Arts Jul 16 Author Colson Whitehead on 'The Nickel Boys' and fantasy vs. realism Pulitzer-winning author Colson Whitehead’s latest novel, “The Nickel Boys,” is based on the true story of a boys’ reform school in the Florida Panhandle that became notorious for horrific abuse. Jeffrey Brown sat down with Whitehead recently to discuss why…
Arts Jul 12 Folk legend Joan Baez reflects on a life in music and activism After six decades performing, folk legend Joan Baez is saying farewell to music with a tour this summer. But before setting off, she sat down with Jeffrey Brown to talk about her long career in music and political activism, and…
Arts Jul 01 Book recommendations for every kind of summer reader This summer, many vacationers will be packing a good book along with their sunscreen and towels. NPR’s Maureen Corrigan and The Washington Post’s Carlos Lozada join Jeffrey Brown to review a collection of the season’s best reads, including novels that…
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…
Poetry Jun 26 At this D.C. jail, a book club offers a safe space Reading and writing can provide a profession, a passion or an escape from reality. In Washington, D.C., the Free Minds Book Club positions the activities as mechanisms through which incarcerated people can express themselves in healthy and constructive ways. As…
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…
Arts Jun 20 The life and legacy of opera star Luciano Pavarotti, according to Ron Howard Acclaimed director Ron Howard has released a new documentary on the life of opera star Luciano Pavarotti, who grew up in Modena, Italy, and rose to fame with the global phenomenon The Three Tenors. The film is filled with archival…
Arts Jun 14 With the Juke Joint Festival, a Mississippi city aims to lose its economic blues In Mississippi’s Clarksdale, the heart of the rural Delta, a celebration of the blues has been drawing thousands of fans to the area for the past 16 years. The Juke Joint Festival, named for bars and informal music venues scattered…
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.