Tracey Ashley: Witty comedian brought the heat to local club

Jan. 2 |   There aren’t many things worth going outside for on a December night in the Twin Cities. Comedic ace Tracey Ashley is one. Homegirl truly got skills. This summer, Tracey Ashley opened for Dave Chappelle at the State Theatre and was a hit,...

A conversation with Maya Angelou

Oct. 17 | Renaissance woman speaks on Tyler Perry, Obama and ‘the sweet language’   By Charles Hallman Staff Writer   Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Dr. Maya Angelou is a renowned “renaissance woman” who as a teenager became San Francisco’s...

True artists shine in concert: Esperanza Spalding, Cassandra Wilson, Marcus Miller

Oct. 1 | True artists know how to captivate an audience. Inspiration from their musical mentors may have something to do with it. Bassist/vocalist Esperanza Spalding is an artist who knows how to captivate an audience. Just ask Prince. He is very supportive...

Dave Chappelle sneaked into Twin Cities and left ’em laughing

Aug. 22 |   Dave Chappelle don’t have a lick of sense. For that matter, Tracey Ashley ain’t wrapped too tight, either. Between them both, August 2 at the Historic State Theatre in downtown Minneapolis was a gas. Tracey Ashley, new to Twin Cities audiences,...

‘Band Formerly Known as The Time’ sizzled at hometown concert Original 7ven played ‘scarifying’ funk/rock to raucously devoted fans

Nov. 16 |   Excited energy abounded in Minneapolis’ State Theatre for the event billed “Original 7ven/Band Formerly Known as the Time Homecoming Concert” on November 5. The crowd flowed in, anticipation charging the air, part and parcel of which...