All the Colors of the Human Voice: This D.C. Conductor Rounded Up a Stellar Cast for PBS Pride Month Special
The programmers and artists involved in PBS special, “True Colors: LGBTQ+ Our Stories, Our Songs,” had a novel idea: Music could be the ultimate leveler. In celebration of Pride Month, join contributing writer Eric Althoff as he goes behind the scenes to explore the songs and stories of “True Colors” with members of the star-studded cast, including Founder and Artistic Director of the American Pops Orchestra, Luke Frazier; Grammy Award winner and Broadway veteran André De Shields; and Black trans operatic vocalist Breanna Sinclairé.
Caitlin Min Fa: ‘It’s Important to Drive the Awareness that All Walks of People Can Succeed in This Music Industry’
Pop singer-songwriter Caitlin Min Fa has led a life constantly influenced by music. From a young age, the native of Melbourne, Australia, had a dream to not only be heard, but to ensure that the music she wrote could be shared around the world, and that’s exactly what she’s living out. In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Min Fa spoke with contributing writer Eric Althoff about her inspirations, how she comes up with her unique music, and what we can expect of her with the world once again opening up.
No Bull: Cathy DiToro Plans to Take 2022 by the Horns
Cathy DiToro is a staple of the DMV music scene. In addition to performing as part of fan favorite cover ensembles, including The Legwarmers, she manages ProjectHERA, a nonprofit she founded to push more visibility for female musicians, as well as HERAFest, which aims to “showcase women being badass musicians at any age in all genres.” This year, DiToro is embracing a major personal transition: releasing more of her own solo work and building her own brand. Learn more with contributing writer Eric Althoff, including the reason why DiToro is approaching the new year boldly with a “now or never” attitude.
West African Griot and Trailblazer Sona Jobarteh Brings the Sounds of Her Culture to D.C.
The West African griot, a traveling poet-musician who shares stories in song, goes back many centuries—but until now, it has largely been the provenance of male artists. Sona Jobarteh, a native of The Gambia, was born into a family of griots, and she travels the world spreading the joy of this ancient tradition from the Manding region. Learn more about Jobarteh’s upcoming show at City Winery with contributing writer Eric Althoff, where she will present a one-of-a-kind experience – keeping alive a legacy that goes back nearly a thousand years.
Singer-Songwriter Tom Rush, after a Frightening Run-in with COVID-19, Returns to the Birchmere
Credited with ushering in the era of the singer-songwriter, acclaimed artist Tom Rush continues to have a profound impact on the American music scene. Throughout his successful career, he has championed a number of emerging musicians, including well-known female artists such as Joni Mitchell, Nancy Griffith, and Shawn Colvin. Learn more about Rush’s journey with contributing writer Eric Althoff, including his reflections on the evolution of music in the 21st century and details on his upcoming show at the Birchmere.
The Jazz Man Testifies: Samuel Prather Knows Many Styles, but Jazz—and D.C.—Are Always in His Heart
Samuel Prather’s musical influences have been many, but none was as formative as the minister of music at his childhood church. Raised in the church and later schooled in jazz, Prather brings a fusion of influences to his critically acclaimed sound. In honor of Black History Month, join contributing writer Eric Althoff as he connects with Samuel Prather to discuss his roots, why he believes D.C.’s jazz scene is underrated, and Prather’s residency at new venue Twelve After Twelve.
BRASSIE Does Music Her Own Way
BRASSIE is loath to be pigeonholed into one specific genre or another. Her sound is perhaps reminiscent of the singer-songwriter mode familiar from the likes of Alanis Morissette, but the artist herself insists that her musical influences and DNA are difficult to pin down. She takes inspiration wherever it comes, even from a documentary, noting “I feel like I’m influenced by everything I’ve ever heard.” Join contributing writer Eric Althoff as he sits down with BRASSIE to discuss her viral single, recent Wammie Award nominations, and upcoming shows.
Oh He Dead Says They’re Not Dead Yet
D.C.-based indie soul band Oh He Dead has a rather unique story behind its name. We’ll get to that, but first, it’s important to take note of the various musical genres that infuse the group’s rather unique sound. Their compositions bear many stamps, most notably jazz, folk, and funk. Join contributing writer Eric Althoff as he goes behind the scenes to reveal a sneak peek of Oh He Dead’s upcoming projects. Through the most trying of circumstances, the band makes it clear that they’re not dead yet. Despite the pandemic, they are soldiering on, with two new albums forthcoming.
La Marvela Is a D.C. Miracle: Colombian Women Honor their Heritage in their Adopted Land
D.C. Colombian band La Marvela performs cumbia, a style of music that blends the influences of Indigenous, Spanish, and African culture—all of which melded in Latin America. Learn more about La Marvela’s journey with contributing writer Eric Althoff, including how the band members found each other in a different country and their thoughts on the importance of preserving one’s history.
Despite Difficulties of the Pandemic, D.C.’s Reeves Keeps Her Integrity
D.C. native Integriti Reeves found jazz when she was in high school, describing herself as a “late bloomer” when it came to discovering the genre. Since then, she has blossomed as an artist, collaborating with some of the biggest names in music such as Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson. Learn more about Integriti’s story with contributing writer Eric Althoff, including how she perceives the D.C. music scene, her songwriting process, and the special thing she describes as her greatest joy in life.
