18th Annual DC JazzFest Headed to Southwest

By Mike Goodman With dozens of performances in venues across the city, the annual DC JazzFest (DCJF) is one of the largest music festivals in the country. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the DC Jazz Festival celebrates America’s unique original art form during this international event that attracts jazz lovers from around the world. This […]

National Museum of African American History and Culture to Host  Star-Studded Block Party Celebrating Hip-Hop and Rap

By Southwester Staff The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) will host its inaugural Hip-Hop Block Party Saturday, August 13, to celebrate the first anniversary of the release of the Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap. The event will feature performances by local and national talent, […]

Grammy Winner Pens Original Songs for Arena Production

By Sheila Wickouski Grammy Award-winning songwriter Marcus Hummon’s songs have been recorded in many genres, including pop, R&B, gospel and most notably in country music. He has written some of the genre’s most iconic songs, including Rascal Flatts’ “Bless the Broken Road,” the Dixie Chicks’ “Cowboy Take Me Away” and […]

Playwright Charles Randolph-Wright Shines Spotlight on Frederick Douglass in Arena Stage World Premiere

By Sheila Wickouski On July 15, Arena Stage will host the world premiere of the musical American Prophet: Frederick Douglass in His Own Words. Douglass’ own words power soaring new melodies and an original script from Grammy Award-winning songwriter Marcus Hummon and Charles Randolph-Wright, also known for Arena Stage’s Born […]