Aretha Franklin News

Back by popular demand, 54 CELEBRATES ARETHA FRANKLIN, will return for one performance only on February 17th, at 9:30pm, in a concert directed and produced by Robert W. Schneider.

The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) will host a gospel performance by the Como Mamas on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. in the Hoffman Auditorium on USJ's West Hartford campus at 1678 Asylum Ave.

The Marsh San Francisco announces a one-night-only Marsh benefit performance of Not a Genuine Black Man, the longest running solo show in San Francisco theater history by award-winning actor, playwright, and talk show host Brian Copeland. This funny, honest, and harrowing piece recounts the struggles Copeland faced growing up in what was declared one of the most racist suburbs in America. "In the current political climate, empathy seems to be a lost commodity. By showing people the world through the eyes of a bullied and lonely little African-American boy, I hope they will develop compassion for the demonized 'other,'" says Copeland. The San Francisco Chronicle described the show as "relentlessly introspective and disarmingly honest, Copeland takes apart the false notion that black masculinity is some monolithic concept, in a way that has continued, unfortunately, to be relevant long after the show's 2004 premiere." Not a Genuine Black Man will play as a Marsh benefit performance for one-night-only at 8:00pm, Thursday, January 10, 2019 at The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia St., San Francisco. For tickets ($30-$35 sliding scale, $55-$100 reserved) or more information, the public may visit www.themarsh.org or call The Marsh Box office at 415-282-3055 (open Monday through Friday, 1pm-4pm).

The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) will host a gospel performance by the Como Mamas on Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. in the Hoffman Auditorium on USJ's West Hartford campus at 1678 Asylum Ave.

The Philly POPS presents Jazzed! The Philly POPS BIG Band with Terell Stafford, a swinging program honoring Philadelphia's unique contributions to the history of jazz, January 18 20 at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. This performance is a part of The Philly POPS 40th Anniversary Season, which celebrates artists and music with connections to Philadelphia and the POPS.

Berkshire Theatre Group is thrilled to present I'm Going to Graceland, Rev Tor & Friends Perform Paul Simon's Classic Album with a special opening set by Simon & Girlfunkel at The Colonial Theatre on Friday, January 11 at 8pm. Tickets are $25.

As 2018 comes to a close, we are reflecting on those we have lost in the Broadway and theatre communities throughout the year.

The Recording Academy, AEG Ehrlich Ventures, Clive Davis, and CBS will pay tribute to the legendary career of 18-time GRAMMY®winner and 2008 MusiCares® Person of the Year honoree Aretha Franklin by presenting 'Aretha! A GRAMMY Celebration For The Queen Of Soul.' Performing songs from her legendary repertoire are GRAMMY winners Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, Alessia Cara, Kelly Clarkson, Common, Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Patti LaBelle, and BeBe Winans as well as current GRAMMY nominees Brandi Carlile, Chloe X Halle, H.E.R., Janelle Monáe, and SZA. Actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry will host the unforgettable night. Additional unique performances to be announced in the coming weeks.

BWW reviewer, Peter Nason, celebrates 2018 with his choices for the best in local theatre (Tampa, St. Pete and Sarasota) that the past year had to offer.

'Bring it On' meets 'Dreamgirls' in the girl-group musical, 'Betty and the Belrays' by William Electric Black aka Ian Ellis James, which will be presented by Theater for the New City January 31 to February 17. The piece tells the story of three white female singers from Detroit who struggle to change a racially divided society by singing for a black record label. Book and lyrics are by William Electric Black. Music is by Black, Valerie Ghent (arranger/keyboards for Ashford & Simpson) and Gary Schreiner. Choreography is by Jeremy Lardieri. Director is Mr. Black.

Aretha's Jazz Cafe is proud to present Kingdom: Record Release and Video Premiere 'PROSPERITY' 2 Nights! Friday January 4th and Saturday, January 5th at 8PM

From December 20 to 23, La MaMa Experimental Theater in association the GOH Productions will present the fourth annual production of East Village Dance Project's The Shell-Shocked Nut, an alternative Nutcracker set in the East Village, featuring an intergenerational cast of dancers and musicians.  The piece is recommended for family audiences.

The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage presents the return of four-time GRAMMY Award-winning bass virtuoso Stanley Clarke and his band on Saturday, January 19 at 7:30pm. Clarke performs with electric and acoustic ferocity, backed by a stellar troupe of exciting young musicians. Rolling Stone's first Jazzman of the Year, Clarke's creativity has been recognized and rewarded in every way imaginable.

Christopher's Project presents the DIVAS OF SOUL, a performance featuring the music of Sade, Anita Baker, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and many more! Enjoy a tribute show featuring the finest Milwaukee talent and the music of divas!

The Marcus Center welcomes Divas of Soul on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 7:30 pm to Wilson Theater at Vogel Hall.

GRAMMY® winners Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood; and past GRAMMY nominees Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry will join the performance lineup at the 2019 MusiCares® Person of the Year tribute concert honoring Dolly Parton on Feb. 8. Previously announced performers include Leon Bridges, Lauren Daigle, Vince Gill, Don Henley, Norah Jones, Shawn Mendes, Kacey Musgraves, Willie Nelson, Linda Perry, P!nk, Mark Ronson, Mavis Staples, and Chris Stapleton. GRAMMY winner Dolly Parton will close the evening's performances. Greg Phillinganes will be the musical director. More guest performers will be announced shortly.

The Marsh San Francisco adds five free performances of Brian Copeland's The Waiting Period, due to ongoing support from a GoFundMe campaign and generous corporate contributions from Fremont Bank and OSIsoft in San Leandro. This deeply moving and surprisingly funny work outlines Copeland's own struggles with depression and suicidal thought, and is presented at no cost to remove all barriers for those who may be struggling with depression themselves. Featuring humorous, poignant, and riveting insights, the solo show written by Copeland and directed by David Ford, will take place January 6 & 20,  February 3, March 3 & 17, 2019 with performances at 5:30pm, Sundays at The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia Street. General admission for this performance is free, although reservations are recommended. To reserve tickets or for more information, the public may visit the public may visit www.themarsh.org or call The Marsh Box office at 415-282-3055 (open Monday through Friday, 1pm-4pm).

A SOULFUL CHRISTMAS, the holiday musical revue from the creative team behind the hit musicals Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical and An Evening With Phyllis Hyman, returned to New York City this weekend (performed Saturday, December 15th at 8:00 pm and Sunday December 16th at 2:00 pm) at The Actor's Temple Theatre (339 West 47th Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues).