Entertainment

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Smokey Robinson’s lawyer said allegations of rape and sexual assault against him in a lawsuit from four former housekeepers are “vile” and “false.” Attorney Christopher Frost said in a statement Wednesday that the evidence “will show that this is simply an ugly method of trying to extract money from an 85-year-old American icon.”… Read more: Smokey Robinson’s lawyer says rape allegations against him are ‘vile’ and ‘false’

By Nickie Antonio Ruby Dee was born in 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio. A famous African American actress during the 1960s, she was also an avid social rights activist for racial equality and equal rights during the Civil Rights Movement. Ruby went to Hunter College and earned a degree in Spanish and French in 1945. After… Read more: Ruby Dee: Actress, Activist, and Voice for Justice

By Lisa O’Brien Editor’s Note: In this article, TCO continues its exploration from the last issue about how Cleveland’s four biggest arts institutions give back to the community. In this issue, we will look at the efforts of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Museum of Art. The Rock and Roll… Read more: Cleveland’s Core Four Arts Institutions: How They Reinvest in the City: Part 2

By SUSAN HAIGH and JONATHAN LANDRUM JR. Associated Press An Alabama woman who said she was raped by rappers Jay-Z and Sean “Diddy” Combs when she was 13 withdrew her civil lawsuit against both men on Friday, according to court filings. The unidentified woman in December added Jay-Z, whose legal name is Shawn Carter, to a lawsuit… Read more: Woman withdraws civil lawsuit against Jay-Z, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs alleging she was raped at age 13

By Unity Powell On a gray, rainy day at Cleveland School of the Arts, a choir of teens practiced an upbeat medley of songs accompanied by piano. Dr. David M. Thomas stood, watching his colleague lead the students through the arrangement. While passing through to get to his class, it was obvious that his presence had… Read more: Music, Mentorship, and Legacy: The Journey of Dr. David M. Thomas

by David Woo, The Emancipator  January 9, 2025 For over a century, the work of Langston Hughes has offered a poetic vision arising from his courageous engagement with Black experience and culture. His work spoke in the popular rhythms of the blues and jazz and the unadorned yet lilting everyday vernacular. Charming, handsome, yet sexually… Read more: The early works of Langston Hughes arm us with wisdom, hope, and power to fight for a liberation yet to arrive

By The Associated Press After devastating wildfires tore through Los Angeles, the 97th Academy Awards are going forward. The academy on Tuesday announced that Halle Berry, Penélope Cruz, Elle Fanning, Whoopi Goldberg, Scarlett Johansson, John Lithgow, Amy Poehler, June Squibb and Bowen Yang have been added to the presenting lineup. A previous announcement said last… Read more: Oscar presenters will include Halle Berry and Emma Stone. Here’s what to know about the show

Shakespeare’s Hamlet has been invited to the backyard barbeque! Get your plate ready for a slab of smokin’ hot revenge, served with a hefty scoop of vengeance, and a side of karaoke. Without spilling too much of the sweet tea, a visit from beyond the grave reveals family secrets and scandalous generational trauma. How will “Juicy,” a… Read more: FAT HAM at CPH

By Vince Robinson James Baldwin’s play “The Amen Corner,” directed by Terrence Spivey, is wowing audiences at Akron’s Weathervane Playhouse. Baldwin was a noted author/activist known for speaking out against societal ills. In this Baldwin, his first play, he tackled relationships, religion, and racism, true to his form as a writer and social critic. “The… Read more: ‘The Amen Corner’ Shines at Akron’s Weathervane Playhouse

By Unity Powell The Whitney Museum of American Art “Edges of Ailey” exhibit is showing in New York City until Feb. 9, and its impact ripples far beyond, reaching even back to Cleveland. For Clevelanders, the night held an extra special connection. One of Ailey II’s standout dancers calls Cleveland home.  When I attended this… Read more: Ailey II at the Whitney Museum of American Art: Movement, Memory, and Meaning

By Lisa O’Brien Editor’s note: The Cleveland Observer presents an exploration of how Cleveland’s core four arts institutions—the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Cleveland Orchestra, Playhouse Square, and the Rock Hall of Fame —impact and engage with our community. In this on-going series, Lisa O’Brien takes a closer look at how these organizations give back… Read more: Cleveland’s Core Four Arts Institutions Give Back to the Community

By Vince Robinson COLUMBUS, Ohio — August Wilson’s Seven Guitars recently concluded its run at Ohio State University’s Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts, masterfully directed by Terrence Spivey. This production brought to life Wilson’s profound insights on Black life in America, blending themes of love, struggle, triumph, and tragedy. Seven Guitars, part of… Read more: Seven Guitars Strikes a Chord at Ohio State University

CLEVELAND (TCO) — The 13th annual National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony took place on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at the Marriott Cleveland East in Warrensville Heights. The event honored 10 icons of the R&B genre and six additional artists who received Icon Awards in recognition of their contributions to Cleveland’s historic… Read more: National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame Inducts 2024 Class in Cleveland

After camping out at a soccer stadium last year, the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival returned to Liberty Avenue and the August Wilson African American Cultural Center to deliver an impressive array of music and related events over four days in September. Clevelanders played a prominent role in the festival on stage and behind the scenes.… Read more: Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival Brings It Back To The Streets

By Marva White I really used to go out far more frequently Whether by myself or if my crew was with me We’d pack into some of the world’s smallest spots We’d be laughin’, close dancin’, sweaty and hot Samplin’ each other’s drinks and appetizers too Taking selfies of our group before our time was… Read more: Poetry: Covid-ly Traumatized