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  • Academy Award, Emmy and Grammy-winning artist, actor, author, and activist, Common continues to break down barriers with a multitude of critically acclaimed, diverse roles, and continued success in all aspects of his career.


    On July 12, 2024, Common released his new album with Pete Rock titled “The Auditorium, Vol. 1,” via Loma Vista Recordings. This is Common and Pete Rock’s first full-length collaboration. The album is the past, present, and future happening all at once and in any decade, guaranteed to be an absolute banger. On May 22, 2024, Common and Pete Rock released the first single from the album “Wise Up” which sonically touches on their Golden Age of Hip Hop with a contemporary feel, universal to any era of hip-hop. On June 11, 2024, they released the second single from the project “Dreamin’”.


    In Winter 2024, Common released his book AND THEN WE RISE. In the health and wellness book, Common shares all of his personal stories, tips, tricks and best practices that he’s adopted on his wellness journey to create the best version of himself. He focuses on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health to create a practical program, filled with recipes, tips, and playlists, to achieve overall personal wellbeing. The book is written for anyone and everyone looking to better themselves, but puts a special importance on Black Americans, whose leading causes of death include heart disease and cancer. The book was released on January 23, 2024.


    Common has wrapped production on Season 2 of Apple TV+’s new sci-fi drama series, “Silo,” where he stars opposite Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Robbins, Rashida Jones and David Oyelowo. Created by Graham Yost, the series is based on Hugh Howey’s best-selling trilogy of novels, which is set in a future dystopia where a community exists in a giant silo underground, where they believe they’re protected from a toxic atmosphere. Common plays Sims, the silo’s head of judicial security. The first season of the series was released on May 5, 2023 and season 2 will be release on November 15, 2024.


    Common was most recently seen in Stefon Bristol’s new action-thriller BREATHE. Common will star alongside Jennifer Hudson, Milla Jovovich, and Quvenzhané Wallis. BREATHE follows a mother Maya and her daughter Zora who are forced to live underground, with short trips to the surface only made possible by a state-of-the-art oxygen suit made by Maya’s husband, Darius, whom she presumes to be dead until a mysterious couple arrives claiming to know Darius and his fate. Common will play Darius, the husband and father of Maya and Zora. The film was released on April 26, 2024.


    In Winter 2022, Common made his Broadway debut in Stephen Adly Guirgis’ BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY. He starred as Junior opposite Stephen McKinley Henderson. During the run of the show, Common also hosted “Justice Nights on Broadway,” inviting justice advocates, formerly incarcerated and system impacted people, their family members, and community changemakers, for a special performance and talk back of BETWEEN RIVERSIDE AND CRAZY. 


    In Spring 2022, Common was seen starring opposite Keke Palmer in the film ALICE, which premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival. Inspired by true events, the plot follows a woman (Palmer) of servitude in 1800s Georgia, who escapes the 55 acre confines of her captor to discover the shocking reality that exists beyond the tree line…it’s 1973. The film was released on March 18, 2022.


    His latest album, A BEAUTIFUL REVOLUTION Part 2 was released on September 10th through Loma Vista Recordings. The album is a timely and inspiring follow up to Common’s previous album, A BEAUTIFUL REVOLUTION Pt. 1, which was released in October 2020 through Loma Vista Recordings. Pt. 1 of the album was written in 2020 during the height of the pandemic when racial and social justice protests, a contested election and economic collapse was polarizing the country. The first half of the album was written as a call to action to uplift, heal and inspire listeners dealing with these injustices. A BEAUTIFUL REVOLUTION Pt. 2 is a continuation of this call to action, but one that sees the world in a new light. The album signifies a rebirth of sorts as listeners learn to cope with and elevate from this tragedy and turmoil. They are given a chance to create a better tomorrow and a responsibility to never forget the past obstacles they have faced.


    In Summer 2021, Common starred in season two of Mindy Kaling’s hit Netflix series “Never Have I Ever,” which premiered on July 15th, 2021 on the streaming platform. He played Dr. Chris Jackson in the series, a dermatologist who becomes Nalini’s (Poorna Jagannathan) new local rival and potential love interest. 


    In 2020, Common partnered with Audible to release his podcast “Mind Power Mixtape” as well as the Audible original “Bluebird Memories: A Journey Through Lyrics and Life.” On “Mind Power Mixtape,” Common conducted a series of illuminating and exciting conversations with an amazing group of artists, to explore the secrets of life, love, art and faith. “Bluebird Memories,” originally recorded live at the Minetta Lane Theatre in New York City, and backed by a world-class band, tracked Common’s intimate journey from childhood to manhood. 


    In Fall 2020, Common appeared in action drama, AVA for director Tate Taylor. He starred opposite Colin Farrell and Jessica Chastain in the film, which was released on September 25, 2020. He also starred in THE INFORMER with Joel Kinnaman and Rosamund Pike. The film follows a story of an ex-convict working undercover intentionally who gets himself reincarcerated in order to infiltrate the mob at a maximum-security prison. The film was released on November 6, 2020. 


    In Summer 2019, Common starred alongside Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish and Elisabeth Moss in THE KITCHEN based on the DC/Vertigo female-led comic book series. Set in New York City’s Hell’s Kitchen during the 1970s, the story follows wives of Irish mobsters (McCarthy, Haddish and Moss) who team up to take over running the business after their husbands are sent to prison. 


    In August 2019, Common released hit album LET LOVE. The album was inspired by his work and experiences while writing his second memoir, LET LOVE HAVE THE LAST WORD, which was released May 2019. The memoir was quickly deemed a New York Times best seller in its first week of release. The memoir shares Common’s own unique and personal stories of the people and experiences that have led him to a greater understanding of love and all it has to offer. This book follows his first memoir, “One Day It’ll All Make sense” which was released in 2011 and was also a New York Times best seller. 


    In 2018, Common was seen on the silver screen in the Fox 2000 film, THE HATE YOU GIVE with Amanda Stenberg, Issa Rae and KJ Apa. This timely drama, directed by George Tillman Jr., premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. He lent his voice to the Warner Bros animated film SMALLFOOT alongside an all-star cast, Channing Tatum, Zendaya, James Corden and LeBron James. Common also starred in the indie film, ALL ABOUT NINA opposite Mary Elizabeth Winstead and directed by Eva Vives and the action film HUNTER KILLER with Gerard Butler, Gary Oldman and Linda Cardellini.

     

    He starred in the Oscar nominated film, SELMA, a film centered around the civil rights marches that changed America. Alongside John Legend, he won the Academy Award in 2015 and a Grammy in 2016 for “Best Original Song in a Motion Picture” for “Glory” which was featured in the film. In 2016, he appeared in the David Ayer’s high-profile comic book movie, Warner Bros’ SUICIDE SQUAD. The film broke box office records both domestically and around the world.

     

    In 2017, Common starred opposite Keanu Reeves in the highly anticipated sequel JOHN WICK: CHAPTER 2 and appeared in Judy Greer’s directorial debut A HAPPENING OF MONUMENTAL PROPORTIONS with Allison Janney. He also appeared in Bleecker Street’s MEGAN LEAVEY alongside Kate Mara, Tom Felton, Bradley Whitford and Edie Falco.

     

    Behind-the-scenes, Common executive-produced the Netflix drama BURNING SANDS and performed the closing credits original song “The Cross” featuring Lianne Le Havas. The film premiered at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival and was released on Netflix March. He serves as an executive producer of Showtime’s hit TV series “The Chi,” a coming-of-age story set in Chicago from Emmy Award winning writer Lena Waithe.

     

    Common’s 11th studio album, BLACK AMERICA AGAIN, was released November 4, 2016 on ARTium/Def Jam Recordings. The album includes socially conscious new single, “Black America Again” featuring Stevie Wonder and the anthem “Letter to the Free,” the end-title track to Ava Duvernay’s powerful Oscar-Nominated documentary 13TH, for which he also received the 2017 Emmy for “Best Music and Lyrics.” After collaborating on the album, Common, Robert Glasper and Karriem Riggins joined together to form supergroup August Greene. The trio made their live debut in January 2018 at New York’s Highline Ballroom as part of Glasper’s annual Grammy Awards party and released their first joint album through Amazon Music.

     

    In 2017, Common was featured on Andra Day‘s song for Open Road Films’ MARSHALL soundtrack, “Stand Up for Something,” co-written by Common and eight-time Academy Award-nominee Diane Warren. The original song has received Oscar, Grammy, NAACP, and Critic Choice Award nominations, as well as the “Hollywood Song Award” at the 2017 Hollywood Film Awards.


    For the past few years, Common has dedicated countless hours and has been deeply engaged in social justice and advocacy work around mass incarceration, mental health and voting. His foundation, FREE TO DREAM, encompasses his 20 years of leadership as a change-maker, using his entertainment platform to advance the world’s most critical social causes, with a focus on education, justice, wellness, and jobs.

  • Beautiful, simply does not describe the incomparable force known to the world as Patti LaBelle. As time continues to evolve, the soulful songbird’s name has become synonymous with grace, style, elegance and class.  Belting out classic rhythm and blues renditions, pop standards and spiritual sonnets have created the unique platform of versatility that she is known and revered for. 


    It’s a small wonder that Patti has time for anything else in between recording and touring, but she makes time and the world is oh so happy that she does!  She has written six books, Don’t Block the Blessings, LaBelle Cuisine: Recipes to Sing About, Patti’s Pearls, Patti LaBelle’s Lite Cuisine, Recipes for the Good Life and Desserts LaBelle. Recently, Patti released a 20th anniversary edition of her New York Times bestselling cookbook, LaBelle Cuisine, featuring three new recipes. 


    Additionally, Patti has been featured in popular films and television programs including A Soldier’s Story, A Different World, The Neighborhood, American Horror Story, Empire, Star and The Kominsky Method, holiday movies, A Family Christmas Gift and A New Orleans Noel, and starred in her own TV series, Out All Night, and cooking show, Patti LaBelle’s Place. She’s also wowed audiences with unforgettable performances on the hit competition series, Dancing with the Stars and The Masked Singer and starred in Broadway productions of Your Arms are Too Short to Box with God, Fela, and After Midnight,


    In 2007, she introduced Patti’s Good Life, a successful food and lifestyle brand that offers a variety of frozen comfort foods, breakfast items and desserts, including her world-famous sweet potato pie. The Patti’s Good Life brand is available at retailers across the United States including Walmart and Target. Always a person to take on new challenges, in 2017 Patti launched a record label, GPE Records, and released her first jazz album, Bel Hommage.


    Although she is an award-winning entertainer, author and entrepreneur, Patti’s work as a humanitarian is just as noteworthy. She remains an advocate for adoption, diabetes, cancer, HIV / AIDS and many other causes and non-profit initiatives.  While she has reached the heights of success throughout her 60 plus year career, Patti has also endured and survived personal strife. Within a ten-year period, she lost her mother, three sisters and best friend to diabetes and cancer. In 1994, she was diagnosed with diabetes and shortly thereafter became a spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association.  


    The same motivation that had Patricia Louise Holte blossom from a choir member to lead vocalist for Patti LaBelle & The Bluebelles and later Labelle, to a solo artist, is the same energy that keeps her fire burning at seventy-nine years young. “Each year I grow, and that’s a blessing from God.  I do what I can do.  I do what I feel God has given me the energy to do, so I just go out there and I do it…it’s not about making money because I don’t need money, but I need to sing.  With a voice or without, I’ve got to get on that stage.”  And the world is thankful that Patti’s voice sounds so good to our ears.

  • Two-time Grammy-award winning R&B star Lucky Daye discovered his love of music and natural gift for singing and songwriting early in life in his hometown of New Orleans. Displaced by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Lucky moved to Atlanta for a brief stint and eventually ventured to Los Angeles to pursue his music dreams. After meeting producer D’Mile and working with him on his debut album Painted, Lucky fully realized his voice and potential. His undeniable talent as a vocalist took shape and landed him at his label home, Keep Cool, in partnership with RCA Records. 

    In 2022, Lucky Daye received five nominations for the 65th annual GRAMMY Awards (including Album of the Year 2x for writing credits on Beyoncé ’s RENAISSANCE and Mary J. Blige’s Good Morning Gorgeous) and released his sophomore Grammy nominated album Candydrip. The album debuted at #5 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums Chart and #10 on the Billboard Current R&B Albums Chart, and upon release received critical acclaim from NPR, Rolling Stone, and Billboard, who hailed Daye’s latest effort as “immaculate, forward-thinking R&B.” In 2024, Lucky released his third album, which is now Grammy nominated (Best R&B Album), Algorithm. It showcases Lucky’s versatility, immersing the listener into an experimental and futuristic sound that fuses various genres including R&B, rock, alternative and more. The album redefines what it means to be an R&B artist in the modern era and was created with Lucky’s longtime partners D’Mile and J. Kercy along with guest features from Teddy Swims and RAYE.

    Other accolades for Daye include winning a Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B album for his 2021 EP Table for Two, received nominations for four GRAMMY’s in 2019, including Best R&B Album and Best R&B Song, and released his explosive hit “Roll Some Mo” in late 2018. In total Lucky has received 13 Grammy nominations throughout his career. Lucky has also been nominated for an American Music Award, iHeart Radio Music Award, NAACP Image Award and more. Lucky has performed on various daytime and late-night shows including The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Jennifer Hudson Show, and Good Morning America. He has also notably performed for NPR Tiny Desk three times, as one of the only acts to ever do so. He also performed at the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony where he performed with Mary J. Blige to honor her induction. In addition to all this, Lucky has worked with a number of collaborators including Megan Thee Stallion, Mark Ronson, Ella Mai, Victoria Monét, Syd, and more. Most recently, Lucky won his second Grammy award at the 2025 Grammy Awards for Best Traditional R&B Performance with his hit song “That’s You” from his latest album.

  • Leon Thomas, a 31-year-old Brooklyn native, seamlessly bridges the worlds of music, acting, and production. Signed to Ty Dolla $ign’s EZMNY Records in 2022, Thomas made a notable debut with his album Electric Dusk (2023), featuring collaborations with Victoria Monét, Benny the Butcher, and Ty Dolla $ign. Tracks like “Breaking Point” and “Crash & Burn” have garnered over 11 million Spotify streams, cementing his place as a rising star in contemporary R&B. His groundbreaking work on SZA’s “Snooze” earned him a Grammy in 2024, further highlighting his influence in shaping the genre. Thomas’s sophomore album, MUTT, held the No. 1 spot on Apple Music's R&B/Soul chart for multiple weeks and debuted in the top 10 worldwide on Apple Music. Named Billboard's No. 1 R&B Album of 2024, MUTT also earned spots on Revolt, Huffington Post, UPROXX, and more Best Albums and Best Songs of 2024 lists. The album, with over 58M streams across all streaming platforms, delves into the complexities of love and ambition, with standout singles like “Far Fetched” ft. Ty Dolla $ign, “MUTT,” and “MUTT (Remix)” featuring Freddie Gibbs. Featuring collaborations with Ty Dolla $ign, Wale, Baby Rose, and Masego, the project underscores Thomas’s artistry and ability to push the boundaries of modern R&B. Thomas first joined Blxst on tour in the fall, then embarked on his completely sold-out MUTT headline tour in support of the album. Beyond music, Thomas has made notable appearances o Nickelodeon’s Victorious and HBO’s Insecure.

  • De La Soul are a revolutionary force in hip-hop. Upon its arrival in 1989, their debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising, sounded like nothing else, with a colorful, almost collaged production aesthetic and the rappers' rhyme styles that were equal parts clever and goofily humorous. At the time, this made De La Soul a gentler, more inventive one-of-a-kind presence in a rap landscape largely defined by aggression and righteous anger. Inventive and eclectic, De La Soul incorporated not only funk and soul, but also pop, jazz, reggae, and psychedelia samples into their strange and alluring patchwork of sounds. The group continued down their own path on their own terms as trends in rap came and went. Their output throughout the '90s was entirely formative for hip-hop on the whole, with works like 1991's De La Soul Is Dead and 1996's Stakes Is High providing a wealth of inspirational starting points that entire generations of other artists would build from. After 2004's The Grind Date, De La Soul went on hiatus, but returned in 2016 with the crowd-funded And the Anonymous Nobody as well as the occasional stand-alone track. In 2023, after years of legal battles over rights and ownership, De La Soul finally regained access to their back catalog and finally got some of their classic albums released on streaming services for the first time.

  • New Orleans-born Branford Marsalis is an award-winning saxophonist, band leader, featured classical soloist, and a film and Broadway composer. In the process, he has become a multi award-winning artist with three Grammys, a citation by the National Endowment for the Arts as a Jazz Master and an avatar of contemporary artistic excellence.

    The Branford Marsalis Quartet, formed in 1986, remains his primary means of expression. In its virtually uninterrupted three-plus decades of existence, the Quartet has established a rare breadth of stylistic range and has long been recognized as the standard to which other ensembles of its kind must be measured. This spring the Quartet makes its Blue Note Records debut with the March 28 release of Belonging, a full album interpretation of Keith Jarrett’s 1974 ECM album of the same name. But Branford has not confined his music to the jazz quartet context. He recently composed a classical suite commissioned by the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. A frequent soloist with classical ensembles, Branford has become increasingly sought after as a featured soloist with acclaimed orchestras around the world, performing works by composers such as Copeland, Debussy, Glazunov, Ibert, John Williams, Mahler, Milhaud, Rorem, Vaughan Williams and Villa-Lobos. And his legendary guest performances with the Grateful Dead and collaborations with Sting have made him a fan favorite in the pop arena.

    Branford’s screen credits as a composer include original music for: Rustin starring Colman Domingo, the History Channel’s documentary Tulsa Burning: The 1921 Race Massacre, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom starring Viola Davis and the late Chadwick Boseman, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks starring Oprah Winfrey, and Spike Lee’s Mo’ Better Blues. He received a 2021 EMMY nomination for the original music he composed and produced for Tulsa Burning in the Outstanding Music Composition for a Documentary Series or Special (Original Dramatic Score) category. His work on Broadway has garnered a Drama Desk Award and a Tony nomination for the acclaimed revival of Fences. He recently arranged and orchestrated the music for a new Broadway production on Louis Armstrong, A Wonderful World. His previous Broadway efforts include music for the revivals of Children of a Lesser God and A Raisin in the Sun, as well as The Mountaintop, which starred Angela Basset and Samuel L. Jackson.

  • KDTU has electrified audiences around the world for over 25 years from the fields of Naeba in Japan at the infamous Fuji Rock Festival to the hallowed stage of Madison Square Garden where they previously joined the Dave Matthews Band and The Godfather of Soul, James Brown. From performing as Sexual Chocolate (Karl was in the original band in the movie Coming To America and its sequel) at the Outside Lands Music festival in San Francisco, to being the first late night act at the inaugural Bonnaroo festival, KDTU have been a dominating force in music for the past 25 years.

    All-night, sold-out concerts during Jazzfest in New Orleans have featured sit ins by everyone from Lenny Kravitz & Steve Winwood (with whom Karl has recorded and toured) to avant garde luminaries Marc Ribot & Boyfriend. Chuck Leavell and Bernard Fowler (Karl’s bandmates in The Rolling Stones where Karl replaced the great Bobby Keys as saxophonist in 2014) have joined onstage and on record, as have Lukas Nelson, John Oates, Michael Franti, Warren Haynes, Ivan Neville, Anders Osborne, Big Daddy Kane, Roy Hargrove, Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, Joshua Redman, Marcus King, and Bernie Worrell, among others.

    Touring the country with the Allman Brothers, My Morning Jacket, D'Angelo, The Roots, Public Enemy, Bob Weir of The Grateful Dead, Parliament Funkadelic, Slightly Stoopid, Widespread Panic, very few concert goers have been untouched by the Tiny Universe live. In addition to KDTU, Karl Denson aka “Diesel” is a founding member of the seminal groove act The Greyboy Allstars.

  • The humble beginnings of the infamous S.O.S. Band can be traced back to 1977, when this gifted Atlanta born musical group stepped onto the music scene as "Santa Monica"; consisting of six skilled musicians (Jason Bryant, Billy Ellis, Willie "Sonny" Killebrew, Bruno Speight, John A. Simpson, James Earl Jones III) and one extraordinary lead vocalist, Mary Davis.

  • Two years after releasing the Frontier’s Edge EP, The Budos Band are returning with their first full-length since 2020’s Long in the Tooth. Titled simply VII, the new album sees them doing what they do best: laying down hypnotic, horn-spiked grooves that menace and mesmerize in equal measure.

     

    Produced by Budos guitarist Tom Brenneck with Simon Guzmán engineering, VII features 11 tightly constructed new tracks that draw on the group’s wide range of influences, sounding like only The Budos can. It’s music for getting down, for nighttime drives, and for alternate headspaces — a beguiling mix of mystery and rhythm that stands with the formidable work they’ve released in their two decades of recording.

     

    “We didn’t really go in there with a concept on VII,” drummer Brian Profilio says. “It was the first time in two years that we were together in a studio so we were like, ‘Let’s see what happens.’ We ended up writing 11 songs in three days.”

     

    These 11 songs run the gamut, featuring sweaty, hard-hitting funk workouts like “Escape from Ptenoda City” alongside explorations of Turkish psych in “Night Raid” and Zambian rock in the riff-heavy “Overlander.” It continues the stylistic evolution the group began with 2014’s striking, shake-things-up album Burnt Offering.

     

    “It’s almost like we’ve refined the sound we were going for on Burnt Offering,” Brenneck says of VII. “It’s not quite as raw.”

     

    “That’s the genreless aspect of the band,” saxophonist Jared Tankel agrees. “We’re not Afrobeat, we’re not Ethiopian jazz. We’re not world music. We’re not really funk, we’re not soul. We’re not rock. We’re just an amalgam of all these different sounds, so things pop out in all directions when you listen.”

     

    As usual, these songs are chopped up and splashed with the heavy horns so integral to The Budos sound, weaving melodies through the muscular rhythms and even deepening the groove when it calls for it.

     

    “Horns can occupy a melodic space, even though it’s not a voice,” Tankel says. “They can also occupy an articulated and rhythmic space. Playing with that duality is cool.”

    VII was recorded in California and serves as The Budos Band’s first full-length album on Diamond West, the independent label founded in 2023 by Tankel and Brenneck. It’s also the group’s first album to include instrumental contributions from percussionist Rich Tarrana, who previously played in the Frightnrs. All told, it succeeds in opening up some new sonic spaces while staying tethered to the intuitive, unique musicality that made them such a sensation from the jump.

     

    “Sometimes it’s like we’re speaking some esoteric language that no one else understands except us, and we’re doing it wrong,” Brenneck says. “It’s like how the Stones tried to play the blues and they missed the mark and they made something new — everything The Budos tries to do, we do wrong, and it sounds like The Budos.”

  • What sets the acclaimed R&B and soul singer-songwriter Leela James apart is her fearless approach to music. “The best artists stay true to who they are, no matter the scale,” she believes. These values have allowed Leela to remain a consistent figure in R&B, with a discography of quality soul music spanning over a decade — and a new single dropping in July 2023.

    Leela’s music is a constant reminder of what it is to be human — to love, to regret, and to dream.

    Her successful career began when she burst onto the scene in 2006 with her debut album, A Change Is Gonna Come. Since then, she has collaborated with top producers, toured across the U.S. and Europe with some of the biggest names in R&B, performed on the ABC hit show Dancing with the Stars, and starred on TV One’s R&B Divas: Los Angeles, among various other guest appearances.

    Leela’s talents are undeniable among her peers in the industry, and her music continues to resonate with core fans today. This songbird has earned countless spots on the Billboard charts, including:

    • No. 1 on the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart

    • No. 8 on Billboard Urban Adult Song of the Year for her hit single “Complicated,” from her latest album See Me

    Leela’s classic albums have also earned her several accolades, including:

    • A nomination for Outstanding New Artist at the NAACP Image Awards (2008)

    • A nomination for Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist at the Soul Train Music Awards (2008)

    • A RIAA Gold Certification for her 2014 single “Fall for You,” which sold over 500,000 equivalent units

    Dubbed the God-Daughter of Soul by James Brown, Leela has always had a natural ability to communicate a wide range of emotions with her husky, bluesy tone. As a child growing up in Los Angeles, she was affectionately nicknamed “Baby Etta,” after her idol Etta James.

    In 2012, she paid tribute to that influence with the release of Loving You More... In the Spirit of Etta James, an album in homage to the legendary singer.

    Leela’s other musical inspirations span soul, funk, and jazz, and include icons like Chaka Khan and Al Green. She continues to captivate audiences with a mix of timeless classics and fresh new hits — including her latest single, “Right Back In It.”

    You can catch her on tour this fall, with stops in cities like New Orleans, D.C., Houston, and Charlotte, to name a few.

  • Declared “the coolest rock star in the world right now,” by UNCUT magazine, Arooj Aftab has earned her position at the vanguard of creative music for her embrace of risk and nonconformity. In 2024, she released her fourth solo album, Night Reign (Verve), to universal acclaim, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Jazz Album, while the song “Raat Ki Rani” was tabbed for Best Global Music Performance. Night Reign’s predecessor, Vulture Prince, ushered Aftab into the cultural zeitgeist, including a place on President Barack Obama’s Summer 2021 playlist. Recognition for the record propelled her to a Best New Artist Grammy nomination in 2022 and a win for the song “Mohabbat.” Over the last few years, she has delivered “rapturous performances” at major venues and international festivals including Primavera, Glastonbury and Coachella. She has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, NPR’s Tiny Desk, Later with Jools Holland, Brodie and Mahogany sessions. Aftab has been featured in The New York Times, The Guardian, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, The Financial Times, The Quietus, and Time, to name a few.

  • Pedrito Martinez…is a source of rhythmic delight and inspiration… an incomparable performer… a traditional Afro-Cuban music superstar – The New York Times

    Pedro Pablo “Pedrito” Martínez was born in Havana, Cuba, Sept 12, 1973 in the Cayo Hueso neighborhood, where rumba is played all day long, and began his musical career at the age of 11, with a foundation in the rumba and Afro Cuban Yoruba traditions.

    Since settling in New York City in the fall of 1998, Pedrito has recorded or performed with, Paul Simon, Wynton Marsalis, Paquito D’Rivera, Bruce Springsteen, Ruben Blades, Eddie Palmieri, Dave Matthews, and Sting, and has contributed to over 75 albums.

    A consummate master of Afro-Cuban folkloric music and the batá drum he is also the world’s first-call rumbero—playing, singing, and dancing with dozens of Cuban rumba groups.

  • These are the things that power The Baylor Project featuring Jean Baylor and Marcus Baylor.  This enticing collaboration is steeped in the heart and soul of jazz.  As the children of Pastors, Marcus and Jean's musical roots were planted deep within the church, and it was there that the road was paved for the influence of jazz, gospel, blues and soul to make it’s mark.

  • “Keyon Harrold is the future of the trumpet”- Downbeat Magazine

    An inventive, multidisciplinary, genre-fluid artist; trumpeter and vocalist; a composer, arranger, and platinum music producer; bandleader and major recording artist (The Mugician-Sony "The Mugician") and currently with Concord Jazz

    “Keyon Harrold Is Equal Parts Music” - Billboard

    Musically, Harrold lives by the notion that the only thing that identifies a genre is its beat. That belief has allowed harrold to tear down the walls of the genre to roam music freely. There are only 12 notes, so he pours his soul into every musical situation, be it performing live, recording, or composing for television and film.

    “Keyon Harrold carries a natural swagger that is not misplaced: he’s a compelling communicator and commanding trumpeter.” The magic of his performance is the accomplishment of a quintet that resonates as both accomplished and raw, the seeking of new challenges...” -Love Supreme Festival.

    Harrold’s career is a spectrum of greatness. From touring and recording with Jay-z and Cirque Du Soleil to being signed by legendary Rapper Nas (Mass Appeal) and writing the theme song for The Queen Latifah’s Show.

    Harrold is a first-call artist with feature credits with Keith Richards, Black Pumas, Mac Miller (Stay), and Nas (The Jarreau of Rap) and Harrold’s latest collaboration with UK crooner Samm Henshaw ( Still Broke).

    Keyon is a frequent collaborator with YEBBA, Robert Glasper, Maxwell, Common, PJ Morton, and Gregory Porter.

    Harrold is the new Artistic Advisor for Jazz St.Louis

    He is an activist for social justice and equality.

    Look for New Original Music and content from Keyon 2022.

    KENYONHARROLDMUSIC.COM | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | X

  • Coco & Breezy are globally recognized DJs, producers, and the visionary twin founders of a trailblazing eyewear brand rooted in self-expression, culture, and innovation. Drawing from their Afro-Latina heritage, their uplifting house sound blends soulful rhythms with vibrant energy. Their mantra, Free Your Soul, echoes through both their music and their presence on the dancefloor.

  • Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio—or as it is sometimes referred to, DLO3—specialize in the lost art of “feel good music.” The ingredients of this intoxicating cocktail include a big helping of the 1960s organ jazz stylings of Jimmy Smith and Baby Face Willette; a pinch of the snappy soul strut of Booker T. & The M.G.’s and The Meters; and sprinkles Motown, Stax Records, blues, and cosmic Jimi Hendrix-style guitar. It’s a soul-jazz concoction that goes straight to your heart and head makes your body break out in a sweat. Live, the band’s fiery and intuitive chemistry is unstoppable, brimming with improvisation, instant composition, imaginative takes on classic tunes, and a booty-shaking back catalog of soulful gems.

  • Pirulo La Tribu was formed in 2009 by founder Francisco ‘Pirulo’ Rosado Rosario, as an integration of classic style and modern times, combining of Salsa, Latin Soul, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Urban, Afro-Latin and World Fusion Music

  • Butcher Brown’s limitless musical range shows no boundaries by genre and time. The Virginia-bred collective announces their new album Letters From The Atlantic will release on March 28 via Concord Jazz, offering a seamless blend of jazz, rock, funk, R&B, soul, bossa nova and more. The new record moves toward an indie groove, featuring female guest artists Yaya Bey, Melanie Charles, Leanor Wolf, Mia Gladstone, Victoria Victoria, along with Nicholas Payton & Neal Francis. Today, Butcher Brown shares the new single and video “Ibiza,” which follows last month’s “Montrose Forest.” Tapping into deep house music influences, “Ibiza” is a ubiquitous earworm that weaves a slick saxophone line through instrumental songscapes.

  • Weedie Braimah is a young premiere master of the djembe. He began his career at the early age of two, born in Ghana, where he was first introduced to West African culture and drumming. In East St. Louis, which is considered home for Braimah, he began his life long quest and professional career in the study of cultural music of the diasporas. A maverick performer of the highest caliber, Braimah has an almost insatiable knack to draw the entire audience into his grove, zigzagging through Africa on a breathtaking rhythmic roller coaster.

  • St. Louis singer, songwriter, and rapper Ryan Trey makes music that is equal parts smooth R&B melodies and moody trap production. After gaining attention for projects released while he was still in high school, Trey collaborated with Bryson Tiller on his 2019 track "Nowhere to Run," and steadily released new music in the form of singles and projects like the 2021 EP A 64 East Saga. His sophomore album, Streets Say You Miss Me, came out on Interscope in late 2023.

  • Born St. Louis, Mo, Marquise hails from a musical family deeply rooted in the Blues. He learned how to play guitar from his grandmother Lillie. He also played with his uncle Clifford, who was a major influence in Marquise’s life. For Marquise, Blues is his heritage and way of life. He spent his early teenage years in St. Louis mentoring under the late great Blues legend, N.E.A. (National Endowment of the Arts) Heritage Fellowship recipient and Grammy Award winner Henry James Townsend. Marquise’s talents have earned him performing rights with some of America’s most notable blues performers such as blues legends B.B. King, Pinetop Perkins and David “Honeyboy” Edwards (the latter two also N.E.A. Heritage Fellows). He has also performed at dozens of festivals, and has toured all throughout Europe.

  • The Adam Maness Trio is a St. Louis-based jazz group featuring Adam Maness on piano, Bob DeBoo on bass, and Kaleb Kirby on drums. They are known for their energetic performances, blending original compositions with unique arrangements of popular songs. The trio has been a fixture in the St. Louis jazz scene for several years, performing at various venues and festivals.

  • Led by brothers David and Jeff Lazaroff, Brothers Lazaroff is both a St. Louis-based songwriting and production team and a dynamic six-to-fifteen-piece ensemble. Known for blending genres around a foundation of deeply rooted songwriting, the band has cultivated a distinct sound and a loyal following through its prolific output and community-driven live events.

  • Anita Michelle Jackson is a native of St. Louis, Missouri who returned home after living in New York City for twelve years. She is a graduate of the American Music and Dramatic Academy in New York and has performed extensively nationally and internationally in theater productions, concerts and workshops. She has recorded and performed as a background vocalist for several artists in the music industry.

  • Singer and producer Owen Whitworth Ragland brings his inner world to life through his St. Louis-based indie pop project. Owen began writing at the piano before he could talk. Building his world around music he was recording and producing music throughout childhood. While producing for other artists most notably Jordan Ward, Owen began releasing his own songs under the name Whitworth in 2022 with the philosophy of blending musicality and digestible earworm melodies with pop production esthetics. After signing with Paris based distributor Groover Obsessions, Whitworth released his first full length project Earth to Dreamer in May 2024 followed by a month long U.S tour with his 5 piece band. On the stage Owen is accompanied by a cast and crew of friends including Dominic Mauro on Drums, Elijah Melvin and Ross Spellman on guitars. Whitworth was named one of the top 5 artists in Saint Louis by Saint Louis Magazine and has received airplay from more than 300 stations across the globe accumulating more than 500k streams. Whitworth has been on the road playing more than 100 venues across 13 states including Hotel Cafe LA, Samsung 837 NY, The Mohawk ATX, Fixin-To PDX.

  • Eldraco is a St. Louis-born singer, songwriter, and creative visionary whose sound lives between worlds—where church pews echo into funk riffs, and every note carries the ache of soul with the thrill of theater. A two-time John Lennon Songwriting Contest winner and NPR Tiny Desk Contest finalist, Eldraco is known for crafting performances that aren’t just musical—they’re immersive emotional experiences.

  • T-Dubb-O is a hip-hop artist born in Saint Louis, MO. He began freestyling at the age of 6 and progressed to writing, producing and recording by the age of 11. In 2010, Dubb entered the Streets Status Battle League arena and was recognized internationally as one of the best rappers coming out of Missouri.

  • Born in 1997 in St. Louis Missouri, Matt “The Rattlesnake” Lesch started playing guitar at the age of 11.  By the age of 12, he took a serious interest in blues and started studying the masters such as Albert King, B.B. King, Freddie King, Buddy Guy, Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf.  At the age of 16 he was taken in and mentored by local blues legend Big George Brock and quickly became Big George’s lead guitar player.

  • Drea Vocalz pronounced elegantly as Dree-a is a singer-songwriter, producer, and visual director.

     Hailing from St. Louis,MO she is the definition of sultry meeting the cosmos, often blending 90s R&B nostalgia with star-studded Bossa Nova rhythms. Her voice? Think warm honey dripping over a slow-burning melody. Her energy? Pure fire wrapped in velvet.

    Music has been in her DNA since childhood—singing church hymns led by her great-grandmother, training in both the St. Louis Children’s Choir and COCA, all while experimenting with beats in her middle school bedroom on GarageBand. Fast forward, and she’s now a powerhouse artist-in-residence at the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, dropping projects like Dope Majic, Monogamy, Black Moon, and the latest, Love in Brazil—a love letter to the soul filled culture in Brazil and tropical grooves rooted from Samba. 

  • K Kudda is a producer and pianist from Missouri. His beats take influence and samples from jazz, soul, and R&B and merge that sound with the classic funky drums in 90's hip hop as well as trap drum sounds from the 2010's.

  • DJ/Bassist/Sound Healer and Reiki Master Enoch Raavi rapidly became a staple on St. Louis’s nightlife scene in the early 2000’s as a pioneer in deejay culture and a supporter of the Spoken Word circuit, and the Neo Soul movement.

    Having been awarded “DJ of the Year” by St. Louis Black Pride for 2009, Enoch has shared turntable decks and stages with some of the industry’s most prominent musicians, deejays and producers in Soul and Dance music, including but not limited to Rich Medina, Osunlade, and Questlove from The Roots. This also includes providing the audio backdrop for numerous concerts ranging from Musiq Soulchild,Anthony Hamilton and Eric Roberson, to the Atlanta Jazz Festival just to name a few. With a spin style that’s a combination of classic Soul, Jazz, House and more Enoch curates a well rounded experience that he has presented in an ongoing listening party and podcast called “Global Warmth”.

    Enoch is also a sound healer and recording artist with his newest release called “Cinemajik” under the imprint "Homaj Recordings". His original compositions, which he calls ‘Jazz from a DJ’s perspective’, all have the feeling as if they were designed for film, and consist of live instrumentation via double bass, Fender Rhodes and synthesizers, plus acoustic elements like crystal singing bowls, percussion, and chimes. This formula makes for an audible elixir with the intention of healing the world, one song at a time.

  • Pianist and bandleader Antonio Foster was inspired by his grandmother, a church pianist, and began studying privately at age 9. He started playing jazz by age 13, attending Central Visual and Performing Arts and participating in Jazz St. Louis’ JazzU program. Foster then took his talents to Northern Illinois University under the tutelage of East St. Louis native Reggie Thomas. Foster has since become one of the top call jazz pianists and keyboardists in St. Louis and serves as faculty for Soul Shed University, teaching music notation.

  • Joe 2 Morrow (aka J2M) is a drum and guitar duo from Missouri composed of longtime friends and collaborators Zach Morrow and Joey Ferber. Their music spans many genres, blending instrumental exploration with songs that help them navigate the range of their own human experience. Morrow has been a top call drummer in Kansas City and beyond for the last decade and Ferber’s work as a guitarist and songwriter has served many of St. Louis’ staple projects over the same period of time. Now as a duo, their musical voices combine and play off each other, making for a thoughtful and surprising melding of styles that is both explosive and serene.

  • "What he does, he does for good. Like a boogieman should."

    Disco, Hip-hop, Funk, Jazz, Lounge, Afro-beat, & More

  • Originating from a creative family background, DJ Mahf has carved out a significant presence in the underground hip-hop world while keeping his sets vibrant with a mix of Top 40 and timeless classics, ensuring there’s something for every listener. DJ Mahf’s top songs and albums echo his diverse taste and deep roots in underground hip-hop. With an expansive collection ranging from old-school tracks to contemporary hits, DJ Mahf has mastered the art of keeping audiences engaged and on their feet.

  • KC Mackey was trained as a DJ in the rave scenes of Boston and Brooklyn, with a foundation in house, disco, and techno. Upon moving to St. Louis, she developed a passion for all genres of dance music and is recognized for her versatility and high-energy, rollercoaster-like sets. KC co-hosts MOVIN U, a monthly vinyl dance party at Tim's Chrome Bar, alongside DJ Mark Lewis and featuring sounds inspired by Detroit, Chicago, and New York City. In 2023, she launched DIVA, a disco party that invites guests to express themselves authentically through fashion and dance, to the uplifting melodies of classic disco records. Her most significant DJ accomplishments to date are spinning at the Lot Radio, headlining the Materia rave, and being selected for the renowned Spin Society DJs crew. Also an activist and community organizer, KC loves to merge political struggle with dance music by organizing fundraiser parties in support of grassroots liberation movements. She strongly believes in music as a means of building community and dancing as medicine for the mind and body. A 90s raver at heart, when it's time for a dance set, she lives by the words "If You're Sweating, You're Doing It Right." 

    Links:

    Here is a link to my profile with Spin Society DJs - https://www.spinsocietydjs.com/kcmackey 

    My Materia set (my favorite set I've ever put together): https://soundcloud.com/resisdance/kc-materia-32  

    And my IG: https://www.instagram.com/djkc_mackey_/

  • East St. Louis-born/St. Louis-based multidisciplinary artist James “Biko” Gates started drawing cartoons as early as the age of 2 and hasn’t put down the pencil, pen, or sharpie since. Influenced by the characters of his favorite cartoons such as Looney Tunes plus the lettering and vibrant murals of graffiti art, James melded these styles and others into his own doodles and comics. Throughout his childhood, it was clear that art was one of his true loves – another was music.

  • Brenda Navarrete is a musician, singer, percussionist, and educator with a remarkable career in Afro-Cuban music. Renowned as one of the few women to master the batá drums, her work blends tradition, innovation, and a deeply spiritual approach.

    Through her art and teaching, Brenda brings the cultural richness of her roots to global stages, establishing herself as a unique figure who celebrates authenticity and empowerment through music.

    “A dream come true” perfectly captures the essence of her artistic journey and creative vision.

  • This St. Louis project brings Latin musicians and Americans musicians from all over the city to collaborate in the genera of Boogaloo. This genera is a fusion of American soul and Latin music. This video is a sample of 4 songs. Dawn Weber from St. Louis on Trumpet and vocals, Emerson Magana from Mexico on vocals, Juan Quesada from Cuba on Bass, Hector Molina from Puerto Rico on Piano, Kwanae Johnson from St. Louis on sax, Jeremiah Burcher from St. Louis on Trombone, Herman Semidey from Puerto Rico on Timbales, Duane Williams from St. Louis on Bongos, and Thor Anderson from St. Louis on Congas. This group is perfect for festivals and events.

  • This St. Louis project brings Latin musicians and Americans musicians from all over the city to collaborate in the genera of Boogaloo. This genera is a fusion of American soul and Latin music. This video is a sample of 4 songs. Dawn Weber from St. Louis on Trumpet and vocals, Emerson Magana from Mexico on vocals, Juan Quesada from Cuba on Bass, Hector Molina from Puerto Rico on Piano, Kwanae Johnson from St. Louis on sax, Jeremiah Burcher from St. Louis on Trombone, Herman Semidey from Puerto Rico on Timbales, Duane Williams from St. Louis on Bongos, and Thor Anderson from St. Louis on Congas. This group is perfect for festivals and events.

  • Musician, Producer, Engineer, Photographer, Graphic Design Artist, Christian DJ, Record Collector, Vintage Car Owner.

  • Frankie DoWop is a self taught vocalist from a musical home & family. Originally a classically trained dancer with experience in vaudeville and burlesque, this St. Louis native is inspired by many different musical & performance styles. Her love of funk & soul, pop, hip hop and even rock, combine with her raw prowess producing a sound distinctly Frankie DoWop.

    Frankie began her vocal career as a background vocalist for her late brother's funk/soul band, Big Brother Thunder & The Masterblasters. After his passing in 2016 she continued her family’s musical legacy, branching out to perform for a variety of headlining acts. Adding Summerfest (WI), SXSW, & opening for artists such as Ashanti, Melanie Fiona and Nelly to her resume. In 2019 Frankie emerged from the background, releasing her own original music to well-received fanfare. Frankie’s latest studio release ‘Jokes On You’ featuring Grammy award winning artist MonoNeon, has proven to be a milestone for this independent artist. Garnering over 13 thousand organic impressions within the first month of release.

    Frankie’s slick approach blends her smoky vocals with driving bass lines and smooth melodies. Fit for any listener who loves classic soul & funk influence with a modern twist. 

    EPK:

    Frankie DoWop EPK

    Photos:

    All photos are cleared for use

    FDW Photos

    VIDEO CLIP; 

    Jokes On You ft. MonoNeon visual clip

    PLEASE NOTE: This visual is in its original aspect ratio for quality purposes but *can* be *properly fit* to an Instagram Reels size, while keeping Frankie in frame. If you have questions please contact Frankie directly. 

    Jokes On You clip

    LINKS:

  • Lady J Huston is one of the most spectacular entertainers on the music scene. She is renowned for her captivating vocals, trumpet, & mesmerizing stage presence. The Lady J Huston Show is an electrifying blend of Las Vegas pizzazz with the sass of St. Louis blues, classic soul, & jazz, where the multi-talented band members show off too. She is widely lauded for touring with blues legend Albert King as performer & music director. Lady J won the 2023 Blues Blast Magazine “New Artist Debut Album” for her multidimensional "Groove Me Baby" CD that showcases her skills as a songwriter, arranger, & a plethora of career honors.

    For more info, visit https://ladyjhuston.com

    All socials: @ladyjhuston

    For font selection, the "J" is clearer with non-script. If script, full loops on the top & bottom lessens confusion with similar characters.

  • Noel Spiva is a multidimensional visual artist. Specializes in graphic design, music curation, media writing, creative direction, brand marketing, photography, video and more.

  • DJ Crucial and Agile One are veteran DJs based in St. Louis.  Crucial is internationally known for hip hop vinyl limited releases on his label F5 Records. Agile One is a resident DJ at Sophie's Artist Lounge, Artbar at Angad Arts Hotel, RK Bar at the Four Seasons St. Louis, and The Gramophone. She often plays vinyl sets in Chicago at venues such as Pilsen Yards, The Giant Penny Whistle, Dokku's Booze Box, and Punch House to name a few.  Together, Crucial and Agile have played at the iconic Dante’s HiFi Miami, Eight & Sand in Memphis, and Wolf & Crane in LA,  among various locations around the country. Their sets intertwine multiple genres and eras, including hip hop, R&B, house, boogie, pop, new wave, and disco.

  • Soulful, vibrant and creative are just a few words that just describe creative Scooter Brown. Brown is a native of East St.Louis, Illinois. Scooter Brown likes to refer to his music as "Life Music". "I like to think of real life situations that people can latch on to take them somewhere totally different. My job is to help wipe away the troubles that people might faced before coming to hear me play or spin a set.

  • The Womack Sisters, composed of BG, Zeimani, and Kucha, are a musical trio known for their soul and retro-inspired music. They are the granddaughters of legendary singer Sam Cooke, daughters of songwriters Cecil and Linda Womack, and nieces of R&B icon Bobby Womack. Their family's deep musical roots have significantly shaped their sound and artistic direction. 

  • One of the great success stories of the 80’s, arrived on the dancehall scene and swiftly remodeled it in his own image. Although numerous DJ’s and vocalist would rise and fall during this decade, Levy was one of the few with staying power, and he continued releasing massive hits well into the 90’s. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, as a youngster, Barrington Levy formed the Mighty Multitude with his cousin Everton Dacres.
    They started off playing the sound systems and cut their first single, “My Black Girl,” in 1977. All of 14, Levy broke out his own the next year and recorded his debut solo single, A Long Time Since We Don’t Have No Love.” It didn’t have much of an impact, however the teen’s appearances in the dancehalls were eagerly awaited events. It was at one of these that Levy met former singer turned producer Junjo Lawes and Mew York-based producer Hyman “Jah Life” Wright. The pair took the youth into King Tubby’s studio, accompanied by the Roots Radics, and recorded a clutch of cuts. The first fruits of this union were “Ah Yah We Deh,” quickly followed by “Looking My Love”, and “ Wedding Ring Aside.” Success was immediate, but it was the mighty “Collie Weed” that really cemented the teen’s hold of dancehall.