By Jason Storbakken Excerpted from “Radical Spirituality,” Chapter “Promise and Perils of Perpetual Revolution”   For Halloween 2013, Vonetta and I allowed our children, Chloe (age 5) and Elgin (almost 4), to choose their costumes. We gave them each five choices from a list. Chloe was almost Coco Chanel, but opted for the more vibrant […]

By Freddie Allen, NNPA Washington Correspondent WASHINGTON (NNPA) — In the wake of the shooting death of Michael Brown, an unarmed Black teenager in Ferguson, Mo., members of the Black community and independent artists continue to call on mainstream rappers and entertainers to use their visibility to speak out against police brutality affecting young, Black […]

MADISON — The Madison Music Collective will present dynamic CALJE (Chicago Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble) for an exclusive local concert and workshop Sunday, Oct.12, 3 p.m.,  This is the second concert and workshop of the Fall/Winter Jazz On A Sunday series at the Brink Lounge, 701 East Washington Ave.    CALJE is a force to be […]

MADISON — In their final Strollin’ “jazz crawl” of the season, the Greater Madison Jazz Consortium “Strollin’ First Settlement” will once again offer up a wide array of jazz styles, from big band to western swing, from classic organ trio to vocals from the Great American Songbook, and more. The Greater Madison Jazz Consortium is […]

MADISON — The Poetry   Friday, Sept. 19, 10 a.m. at the Central Library, 201 W Mifflin Street, Madison, WI.Fruit, pastries, coffee and juice will be served at this event that is free and open to the public. The Poetry Party is a celebration of arts for people living with memory loss and their families. Gary […]

MADISON — The Urban League of Greater Madison’s 2nd Annual Urban Cabaret is a spin on last year’s sold out Jazz Cabaret, which featured an eclectic mix of music and magic.This year organizers chose to elevate the event, incorporating performances by aerial artists, Cycropia, the Black Star Drumline, The Bellhops and a theatrical piece created […]

MADISON — Anita J. Martin received the Excellence in Media Award at the Celebrate Independence! Luncheon held June 24 in Madison. This award recognizes one individual journalist or media outlet that has demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the complexities, which often surround domestic violence. Over the past several years, Martin has worked on the Raising […]

Interview with Shah Evans Overcoming the hip-hop stigma   by A. David Dahmer   Hip-hop music = trouble. That’s the simple equation in the minds of many Madisonians and one of the main obstacles that keeps the local hip-hop scene — despite an abundance of youth, talent, and ambition — from thriving.   There are […]