Arts Dec 15 Here’s a dozen books from 2023 you should read, critics say As the year comes to a close, we’re sitting down with book critics to discuss some of the best books released in 2023. NPR’s Fresh Air book critic Maureen Corrigan and New York Times books editor Gilbert Cruz share their…
Nation Dec 06 Rob Reiner on Norman Lear’s groundbreaking career and legacy Norman Lear, the groundbreaking TV producer and writer, died Tuesday at the age of 101. He revolutionized primetime television with a string of hits, dominating the airwaves in the 70s and 80s, and showcased political and social issues of the…
Arts Dec 05 Tariq ‘Black Thought’ Trotter on his impact on hip-hop and new memoir, ‘The Upcycled Self’ The Roots are one of hip-hop’s most important and influential groups and lead lyricist and emcee Tariq Trotter, better known by his stage name Black Thought, has established himself among the leading rappers. The Grammy-winner tells his own story in,…
Arts Nov 30 Simone Leigh’s work explores how Black women have been misrepresented in art and culture Last year, artist Simone Leigh represented the U.S. at what is widely considered the world’s most important exhibition of contemporary art, the Venice Biennale. She was the first Black woman to have that honor. Now, there’s a chance to see…
Arts Nov 28 Kentucky writing program amplifies unheard voices through the power of publishing Ordinary people with extraordinary stories. That’s the ethos behind the Louisville Story Program which is celebrating ten years of amplifying unheard voices and untold stories. Jeffrey Brown went to Kentucky to see the power of writing one’s own story. It’s…
Arts Nov 22 A look inside the National Museum of Women in the Arts after its major renovation In leading museums these days, women artists are gaining more prominence. But studies of acquisitions and overall exhibitions show just how much the gender gap remains. The National Museum of Women in the Arts is solely dedicated to the creativity…
Arts Nov 16 Elle and Keegan-Michael Key chronicle ‘The History of Sketch Comedy’ in new book Keegan-Michael Key is a modern master of sketch comedy, starring in hits shows “Mad TV,” “Key and Peele” and “Schmigadoon!” Now, he and his wife, film and TV producer Elle Key, have taken a long look into the history of…
Arts Nov 14 Museum honors untold stories of enslaved Africans through genealogy Digging deeply into family lineage has taken off with visits to genealogy websites estimated at over 100 million a year. The newly-opened International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina, aims to honor untold stories at one of America’s most…
Arts Oct 27 How a young conductor in Kentucky is using music to serve his community At a time when many classical music and other traditional arts organizations are facing major challenges, a young conductor in Louisville, Kentucky, is expanding the playbook. He's combining music-making with public service and orchestrating community in every corner of the…
Arts Oct 20 Darius Rucker reflects on his diverse career and his personal new album Darius Rucker first achieved multi-platinum status with the band Hootie and the Blowfish, selling more than 25 million albums worldwide. As a solo artist, he's won big awards and just added more accolades to the list. Geoff Bennett caught up…