Ben Holt Memorial Branch Announces Voice Competition
The newly formed Ben Holt Memorial Branch of the National Association of Negro Musicians recently announced its local scholarship competition in voice. Contestants between the ages of 18-30 pursuing vocal music study are encouraged...
Former Go-Go Star Aims For Broader Audience with ‘F.I.N.A.O’ Mixtape
When Derek Lyons, stage name Poozy Kush, released his debut solo mixtape F.I.N.A.O. 11:11 If You Don't Get it, You Don't Get it, on Feb. 1, he joined a long line of independent artists...
Rapper Phil Ad: The Newest Face of DMV Hip-Hop
Infectious beats and clever lyrics are the components of tracks constructed by rapper Phil Adé. But while he may be one of a handful of emcees attempting to put the DMV region the map,...
Talib Kweli Delves into Past with ‘Gutter Rainbows’
On Reflection Eternal’s 2000 album Train of Thought, Talib Kweli challenged fans and himself to “do what comes naturally.”After years of recording on mainstream labels, he now has the chance to produce exactly what...
Fantasia’s ‘Back to Me’ Tour Comes to Maryland
The past year has been an emotional rollercoaster for “American Idol” winner Fantasia. A failed suicide attempt, relationship with a married man – and the media onslaught that followed – drew attention to the...
Music Stars Geri Allen, Patrice Rushen Team for One-Night Concert
Playing on two facing Steinway Grand pianos, Kennedy Center favorite Geri Allen shares the stage with R&B hitmaker Patrice Rushen ("Forget Me Nots"), and they are joined by in-demand drummer Terri Lyne Carrington for...
New Teen Singer Draws Comparisons to Young Michael Jackson
Thirteen-year-old Jawan Harris is a bright singer and dancer on the rise. With a charming “boy- next-door” demeanor and vocal styling that draws comparisons to a young Michael Jackson, Jawan’s voice rings clear in an industry...
Reggae Star Duane Stephenson Returns with New ‘Riddims’
Duane Stephenson’s sophomore release, BLACK GOLD, hit stores Sept. 28 and shows the celebrated singer/songwriter working with legendary reggae sax player Dean Fraser, who also produced the most of the album.
The VP Records artist...
Multi-talented Musician Esperanza Spalding Prepares for Lincoln Theater Debut
With her voluminous halo of corkscrew curls and lithe physique, bassist and violinist Esperanza Spalding could easily parlay her good looks into a career in fashion or a pop music. But the 25-year-old musician’s...
Go-Go Godfather Debuts ‘We Got This’ Sept. 21
Chuck Brown, "godfather” of the city’s go-go sound, will release a three-disc set Sept. 21 on Raw Venture. The album, We Got This, features a live DVD performance and a disc with five new...
The Ultimate Go-Go
It was hours before Rare Essence stormed the stage with an army of musicians, but frenzy had already set in at the Hyatt Regency in Crystal City, a placid Arlington enclave sprinkled with high...
Will Downing Tells Love’s Complete Story on New Album
Vocalist Will Downing, known for his smooth and soulful R&B and jazz compositions, is gearing up for the release of his latest project that will stand out from many of his former LPs.
The...
