more than 10 years of urban music and culture
Bobby Valentino. Photo by Leon Laing.
The entertainment came to the hood—the hood didn’t have to go to the entertainment. The Weekender, based in Harrisburg’s Hall Manor and Reservoir Park, offered something for kids and adults. Continue reading ‘The Weekender fills a void’
After watching two videos about Kanye West, you’ll see how Kanye came full circle. Continue reading ‘Kanye on 2 Raw for the Streets’
Bobbito Garcia (left) and DJ Rich Medina. Photo by Leon Laing.
On the heels of the second season of the What’s Good with Stretch & Bobbito podcast, I reflect on the film screening of Rock Rubber 45s. Rock delves into the highs, mids and lows of Robert “Bobbito” Garcia’s life. Garcia’s third film also shows how basketball, music and the sneaker culture are inextricably linked. Continue reading ‘In His Lifetime, Vol. 1’
Anthony Fantano (on right) and a fan. Photo by Leon Laing.
Thanks to modern technology, a music journalist can become an internet personality. Case in point: Nardwuar, the famous and quirky music journalist, and Anthony Fantano. With his popular YouTube channel called The Needle Drop, Fantano was able to take his show on the road. His second to last stop on his tour was in Harrisburg. Continue reading ‘The mic drop: Fantano triumphs’
Round Two employee Richie Hinton. Photo by Leon Laing.
Like the classic Luniz song, Round Two got five on it. The vintage boutique celebrates their five-year anniversary this month. Continue reading ‘Famous boutique hits milestone, expands’
Dj Jazzy Jeff. Photo by Leon Laing.
Over the years, Level 2 has booked notable DJs including DJ A-Trak, Kanye West’s former DJ. To celebrate its 10-year anniversary, the upscale nightclub in downtown Harrisburg hired the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff to spin. Level 2 held this milestone on May 31. Continue reading ‘Nightclub celebrates anniversary, books legendary DJ’
Glenn Lewis. Photo by Leon Laing.
Husband-and-wife duo Kindred holds a musical showcase called Kindred Presents. The showcase offers an intimate conversation and performance. On May 7, the musical guests included DJ Aktive, Big Bub, EST and Glenn Lewis. Kindred, the modern-day Ashford & Simpson, hosts the event at the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts. Continue reading ‘Glenn Lewis and company’
Smooky MarGielaa. Photo by Leon Laing.
In 2017, Smooky MarGielaa dropped “Not Right,” a song dedicated to freeing Meek Mill. On May 8, Meek is free, and Smooky preps to perform in Meek’s hometown of Philadelphia. Continue reading ‘Staying 100’
Tracy Heather Strain. Photo by Leon Laing.
“Lorraine Hansberry: Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart makes [it] abundantly clear that there is so much more to know” about Hansberry than A Raisin in the Sun, the flyer reads.
The flyer promotes the new documentary from producer/director/writer Tracy Heather Strain, a native of Harrisburg, Pa. On April 17, Strain and WITF held a special screening for the doc in Strain’s hometown. Continue reading ‘Harrisburg hosts Hansberry event’
April Walker. Photo by Leon Laing.
What better way to launch a hip-hop museum than hold a book signing for the legendary April Walker. From Jan. 19-Jan. 21, the Mini Hip-Hop Museum held its grand opening at its location in Baltimore. Walker signed her book, Walker Gems: Get You’re A$% Off the Couch, for fans on Jan. 20. Walker Gems offers inspirational words for life as well as business. Continue reading ‘Walker Gems drop jewels’
