Aretha Franklin News

Chanhassen Dinner Theatre announces 2014 Concert Series through June, including tributes to famous singers.

Dedicated to celebrating black excellence, this year's "BET Honors" recognizes the achievements of five spectacular African Americans; Aretha Franklin, Berry Gordy, Ken Chenault, Carrie Mae Weems and Ice Cube.

Iconic Tony Award-winning DREAMGIRLS originator and notable recording artist Jennifer Holliday performs the legendary Etta James classic 'At Last' in a new clip available from her appearance on THE STEVE HARVEY SHOW earlier this week.

A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN, the new Broadway musical, is celebrating Joplin's birthday with special activities at the theatre and online on Sunday, January 19.At the theatre for both the matinee and evening performances, there will be a special photo booth, supplied by Top Hat Photo Booths, where audience members can write special messages in honor of Joplin's birthday and take photos with the messages. Following the performance the cast will give a special birthday salute to Joplin. For the evening performance only, there will be custom Joplin birthday cupcakes for audience members as they leave the theatre supplied by Sugarush in Red Bank.

The Marsh presents the World Premiere of THE SCION, a tale of privilege, murder, and sausage performed by award-winning performer Brian Copeland (Not a Genuine Black Man, The Waiting Period, The Jewelry Box). Written by Brian Copeland, developed by Brian Copeland and David Ford, and directed by David Ford, THE SCION began previews of its World Premiere run January 11, 2014 and will continue performances through March 1, 2014, with an opening night performance February 1. Shows are Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm and Saturdays at 5pm at The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia Street. For tickets ($15-$60) the public may visit www.themarsh.org or call 415-282-3055 between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Broadway Records just announced the release of the Original Broadway Cast Recording of the critically acclaimed, A NIGHT WITH JANIS JOPLIN on the occasion of the iconic musician's birthday celebration. The album will be available digitally on January 17, and the CD is currently available at the Lyceum Theatre. The album is also available for pre-orders at Amazon.com and the official show website.

It was announced today that Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles will appear in a special performance with four-time GRAMMY winner and 2014 MusiCares Person of the Year Carole King.

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!

Celebrating the release of his new book, HAM: Slices of a Life (a collection of stories and essays), Tony Award nominee Sam Harris will make his Feinstein's at the Nikko debut in a show of the same name on Friday, January 24 at 8:00 PM and Saturday, January 25 at 7:00 PM.

According to a post on Jennifer Holliday's Facebook page, the Broadway star and singer will appear at the Barnes & Noble Upper East Side (86th and Lexington) to sign copies and celebrate the release of her new album 'The Song Is You' on Friday, January 24, 2014.

Today Berkeley Repertory Theatre announces the 10th anniversary presentation of Brian Copeland's Not a Genuine Black Man, the longest-running solo show in San Francisco history. After over 700 performances in its initial seven-year run in more than 30 cities including San Francisco and Los Angeles, as well as off Broadway, Copeland's acclaimed show comes to Berkeley Rep's Osher Studio for 18 performances this April. Copeland, a writer, actor, comedian, and radio talk-show host, recounts his story of growing up black in the 1970s in San Leandro, California, a city once nationally known as one of the most racist in America. With wit and heartfelt passion, he explores the themes of racial identity and ultimately, belonging. "Very funny," raved the San Francisco Chronicle. "Copeland is a winning, magnetic performer. More than that, he's got an important tale to tell!" Directed and developed in part by David Ford, Not a Genuine Black Man previews on April 23, 2014, opens April 25, 2014, and plays through May 31, 2014. Tickets are on sale now.

The Artist of the Month campaign coincides with the [official] opening of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical on January 12, 2014, at Broadway's Stephen Sondheim Theatre. (The show has been in previews since November 2013.)

The Marsh presents new opening dates for the World Premiere of THE SCION, a tale of privilege, murder, and sausage performed by award-winning performer Brian Copeland (Not a Genuine Black Man, The Waiting Period). Written by Brian Copeland, developed by Brian Copeland and David Ford, and directed by David Ford, THE SCION was performed in workshop October 4 - 26, 2013 and will receive its World Premiere tonight, January 9 - March 1, 2014 (press opening February 1) at The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia Street.

World Music Institute presents with The Town Hall the Beninese vocalist, songwriter, and social activist Angélique Kidjo on Saturday, February 15 at 8:00 p.m. at The Town Hall. Named 'Africa's premier diva' by TIME magazine, Kidjo has cultivated an international following through her uplifting music, which seamlessly integrates her West African heritage with rhythms and textures from around the world.

Join the Richmond Symphony on February 8 – 8 p.m. at the Carpenter Theatre at Richmond CenterStage for An Evening of Jazz with Rex Richardson.

Bergen Performing Arts Center in Englewood, New Jersey presents the 9th Annual Spring Gala on Friday, April, 25, 2014 featuring the definitive Modern Jazz and R&B guitarist George Benson who will share the stage with acclaimed soul icon Natalie Cole. George Benson and Natalie Cole will not only perform individually, but will perform together. Tickets for this rare performance go on sale Friday, January 10, at 11:00 AM. Buy tickets at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (201) 227 1030 or visit the box office at 30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, New Jersey.

The highly successful Arts & Ideas program at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco (JCCSF) continues into 2014 with an array of fascinating thinkers, writers and entertainers.

Tomorrow evening, January 4, A Night With Janis Joplin, the new Broadway musical, will celebrate its 100th regular performance at the Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street).

Joe's Pub has announced this week's performances, running Dec. 30 - Jan. 5. The slate features PAM ANN, SANDRA BERNHARD, JP JOFRE, PAULETTE MCWILLIAMS, SOMETHING STEPHEN SAID, and LARRY KRONE AND FAMILY.

On January 21, 2014, Shanachie Entertainment/Euphonic Records will release Jennifer Holliday's highly anticipated label debut, The Song Is You, an enchanting collection of R&B and Jazz numbers that showcase Holliday at her best. Listen to a sampling of the album below!