Mary, Mary

Tangled in symbolism, Emily Mae Smith's solo exhibition Kin interweaves totems and allegories that have marked her painting practice for over a decade. In Smith's latest works, archaic tropes are often reconfigured to forward a sly feminist agenda.

On Monday, September 16, 2019, The New York Innovative Theatre Foundation announced the 2019 recipients at the annual Off-Off-Broadway IT Awards. For the past 15 years, the It Awards have celebrated the vibrant and creative indie theatre community under the dedicated leadership of Executive Directors Shay Gines and Nick Micozzi who are stepping down and at the ceremony introduced new leadership for the organization: Cat Parker, Artistic Director of Articulate Theatre Company; Ariel Estrada, Producing Artistic Director of Leviathan Lab Projects; and Jazmyn Arroyo, Co-Founding Artistic Director of Step 1 Theatre Project will join Akia Squiteri, Artistic Director of Rising Sun Performance Company as Directors of the organization.

City Parks Foundation (CPF) is pleased to announce the final line up for SummerStage Jubilee.

Songwriter, producer and singer Juan Winans releases his brand new single titled 'NOW' today, Friday, October 30, 2020.

He’s teamed up with chart-topping country artist Jimmie Allen and GRAMMY®-winning R&B/gospel artist Erica Campbell to record infectious new versions of “Up.”  The duets underscore Wells’ genre fluid approach to music and the universal nature of the anthemic song’s message, which finds hope in hard times.

Gold-selling gospel act, ANTHONY BROWN & group therAPy,have released their highly anticipated fourth album, 2econd Wind: Ready (Key of A / Tyscot / FairTrade). The 13-track set includes the go-go flavored track, “Blessings on Blessings,” which spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart over the summer; and the mid-tempo “Real” which features the Grammy® Award nominated artist, Jonathan McReynolds.  The collection also boasts an appearance from Mary Mary's Erica Campbell and Hip-Hop artist 1K Phew on the cut, “He Always Wins”, as well as, a mesmerizing vocal performance from 20-year old rising star, Kelontae Gavin, on the title track 2econd Wind. From meditative praise and worship to power bangers, 2econd Wind: Ready is an exhilarating mix of spiritually uplifting, healing, and rejuvenating songs.

Ahead of the release of her album, Lena Byrd Miles has already shared three singles, all of which have been well received at Gospel stations and have garnered over 400,000 collective streams on Spotify alone. The campaign towards the release of 'BRAND NEW' began with the first teaser single, “This Is The Day” in 2019.

Covering 100 years of theatre history, In the Long Run: A Cultural History of Broadway's Hit Plays traces the long-running Broadway play as a distinct cultural phenomenon that rises and falls from 1918 to 2018. The book presents in-depth analysis of 15 plays that ran over 1,000 performances, examining what made each so popular in its time-and then, in many cases, fall into obscurity.

On Friday, November 5, the New Victory Theater celebrated re-opening their doors to the public once again with the onstage world premiere of Ping Chong and Company’s Generation Rise.

The Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department will present the Old Skool Gang for a virtual Soulful Sundays concert. The high-energy event will have people dancing in their living rooms as the group belts out hit after hit while showcasing their smooth moves.

Key of A/Tyscot/FairTrade celebrates Anthony Brown and group therAPy's nomination in the 63rd Annual GRAMMY Awards.

the latest episode of its 'Act II...Places' series features Gina Femia & actor and Heather Cunningham. Playwright Gina Femia's 2018 award-winning We Are A Masterpiece, produced by Retro Productions Artistic Director Heather Cunningham-who performed the lead-is a dramatic examination of the societal reaction to the AIDS epidemic.

The Middletown Arts Center is excited to present the fourth edition of The MAC ONE-ACTS Play-Reading Festival, featuring original, one-act works by New Jersey playwrights read theatrically by local actors.

On a whim, this statuesque trans-warrior goddess decided to concoct a show all about MARY. Mary who? We hear you ask, well just about ANY Mary that would sit still long enough for Bond to grab the song with their name in it, or one that was written by someone named Mary, or by a composer from the lady’s home state of MARYland - who knows really...

Black Ensemble Theater’s Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor continues the 2022 Season of Excellence: The Season of Healing and Joy with the world premiere of Grandma’s Jukebox, written and directed by Michelle Reneé Bester. 

Decca has announced the signing of US composer Carlos Simon and the release of his new album Requiem for the Enslaved. The title work sees Simon infuse the traditional Catholic requiem with music from African American spirituals to create a haunting piece for chamber ensemble and spoken word.

Need something new to listen to, read, or watch? Check out this week's list of new and upcoming releases, including a Jagged Little Pill book, Rags and Cambodian Rock Band cast recordings, Sea Wall/A Life audiobook, and more!

Sunday, June 19, 2022 marks the anniversary of Black Independence Day in America—Juneteenth. In recognition of this day, a JUNETEENTH: A Celebration of Freedom will take place at the world-famous Hollywood Bowl on Sunday, June 19, featuring a diverse lineup of thoughtful, impactful, and essential Black artists.

Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre has  announced its return to live musical theatre with THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES. Opening Friday, March 12, the show features the many talents of Sara Sanderson as Cindy Lou Huffington, Isabel Julazadeh as Missy Miller, Sara Cleeland as Betty Jean Reynolds, and Sarah Davidson as Suzy Simpson. 

Each episode of HISTORY IN COLOR is directed by a leading African American icon and is their personal exploration of the lives of often-unknown people who blazed the trail for their career.

Multi-award winning singer/songwriter Erica Campbell has released her new empowering music video and single for her latest release, 'Positive.' 'POSITIVE' is the lead single from Erica's upcoming third studio album, scheduled to be released on September 23rd. The beautiful and uplifting song was written by Erica Campbell, Warryn Campbell and Juan Winans and produced by Warryn Campbell for My Block Inc.

With John Mayer, Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes and other influences apparent in his music, James infuses his popular music stylings with soul, urban gospel vibes on “Shackles (Praise You).” This song showcases his rare talent alongside McKinney, winner of the inaugural season of the TV singing competition The Four: Battle for Stardom on FOX.

D-Nice has personally curated a dynamic and diverse lineup for what promises to be an unforgettable three-day experience in the party capital of the world. The jam-packed weekend will feature multiple performances by D-Nice, along with performances by Keyshia Cole, Fabolous, Jagged Edge, Tank, El Debarge, Amerie, Mya, Fred Hammond, and more.

Bangalore Little Theatre will host virtual auditions for its upcoming production of Mary Mary.

The New York-based orchestra is made up of 15 of the finest soloists, ensemble players, and arrangers in jazz music today. Free tickets are required for entry; ticket reservations will be open for request on Monday, June 7 at 12:00PM ET.

Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater proudly presents Marry Me a Little, with music & lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, conceived by Craig Lucas & Norman René. Performances are July 1-22 at 8:00 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays on the Julie Harris Stage.

Irish Repertory Theatre announced today casting for the World Premiere of the new musical The Butcher Boy, featuring book, music & lyrics by Asher Muldoon. The Butcher Boy will begin previews on the Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage on July 21, 2022 and is set to open on August 1 for a limited run through September 11, 2022.

Los Angeles-based Weezer’s performance with members of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles), the band’s first time performing with an orchestra, has been added to LA Phil Media’s Sound/Stage series and is set for release on June 11, 2021.

Before the parade began, hundreds of supporters gathered at Evans Avenue Plaza in the Historic Southside neighborhood to join the 'Grandmother of Juneteenth' on her annual walk to the Tarrant County Courthouse in downtown Fort Worth.

Today, BET announces The a?oeBET Awardsa?? 2020 nominees with Drake leading the pack with six nominations.

TOSOS Theater Company has announced that Ben Philipp has officially signed on to be the Company's Costume Director. Ben is currently an Assistant Costume Designer for Amazon's The Marvelous Mrs Maisel. 

On Monday, July 29, 2019, nominees were announced for The New York Innovative Theatre Awards, celebrating Off-Off-Broadway.

On Monday, July 29, 2019, The New York Innovative Theatre Awards, announced the 2019 nominees for the annual Off-Off-Broadway awards. The It Awards have celebrated the vibrant and creative theatre community for the past 15 years.  The official announcement took place at (Le) Poisson Rouge by six celebrated artists and producers from the community including: Jazmyn Arroyo, Jennifer Betite Yen, Iyvon Edebiri, Chris Ignacio, Ashley Rogers, and Erez Ziv.

Queens-based Rude Grooms announced today initial details for the company's second annual free summer production touring parks and art spaces in Astoria and Long Island City: William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, led by actor-manager Montgomery Sutton (Twelfth Night at Shakespeare's Globe) and produced in partnership with Long Island City Artists at the Plaxall Gallery and the Astoria Park Alliance and is made possible (in part) by the Queens Council on the Arts with public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

CCAE Theatricals will bring this showcase of some of the area's brightest Rising Stars to audiences back to Escondido! Now in its 11th Year, the show features the best up and coming talent from all over Southern California singing some of the most exciting songs ever written!

Musicians from YOLA will be part of the pre-game festivities at this year's Super Bowl when they perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing” with gospel duo Mary Mary conducted by Thomas Wilkins with musical direction by Derrick Hodge.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic today announced the details of the second season of Sound/Stage, beginning Friday, March 5, 2021, with new episodes released through June 25, 2021.

Diddy will headline and Ms. Lauryn Hill will co-headline and perform the entirety of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill – a rare event­– to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the seminal album’s release. Award-winning American comedian, screenwriter, television and film producer, and actor Dave Chappelle will make his “Roots Picnic” debut.

Micky Dolenz of The Monkees will embark on a special series of concert dates in April 2022, launching on April 5 at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium and ending at Madison's Overture Center on Saturday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m. Honoring the contributions of his bandmates – the late Davy Jones, Mike Nesmith & Peter Tork – in song and with personal multimedia footage of the legendary performers, Dolenz will celebrate their lasting legacy on record and film.

One of the longest-running and most successful musicals of all time, the trio playing the iconic leads will be Melbourne-born Joshua Robson as The Phantom, Brisbane performer Georgina Hopson as Christine and acclaimed West End and Broadway musical theatre performer Callum Francis as Raoul Vicomte de Chagny.

Celebrating the work of Klaus Kinski, Linda Blair and Rutger Hauer!... Cult horror classics, obscure thrillers, vintage erotica, absurd 80s action, outrageous Kung Fu and more! The next wave of Frolic Pictures' new limited edition grindhouse series double feature DVDs are now available online, wherever DVDs are sold (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, etc.) Hand-selected by Hollywood exploitation filmmaker Jared Masters. A sordid combination of old school horror, vintage black comedies and juicy exploitation fare. Each DVD is a one-of-a-kind experience, like going to a drive-in back in the day, except in the comfort of your own home. 



Today, Nashville-based veteran alt folk artist Stone Jack Jones shares his new single 'O Brother,' the second feature track off his forthcoming LP Black Snake. Northern Transmissions premiered the track with praise, stating, 'Jones's signature vocal timbre lies on top of the building instrumentation – the result is eerie and lush, while still having that solid skeletal beat to keep you reeling. This will be on repeat into the Fall as the weather gets cooler and darker.' Black SnakeLP is out 9/13 via yk Records. Stone Jack Jones will be playing a hometown album release show at Drkmttr on 9/14. 

Over the weekend, two-time GRAMMY®- nominated and Billboard Music Award-winning artist, Koryn Hawthorne, took over Spotify’s #BlackGirlMagic playlist, making history as the first Gospel artist to do so.

The World Premiere of the new musical The Butcher Boy, with book, music & lyrics by Asher Muldoon, opened on August 1 for a limited run through September 11, 2022. Check out opening night photos here!

The Kennedy Center's Hip Hop Culture and Contemporary Music program has announced its initial programming for the 2022–2023 season. The season deepens the mission of Hip Hop Culture at the Center by highlighting multi-hyphenate artists and creators in the world of hip hop and honors Contemporary Music's diverse musical genres and audiences by celebrating important artistic voices who have helped shape the canon, defied categorization, and propelled us into the future.

The multiple award-winning singer recently added three more Grammys to her collection: Best Gospel Performance/Song “Never Lost”; Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song; “Believe For It” and Best Gospel Album.

Micky Dolenz of The Monkees embarks on a special series of concert dates this month, launching on April 5 at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium and ending at Madison's Overture Center on Saturday, April 16 at 7:30 p.m.

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Tony-nominated actor William McGuire, known by his nickname 'Biff' has died at age 94.

With the current theatre world on hiatus, I have created a Spotlight Series on Broadway World which features interviews with some of the many talented artists who make our Los Angeles theatre community so exciting and vibrant thanks to their ongoing contribution to keeping the Arts alive in the City of the Angels. And just like all of us, I wondered how they are dealing with the abrupt end of productions in which they were involved. This Spotlight focuses on Ashley Griffin, an actor in Los Angeles since the age of five who moved to New York City to follow her theatre dreams - and is now both writing and acting in shows.

Good news for musical theater lovers! TheatreWorks Silicon Valley's recent, acclaimed production of Paul Gordon's Pride and Prejudice will now be available to stream. Presented by Streaming Musicals, Pride and Prejudice will receive a a?oevirtual opening nighta?? on Friday, April 10 at 3:30pm PT/ 6:30pm ET, with an encore presentation at 7:00pm PT/10:00pm ET. Tony Award winner Beth Leavel (The Drowsy Chaperone, The Prom) and Julie James, Program Director/ Curator of SiriusXM's a?oeOn Broadwaya?? channel, will host the a?oevirtual opening night,a?? which will include an intermission discussion with the creative team members including TheatreWorks Silicon Valley's Founding Artistic Director Robert Kelley, who directed the new romantic musical comedy. Streaming during the April 10 a?oevirtual opening nighta?? will be free. Pride and Prejudice will then be available to stream on StreamingMusicals.com for a minimal fee. BroadwayWorld recently caught up with Robert Kelley to learn more about his production of Pride and Prejudice and also to touch base with him on how TheatreWorks was weathering the current health and economic crisis.