Valerie Simpson

John Violinist: Announces One-Night-Only Concert at The Bushnell
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 16, 2025

The Bushnell will present acclaimed violinist John Violinist brings your favorite R&B and Pop hits to life with his signature sound, accompanied by his dynamic band.

The Apollo Announces 2024 Holiday Programming For All Ages
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 22, 2024

The Apollo Theater has announced its 2024 holiday programming, featuring events for all ages, including music, dance, and family-friendly performances, celebrating the festive season in Harlem.

Choose Chicago, City Of Chicago Announce Programming Details Of SUNDANCE INSTITUTE X CHICAGO 2024
by A.A. Cristi - May 31, 2024

Discover the programming details for Sundance Institute x Chicago 2024, a unique three-day event featuring film screenings and cultural activities from June 28-30 in Chicago.

SOULFUL SUNDAYS to Return to Ali Cultural Arts Center This Summer
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 14, 2024

Put your hands together! Pompano Beach Arts is welcoming back the enormously popular series Soulful Sundays, featuring South Florida's top performers and bands in various genres at Ali Cultural Arts Center. See who is performing and learn how to purchase tickets.

Photos: The New York Pops Honor Clive Davis at 41st Birthday Gala
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Apr 30, 2024

The New York Pops honored the record industry's most innovative and influential executive Clive Davis at the orchestra's 41st Birthday Gala, The Soundtrack of Our Lives: A Tribute to the Legendary Clive Davis.

Camp Broadway Ensemble Will Perform With the New York Pops at 41st Birthday Gala
by Stephi Wild - Apr 23, 2024

The Broadway Education Alliance has announced that the Camp Broadway Ensemble will perform with The New York Pops at their 41st Birthday Gala at Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall on Monday, April 29, 2024 at 7:00 pm. 

Shoshana Bean, Brandon Victor Dixon, and More Join The New York Pops' 41st Birthday Gala
by Stephi Wild - Apr 22, 2024

Shoshana Bean, Brandon Victor Dixon, Art Garfunkel, Art Garfunkel Jr., Courtney Hadwin, Valerie Simpson, Patty Smyth, Ruben Studdard, Adrienne Warren, Diane Warren, and Avery Wilson will now join The New York Pops, led by Music Director and Conductor Steven Reineke, to honor Clive Davis.

Photos: Melba Moore And Kathy Sledge Sit Down for UNSCRIPTED LIVE At Lincoln Center
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 16, 2024

Tony Award-winning vocalist Melba Moore and GRAMMY-nominated singer, songwriter, producer Kathy Sledge joined award-winning filmmaker and photographer Sekou Luke (Notes from Harlem) and noted music journalist Christian John Wikane (PopMatters) in the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center on Saturday, April 6 for the fourth edition of 'Unscripted Live,' the live branch of 'Unscripted: Conversations with Christian John Wikane,' an interview series that spotlights the stories of legendary and innovative artists. The evening was featured as part of Lincoln Center's 2024 American Songbook. See photos from inside the event!

Bruce Sudano to Release 'Talkin' Ugly Truth, Tellin' Pretty Lies' Album
by Michael Major - Jan 10, 2024

Watch and/or share the videos for the previously released singles “Better Than This,” “Make The World Go Away,” and “Two Bleeding Hearts.” In late February, he will be an official showcase artist at Folk Alliance International, the world's largest gathering of the folk music industry and community. 

Photos: Brenda Russell Interviewed For UNSCRIPTED LIVE At City Winery NYC
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 24, 2023

Tony Award-winning composer Brenda Russell joined award-winning filmmaker and photographer Sekou Luke and noted music journalist Christian John Wikane in The Loft at City Winery on Monday, October 16 for the third edition of 'Unscripted Live,' the live branch of 'Unscripted: Conversations with Christian John Wikane'. See photos!

Steely Dan's Grammy-Winning 'Gaucho' Returns To Vinyl In December; Personally Overseen By Donald Fagen
by Michael Major - Oct 3, 2023

The title would not only mark their final release under MCA Records but also their last studio album for 20 years. Featuring the Top 10 hit “Hey Nineteen,” plus such classic cuts as “Babylon Sisters” and “Time Out of Mind,” Gaucho also boasts a who's who of legendary guest musicians, including Mark Knopfler, Michael McDonald and Bernard Purdie.

Harris Center for the Arts to Present QUEEN OF THE NIGHT! REMEMBERING WHITNEY Next Month
by Blair Ingenthron - Sep 9, 2023

Harris Center for the Arts will present Queen of the Night! Remembering Whitney next month. Get performance information here!

Review: WHAT'S GOING ON NOW at Kennedy Center
by Roger Catlin - Jun 19, 2023

The National Symphony Orchestra’s intent this weekend was to pay tribute to the 50th anniversary of native son Marvin Gaye’s classic “What’s Going On” album, a high water mark for both social commentary and Motown soul. 

Photos: See André De Shields & More at UNSCRIPTED LIVE at City Winery
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 2, 2022

See photos of Tony, Emmy, and GRAMMY Award-winning performing artist André De Shields and more at The Loft at City Winery for 'Unscripted Live,' an interview series that spotlights the stories of legendary artists, their resilience, and their creative regeneration.

André De Shields Will Headline UNSCRIPTED LIVE at City Winery
by Stephi Wild - Nov 2, 2022

Tony, Emmy, and GRAMMY Award-winning performing artist André De Shields ('Hadestown,' 'Ain't Misbehavin,' 'The Wiz') joins award-winning filmmaker and photographer Sekou Luke (Notes from Harlem) and noted music journalist Christian John Wikane (PopMatters) at The Loft at City Winery on Monday, November 28 for 'Unscripted Live.'

Photos: UNSCRIPTED Live With GRAMMY-Winning Legend Ruth Pointer Premieres At The Apollo Theater Soundstage
by Robert Diamond - May 26, 2022

Award-winning filmmaker and photographer Sekou Luke (Notes from Harlem) and noted music journalist Christian John Wikane (PopMatters) presented 'Unscripted' Live at the Apollo Theater Soundstage on Monday night (May 23).

Leah Harris Releases New Song 'Shine'
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 20, 2022

R&B/Soul singer-songwriter, pianist, and entrepreneur Leah Harris debuted her new single, 'Shine.' Leah wrote this song with inspiration from the unique creative journeys undertaken by artists and entrepreneurs.

Photos: The New York Pops Present GET HAPPY: THAT NELSON RIDDLE SOUND
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Mar 17, 2022

The New York Pops, led by Music Director and Conductor Steven Reineke, presented Get Happy: That Nelson Riddle Sound on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 8:00pm in Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall. 

Majestic Theater to Stage A TRIBUTE TO ARETHA FRANKLIN: THE QUEEN OF SOUL
by Marissa Tomeo - Feb 13, 2022

The Majestic Theater will feature Damien Sneed in a production in honor of Black History Month and Aretha Franklin. A Tribute to Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul will take place on February 16th at 7:30pm. With a legendary career spanning several generations and a multitude of genres, Aretha Franklin truly earned her title, 'The Queen of Soul.'

Valerie Simpson Plays Aretha's Greatest Hits at Poway Center
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 9, 2022

Aretha Franklin is recognized as the most successful female recording artist in history, with 112 charted singles on Billboard, 18 Grammy Awards, and over 75 million records sold. Her  legendary career rightfully earned her the title, “The Queen of Soul.”