Yesterday morning, Besa Gordon, the dynamic host of Back2Besa, joined Mireya Garcia on Good Day Seattle to celebrate the successful conclusion of Scope Screenings' 2024 season. The Seattle-based film festival, now in its third year, has become a vital platform for local filmmakers and artists to showcase their work, fostering a vibrant and supportive creative community.

Hey everyone, Besa Gordon here, and I'm feeling extra festive as we head into the holiday season! I'm taking you all on a little journey back in time to last year's Nutcracker season with the incredible Pacific Northwest Ballet. I was lucky enough to get a behind-the-scenes look at all the magic that happens at McCaw Hall, and let me tell you, it was an absolute dream come true.

As the newly appointed Shechem (chief) of a Kemetic spiritual organization, Heru Tchaasamen is on a mission to help his community heal and reconnect with their divine nature. "This is where your healing starts. This is where you jump start your goals for 2025 - this is where you re-identify as a divine being," Tchaasamen emphasized.

From a chance discovery to winning a prestigious competition, Hanad's unwavering determination has propelled him to the bright lights of Hollywood, where he continues to captivate audiences with his natural talent and charismatic screen presence.

Seattle's Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute recently pulsed with the rhythm and energy of Kutt N' Up's 20th-anniversary celebration. The event highlighted the profound impact this dance group has had on Seattle's youth and the broader dance community. Co-founders Dwayne Jackson and Koach Giggz (Koach Crosby) sat down for an interview, reflecting on their remarkable journey and the enduring legacy of Kutt N' Up.

Josephine Howell, a talented vocalist and passionate community advocate, appeared on The Day With Trae to discuss her upcoming projects and her commitment to using music for positive change. Howell shared her enthusiasm for the "Sounds of the Sound 7" event and her involvement in "Black Nativity," highlighting their importance in fostering community and celebrating artistic expression.

Destiny Wimpye, a professional ballet dancer and passionate advocate for social change, joined The Day With Trae to discuss her foundation's work and the importance of Giving Tuesday. Wimpye emphasized her commitment to empowering underserved communities and encouraged viewers to support her foundation's initiatives on this global day of generosity. During the interview, she also shared insights into her journey as a dancer and her vision for creating a more equitable society.

Chief Tunji Awodi, a Seattle-based Ethnomusicologist, is passionate about using indigenous African culture to empower and heal communities. As the Executive Director of The Hawk Foundation, he provides multicultural education and drum facilitation throughout the Pacific Northwest. Chief Awodi's expertise in Bata dance and drum traditions, combined with his dedication to cultural preservation, makes him a powerful advocate for the transformative power of music and heritage.

Leon Huggins-Richards, an actor known for his role as Mitchel in "Cry It Out" and Chilli/Jabber in "In The Blood," will be appearing on The Day With Trae Show. He will be discussing his upcoming role as Captain Richard Davenport in the Acts on Stage production of "A Soldier's Play," premiering on November 14th.

Philip "Sharp Skills" Jacobs is a dynamic force in the entertainment industry and beyond. As an actor, entrepreneur, speaker, and author, he embodies the spirit of a modern-day renaissance man. Currently captivating audiences in the powerful role of Private First Class Melvin Peterson in "A Soldier's Play," Jacobs brings depth and intensity to the character originally portrayed by Denzel Washington.

Stepping into the Shuga Shaq is like entering a pulsating haven of self-expression. The atmosphere is alive with the rhythm of good music and the sight of smiling faces adorned in a kaleidoscope of unique and expressive outfits. Attendees, liberated from societal constraints, engage in open and affectionate interactions. Whether it's through dancing, deep conversations, or simply basking in the collective energy, one thing for sure is that the Shuga Shaq is lit!

ACT Contemporary Theatre announced today the cast and creative team for the 49th year of the beloved theatrical classic, A Christmas Carol. Originally adapted for the stage in 1976 by ACT founder Gregory Falls, this season’s production will see the return of Seattle actor Darragh Kennan in the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge. This beloved holiday tradition is directed by ACT Core Company member & Seattle favorite R. Hamilton Wright and promises to be a delight for audiences of all ages.

In an interview on The Day With Trae, host Trae Holiday chatted with Lauren Samuels, the talented actress who plays Elphaba in the touring production of Wicked now playing at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre. Samuels, who hails from Britain, shared her insights into the iconic role and her experience on the US tour.

The enchanting world of Oz has captivated audiences for generations, and the Broadway sensation "Wicked" continues to weave its spell, now gracing Seattle with its presence. The Day With Trae host, Trae Holiday, had the privilege of sitting down with Austen Danielle Bohmer, the talented actress who embodies the iconic Glinda the Good, to delve into the heart of this beloved production.

The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) presents Joyce J. Scott: Walk a Mile in My Dreams (October 17, 2024–January 19, 2025), the summative career retrospective of one of the most prolific and boundary-breaking artists of our time. The exhibition features over 140 works from the 1970s to the present, including beadwork, sculpture, textiles, jewelry, printmaking, and performance, reflecting how Scott has upended hierarchies of art and craft over her 50-year career. Her work confronts racism, sexism, classism, and what she calls “all the ‘isms’ society offers” through impish and audacious humor, expressions of beauty, and a humanistic engagement with global events.

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending a Q&A session with Jonathan Batista, the talented dancer who recently debuted in the lead role of George Balanchine's "Prodigal Son" with the Pacific Northwest Ballet.

By Deaunte Damper - Alright y'all, let's dive deeper into this Kiki ballroom scene, a place where community, growth, and expression collide. I had the chance to chop it up with some key figures in the scene, and let me tell you, their insights were powerful.

Terrain, the region's largest multimedia art and music event, recently celebrated its 15th year, showcasing a vibrant array of artistic expression. Ginger Ewing, Terrain co-founder, shared her insights on Terrain's impact and its significance for the local community.

A powerful story of community and resilience unfolded as Besa Gordon visited the “This is East Central” mural at the Carl Maxey Center in Spokane.

Besa Gordon recently had the opportunity to sit down with Ginger Ewing, the driving force behind Terrain, the Pacific Northwest's premier multimedia arts and music festival, in downtown Spokane.  Ewing has been instrumental in Terrain's growth and success over the past 15 years.