Arts Jul 18 Lonnie Bunch on how the Smithsonian can help America understand its identity Lonnie Bunch, founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, has just become the 14th head of the Smithsonian Institution -- and its first black leader. He sits down with Judy Woodruff to discuss the challenges…
Arts Jun 28 What this year’s Whitney Biennial says about contemporary American art The biennial exhibit at the Whitney Museum of American Art represents a big moment for contemporary art, featuring some of its biggest names. While works tackle various major social and political issues of the moment, they tend to do so…
Arts Jun 21 Why critics seemed ‘absolutely irrelevant’ for this youth-driven Broadway musical “Be More Chill,” a Broadway musical written by Joe Tracz and scored by Joe Iconis, explores the emotional rollercoaster of growing up -- with a magical twist. The show’s release comes on the heels of several other successful musicals about…
Nation Jun 10 The painstaking process of repairing a damaged cathedral The Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., sustained major damage during a rare 2011 earthquake. Nearly eight years later, reconstruction is still underway at the country's second-largest church. Jeffrey Brown visited the landmark to learn more about the long and…
Arts May 24 The Beastie Boys on rap, friendship and taking a stand for their values The rap trio Beastie Boys played a formative role in the evolution of American hip-hop music. They have sold millions of albums with their unique blend of rap, rock and humor, all while prioritizing their friendship above their career success.
Arts May 02 Author David Treuer on rewriting the Native American narrative Traditionally, movies and books about Native American life have focused on tragedy and defeat. Now, a new work of history and reporting urges readers to consider a more complex culture that is not only still living, but evolving. Jeffrey Brown…
Arts Apr 29 T Bone Burnett on making music and fighting ‘surveillance capitalism’ Between producing recordings for major music stars, writing soundtracks for films and TV and releasing a new album of his own, “The Invisible Light: Acoustic Space,” T Bone Burnett might be one of the busiest men in entertainment. Jeffrey Brown…
Arts Apr 22 A photography exhibit of melting ice — and shifting consciousness The melting of polar ice masses is a prominent topic in the news lately, but it’s difficult to imagine what the process would look like. In Austin, Texas, a recent photography exhibit aimed to make the concept of climate change…
Arts Apr 08 Biographer Robert Caro on why it’s taking decades to fully capture LBJ Robert Caro is one of the nation’s preeminent biographers, known for meticulous research and taking his time with a subject. Indeed, he began his massive series "The Years of Lyndon Johnson" in 1977, but its final volume won't be published…
Arts Mar 29 Singer-songwriter Patty Griffin on doing something ‘magical’ with her life Singer-songwriter Patty Griffin has developed a faithful following as well as critical acclaim for her folk and Americana music. But after being diagnosed with breast cancer, she formed a new perspective on telling her personal stories through song. Jeffrey Brown…