Entertainment

Listen to this articleStaff Writer Stevie Wonder’s newly announced Songs in the Key of Life Performances–50th Anniversary Tour includes Chicago and two Detroit performances, but no Cleveland date. Wonder announced the Songs in the Key of Life  Performances – 50th Anniversary Tour on Sept. 8. The 19-show international tour begins Oct. 13 in Birmingham, England,… Read more: Stevie Wonder announces tour, no Cleveland date

Listen to this articleS.A. Lewis The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Cleveland Observer. Every culture holds fast to its history, and it is incumbent upon each of us to know our own. Maya Angelou is quoted as having said, “I have… Read more: Opinion: Charleston’s International African American Museum

Listen to this article Photo: Hip Hop Legend Rakim (r) with Technician the DJ (background). The 7th Annual Fresh Fest Cleveland took place at Rid-All Farm and Otter Park on September 12, 2026.  It featured performances by Hip Hop Legend Rakim and the Grammy Award-winning Rebirth Brass Band. It was a full day of live… Read more: The 7th Annual Fresh Fest Cleveland at Rid-All Farm and Otter Park

Listen to this articleA’Niyah Williamson Camara Goodrich creates multidisciplinary mixed-media artwork that explores identity, nature, spirituality and the human experience. Through texture, unconventional materials and pieces that change under different lighting, Goodrich creates work designed to engage both the senses and emotions. Who is Camara? Goodrich’s mixed-media art pieces explore the mind, heart and soul.… Read more: Camara paints the soul, captivates the senses

Listen to this articleIn 2025, model and former reality star Eva Marcille asked the crowd at the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans what reality television shows they were watching. She got some common responses. “Love Island,” “Love and Hip-Hop,” “The Real Housewives” and “Basketball Wives” are a few of the reality television shows… Read more: Opinion: How Black reality TV is shaping mental health — and reinforcing old stereotypes

Listen to this articleKonner Hines Campus Creatives is a new series highlighting student artists, musicians, performers and other creatives across the greater Cleveland area who are building their craft inside and outside the classroom. This week’s featured artist is Kamron Bennifield, an acting major in Baldwin Wallace University’s acting program who is stepping into the… Read more: Kamron Bennifield launches his music career with debut single ‘Pretty Nice’

Listen to this articleCleveland’s cultural scene, from world-class orchestras to contemporary art museums, has increasingly turned to digital platforms to expand access and connect with broader audiences. These virtual offerings have opened new doors for arts engagement, but questions remain about who truly benefits and who is left behind in a city where technology access… Read more: Cleveland arts expand online, access varies

Listen to this articleWhen Aaron D. Williams talks about his work, he doesn’t describe himself the way most emerging artists do. He doesn’t lead with exhibitions, accolades, or even aesthetics. Instead, he starts with neighborhoods, grandparents, cousins, school hallways, retail backrooms, and the feeling of being seen for the first time while drawing at a… Read more: From Collinwood to a Creative Cosmos: The Layered Evolution of Aawful Aaron

“It’s time for our political leaders to take action and empower artists to bring their voices into the rooms where decisions are being made about the future of this town. Creative input is a necessary element of problem solving. It can accompany legislation as a means of addressing those things that demand change.”

Listen to this articleZadok Little doesn’t just make music; he lives it. His voice carries the weight of lived experience, yet relects the light of a man who’s found his purpose. Born and raised on Cleveland’s east side, Little is part of a new wave of artists transforming personal testimony into powerful sound. “I grew… Read more: Zadok Little’s Journey of Faith, Sound, and Purpose

Listen to this articleThis piece celebrates the first African-American Trailblazers from Northeast Ohio as part of the Art Walk of Fame. Painted by Jerome White, it was commissioned by the Cleveland Historical Society to spotlight regional Black history. In classrooms, on sidewalks, and across murals that stretch along Cleveland’s city blocks, you can find the… Read more: A Vessel For The Vision Jerome White Brings Art Spirit And Healing To Cleveland

Listen to this articleBy Vince Robinson The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) marked its 50th anniversary with its annual convention and career fair, held Aug. 6-10 at the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland. Founded in 1975, NABJ advocates for the needs of African Americans in broadcasting and print media. The four-day gathering drew journalists… Read more: Gcleabj Shines As Host Of The National Association Of Black Journalists Convention In Cleveland

Listen to this articleBy Konner Hines Beyoncé paused her June 28 Cowboy Carter concert in Houston after a suspended stage prop began to tilt while she was performing midair. The incident occurred during the finale number “16 Carriages,” shocking thousands of fans. The 43-year-old superstar was seated atop a red convertible platform when it suddenly… Read more: Update Beyonce Halts Houston Concert After Near Fall

Listen to this articleBy Vince Robinson A Presidential Welcome with Star Power Tri-C President Dr. Michael Baston kicked off the 46th annual Tri-C JazzFest with an energy that matched that of the opening act, Trombone Shorty. Baston enthusiastically welcomed five new recipients of the festival’s Jazz Legends Award before introducing the New Orleans-bred ball of… Read more: Tri C Jazzfest 25 An Energetic Experience

Listen to this articleBy MICHAEL R. SISAK and LARRY NEUMEISTER Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — A jury will begin deliberations on Monday over the fate of Sean “Diddy” Combs after hearing wildly differing views from prosecutors and a defense lawyer over whether he engaged in sex trafficking for two decades. Two prosecutors insisted that he had… Read more: Key moments from the closing arguments at Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ sex trafficking trial