Legendary bluesmen Lil Jimmy Reed, ‘Teddy’ Johnson blaze paths promoting musical expression
Blues – an art form birthed from heartbreak as well harmony – was so obscure in its infancy that its origins are often debatable. Louisiana’s juke joints that once heavily marked the Swamp Blues Trail help the Bayou State claim a healthy part of the blues as its own. The blues wasn’t created or developed. … Continue reading
She begat this. Oh, really?
She begat this. Oh, really? For people outside of this entertainment, hip hop spectrum, the fact of Hill’s domination may be far-reaching until they read “She Begat This: 20 Years of the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” by Joan Morgan.
Orchestra festival reaffirms talents of young musicians
“I’m not usually at a loss for words, but this orchestra festival was a healing and reaffirming moment for all of us,” Frances Spencer said.
New Orleans says ‘good bye’ to trumpeter Travis Hill, 28
Fellow musicians and New Orleans music lovers celebrated the life of trumpeter Travis “Trumpet Black” Hill through extended memorial celebrations including a mini-fest, several impromptu musical memorial, and a jazz funeral. According to the Louisiana Weekly, Hill was a genuine rising star in his hometown of New Orleans and was quickly gaining world-wide attention. The … Continue reading
Peace, Prayer, Purpose Rally announced for Essence Fest
Special guests include Rev. Al Sharpton, Steve Harvey, Deepak Chopra, Iyanla Vanzant, and Donna Brazile NEW ORLEANS – In ESSENCE’s groundbreaking February 2015 ‘Black Lives Matter’ issue, ESSENCE editors and a myriad of esteemed contributors focused attention on the daring modern-day civil rights movement unfolding across the nation and set the agenda for ‘What … Continue reading
Stephanie Jordan Big Band to pay tribute to Lena Horne
New Orleans jazz vocalist Stephanie Jordan will perform a tribute concert in honor of the legendary Lena Horne at the Baton Rouge Community College Magnolia Performing Arts Theater, 201 Community College Drive, Thursday, Feb. 26, at 6pm. “It is fitting that we honor Ms. Horne during Black History Month, in addition to being a … Continue reading
Watoto Children’s Choir of Africa brings ‘Oh What Love’ to Louisiana
The Watoto Children’s Choir traveling from Africa kicks off its five-city Louisiana tour, starting Feb. 10 in Avondale and featuring the brand new production “Oh What Love.” Through this dynamic worship experience, the members of the Watoto Children’s Choir, who were once orphans, share their journeys to redemption and demonstrate that God desires to be … Continue reading
Let the Children Sing
Gregory Jones Homecoming Gospel Jam is Oct. 27 BATON ROUGE–While most high school freshman were focusing on their social lives, musician Gregory Jones was working to develop his talent and the talents of others. “We didn’t really get a chance to hang out at a lot of parties. Our Friday’s consisted of performing musicals,“ said … Continue reading
Spoken Word artist, heRo, praises father for success
He was born Roosevelt Wright III. Some people know him as Daddy Ro. Others, as Pastor Ro. Nationally he’s known as heRO. He takes the stage as an exuberant poet, motivational speaker, actor, life coach, minister and singer. His talents and performances have being showcased on HBO, MTV, and in Ebony magazine. “Everything that I … Continue reading
Southern Rap and Southern Gospel: A Happy and Holy Union?
Popular Southern rappers T. I. and Big K.R.I.T s’ music objectifies women, glorifies materialism, and encourages drug use and both rappers have performed with Gospel rapper Lecrae. Lecrae’s lyrics attempt to encourage people to live the opposite of the lifestyles glorified in the media. In his single, “Fall Back,” the Grammy award-winning rapper clearly explains … Continue reading
Sweet Honey in the Rock returns to BR
Sweet Honey in the Rock will once again bring the rich textures of Black music, legacy and traditions to the Shaw Center Manship Theater in Downtown Baton Rouge, Monday, February 4, at 7:30pm. The group is known for their complex sounds of Blues, spirituals, traditional gospel hymns, rap, reggae, African chants, Hip Hop, ancient lullabies, and jazz … Continue reading
Tamela Mann gospel concert featuring Alexis Spight, Lowel Pye comes to LSU, Jan. 28
The African Student Organization, The Word Church, and Higher Ground Outreach Church present “A Night with The King,” Tamela Mann in concert at the LSU Union Theatre, January 28, at 7:30pm. Known first as an actress with Tyler Perry’s Madea stage play (as Cora Brown), Mann is the powerful, anointed songstress who brought to you … Continue reading
In 2013, watch gospel artist AV Mitchell
Michael “A.V.” Mitchell is a rising gospel artist who not only wants to inspire the world with music but also possesses a strong desire to give back to the community every step of the way. Mitchell, a 30-year-old Baton Rouge native, was inspired to enter the music industry after committing his life to Christ 12 … Continue reading
Urban Music workshop teaches DJ business
In order to help better prepare some of Baton Rouge’s up and coming rappers and DJs take the spotlight, the Go DJ Louisiana Music Group hosted the Bayou Urban Music Conference at Vibes 2.0 in Port Allen, La. “This generation has really become a microwave society where artist want instant fame and instant money in … Continue reading
Summertime concerts, circus, plays head to BR
One thing that many can depend during the summer in Louisiana is high temperatures. Eventhough this summer is expected to be one of the hottest on record, there are plenty of “cool” activities to keep everyone in the capitol city and surrounding areas entertained. Celebrate an old-fashioned Independence Day at City Fest at Sidney Hutchinson … Continue reading
Thank you, Mr. Bowie
This article was first published in August 2010 at the closing of Bowies Record Shop. As we extend our condolences to the Bowie family. We appreciate the friendship, community support, and services of Mr. Herman Bowie who died last week. Funeral services will be Saturday, June 9, 10am, at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1920 Progress … Continue reading
Bill Pickett Trail Riders bring 8th Annual Trail Ride Zydeco Festival
Annual Fund Raiser celebrates Juneteenth, benefits menotoring group BEAUMONT, TEXAS–Bill Pickett Trail Riders 8th Annual Pre-Juneteenth Trail Ride and Zydeco Festival returns to Beaumont this weekend at the Ford Park Event Center, 5115 Interstate 10 South. Organizers said they the event will benefit the Southeast Texas Police Activity League, a non-profit organization that assist with … Continue reading
Singer: ‘God took broken pieces to create Collage 3’
Edward J. West Sr., Larry Jones Jr., and Dominic Davis are the voices behind New Orleans-based Gospel trio Collage 3. They have been together for 12 years but recently traveled to Baton Rouge promoting their new single “Better Man” and upcoming album “Under Construction.” Larry, 38, a full-time minister of music, Dominic, 26, a praise … Continue reading
SWV ready for Fresh Music Festival Saturday in Cajun Dome
LAFAYETTE–Horrible clothing decisions followed by even worse hair style decisions were all part of the the nostalgia of the 80s and 90s that many hope stay in their past, but one part the decades that has been timeless has been the music. On Saturday, May 25, fans will get the chance to party like it’s … Continue reading
Keith Sweat, SWV, K-CI & JoJo, Guy, Doug E Fresh headline Fresh Music Festival, May 25
LAFAYETTE–Whether you were rocking Cross Colors, looking to Spike Lee as you tried to Do The Right Thing or tuning into “In Living Color” for the latest moves, you were always eager to find that thing that kept you on the cutting edge of what was hot and new and now back then. But, it … Continue reading
Mystikal performs in BR, speaks out on jail time
Platinum-selling rappers Juvenile and Mystikal performed for an excited crowd Saturday, May 12, at the Varsity Theater in Baton Rouge. “I saw Mystikal’s performance in New Orleans at Jazz Fest and there was no doubt I would see him when he came to Baton Rouge. And I have always been a fan of Juvenile,” said … Continue reading
Jozef Syndicate 