Today's UPFRONT Inside Atlanta's Entertainment Industry show is all about art, activism and achievement! It features exciting and new conversations with Artistic Director for Ailey II Troy Powell; Broadway, television and film star Titus Burgess; and Grammy nominated singer-songwriter and R&B Diva Angie Stone.
The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre is presenting its annual "Ailey Spring Gala" this coming Thursday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m. This first-ever virtual broadcast will feature dancers from the main company as well as Ailey II, the Ailey School and aspiring young performers from Ailey camp. Troy Powell talks to UPFRONT about creating this year's new work---ETERNITY---and how it was inspired by the current COVID-19 pandemic.
Broadway star and Athens native Titus Burgess is back on Netflix in the hugely popular Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. I got a chance to chat with him this week during AAFCA's Virtual Roundtable Series where he talked about his character and more. He also opens up about appearing as the iconic Rev. Dr. James Cleveland in the upcoming Aretha Franklin biopic, RESPECT and the real bond he has formed with the film's star Jennifer Hudson. Watch the full interview below and check out the UPFRONT portion from 15:22-20:15.
Closing out the show is my #BlackMusicMonthSpotlight with R&B superstar Angie Stone. She will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of her classic hit song, "Brotha" in 2021 and talked exclusively to UPFRONT about the song becoming https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sfPw9ZBxTw">an anthem for the BlackLivesMatter Movement and these current protests over the murders of Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd. Watch the full conversation below:
UPFRONT airs every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. on Atlanta's Jazz Station - 91.9 WCLK and is hosted by yours truly, Ray Cornelius.
