 11 am - 5 pm or until showtime.

The Philly POPS will offer free tickets for furloughed government employees during the federal government shutdown. Government employees may present their IDs at the Kimmel Center Box Office to receive one free, complimentary pair of tickets to JAZZED! running January 18, 19 and 20 (One pair per Government-issued employee ID).

Five Boroughs Music Festival (5BMF) presents Les Delices in their new program, Songs Without Words, in two concerts:

The highly anticipated UK and European Premiere of Off-Broadway smash-hit comedy musical The Marvelous Wonderettes is being produced at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, Highgate Village, from 9 April until 12 May 2019, with Press Night on 11 April 2019 at 7.30pm.

Five Boroughs Music Festival (5BMF) presents Les Delices in their new program, Songs Without Words, in two concerts:

Metro Goldwyn Mayer Pictures (MGM) announced today acclaimed stage director Liesl Tommy, the first black woman to earn a Tony Award nomination for Best Direction of a Play, is set to direct Respect, a feature film based on the life of music icon Aretha Franklin. As previously announced, Academy Award, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, BAFTA and Grammy Award winner Jennifer Hudson was personally handpicked by Ms. Franklin to portray her on the big screen.  Academy Award and Golden Globe winner Callie Khouri (Thelma & Louise, creator of Nashville) will pen the screenplay following the rise of Ms. Franklin's career, from a child singing in her father's church's choir to an iconic and international superstar. The announcement was made today by Jonathan Glickman, President, Motion Picture Group.

Breakout recording artist, Damien Sneed, will bring his brand of jazz and gospel music to The Soraya for an evening of We Shall Overcome A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Joining him for this musical tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King will be two of LA's leading gospel singers, Grammy Award-winner Erica Campbell and evangelist Markita Knight.

BroadwayHD is about to rock 'n' roll! This new year will bring the 48th anniversary of Janis Joplin's untimely death and 50th anniversary celebration for Woodstock, so BroadwayHD is opening the new year by releasing A NIGHT WITH Janis Joplin starring the show's Tony-nominated star Mary Bridget Davies. The cast will also feature Aurianna Angelique, Ashley Támar Davis, Tawny Dolley, Paige McNamara and Jennifer Leigh Warren. This tribute to the iconic rock star will be released on what would have been her 76th birthday, January 19. 

FEINSTEIN'S/54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents Alexia Sielo and friends in Women of Color on Broadway on Monday, February 25, 2019, 9:30pm.

Added to the all-star lineup, GRAMMY Award® winner Smokey Robinson will pay special tribute to his childhood friend, Aretha Franklin, at 'Aretha! A GRAMMY Celebration For The Queen Of Soul.' Honoring his lifelong friend with a special appearance, he joins previously announced performers Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, Alessia Cara, Brandi Carlile, Chloe X Halle, Kelly Clarkson, Common, Celine Dion, H.E.R., Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Patti LaBelle, Janelle Monáe, SZA, and BeBe Winans. Actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry will host the unforgettable night.

A beloved, award winning veteran of the NYC music scene, Rob Kevlin has wowed audiences everywhere from Swing 46, the Metropolitan Room, the Master Theatre, and Carnegie Hall.  Now, "It's a New Day" for the multi-talented singer and performer, who makes his highly anticipated debut at Feinstein's/54 Below, Broadway's Supper Club, on Friday, February 22, 2019.

The Grand 1894 Opera House presents an incredible, rocking  production showcasing the 50-year history of "music that changed the world forever" when Neil Berg's 50 Years of Rock & Roll takes the stage on Saturday, February 16, at 8pm. Tickets may be purchased at The Grand's Box Office, 2020 Postoffice Street, by calling 409.765.1894, 800.821.1894, or online at www.thegrand.com. Tickets have been in great demand.  Limited seating available.

Broadway & Pose Star Billy Porter has teamed up with Broadway YouTuber Michael Korte to deliver some vocal magic! For Korte's 'One Take' acoustic sessions, Billy sings his original song 'Love The Pain Away'

Two nights of sensational soul is heading to Parr Hall in September as Frankly Aretha and Soul Legends grace the stage.

Multi-genre recording artist Damien Sneed embarks on a 36-city North American tour, 'We Shall Overcome: A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.' The Sphinx Medal of Excellence recipient will bring his brand of classical, jazz, and gospel music to concert halls and universities in the U.S. and Canada. The tour kicks off at the Empire Center on Friday, January 11, 2019, at The Egg in Albany, NY, and will conclude on March 3 at the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto, CA.