Music

Acclaimed reggae star Ras Kimono will be remembered for his contribution to the elevation of reggae in Nigeria. Ras Kimono, known for the hit singles ‘Under Pressure’ and ‘We No Want’, was scheduled to travel to the United States on Saturday night, but complained of not feeling well. Born Ukeleke Elumelu Onwubuya, Ras Kimono, alongside…

By Hakim Abdul-Ali Whenever most serious lovers of jazz think of it in its most purest expressions, it usually is thought of as creative free form, improvisational music. Well, I’m of that same vein also, in that, I think that jazz is so unique a coordinated playing and listening musical experience until it takes someone…

Charleston Jazz introduces its first Dinner + Show Series featuring the Charlton Singleton Quintet at Dockery’s on Daniel Island. Celebrated as one of Charleston’s most accomplished musicians, Charlton leads his all-star group through a night of originals and popular jazz standards. The band draws on many styles of music, but always brings their Lowcountry flavor…

By Hakim Abdul-Ali Talk about making the home folk feel good about themselves. Well, that’s exactly what happened at the Ranky Tanky concert at the Wells Fargo Jazz Program event for Spoleto Festival USA Saturday, June 2, 2018. This homegrown group of local and Lowcountry based musicians have hit the big time with a 2017 self-titled…

Get a taste of Jamaica when the Reggae Nights Summer Concert Series returns for its second concert on Friday, June 22. The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) will host NDKA at James Island County Park. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. and music by NDKA begins at 8:30 p.m. Event gates will close to…

For the last six weeks, four distinguished Charlestonians have competed for the honor of conducting the Charleston Symphony Orchestra (CSO) during the Memorial Day weekend Sunset Serenade concert this past weekend.     Voters selected Paul L. Stoney, President/CEO of the Greater Charleston YMCA, to debut his conducting talents at the free concert, sponsored by…

By Hakim Abdul-Ali It’s said that there’s something new happening everyday. In the musical arenas, especially in the field of jazz, that’s a very-on-point observation. Laying her claim to the current evolvement of that assertion is a gifted young vocalist named Jazzmeia Horn. Blessed with an awe-inspiring and catchy first name, this talented young lady,…

By Hakim Abdul-Ali This year’s Spoleto Festival USA’s outstanding array of musical and theatrical performances began on May 25, 2018 and will run until June 10, 2018. The Wells Fargo Jazz Series’ segment of the festival couldn’t have selected a more enticing set of performers to begin this year’s jazz program with than the selections…

By Frederick H. Lowe Special from NorthStarNewsToday.com (TriceEdneyWire.com) – William “Smokey” Robinson recently testified before Congress about giving musicians greater copyright protection amid  a love fest for him. Women embraced and kissed Robinson, who is now 78. Men stood in line to enthusiastically shake his hand and hug him. Even Chuck Grassley, the Republican chair…