Biz Markie, an American original born Marcel Theo Hall and a larger-than-life hip-hop figure, has died at the age of 57. Known widely for a career spanning back to 1986, Hall went on to become a beloved cultural figure later in life, celebrated for his spirited personality as much as his massive 1989 hit, "Just A Friend." His death was confirmed by his manager, Jenni D. … [Read more...] about Biz Markie, pioneering beatboxer and ‘Just A Friend’ rapper, dies at 57
Arts and Entertainment
Alexis J. Roston Salutes Ella Fitzgerald as ‘First Lady of Song’
By Jacquelyn D. Heath Special to The Milwaukee Times The last week of April, 2021 marked the return of live theater to Milwaukee, with the opening of First Lady of Song: Alexis J. Roston Sings Ella Fitzgerald, at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. With a program presented concert-style, Chicago- based actress Alexis J. Roston either could have tried to assume the … [Read more...] about Alexis J. Roston Salutes Ella Fitzgerald as ‘First Lady of Song’
“The Jigsaw Man: A Novel” by Nadine Matheson
c.2021, Hanover Square Press $27.99 / $34.99 Canad 496 pages Finders Keepers. It's all yours now, that cool, unique, surprise thing that suddenly turned up and you laid claim to it. What once was lost is yours now. Finders keepers, except, as in the new novel "The Jigsaw Man" by Nadine Matheson, what's found is a dead body. Looking as though it was about to pay … [Read more...] about “The Jigsaw Man: A Novel” by Nadine Matheson
Klassik and Kingsbury honored as the ‘2021 Mildred L. Harpole Artists of the Year’
Klassik (Kellen Abston) and Anne Kingsbury are the 2021 Mildred L. Harpole Artists of the Year. Recipients each receive a $1,500 cash award. The Artist of the Year program was inaugurated in 1995 by Wayne Frank, then common council member and Milwaukee Arts Board (MAB) Chair. Artist of the Year became Artists of the Year in 2003 at the suggestion of current MAB Chair, … [Read more...] about Klassik and Kingsbury honored as the ‘2021 Mildred L. Harpole Artists of the Year’
Milwaukee Repertory Theater Presents Live and In-Person: First Lady of Song: Alexis J Roston Sings Ella Fitzgerald
April 27 – May 23, 2021 • In the Quadracci Powerhouse Milwaukee Rep to reopen with the live in-person concert First Lady of Song: Alexis J Roston Sings Ella Fitzgerald in the Quadracci Powerhouse April 27 - May 23, 2021, presented by Artists Lounge Live. Award-winner Roston offers approximately 85 minutes of stories and songs celebrating the sultry swing and playful joy … [Read more...] about Milwaukee Repertory Theater Presents Live and In-Person: First Lady of Song: Alexis J Roston Sings Ella Fitzgerald
Jeannie Holliday returns to Milwaukee for Black History Month concert
On Friday, February 5, 2021, Jeannie Holliday (right) performed in Milwaukee at a special Black History Month concert at On The Bayou Restaurant. Jeannie, a Chicago native who has traveled the world, loves performing in Milwaukee and considers it home, as she has family here and as we have "the most sincere audiences in the nation." Jeannie has opened shows for the likes of … [Read more...] about Jeannie Holliday returns to Milwaukee for Black History Month concert
“Comeback Season: My Unlikely Story of Friendship with the Greatest Living Negro League Baseball Players” by Cam Perron with Nick Chiles, foreword by Hank Aaron
c.2021, Gallery Books $27.00 / $36.00 Canada 272 pages Your teeth got a good workout. Yep, as a kid, you wanted those certain hard-to-find, favorite-player baseball cards but you didn’t want to be wasteful. Because you’d do anything to get the cards, you spent your change, hoped you’d be lucky, and you chewed a lot of gum. In the new book “Comeback Season” by Cam Perron … [Read more...] about “Comeback Season: My Unlikely Story of Friendship with the Greatest Living Negro League Baseball Players” by Cam Perron with Nick Chiles, foreword by Hank Aaron
Black while funny and female: Black Women of Comedy
Tiffany Haddish - American actress, comedian, and author. Tiffany has starred in a number of T.V. series and movies. Wanda Sykes - American actress, comedian, and writer. She was first recognized for her work as a writer on The Chris Rock Show and roles in various movies. Sommore - Sommore is an American comedian and actress. Known as the "Diva of Contemporary Comedy," her … [Read more...] about Black while funny and female: Black Women of Comedy
Mary Wilson, a founding member of ‘The Supremes,’ has died
Mary Wilson, a founding member of "The Supremes" has died at the age of 76, her publicist told CNN. Wilson "passed away suddenly this evening," according to a statement from her longtime friend and publicist, Jay Schwartz, on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. The singer was at her home in Henderson, NV. She is survived by her daughter, son, several grandchildren, a sister and … [Read more...] about Mary Wilson, a founding member of ‘The Supremes,’ has died
True Stories of Black History that inspire
Black History was the brainchild of historian Carter G. Woodson. Since 1976, the month of February has been officially designated as Black History month. In my column, I will share a list of books from my late husband’s personal library. Nathan was an avid reader. He enjoyed reading about the contributions and achievements of His people. He was a proud Black veteran and … [Read more...] about True Stories of Black History that inspire