LaRita Shelby
Writer, Actress, Singer, Media Professional
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Articles by LaRita Shelby
Joshua Redman Quartet and Skylar Tang open sizzling new season at The Wallis
Joshua Redman kicks off new season at The Wallis Performing Arts Center in Beverly Hills. Photo courtesy of Joshua Redman. Joshua Redman ushered in a searing hot season with a jazz set of original compositions that showcased his brilliance as a premiere saxophonist. Joshua ‘s tenor saxophone ascended into octaves reserved for soprano territory. Redman just as easily descended into the alto and baritone regions, playing his instrument with clever dexterity.
National Endowment for the Arts Honors Jazz Masters
2026 NEA Jazz Masters Rhonda Hamilton, Diana Purim (representative of Airto Moreira) and Carmen Lundy, along with guest performers for Patrice Rushen’s tribute Terri Lyne Carrington (pictured in the rear) and Lalah Hathaway. Photo: John McCoy. Courtesy of NEA *National Endowment of the Arts 2026 Jazz Masters Fellows induction ceremony at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles was held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
Jazz Great Joshua Redman Kicks Off The Wallis’ New Season with ‘Words Fall Short’
Joshua Redman returns to The Wallis with Words Fall Short. Photo: The Wallis 09/2026 *The Wallis opens its 2026/27 season with one of the most acclaimed and influential saxophonists in contemporary jazz, Joshua Redman. For more than three decades, Redman has distinguished himself through his commanding musicianship, adventurous spirit and unmistakably expressive sound, earning recognition as one of the defining jazz artists of his generation.
The ‘Varnell Hill Show,’ a hit for Tommy Davidson and Paramount+ | PICs
Tommy Davidson speaks onstage during a special screening of “The Varnell Hill Show” – (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Paramount+) *The Varnell Hill Show is the latest from Bently Kyle Evans, co-creator of the Martin and Jamie Foxx sitcom classics. The Varnell Hill show is presented by BET Productions and is executive produced by Martin Lawrence, who also makes a guest starring appearance in two episodes as the menacing Mr. Dupree.
Phantom of the Opera returns to Broadway in Hollywood
Isaiah Bailey as The Phantom in Phantom of the Opera North American Tour.
‘Angry, Raucous and Shamelessly Gorgeous’ Opens at The Geffen Playhouse
L-R: Denise Burse, Deborah Joy Winans, Charlayne Woodard and Olivia Washington in Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous at Geffen Playhouse. Directed by LaTanya Richardson Jackson. Photo by Jeff Lorch. ‘Angry, Raucous and Shamelessly Gorgeous’ is now playing at the Geffen Playhouse starring Charlayne Woodard, Deborah Joy Winans, Olivia Washington, and Denise Burse. The play is written by acclaimed writer and activist Pearl Cleage and is directed by LaTanya Richardson Jackson.
Blue Note Jazz Festival is a Grand Slam at the Hollywood Bowl
Patti LaBelle shines at Blue Note Jazz Festival 2026. Photographs taken by Elizabeth Asher at the Hollywood Bowl, provided courtesy of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association *The Hollywood Bowl hosted the 2026 Blue Note Jazz Festival presented by LA Phil. The legacy of the Playboy Jazz Festival lives on under the newest brand partner The Blue Note. The nation’s most historic and coveted jazz stage is the Hollywood Bowl.
‘The Sun Rises In Harlem’ – A Mesmerizing MUSE/IQUE Celebration
MUSE/IQUE Orchestra featuring Sy Smith, Kecia Lewis and Leo Manzini. Photo credit Haoyuan Ren courtesy of MUSE/Ique *Under the artistic and musical direction of Rachael Worby, MUSE/IQUE’s 2026 season offers a luminous tribute to Black brilliance and the Harlem Renaissance. Audiences from San Marino to Los Angeles were captivated by The Sun Rises in Harlem, a program celebrating the composers and performers who helped make Harlem a center of emerging talent and the epicenter of American jazz.
Pacific Jazz Orchestra Shines Supreme in Coltrane Davis Tribute Concert
Conductor-Chris-Walden-Conductor-Pacific-Jazz-Orchestra-The-Wallis-May-28-2026 Photo: EURweb *The Wallis Performing Arts Center in Beverly Hills welcomed a crowd of jazz enthusiasts for a 100th birthday tribute to Miles Davis and John Coltrane presented by the Pacific Jazz Orchestra (PJO).
Faith, Freedom and Fortitude Take Center Stage in ‘Colored People’s Time’
Colored People’s Time Cast (L to R) James T. Kermit C. Burns, Jah Shams, Philip Bell and Darrell Philip. Photo: Kermit Carlyle Photography *Rave reviews are in order for the Robey Theatre, who recently completed their production of Colored People’s Time: A History Play by Leslie Lee. Director Ben Guillory cracks open a time capsule filled with brilliant actors who travel from the end of the Civil War, to the beginnings of the Jim Crow era.
Minnie Foxx’s ‘Motivationally Speaking’ Inspires Readers to Embrace Power, Purpose and Possibility
Minnie Foxx releases new book Motivationally Speaking. Photo: Courtesy of Minnie Foxx 2026 *Author, motivational speaker and community advocate Minnie Foxx is stepping boldly into the literary spotlight with the release of her uplifting new book series, Motivationally Speaking the Series of Seven – Inspirational Expressions.
Alicia Keys’ HELL’S KITCHEN Musical Playing NOW at the Hollywood Pantages!
Maya Drake as Ali and the company of the North American Tour of Alicia Keys’ Hell’s Kitchen. – Photo by Marc J. Franklin *HELL’S KITCHEN, featuring music & lyrics by 17-time Grammy® winner Alicia Keys, has made its premiere in Los Angeles at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre and runs through June 21, 2026. HELL’S KITCHEN is not about a star-struck teen hoping to make it big in the music industry.
Herbie Hancock, A Timeless Musical Wonder Thrills at Walt Disney Concert Hall
Herbie Hancock mesmerizes as LA Phil’s Creative Chair of Jazz. Photo Credit: Douglas Kirkland *LA Phil presented Herbie Hancock once more at the Walt Disney concert hall. Herbie led the quintet that included Terence Blanchard on trumpet, James Genus on bass, Lionel Loueke on guitar & vocals and Jaylen Petinaud on drums. The audience was ushered into musical bliss from the first note to the last.
‘MJ the Musical’ Returns Thrilling Audiences at the Hollywood Pantages
Jordan Markus as MJ and the First National Tour Cast of MJ – Photo: Matthew Murphy *MJ the Musical has made a mighty return to Los Angeles presented by Broadway In Hollywood. The hit production is lifted from the book by Lynn Nottage and reveals a personal look at Michael Jackson, the man, the son, the brother, the musical sensation and eventually the King of Pop.
‘W.E.B. Du Bois: Rebel with a Cause’ Debuts May 19th on PBS
Executive Producer Andrew T. Carr, BHERC Founder Sandra Evers-Manly, Scholar David Lewis Levering, Du Bois film director Rita Coburn and noted director Oz Scott. Photo by Cazzie Burns courtesy of BHERC. *The Black Hollywood Education and Resource Center (BHERC) recently hosted the world premiere of the documentary W.E.B. Du Bois: Regel With a Cause.
‘Becoming Kenya’ The Cultural Awakening of a Harlan Avenue Girl
Kenya E. Williams, Ed.D stars in a self-written solo show Harlan Avenue Girl: Becoming Kenya 2026 Photo: Manifested Ent *Harlen Avenue Girl: Becoming Kenya is written and performed by Kenya E. Williams, Ed.D. It’s a beautifully detailed cultural narrative of a young woman’s evolution from student to artist, to teacher, to a philosophical thespian.
Broadway in Hollywood Presents 'Shucked' A Funny Corny Good Time | EURweb | Black News, Culture, Entertainment & More
*Broadway in Hollywood hosts the hilarious Tony Award® winning musical Shucked now through September 7th 2025 at the Hollywood Pantages. The show is set-in small-town USA where the main crop is corn, the simple life prevails and without thriving corn crops, there would be no life at all. Wrap that concept around aspirations of love, temptations of greed and the fear of agricultural peril and you’ve got Shucked.
Imax®, Mercury Studios and Filmrise Partner For Exclusive Release of 'Prince – Sign O’ The Times' | EURweb | Black News, Culture, Entertainment & More
*IMAX, Mercury Studios and FilmRise, a Radial Entertainment Company, announced today that, for the first time ever, the iconic concert film “Prince – Sign O’ The Times” will be released in IMAX theatres globally for a limited time beginning August 29, 2025. The critically acclaimed 1987 film, directed by Prince and featuring Prince, Sheila E.
The Ford Welcomes 45th Anniversary of Lula Washington Dance Theatre August 23rd | EURweb | Black News, Culture, Entertainment & More
*A festive performance awaits fans of the Lula Washington Dance Theatre in Los Angeles as the beloved troupe celebrates their 45th anniversary at The Ford. Lula Washington embarked upon her dance journey with immense talent, blind ambition and indelible faith aiming to make a difference for herself and her community. From day one, it was a family affair. Lula’s vision was vigorously supported by her husband Erwin Washington, who co-founded the dance company.
Some Like it Hot! An Inferno of Talent at the Hollywood Pantages | EURweb | Black News, Culture, Entertainment & More
*Broadway in Hollywood welcomes the Tony-Award winning “Some Like It Hot” at the Hollywood Pantages! The limited three-week engagement is underway now through August 17, 2025. The show is about a delightful twist of fate when a tap-dancing duo witnesses a mob murder that sends them into self-inflicted witness protection in an all-girl band! Lights, curtains and we’re into the modern interpretation of the 1959 film classic that starred Tony Curtis, Jack Lemon and Marilyn Monroe.
Queen Diva Diana Ross Reigns Supreme at the Hollywood Bowl | EURweb | Black News, Culture, Entertainment & More
*Diana Ross thrilled a packed audience for two days at the “Diana Ross Beautiful Love Tour” at the Hollywood Bowl, presented by the Los Angeles Phil Harmonic. The show was All Things Diana! She headlined with no opening act and none was needed. A spectacular multi-media show featured the Diana Ross archives with career highlights from the 1960’s to now.
'A Beautiful Noise' Playing Now at the Hollywood Pantages | EURweb | Black News, Culture, Entertainment & More
*A night of musical memories and theatrical splendor unfolds at the Hollywood Pantages with the Broadway in Hollywood opening of A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical. With a world plagued by distress, how nice it is to be immersed in the songs of Neil Diamond. Admittingly, many fans may not know the origins of Neil Diamond’s compositions. Still, their timeless appeal is irrefutable.
Isata and Sheku Kanneh-Mason - A Classical Delight at Walt Disney Concert Hall | EURweb
*Los Angeles welcomed Isata and Sheku Kanneh-Mason to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, which is under the artistic direction of the LA Phil’s Gustavo Dudamel. The sister and brother duo are a classical delight and are virtuosos on their designated instruments. For Isata, it is the piano. For Sheku, it is the cello. The two highly gifted musicians are two of a family of seven prolific instrumentalists. All have left music fans in awe since their first viral video hit the internet in 2015.
Geffen Playhouse Welcomes World Premiere of Furlough’s Paradise | EURweb
*”Furlough’s Paradise” has taken the stage at the Geffen Playhouse. The drama by A.K. Payne features Kacie Rogers and DeWanda Wise. It’s a cousin’s love story that peels away years of misunderstandings and misconceptions between the two young women. One is on a weekend furlough and the other is a gracious host. Both are assessing a lost loved one, but grief takes a second seat to the predictable unresolved family issues that often arise after funerals.
Gustavo Dudamel Conducts Carlos Simon’s 'Good News Mass' | PHOTOs | EURweb
*The renown Gustavo Dudamel conducted the LA Philharmonic for the world premiere of Good News Mass by Carlos Simon. It’s described as a celebratory homage to Black joy, spiritual discovery, and the power of faith. The evening started with Dudamel conducting Leonard Bernstein’s classic Divertimento. The term describes various instrumental works for soloists or chamber ensembles that are secular and non-religious. The Bernstein composition was written in 1980 and premiered at the Boston Symphony.
Environmental Engineering Pioneer Dr. Lilia Abron Recognized as a Phenomenal Woman During Altadena Fire Zone Visit | PicsVideo | EURweb
*Renown environmental engineer Dr. Lilia Abron, President and CEO of PEER Consultants, P.C. received a Phenomenal Woman Award recently in Studio City, California. The event was hosted by President MC Townsend and the Regional Cal Black Chamber of Commerce of the San Fernando Valley. Dr. Lilia Abron has established one of the leading female-owned environmental engineering firms in the United States. Overall, Abron has over 50 years in business.
Experience 'Furloughs Paradise' & Geffen Playhouse’s Black Partners Night May 2nd | EURweb
*The Geffen Playhouse presents another prolific story with “Furlough’s Paradise.” It’s another opportunity to support the arts and community engagement. Specifically in conjunction with Broadway’s Black Out Nights, the Geffen (a Los Angeles theater) has taken their message of inclusion to heart with Black Partner’s Appreciation Night. Furlough’s Paradise brings a great show to life on stage with intention.
Topdog/Underdog Closes to Rave Reviews at Pasadena Playhouse | PICs | EURweb
*Pasadena Playhouse, the official State Theater of California and recipient of the 2023 Regional Theatre Tony Award celebrates a successful run of Suzan -Lori Parks’ “Topdog/Underdog” starring Brandon Gill and Brandon Michael Hall. The show closed its month-long run at the Playhouse March 23, 2025. Entangled ambition and raw emotion reeked from the actors who delivered commanding performances as Booth (Brandon Gill) and Lincoln (Brandon Michael Hall).
'Fake it Until You Make it' Premieres At the Mark Taper Forum | EURweb
*The play “Fake It Until You Make It” premieres at the Mark Taper Forum in Downtown LA. It’s a teaching moment filled with humor, anchored by satire and a myriad of quirky moments. Writer Larissa FastHorse takes the audience on a witty yet historical journey where two main characters (River and Wynona) experience a cultural clash while sharing the same dubious goal. They each want to raise funds and awareness about the indigenous people.
'Noises Off': A Roaring Comedy Opens at The Geffen Playhouse | EURweb
*“Noises Off,” at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles, is one of the funniest contemporary comedy of errors ever to hit the stage! This imaginative farce is brilliantly written by Michael Frayn with genius direction by Tony Award winner Anna D. Shapiro. It’s a play about a play and all that goes on before, during and after a grand performance. Anna Shapiro captures every possible nuance from the first word to the final bow. “Noises Off” is filled with a titillating cast of comedic superstars.
Marshella Griffin-Larry A Sultry Songstress AND Cancer Survivor! | VIDEO | EURweb
*Marshella Griffin-Larry, known professionally as “Marshella Muzic,” is a wife, actress & singer/songwriter hailing from Bloomington, Indiana. In 2017, Marshella was diagnosed with aggressive Stage 3 Breast Cancer. She underwent over a year of Chemotherapy, radiation, as well as surgery.
Hamilton is now at the Hollywood Pantages; limited run until Oct. 13
*Another electric engagement and spellbinding performance await as Hamilton settles in at the Hollywood Pantages. Producer Jeffery Seller and Broadway in Hollywood welcome the return of Hamilton for a limited 6-week engagement that started September 4, 2024. This marks the third engagement of Hamilton in Los Angeles at the Pantages.
Embassy of Fashion Designers & Models Ball Hits LA September 28 | EURweb
*The Embassy of Fashion Designers International (EFDI) proudly presents Los Angeles Show & Tell Fashion Week and the American Fashion Designers Awards & Designers and Models Ball. The event takes place Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 4:00 pm at the elegant New Mart located at 127 East 9th Street, Suite 801 Los Angeles, CA. 90015. This is the fifth year that EFDI has hosted the event.
Geffen Playhouse’s 'Beyond the Barracks' Dives Beneath the Uniform and into the Heart! | EURweb
*The Geffen Playhouse welcomed an evening of veteran cultural identity monologues in the form of the production “Beyond the Barracks.” The Geffen Playhouse’s educational and community engagement division recently hosted a spirited event for a packed house of veterans and their families. The evening was wrought with one textured story after another. Beyond the Barracks purposefully pays homage to the great sense of respect and duty for the mission of our Armed services.
Marques Houston Lands Back-to-back Hits with Movies and Music - Has New Single: 'Cowgirl' | WATCH | EURweb
*Marques Houston proves his staying power with a chain of new singles and videos, including his latest titled “Cowgirl.” Houston is a seasoned and multi-faceted entertainer who emerged as a member of the 1990s boy band Immature, later known as IMx. Marques and his various bandmates released ten albums over the next decade, all under the management of music industry mogul Chris Stokes.
Hollywood Jazz Festival An Explosion of Talent at the Bowl
*Fathers’ Day weekend 2024 marked another annual Hollywood Jazz Festival at the world-famous Hollywood Bowl. This year’s spotlight captured an array of seasoned artists and prime-time-ready new talent. Thousands of fans gathered for food, fun, festivities, and a continuous flow of music from mid-day to sunset into the glow of the moonlight. Arsenio Hall was the host of the 44th annual event. His predecessors are Bill Cosby and George Lopes.
Unforgettable Moments: A Noise Within Theatre Company’s Production of 'King Hedley II' | PICs | EURweb
*A Noise Within Theatre Company completes its run of August Wilson’s “King Hedley II.” Under the direction of Gregg T. Daniel, the cast creates unforgettable moments and compelling performances that capture every layered nuance written by the late two-time Pulitzer Prize winner. Aaron Jennings leads in the title role of King. Aaron is raw, uninhibited, and completely available as he transforms every fiber of his being into the newly emancipated King.
Award Winning 'Leveling Lincoln' Available Now on PBS App | EURweb
*Leveling Lincoln is an edifying documentary about the events that sparked desegregation in New Rochelle, New York. Producer Arden Teresa Lewis captures the spirit of a community that refused to be marginalized by sub-par education. She has harnessed a history lesson and a teaching tool. Separate but unequal conditions were promulgated by class, race, and covert real estate & banking practices well into the 1960s.
'Black Cypress Bayou' World Premiere Swelters at the Geffen Playhouse | EURweb Original
*Kristen Adele Calhoun’s new play Black Cypress Bayou opens at The Geffen Playhouse for the world premiere. Ms. Calhoun is the recipient of the Edgerton Foundation New Play Award and thanks to the Geffen Playhouse, Los Angeles audiences are the first to witness this layered drama about a Texas matriarch, her daughters, and the secrets revealed on a hot summer night.
Broadway Bound 'The Wiz' Opens in Hollywood
*The revival of The Wiz is now open in Hollywood at The Pantages with starlet Nichelle Lewis as darling Dorothy. Nichelle oozes all of the charm and vocal excellence of any of her predecessors. The original production debuted in 1975 and won seven Tony Awards, among them Best Musical. The latest version of The Wiz is equally thrilling for those who remember the first production and awe-inspiring for those on their maiden voyage with this spectacular stage event.
Kathryn Taylor Smith debuts 'A Mile In My Shoes' at Whitefire Theatre Solo Fest | EURweb
*Kathryn Taylor Smith tackles the heart and soul of homelessness in her solo performance of A Mile In My Shoes. Taylor Smith wrote the award-winning production that premiered February 3rd 2024 as part of the Whitefire Theatre Solo Fest in Sherman Oaks, California. Zadia Ife directs this deep dive into the life of Ester, a spirited woman with a collection of shoes. Kathryn Taylor Smith creates a clever and boldly insightful approach to life on the streets.
Broadway in Hollywood Celebrates L.A. Premiere of Pre-Broadway Engagement of 'The Wiz' | EURweb
*Broadway in Hollywood and Producers Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Brian Anthony Moreland, Ambassador Theatre Group, Kandi Burruss, and Todd Tucker are pleased to announce that the long-anticipated pre-Broadway L.A. premiere engagement of THE WIZ will arrive at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre for three weeks only; February 13 – March 3, 2024. This Los Angeles engagement marks the final city of the Pre-Broadway national tour.
'Message in A Bottle' Delivers A Choreographic Delight!
*Broadway in Hollywood, Sadler’s Wells, and Universal Music UK welcome the U.S. Premiere performances of MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE, a new dance theatre production by Sadler’s Wells Associate Artist Kate Prince, set to the music of 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist Sting. MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE plays at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre for a limited engagement through February 11th 2024.
Carl E. Johnson Sr., Longest Elected School Board Member in the Nation Passes at 88 | VIDEO | EURweb
*Memphis, Tennessee – With heavy hearts, the family of Carl E. Johnson, Sr. announces his transition from labor to reward on Tuesday, December 26, 2023. He was 88. Surrounded by his loving wife of 64 years, Christine Currin Johnson, devoted son Carl Everett Johnson, Jr., and doting daughter Cerise Johns, though saddened by their loss, they humbly submit to the sovereign will of God. Born in Memphis on October 2, 1935, and educated at Florida Elementary, Booker T.
'MJ, The Musical' Opens in Hollywood in Grand Style
*MJ, The Musical has hit the stage at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre with a bang for a limited run through January 28, 2024. Thanks to producers Lia Vollack, John Branca, John McClain, and Broadway in Hollywood, a magical night awaits. MJ, The Musical is based on the book by two-time Tony Award winner Lynn Nottage and stars Roman Banks as the imitable Michael Jackson. Roman is electrifying as he reiterates the passion, the fire, and the magnitude of the late King of Pop.
Tara Thomas Handles the Business of Hip Hop Stars
*Tara Thomas is solidified as an industry insider, talent broker, and influencer. Her bottom line: She handles the business of hip-hop stars. Tara has worked closely with a roster of entertainment icons and emerging artists that include Teddy Riley, New Edition, DMX, King Harris, Diamond Atl, Roi Chip Anthony, and more.
Christian Keyes, Multi-Talented Artist is 'Unveiled'
*Christian Keyes emerges as a full-fledged recording artist. Christian has lit up the stage and the screen in numerous productions over the years. From high drama to romantic comedies, he has held his own as a formidable leading man. Lately, his musical talents have thrust him into the spotlight and his fans couldn’t be happier. Christian’s first single “Under That Veil” was released earlier in the year. It’s his first release in twelve years. The song was swiftly embraced by radio and social media.
ASALH Heads to Florida for 108th Annual Conference!
*The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) hosts 108th annual conference in Jacksonville, Florida September 20th– 24th 2023. ASALH is aware of Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis and other conservative lawmakers’ stance against teaching Black History. Although many civic organizations have withdrawn from bringing their events to the state of Florida, instead ASALH has decided to go forth with its annual conference in the state. Slated speakers include Dr. Shelia S.
Aladdin Returns to The Pantages & The Genie is the Show! Original
*Disney Aladdin, the hit Broadway musical returns to The Hollywood Pantages for another spectacular run. Every cast member dazzles with Disney flair, but the night belongs to the Genie played by Marcus M. Martin. The show is equally harnessed by Prince Aladdin (Adi Roy) and Princess Jasmine (Senzel Ahmady). The classic Disney production features music by Alan Menken, a book by Chad Beguelin, and lyrics by Howard Ashman, Tim Rice & Chad Beguelin.
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