Bessie Smith News

Tony Award nominee Sharon McNight stars as legendary vaudeville entertainer Sophie Tucker, 'the last of the red hot mamas' in 'Red Hot Mama: The Sophie Tucker Songbook,' a bravura performance of one of the great performers of the 20th century.

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. 

The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage in Santa Monica presents the return of The Reverend Shawn Amos for A Night in Harlem on Friday, February 1 at 8:00pm. In celebration of African American History Month, blackbox curator, Amos, returns to the stage for an evening of songs and storytelling - presenting songs from his album, Harlem, for the first time in ten years. The American roots song cycle tells the story of 1920s black Americans' migration from the south to Harlem. Amos' album was inspired by the artists, songs and legacy of the Harlem Renaissance.

They pipe street noise onto the stage as the latest production of InSeries opera company begins.

The following are acts performing at City Winery Chicago, 1200 W. Randolph Street, in January. Please consider including in your upcoming calendar and cultural listings. All City Winery Chicago events are open to all ages and start at 8:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted. Tickets can be purchased by calling 312-733-WINE (9463) or by visiting www.citywinery.com/chicago.

As part of its ongoing Reparations365 series exploring the topic of distributive justice for Black Americans, JACK offers a conversation around the theme of repair and the arts, inviting participants to share ideas around shifting power and transforming relationships in the field of the arts.

The New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) and Audible today announce the first three national performance dates of “Jazz in the Key of Ellison,” celebrating the musical world of the esteemed African-American novelist, critic and scholar Ralph Ellison and his remarkable collection of jazz recordings.

Birdland Theater is proud to present singer Carole J. Bufford in 'All By Myself' last night and tonight, November 12 and 13 at 7pm.  Carole J. Bufford returns to the Birdland stage with a concert featuring songs from her first solo album, 'All By Myself.'

The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra announced the November 9 release of its latest album, American Originals: 1918, under the direction of Pops Conductor John Morris Russell. The recording is inspired by America's cultural awakening at the end of the First World War one hundred years ago and the distinctly American musical styles that reflect the country's diversity. This album celebrates and reimagines popular songs of this era that remain fresh and relevant today with acclaimed musical collaborators including Rhiannon Giddens, Steep Canyon Rangers and Pokey LaFarge. The 95th Cincinnati Pops album was recorded live at Cincinnati Music Hall November 10- 12, 2017, and is being released on the Orchestra's label, Fanfare Cincinnati.

Theater Resources Unlimited (TRU) presents the November Panel:General Manager and Attorney, and the Early Development of New Work on Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 7:30pm (networking at 7pm) at The Actors' Temple, 339 West 47th Street, New York, NY 10036. This panel is free for TRU members;$12.50 for non-members in advance ($15 at door).Please reserve using the bright red reservation box at https://truonline.org/events/general-manager-and-attorney/ or e-mail TRUStaff1@gmail.com.

The play will be shown from March 21, 2019 until March 24, 2019. 

Primal Forces, in association with Nancy Flinn, is proud to host powerhouse Broadway veteran and South Florida favorite Avery Sommers at the Sol Theatre in Boca Raton.

The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra announced the November 9 release of its latest album, American Originals: 1918, under the direction of Pops Conductor John Morris Russell. The recording is inspired by America's cultural awakening at the end of the First World War one hundred years ago and the distinctly American musical styles that reflect the country's diversity. This album celebrates and reimagines popular songs of this era that remain fresh and relevant today with acclaimed musical collaborators including Rhiannon Giddens, Steep Canyon Rangers and Pokey LaFarge. The 95th Cincinnati Pops album was recorded live at Cincinnati Music Hall November 10- 12, 2017, and is being released on the Orchestra's label, Fanfare Cincinnati.

The Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical A Night with Janis Joplin rocks Saroyan Theatre today, October 25th at 7:30 PM. The Tony Award-nominated Broadway musical, A Night with Janis Joplin is a musical journey celebrating Janis Joplin and the genesis of her musical genius through encounters with her seminal musical influences - Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Odetta, Nina Simone and Bessie Smith. After each encounter, we hear an explosive Joplin song incorporating those who inspired her into what became her legendary rock & roll style.

DANIEL'S HUSBAND - the acclaimed new new play by Michael McKeever, directed by Joe Brancato - will begin performances tonightat the Westside Theatre (407 West 43 St.), with previews beginning Thursday, October 18 prior to opening night Sunday, October 28. Ted Snowdon is the producer of this open-end, Off-Broadway engagement.

Birdland will kick-off their exciting month of programming with the following acts:

DANIEL'S HUSBAND - a new play by Michael McKeever, directed by Joe Brancato - will open this fall Off-Broadway at the Westside Theatre (407 West 43 St.), with previews beginning Thursday, October 18 prior to opening night Sunday, October 28.  Ted Snowdon is the producer of this open-end, Off-Broadway engagement.

BroadwayHD today announced that it will capture the electrifying musical A Night with Janis Joplin live during one of its final performances on October 4 at La Mirada Theatre for The Performing Arts in Los Angeles. The company's groundbreaking live-capture of the performance will coincide with the anniversary of the rock icon's untimely death 48 years ago and debut in January 2019 to usher in the 50th anniversary celebration for Woodstock and her epic performance at the legendary concert. A Night with Janis Joplin stars Mary Bridget Davies, Broadway's original 'Janis' in her Tony Award nominated performance.

The Chicago Jazz Orchestra, under the direction of Jeff Lindberg, kicks off the company's 40th anniversary season with A CJO Salute to Nancy Wilson, Saturday, October 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave. in Chicago's Fine Arts Building. Single tickets are $35 (balcony) and $45 (floor). Or, save with a CJO 2018-19 season package - the Nancy Wilson tribute concert, CJO's holiday ELLAbration on December 21 and a major concert event on May 18, 2019 celebrating 40 years of the Chicago Jazz Orchestra, all at the Studebaker - for just $85 (balcony) or $115 (floor). Single tickets and season packages are on sale now at chicagojazzorchestra.org.

Joe Kinosian, the original star and co-creator of the Off-Broadway sensation Murder for Two will lead the Merrimack Repertory Theatre (MRT) cast of the musical-comedy whodunit October 17 - November 11 at the Nancy L. Donahue Theatre at Liberty Hall, according to Artistic Director Sean Daniels and Executive Director Bonnie J. Butkas.