window.__IS_SSR__=true
window.__INITIAL_STATE__={
"attachmentsReducer": {
"audio_0": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_0",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background0.jpg"
}
}
},
"audio_1": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_1",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background1.jpg"
}
}
},
"audio_2": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_2",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background2.jpg"
}
}
},
"audio_3": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_3",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background3.jpg"
}
}
},
"audio_4": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "audio_4",
"imgSizes": {
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/themes/KQED-unified/img/audio_bgs/background4.jpg"
}
}
},
"placeholder": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "placeholder",
"imgSizes": {
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-800x533.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 533,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-768x512.jpg",
"width": 768,
"height": 512,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 680,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"fd-lrg": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"height": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"fd-med": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 680,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"fd-sm": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-800x533.jpg",
"width": 800,
"height": 533,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"height": 576,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"xxsmall": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 107,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"xsmall": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"small": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"height": 372,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"xlarge": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"height": 680,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1-1920x1280.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1280,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-32": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 32,
"height": 32,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-50": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 50,
"height": 50,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-64": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 64,
"height": 64,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-96": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 96,
"height": 96,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"guest-author-128": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 128,
"height": 128,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"detail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-1333x1333-1-160x160.jpg",
"width": 160,
"height": 160,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg"
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KQED-Default-Image-816638274-2000x1333-1.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1333
}
}
},
"arts_13953307": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "arts_13953307",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13953307",
"found": true
},
"parent": 0,
"imgSizes": {
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-34_qut-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 576
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-34_qut-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 107
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-34_qut-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 372
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-34_qut.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1280
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-34_qut-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 680
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-34_qut-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 1024
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-34_qut-800x533.jpg",
"width": 800,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 533
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-34_qut-768x512.jpg",
"width": 768,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 512
}
},
"publishDate": 1709484911,
"modified": 1709485235,
"caption": "Bad Bunny performs at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday, March 2, 2024.",
"description": null,
"title": "Bad Bunny-34_qut",
"credit": "Michaela Vatcheva for KQED",
"status": "inherit",
"altTag": null,
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"arts_13953288": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "arts_13953288",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13953288",
"found": true
},
"parent": 13953284,
"imgSizes": {
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/NickiMinaj.Oakland.16x9-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 576
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/NickiMinaj.Oakland.16x9-160x90.jpg",
"width": 160,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 90
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/NickiMinaj.Oakland.16x9-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 372
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/NickiMinaj.Oakland.16x9-scaled.jpg",
"width": 2560,
"height": 1440
},
"2048x2048": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/NickiMinaj.Oakland.16x9-2048x1152.jpg",
"width": 2048,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 1152
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/NickiMinaj.Oakland.16x9-1020x574.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 574
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/NickiMinaj.Oakland.16x9-1536x864.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 864
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/NickiMinaj.Oakland.16x9-1920x1080.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 1080
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/NickiMinaj.Oakland.16x9-800x450.jpg",
"width": 800,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 450
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/NickiMinaj.Oakland.16x9-768x432.jpg",
"width": 768,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 432
}
},
"publishDate": 1709407624,
"modified": 1709407836,
"caption": "Nicki Minaj performs during the opening night of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour at the Oakland Arena on March 1, 2024.",
"description": null,
"title": "NickiMinaj.Oakland.16x9",
"credit": "Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation",
"status": "inherit",
"altTag": "a woman in a silvery bodysuit smiles on stage with a microphone in a big arena with pink and purple lighting behind her",
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"arts_13953153": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "arts_13953153",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13953153",
"found": true
},
"parent": 13953137,
"imgSizes": {
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697467-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 576
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697467-160x108.jpg",
"width": 160,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 108
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697467-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 372
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697467-scaled.jpg",
"width": 2560,
"height": 1725
},
"2048x2048": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697467-2048x1380.jpg",
"width": 2048,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 1380
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697467-1020x687.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 687
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697467-1536x1035.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 1035
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697467-1920x1294.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 1294
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697467-800x539.jpg",
"width": 800,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 539
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697467-768x518.jpg",
"width": 768,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 518
}
},
"publishDate": 1709152331,
"modified": 1709152398,
"caption": "Madonna performs during The Celebration Tour at The O2 Arena in London on Oct. 15, 2023. The singer performed at Chase Center in San Francisco on Feb. 27, 2024. ",
"description": null,
"title": "Madonna: The Celebration Tour - London",
"credit": "Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation",
"status": "inherit",
"altTag": "Madonna in black leather and lace",
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"arts_13953126": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "arts_13953126",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13953126",
"found": true
},
"parent": 13952796,
"imgSizes": {
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload1-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 576
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload1-160x90.jpg",
"width": 160,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 90
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload1-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 372
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload1-scaled.jpg",
"width": 2560,
"height": 1440
},
"2048x2048": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload1-2048x1152.jpg",
"width": 2048,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 1152
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload1-1020x574.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 574
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload1-1536x864.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 864
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload1-1920x1080.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 1080
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload1-800x450.jpg",
"width": 800,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 450
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload1-768x432.jpg",
"width": 768,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 432
}
},
"publishDate": 1709144765,
"modified": 1709145934,
"caption": "Rapper Nimsins and software engineer and music producer Vinay Pai (left to right) generated beats using text prompts. They still feel conflicted about AI's implications for art. ",
"description": null,
"title": "sensoryoverload1",
"credit": "Rudrani Ghosh",
"status": "inherit",
"altTag": "Two collaborators smile at each other in a music studio.",
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"arts_13884929": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "arts_13884929",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13884929",
"found": true
},
"parent": 13884928,
"imgSizes": {
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/08/gettyimages-1554415_wide-8f84f2146fb9f385da8ffe4f0491572041ed6040-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 576
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/08/gettyimages-1554415_wide-8f84f2146fb9f385da8ffe4f0491572041ed6040-160x90.jpg",
"width": 160,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 90
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/08/gettyimages-1554415_wide-8f84f2146fb9f385da8ffe4f0491572041ed6040-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 372
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/08/gettyimages-1554415_wide-8f84f2146fb9f385da8ffe4f0491572041ed6040-scaled-e1597708151946.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1079
},
"2048x2048": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/08/gettyimages-1554415_wide-8f84f2146fb9f385da8ffe4f0491572041ed6040-2048x1152.jpg",
"width": 2048,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 1152
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/08/gettyimages-1554415_wide-8f84f2146fb9f385da8ffe4f0491572041ed6040-1020x574.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 574
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/08/gettyimages-1554415_wide-8f84f2146fb9f385da8ffe4f0491572041ed6040-1536x864.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 864
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/08/gettyimages-1554415_wide-8f84f2146fb9f385da8ffe4f0491572041ed6040-1920x1080.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 1080
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/08/gettyimages-1554415_wide-8f84f2146fb9f385da8ffe4f0491572041ed6040-800x450.jpg",
"width": 800,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 450
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/08/gettyimages-1554415_wide-8f84f2146fb9f385da8ffe4f0491572041ed6040-768x432.jpg",
"width": 768,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 432
}
},
"publishDate": 1597707913,
"modified": 1709075534,
"caption": "(L) Jason ‘Jam Master Jay’ Mizell with Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels and Joseph ‘DJ Run’ Simmons of RUN-DMC.",
"description": null,
"title": "(L) Jason ‘Jam Master Jay’ Mizell with Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels and Joseph ‘DJ Run’ Simmons of RUN-DMC.",
"credit": "Vince Bucci/ Getty Images",
"status": "inherit",
"altTag": "Three Black men wearing black clothes and hats stand together in a line.",
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"arts_13953015": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "arts_13953015",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13953015",
"found": true
},
"parent": 13953009,
"imgSizes": {
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-12.07.32-PM-1038x576.png",
"width": 1038,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 576
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-12.07.32-PM-160x141.png",
"width": 160,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 141
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-12.07.32-PM-672x372.png",
"width": 672,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 372
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-12.07.32-PM.png",
"width": 1106,
"height": 972
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-12.07.32-PM-1020x896.png",
"width": 1020,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 896
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-12.07.32-PM-800x703.png",
"width": 800,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 703
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-12.07.32-PM-768x675.png",
"width": 768,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 675
}
},
"publishDate": 1708978103,
"modified": 1708994177,
"caption": "LOE Gino's new EP 'Everything Gone Be Aight' is a personal missive across six taut tracks.",
"description": "LOE Gino, posing for a photo while wearing a black shirt that reads \"NOT THE PLUG\" in colorful writing over his left chest area. ",
"title": "LOE Gino, posing for a photo while wearing a black shirt that reads \"NOT THE PLUG\" in colorful writing over his left chest area.",
"credit": "Jason 'Yeiseon' Hayes",
"status": "inherit",
"altTag": "LOE Gino, posing for a photo while wearing a black shirt that reads \"NOT THE PLUG\" in colorful writing over his left chest area.",
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"arts_13952978": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "arts_13952978",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13952978",
"found": true
},
"parent": 0,
"imgSizes": {
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-11-KQED-2-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 576
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-11-KQED-2-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 107
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-11-KQED-2-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 372
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-11-KQED-2.jpg",
"width": 2000,
"height": 1333
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-11-KQED-2-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 680
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-11-KQED-2-1536x1024.jpg",
"width": 1536,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 1024
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-11-KQED-2-1920x1280.jpg",
"width": 1920,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 1280
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-11-KQED-2-800x533.jpg",
"width": 800,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 533
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-11-KQED-2-768x512.jpg",
"width": 768,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 512
}
},
"publishDate": 1708907129,
"modified": 1708968577,
"caption": "Suzanne Ciani performs on her Buchla 200e at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco on Feb. 24, 2024.",
"description": null,
"title": "240224-SUZANNE CIANI AT GRACE CATHEDRAL-MD-11-KQED-2",
"credit": "Martin do Nascimento/KQED",
"status": "inherit",
"altTag": null,
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"arts_13952735": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "arts_13952735",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13952735",
"found": true
},
"parent": 13952712,
"imgSizes": {
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/kingmakers-1038x576.png",
"width": 1038,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 576
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/kingmakers-160x97.png",
"width": 160,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 97
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/kingmakers-672x372.png",
"width": 672,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 372
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/kingmakers-e1708562883271.png",
"width": 1920,
"height": 1161
},
"2048x2048": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/kingmakers-2048x1239.png",
"width": 2048,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 1239
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/kingmakers-1020x617.png",
"width": 1020,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 617
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/kingmakers-1536x929.png",
"width": 1536,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 929
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/kingmakers-1920x1161.png",
"width": 1920,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 1161
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/kingmakers-800x484.png",
"width": 800,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 484
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/kingmakers-768x464.png",
"width": 768,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 464
}
},
"publishDate": 1708562736,
"modified": 1708618420,
"caption": "Young kings in KOO’s music video for ‘Glisten’ featuring Basi, Sequoiia, Ajai Kasim & 42k Lil.",
"description": null,
"title": "Young kings in KOO’s music video for ‘Glisten’ featuring Basi, Sequoiia, Ajai Kasim & 42k Lil.",
"credit": "Kingmakers of Oakland/YouTube",
"status": "inherit",
"altTag": "An illustration of two young Black men sitting on bicycles side by side. Both have small gold crowns hovering over their heads.",
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"arts_13952624": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "arts_13952624",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13952624",
"found": true
},
"parent": 13952570,
"imgSizes": {
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-20-at-12.01.15-PM-1038x576.png",
"width": 1038,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 576
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-20-at-12.01.15-PM-160x90.png",
"width": 160,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 90
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-20-at-12.01.15-PM-672x372.png",
"width": 672,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 372
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-20-at-12.01.15-PM.png",
"width": 2008,
"height": 1126
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-20-at-12.01.15-PM-1020x572.png",
"width": 1020,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 572
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-20-at-12.01.15-PM-1536x861.png",
"width": 1536,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 861
},
"full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-20-at-12.01.15-PM-1920x1077.png",
"width": 1920,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 1077
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-20-at-12.01.15-PM-800x449.png",
"width": 800,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 449
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-20-at-12.01.15-PM-768x431.png",
"width": 768,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 431
}
},
"publishDate": 1708459323,
"modified": 1708459353,
"caption": "Betty Reid Soskin listening to her own music as film director Bryan Gibel watches.",
"description": "Betty Reid Soskin listening to her own music as film director Bryan Gibel watches.",
"title": "Betty Reid Soskin listening to her own music as film director Bryan Gibel watches.",
"credit": "Via Bryan Gibel ",
"status": "inherit",
"altTag": "Betty Reid Soskin listening to her own music as film director Bryan Gibel watches.",
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"arts_13952650": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "arts_13952650",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13952650",
"found": true
},
"parent": 13952420,
"imgSizes": {
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Dolly.16x9-1038x576.jpg",
"width": 1038,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 576
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Dolly.16x9-160x90.jpg",
"width": 160,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 90
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Dolly.16x9-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 372
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Dolly.16x9.jpg",
"width": 1176,
"height": 662
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Dolly.16x9-1020x574.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 574
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Dolly.16x9-800x450.jpg",
"width": 800,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 450
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Dolly.16x9-768x432.jpg",
"width": 768,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 432
}
},
"publishDate": 1708473337,
"modified": 1708473391,
"caption": "Our Lady of Dolly Parton and Saint Billy, the Boston Terrier. ",
"description": null,
"title": "Dolly.16x9",
"credit": "Courtesy of Dolly Parton",
"status": "inherit",
"altTag": "A blonde smiling woman bends down towards a bandana-wearing dog.",
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"arts_13952417": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "arts_13952417",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13952417",
"found": true
},
"parent": 13952372,
"imgSizes": {
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1309725971-1024x576.jpg",
"width": 1024,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 576
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1309725971-160x107.jpg",
"width": 160,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 107
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1309725971-672x372.jpg",
"width": 672,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 372
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1309725971.jpg",
"width": 1024,
"height": 683
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1309725971-1020x680.jpg",
"width": 1020,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 680
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1309725971-800x534.jpg",
"width": 800,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 534
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1309725971-768x512.jpg",
"width": 768,
"mimeType": "image/jpeg",
"height": 512
}
},
"publishDate": 1708034107,
"modified": 1708034142,
"caption": "aja monet speaks at Studio Be on March 28, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana.",
"description": null,
"title": "Aja Monet: A Women's History Month Poetry Session",
"credit": "Erika Goldring/Getty Images",
"status": "inherit",
"altTag": "A poet smiles at a podium.",
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
},
"arts_13952412": {
"type": "attachments",
"id": "arts_13952412",
"meta": {
"index": "attachments_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13952412",
"found": true
},
"parent": 13952409,
"imgSizes": {
"twentyfourteen-full-width": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2024-02-15-at-1.17.09-PM-1038x576.png",
"width": 1038,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 576
},
"thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2024-02-15-at-1.17.09-PM-160x104.png",
"width": 160,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 104
},
"post-thumbnail": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2024-02-15-at-1.17.09-PM-672x372.png",
"width": 672,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 372
},
"kqedFullSize": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2024-02-15-at-1.17.09-PM.png",
"width": 1748,
"height": 1132
},
"large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2024-02-15-at-1.17.09-PM-1020x661.png",
"width": 1020,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 661
},
"1536x1536": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2024-02-15-at-1.17.09-PM-1536x995.png",
"width": 1536,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 995
},
"medium": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2024-02-15-at-1.17.09-PM-800x518.png",
"width": 800,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 518
},
"medium_large": {
"file": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2024-02-15-at-1.17.09-PM-768x497.png",
"width": 768,
"mimeType": "image/png",
"height": 497
}
},
"publishDate": 1708031886,
"modified": 1708031991,
"caption": "Jennifer Lopez in ‘This is Me… Now: A Love Story.’",
"description": null,
"title": "Jennifer Lopez in ‘This is Me… Now: A Love Story.’",
"credit": "Prime Video via AP",
"status": "inherit",
"altTag": "A beautiful middle-aged Latina lies in bed, hair tousled.",
"isLoading": false,
"fetchFailed": false
}
},
"audioPlayerReducer": {
"postId": "stream_live",
"isPaused": true,
"isPlaying": false,
"pfsActive": false,
"pledgeModalIsOpen": true,
"playerDrawerIsOpen": false,
"liveAudioPlayStartedAt": 0,
"liveAudioPlayContext": ""
},
"authorsReducer": {
"byline_arts_13953112": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "byline_arts_13953112",
"meta": {
"override": true
},
"slug": "byline_arts_13953112",
"name": "Cedar Attanasio, Associated Press",
"isLoading": false
},
"byline_arts_13952409": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "byline_arts_13952409",
"meta": {
"override": true
},
"slug": "byline_arts_13952409",
"name": "Jocelyn Noveck, Associated Press",
"isLoading": false
},
"gmeline": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "185",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "185",
"found": true
},
"name": "Gabe Meline",
"firstName": "Gabe",
"lastName": "Meline",
"slug": "gmeline",
"email": "gmeline@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": true,
"staff_mastheads": [
"arts"
],
"title": "Senior Editor, KQED Arts & Culture",
"bio": "Gabe Meline entered journalism at age 15 making photocopied zines, and has since earned awards from the Edward R. Murrow Awards, the Society for Professional Journalists, the Online Journalism Awards, the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies and the California Newspaper Publishers Association. Prior to KQED, he was the editor of the \u003cem>North Bay Bohemian\u003c/em> and a touring musician. He lives with his wife and daughter in his hometown of Santa Rosa, CA.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5bebe57be0d8bc2dd318934feb47299e2d2d10cba28d09d8d7afb389a2ce2bdd?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": null,
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"administrator"
]
},
{
"site": "artschool",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"author"
]
},
{
"site": "pop",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "bayareabites",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "food",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "liveblog",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "hiphop",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Gabe Meline | KQED",
"description": "Senior Editor, KQED Arts & Culture",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5bebe57be0d8bc2dd318934feb47299e2d2d10cba28d09d8d7afb389a2ce2bdd?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5bebe57be0d8bc2dd318934feb47299e2d2d10cba28d09d8d7afb389a2ce2bdd?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/gmeline"
},
"esilvers": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "7237",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "7237",
"found": true
},
"name": "Emma Silvers",
"firstName": "Emma",
"lastName": "Silvers",
"slug": "esilvers",
"email": "esilvers@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [],
"title": "KQED Contributor",
"bio": "Emma Silvers is an editor at KQED Arts and a former digital producer at KQED News. Born and raised in the Bay Area, she has previously been an arts and entertainment editor at the \u003cem>San Francisco Chronicle\u003c/em>, \u003cem>SF Weekly\u003c/em> and the \u003cem>San Francisco Bay Guardian.\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.emmasilvers.com\">Her work\u003c/a> has also appeared in \u003cem>Rolling Stone\u003c/em>, Pitchfork and \u003cem>Mother Jones\u003c/em>. In 2017 she was the recipient of the Society of Professional Journalists-Northern California's award for arts and culture reporting. In 1993 she \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/pop/16759/wait-what-my-coworker-was-a-voice-over-hyperventilator-for-jurassic-park\">hyperventilated in \u003cem>Jurassic Park\u003c/em>\u003c/a>.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/247beada39b88ea5759db1f51dba05cf?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": "emmaruthless",
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "pop",
"roles": [
"contributor"
]
},
{
"site": "bayareabites",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "food",
"roles": [
"contributor"
]
},
{
"site": "liveblog",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Emma Silvers | KQED",
"description": "KQED Contributor",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/247beada39b88ea5759db1f51dba05cf?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/247beada39b88ea5759db1f51dba05cf?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/esilvers"
},
"ralexandra": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11242",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11242",
"found": true
},
"name": "Rae Alexandra",
"firstName": "Rae",
"lastName": "Alexandra",
"slug": "ralexandra",
"email": "ralexandra@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": true,
"staff_mastheads": [
"arts"
],
"title": "Reporter/Producer",
"bio": "Rae Alexandra is a Reporter/Producer for KQED Arts & Culture, and the creator/author of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/program/rebel-girls-from-bay-area-history\">Rebel Girls From Bay Area History\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/bizarrebayarea\">Bizarre Bay Area\u003c/a> series. Her debut book, \u003ca href=\"https://citylights.com/politics-current-events-history/unsung-heroines35-women-who-changed/\">Unsung Heroines: 35 Women Who Changed the Bay Area\u003c/a> was published by City Lights in March 2026. In 2023, Rae was awarded an SPJ Excellence in Journalism Award for Arts & Culture. Rae was born and raised in Wales and subsequently — even after two decades in Northern California — still uses phrases that regularly baffle her coworkers.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/edfee8176c80cc0a382b051190f5341997df378a934a5774dcb0977732dfd401?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": null,
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "pop",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "bayareabites",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Rae Alexandra | KQED",
"description": "Reporter/Producer",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/edfee8176c80cc0a382b051190f5341997df378a934a5774dcb0977732dfd401?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/edfee8176c80cc0a382b051190f5341997df378a934a5774dcb0977732dfd401?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/ralexandra"
},
"nvoynovskaya": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11387",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11387",
"found": true
},
"name": "Nastia Voynovskaya",
"firstName": "Nastia",
"lastName": "Voynovskaya",
"slug": "nvoynovskaya",
"email": "nvoynovskaya@kqed.org",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [
"arts"
],
"title": "Editor and reporter",
"bio": "Nastia Voynovskaya is a reporter, editor and host at KQED Arts & Culture. She's been covering the arts in the Bay Area for over a decade, with a focus on music, queer culture, labor issues and grassroots organizing. She has edited KQED story series such as Trans Bay: A History of San Francisco's Gender-Diverse Community, and co-created KQED's Bay Area hip-hop history project, That's My Word. Nastia's work has been recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists and San Francisco Press Club. She regularly appears on podcasts and radio programs, including NPR's All Songs Considered, and hosts live events where music, culture and conversation meet.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5025ee460e5a85d69ca20ea6c6f2f80d7e17795c828f61ea3aecfcd924e9042e?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": null,
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": "https://www.instagram.com/nananastia/",
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"administrator"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "pop",
"roles": [
"administrator"
]
},
{
"site": "bayareabites",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "podcasts",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "hiphop",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Nastia Voynovskaya | KQED",
"description": "Editor and reporter",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5025ee460e5a85d69ca20ea6c6f2f80d7e17795c828f61ea3aecfcd924e9042e?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/5025ee460e5a85d69ca20ea6c6f2f80d7e17795c828f61ea3aecfcd924e9042e?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/nvoynovskaya"
},
"ogpenn": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11491",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11491",
"found": true
},
"name": "Pendarvis Harshaw",
"firstName": "Pendarvis",
"lastName": "Harshaw",
"slug": "ogpenn",
"email": "ogpenn@gmail.com",
"display_author_email": false,
"staff_mastheads": [
"arts"
],
"title": "Community Engagement Reporter",
"bio": "Pendarvis Harshaw is an educator, host and writer with KQED Arts.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/972b77ee8e3f346ae2b00622661187fbfabd059b5693bbdc1475ea7a722fd4cd?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": null,
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": "ogpenn",
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"administrator"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "bayareabites",
"roles": [
"author"
]
},
{
"site": "hiphop",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Pendarvis Harshaw | KQED",
"description": "Community Engagement Reporter",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/972b77ee8e3f346ae2b00622661187fbfabd059b5693bbdc1475ea7a722fd4cd?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/972b77ee8e3f346ae2b00622661187fbfabd059b5693bbdc1475ea7a722fd4cd?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/ogpenn"
},
"ccabreralomeli": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11708",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11708",
"found": true
},
"name": "Carlos Cabrera-Lomelí",
"firstName": "Carlos",
"lastName": "Cabrera-Lomelí",
"slug": "ccabreralomeli",
"email": "ccabreralomeli@KQED.org",
"display_author_email": true,
"staff_mastheads": [
"news"
],
"title": "Community Reporter",
"bio": "Carlos Cabrera-Lomelí is a community reporter with KQED's digital engagement team. He also reports and co-produces for KQED's bilingual news hub KQED en Español. He grew up in San Francisco's Mission District and has previously worked with Univision, 48 Hills and REFORMA in Mexico City.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c309be9665e484f887b818c89e273ecc673004f426f36b24d00a4d813a2e0518?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": "@LomeliCabrera",
"bluesky": null,
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "about",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "science",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "perspectives",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "elections",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
},
{
"site": "liveblog",
"roles": [
"contributor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Carlos Cabrera-Lomelí | KQED",
"description": "Community Reporter",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c309be9665e484f887b818c89e273ecc673004f426f36b24d00a4d813a2e0518?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c309be9665e484f887b818c89e273ecc673004f426f36b24d00a4d813a2e0518?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/ccabreralomeli"
},
"achazaro": {
"type": "authors",
"id": "11748",
"meta": {
"index": "authors_1716337520",
"id": "11748",
"found": true
},
"name": "Alan Chazaro",
"firstName": "Alan",
"lastName": "Chazaro",
"slug": "achazaro",
"email": "agchazaro@gmail.com",
"display_author_email": true,
"staff_mastheads": [],
"title": "Food Writer and Reporter",
"bio": "Alan Chazaro is the author of \u003cem>This Is Not a Frank Ocean Cover Album\u003c/em> (Black Lawrence Press, 2019), \u003cem>Piñata Theory\u003c/em> (Black Lawrence Press, 2020), and \u003cem>Notes from the Eastern Span of the Bay Bridge\u003c/em> (Ghost City Press, 2021). He is a graduate of June Jordan’s Poetry for the People program at UC Berkeley and a former Lawrence Ferlinghetti Fellow at the University of San Francisco. He writes about sports, food, art, music, education, and culture while repping the Bay on \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/alan_chazaro\">Twitter\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/alan_chazaro/?hl=en\">Instagram\u003c/a> at @alan_chazaro.",
"avatar": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea8b6dd970fc5c29e7a188e7d5861df7?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twitter": "alan_chazaro",
"facebook": null,
"instagram": null,
"linkedin": null,
"sites": [
{
"site": "arts",
"roles": [
"contributor"
]
},
{
"site": "news",
"roles": [
"editor"
]
}
],
"headData": {
"title": "Alan Chazaro | KQED",
"description": "Food Writer and Reporter",
"ogImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea8b6dd970fc5c29e7a188e7d5861df7?s=600&d=blank&r=g",
"twImgSrc": "https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/ea8b6dd970fc5c29e7a188e7d5861df7?s=600&d=blank&r=g"
},
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/author/achazaro"
}
},
"pagesReducer": {
"arts_category_music": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_69",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "69",
"score": 10.847641
},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Music",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Music Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 70,
"slug": "music",
"isLoading": false,
"title": "Music",
"pageMeta": {
"site": "arts",
"WpPageTemplate": "page-topic-editorial",
"currentPage": 56
},
"blocks": [
{
"blockName": "kqed/post-list",
"attrs": {
"layout": "cardArticle2",
"query": "posts/arts?category=music",
"seeMore": false,
"paginated": true,
"page": 56
}
},
{
"blockName": "kqed/ad"
}
]
}
},
"pfsSessionReducer": {},
"postsReducer": {
"stream_live": {
"type": "live",
"id": "stream_live",
"audioUrl": "https://streams.kqed.org/kqedradio",
"title": "Live Stream",
"excerpt": "Live Stream information currently unavailable.",
"link": "/radio",
"featImg": "",
"label": {
"name": "KQED Live",
"link": "/"
}
},
"stream_kqedNewscast": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "stream_kqedNewscast",
"audioUrl": "https://www.kqed.org/.stream/anon/radio/RDnews/newscast.mp3?_=1",
"title": "KQED Newscast",
"featImg": "",
"label": {
"name": "88.5 FM",
"link": "/"
}
},
"arts_13953317": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "arts_13953317",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13953317",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1709526213000
]
},
"parent": 0,
"labelTerm": {
"site": "arts"
},
"blocks": [],
"publishDate": 1709526213,
"format": "standard",
"title": "Live Review: Bad Bunny Gets in His Feels at San Francisco’s Chase Center",
"headTitle": "Live Review: Bad Bunny Gets in His Feels at San Francisco’s Chase Center | KQED",
"content": "\u003cp>If I hadn’t known Bad Bunny was headlining at the Chase Center on Saturday night, I would have sworn, judging by the fans heading inside, that I was at an Eslabon Armado or Grupo Firme show. In force were thick jean jackets, cowboy hats, cowboy boots — and I’m not talking about just any boots, but \u003cem>botas\u003c/em> with full embroidery and bling.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I’d never seen a ranchero aesthetic showing up so strongly for a reggaeton artist. It proved that Bad Bunny has fulfilled the promise of his latest album, \u003cem>Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana\u003c/em>, by seamlessly bringing together a multiplicity of genres — banda, trap, dembow, Jersey club — with his irresistible looks and style.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953309\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-46_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953309\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-46_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-46_qut-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-46_qut-1020x681.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-46_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-46_qut-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-46_qut-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A group of friends show off their hats outside the Chase Center before Bad Bunny’s concert in San Francisco on Saturday, March 2, 2024. \u003ccite>(Michaela Vatcheva for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>After an intro by a live orchestra (violins, cellos, brass and all), Benito rose from the floor on a second stage, hidden in a cloud of smoke. Opening with the somber new track “Nadie Sabe,” he leaned on the mic in a dark jacket and black Dodgers cap, with no backup dancers — just the man and the stage. (Regardless of how many chart-breaking summer anthems he cranks out year after year, El Conejo Malo keeps true to his sadboy side.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It wasn’t until the second song, “Monaco,” that backup dancers arrived. But just like Bad Bunny, they wore simple black clothing, and kept their choreography low-key. In contrast with his previous tour, which was all about having a big, colorful summer party on the beach (oh, to be back in May 2022 and hear \u003cem>Un Verano Sin Ti\u003c/em> for the first time again), the Benito on this year’s Most Wanted Tour is a whole different person: serious, mature, grounded. I’ll add mysterious, too; for much of the show, Benito kept his face obscured, at one point donning a ski mask and sunglasses.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953305\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-7_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953305\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-7_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-7_qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-7_qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-7_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-7_qut-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-7_qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bad Bunny performs at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday, March 2, 2024. \u003ccite>(Michaela Vatcheva for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Most of the show was dedicated to tracks from \u003cem>Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana\u003c/em>, like “Fina” and “Where She Goes.” (Unfortunately for the fans in their ranchero fits, only a snippet appeared of “un x100to,” which features Mexican regional band Grupo Frontera.) Benito’s love for trap had the spotlight, and it wasn’t until the second half of the show that he performed the perreo anthems of years past. As “La Santa” and “Me Porto Bonito” came paired with fireworks, lasers, fog machines and thousands of LED lights from necklaces distributed to fans before the show, the stage became the center of what felt like the biggest club in the world — think Coco Bongo Cancún.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID='arts_13953284']Mind you, it was still a club with \u003cem>showmanship\u003c/em>. To open the second act of his set, Benito entered the stage on a horse. It was the first time I’d ever seen a reggaetonero perform with a horse, and brought me flashbacks to \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXRYAp00yhw\">Joan Sebastian singing on a horse in his jaripeos\u003c/a>. This aligns with the idea of the tour: that Benito is a lone horseman on the run, “most wanted” after breaking the law.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But I couldn’t help but ask myself: \u003cem>What is he on the run from? What force is threatening this man?\u003c/em> After all, Benito is no longer the up-and-coming rookie teased by other reggaetoneros for his painted nails and earrings — Bad Bunny \u003cem>is\u003c/em> the face of reggaeton now to a global audience. His market success and impact on younger artists stands on par with legends of the genre like Ivy Queen and Plan B.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953306\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-27_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953306\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-27_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-27_qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-27_qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-27_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-27_qut-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-27_qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bad Bunny performs at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday, March 2, 2024. \u003ccite>(Michaela Vatcheva for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Benito, however, gave several interpretations of what it means to be “Most Wanted.” When he reached “Baticano,” he paused to talk to the audience. “Es imposible creer que este lugar se llenó con tanta gente,” he said — “It’s impossible to believe that this whole place is filled up with so many people.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>With just a few lights on stage, Benito started reflecting out loud: “Yo estoy siempre seguro que quizás muchos de ustedes aquí en esta noche están pasando por una situación sufrida, una situación un poco difícil … pero aun así vinieron aquí y dejaron los problemas afuera un poco para estar conmigo,” he said, nearly drowned out by the sound of thousands of fans cheering. “I am always sure that many of you here tonight are going through tough, difficult situations … but despite that, you came here, left your problems for a bit, to come here and be with me.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Yo se los agradezco mucho … ustedes también me hacen sentir mejor,” he added. “I deeply thank you … all of you make me feel better as well.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953308\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-35_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953308\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-35_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-35_qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-35_qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-35_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-35_qut-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-35_qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bad Bunny performs at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday, March 2, 2024. \u003ccite>(Michaela Vatcheva for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Important to remember is that this tour comes after Bad Bunny shared that he was “\u003ca href=\"https://www.billboard.com/video/bad-bunny-talks-about-touring-taking-a-break-reflects-on-his-journey-to-the-top-and-more-billboard-cover/\">taking a break\u003c/a>” to focus on himself at the end of 2022. In 2023, he came under scrutiny after a video went viral that showed him \u003ca href=\"https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-latin/bad-bunny-response-throwing-fan-phone-1234655208/\">grabbing and tossing away a fan’s phone\u003c/a>. And last December, he and Kendall Jenner \u003ca href=\"https://people.com/bad-bunny-kendall-jenner-split-source-8402569\">ended their relationship\u003c/a> — a union that was \u003ca href=\"https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2023/09/bad-bunny-on-sex-social-media-and-kendall-jenner\">criticized by fans\u003c/a> who felt it was “a form of cultural betrayal.” All told, 2023 was the year \u003cem>everyone\u003c/em> had an opinion on \u003cem>everything\u003c/em> Bad Bunny said and did.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Most Wanted” could also represent the pressure that comes with being a global icon, when everyone, fans and haters alike, feel like they know who you are. As if to answer to this, in a clip shown on massive screens between songs, Benito’s voice intones: “Yo sé quién soy.” “I know who I am.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953310\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-53_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953310\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-53_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-53_qut-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-53_qut-1020x681.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-53_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-53_qut-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-53_qut-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An orchestra plays during Bad Bunny’s performance at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday, March 2, 2024. \u003ccite>(Michaela Vatcheva for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The fans I met loved seeing Bad Bunny fully claim himself. Karla de la Fuente came all the way from Texas to see the show with Bay Area friends, and despite being a longtime fan, she confessed that she felt a bit unsure about Benito this time around, citing the fan cell phone incident and the Kendall Jenner relationship. After the show, she said that Benito won her heart once more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When he spoke to the crowd that we are all going through difficult moments but can pause to be together and dance,” she said, “he struck a chord.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953324\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-45_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953324\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-45_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-45_qut-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-45_qut-1020x681.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-45_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-45_qut-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-45_qut-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A group of friends show off their boots outside Bad Bunny’s concert at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday, March 2, 2024. \u003ccite>(Michaela Vatcheva for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Regardless of whichever new genre Bad Bunny dabbles in, whether he dresses up as a ranchero one day and a tropical cyberpunk the day after, he brings a characteristic sense of vulnerability. It’s what marks his contribution to the genre: being a baddie but openly expressing his emotions, be it heartbreak, anger, joy or loneliness. The man is eternally in his feels.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I always appreciate that aspect of him,” said Vannesa Gurrola, who came to the show from East Palo Alto, “because I’m someone who is learning to express their feelings and have always used music to try to figure that out.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As long as Bad Bunny keeps wearing his heart on his sleeve, fans will keep coming back.\u003c/p>\n\n",
"stats": {
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"hasAudio": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"wordCount": 1372,
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"paragraphCount": 19
},
"modified": 1709528040,
"excerpt": "In a more introverted show, the hugely popular reggaeton star connected on a personal level with fans. \r\n",
"headData": {
"twImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twDescription": "",
"description": "In a more introverted show, the hugely popular reggaeton star connected on a personal level with fans. \r\n",
"title": "Live Review: Bad Bunny Gets in His Feels at San Francisco’s Chase Center | KQED",
"ogDescription": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Live Review: Bad Bunny Gets in His Feels at San Francisco’s Chase Center",
"datePublished": "2024-03-03T20:23:33-08:00",
"dateModified": "2024-03-03T20:54:00-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "live-review-bad-bunny-gets-in-his-feels-at-san-franciscos-chase-center",
"status": "publish",
"templateType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"sticky": false,
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/arts/13953317/live-review-bad-bunny-gets-in-his-feels-at-san-franciscos-chase-center",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>If I hadn’t known Bad Bunny was headlining at the Chase Center on Saturday night, I would have sworn, judging by the fans heading inside, that I was at an Eslabon Armado or Grupo Firme show. In force were thick jean jackets, cowboy hats, cowboy boots — and I’m not talking about just any boots, but \u003cem>botas\u003c/em> with full embroidery and bling.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I’d never seen a ranchero aesthetic showing up so strongly for a reggaeton artist. It proved that Bad Bunny has fulfilled the promise of his latest album, \u003cem>Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana\u003c/em>, by seamlessly bringing together a multiplicity of genres — banda, trap, dembow, Jersey club — with his irresistible looks and style.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953309\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-46_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953309\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-46_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-46_qut-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-46_qut-1020x681.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-46_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-46_qut-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-46_qut-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A group of friends show off their hats outside the Chase Center before Bad Bunny’s concert in San Francisco on Saturday, March 2, 2024. \u003ccite>(Michaela Vatcheva for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>After an intro by a live orchestra (violins, cellos, brass and all), Benito rose from the floor on a second stage, hidden in a cloud of smoke. Opening with the somber new track “Nadie Sabe,” he leaned on the mic in a dark jacket and black Dodgers cap, with no backup dancers — just the man and the stage. (Regardless of how many chart-breaking summer anthems he cranks out year after year, El Conejo Malo keeps true to his sadboy side.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It wasn’t until the second song, “Monaco,” that backup dancers arrived. But just like Bad Bunny, they wore simple black clothing, and kept their choreography low-key. In contrast with his previous tour, which was all about having a big, colorful summer party on the beach (oh, to be back in May 2022 and hear \u003cem>Un Verano Sin Ti\u003c/em> for the first time again), the Benito on this year’s Most Wanted Tour is a whole different person: serious, mature, grounded. I’ll add mysterious, too; for much of the show, Benito kept his face obscured, at one point donning a ski mask and sunglasses.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953305\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-7_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953305\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-7_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-7_qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-7_qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-7_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-7_qut-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-7_qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bad Bunny performs at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday, March 2, 2024. \u003ccite>(Michaela Vatcheva for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Most of the show was dedicated to tracks from \u003cem>Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana\u003c/em>, like “Fina” and “Where She Goes.” (Unfortunately for the fans in their ranchero fits, only a snippet appeared of “un x100to,” which features Mexican regional band Grupo Frontera.) Benito’s love for trap had the spotlight, and it wasn’t until the second half of the show that he performed the perreo anthems of years past. As “La Santa” and “Me Porto Bonito” came paired with fireworks, lasers, fog machines and thousands of LED lights from necklaces distributed to fans before the show, the stage became the center of what felt like the biggest club in the world — think Coco Bongo Cancún.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "arts_13953284",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Mind you, it was still a club with \u003cem>showmanship\u003c/em>. To open the second act of his set, Benito entered the stage on a horse. It was the first time I’d ever seen a reggaetonero perform with a horse, and brought me flashbacks to \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXRYAp00yhw\">Joan Sebastian singing on a horse in his jaripeos\u003c/a>. This aligns with the idea of the tour: that Benito is a lone horseman on the run, “most wanted” after breaking the law.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But I couldn’t help but ask myself: \u003cem>What is he on the run from? What force is threatening this man?\u003c/em> After all, Benito is no longer the up-and-coming rookie teased by other reggaetoneros for his painted nails and earrings — Bad Bunny \u003cem>is\u003c/em> the face of reggaeton now to a global audience. His market success and impact on younger artists stands on par with legends of the genre like Ivy Queen and Plan B.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953306\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-27_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953306\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-27_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-27_qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-27_qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-27_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-27_qut-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-27_qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bad Bunny performs at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday, March 2, 2024. \u003ccite>(Michaela Vatcheva for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Benito, however, gave several interpretations of what it means to be “Most Wanted.” When he reached “Baticano,” he paused to talk to the audience. “Es imposible creer que este lugar se llenó con tanta gente,” he said — “It’s impossible to believe that this whole place is filled up with so many people.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>With just a few lights on stage, Benito started reflecting out loud: “Yo estoy siempre seguro que quizás muchos de ustedes aquí en esta noche están pasando por una situación sufrida, una situación un poco difícil … pero aun así vinieron aquí y dejaron los problemas afuera un poco para estar conmigo,” he said, nearly drowned out by the sound of thousands of fans cheering. “I am always sure that many of you here tonight are going through tough, difficult situations … but despite that, you came here, left your problems for a bit, to come here and be with me.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Yo se los agradezco mucho … ustedes también me hacen sentir mejor,” he added. “I deeply thank you … all of you make me feel better as well.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953308\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-35_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953308\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-35_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-35_qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-35_qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-35_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-35_qut-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-35_qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bad Bunny performs at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday, March 2, 2024. \u003ccite>(Michaela Vatcheva for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Important to remember is that this tour comes after Bad Bunny shared that he was “\u003ca href=\"https://www.billboard.com/video/bad-bunny-talks-about-touring-taking-a-break-reflects-on-his-journey-to-the-top-and-more-billboard-cover/\">taking a break\u003c/a>” to focus on himself at the end of 2022. In 2023, he came under scrutiny after a video went viral that showed him \u003ca href=\"https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-latin/bad-bunny-response-throwing-fan-phone-1234655208/\">grabbing and tossing away a fan’s phone\u003c/a>. And last December, he and Kendall Jenner \u003ca href=\"https://people.com/bad-bunny-kendall-jenner-split-source-8402569\">ended their relationship\u003c/a> — a union that was \u003ca href=\"https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2023/09/bad-bunny-on-sex-social-media-and-kendall-jenner\">criticized by fans\u003c/a> who felt it was “a form of cultural betrayal.” All told, 2023 was the year \u003cem>everyone\u003c/em> had an opinion on \u003cem>everything\u003c/em> Bad Bunny said and did.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Most Wanted” could also represent the pressure that comes with being a global icon, when everyone, fans and haters alike, feel like they know who you are. As if to answer to this, in a clip shown on massive screens between songs, Benito’s voice intones: “Yo sé quién soy.” “I know who I am.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953310\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-53_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953310\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-53_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-53_qut-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-53_qut-1020x681.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-53_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-53_qut-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-53_qut-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An orchestra plays during Bad Bunny’s performance at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday, March 2, 2024. \u003ccite>(Michaela Vatcheva for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The fans I met loved seeing Bad Bunny fully claim himself. Karla de la Fuente came all the way from Texas to see the show with Bay Area friends, and despite being a longtime fan, she confessed that she felt a bit unsure about Benito this time around, citing the fan cell phone incident and the Kendall Jenner relationship. After the show, she said that Benito won her heart once more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“When he spoke to the crowd that we are all going through difficult moments but can pause to be together and dance,” she said, “he struck a chord.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953324\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-45_qut.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1281\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953324\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-45_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-45_qut-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-45_qut-1020x681.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-45_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-45_qut-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/Bad-Bunny-45_qut-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A group of friends show off their boots outside Bad Bunny’s concert at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Saturday, March 2, 2024. \u003ccite>(Michaela Vatcheva for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Regardless of whichever new genre Bad Bunny dabbles in, whether he dresses up as a ranchero one day and a tropical cyberpunk the day after, he brings a characteristic sense of vulnerability. It’s what marks his contribution to the genre: being a baddie but openly expressing his emotions, be it heartbreak, anger, joy or loneliness. The man is eternally in his feels.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I always appreciate that aspect of him,” said Vannesa Gurrola, who came to the show from East Palo Alto, “because I’m someone who is learning to express their feelings and have always used music to try to figure that out.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As long as Bad Bunny keeps wearing his heart on his sleeve, fans will keep coming back.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/arts/13953317/live-review-bad-bunny-gets-in-his-feels-at-san-franciscos-chase-center",
"authors": [
"11708"
],
"categories": [
"arts_1",
"arts_69",
"arts_235"
],
"tags": [
"arts_21989",
"arts_6926",
"arts_10278",
"arts_2519",
"arts_769",
"arts_1146"
],
"featImg": "arts_13953307",
"label": "arts"
},
"arts_13953284": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "arts_13953284",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13953284",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1709412130000
]
},
"parent": 0,
"labelTerm": {
"site": "arts"
},
"blocks": [],
"publishDate": 1709412130,
"format": "aside",
"title": "Live Review: Nicki Minaj Reclaims Her Crown at Pink Friday 2 Tour Kickoff in Oakland",
"headTitle": "Live Review: Nicki Minaj Reclaims Her Crown at Pink Friday 2 Tour Kickoff in Oakland | KQED",
"content": "\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953285\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053270171-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"a woman in a silvery bodysuit smiles on stage with a microphone in a big arena with pink and purple lighting behind her\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1797\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953285\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053270171-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053270171-800x562.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053270171-1020x716.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053270171-160x112.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053270171-768x539.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053270171-1536x1078.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053270171-2048x1438.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053270171-1920x1348.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nicki Minaj performs during the opening night of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour at the Oakland Arena on March 1, 2024. \u003ccite>(Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>You’d be right to have worried that the first show of Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday 2 tour in Oakland on Friday might be, well, a mess.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Known more for controversies and \u003ca href=\"https://variety.com/2024/music/news/nicki-minaj-megan-thee-stallion-feud-timeline-1235890487/\">feuds\u003c/a> in recent years than the immense talent that once made her the world’s most feared rapper, Nicki Minaj victoriously spent two hours at her tour kickoff reminding a sold-out Oakland Arena that she still sings, raps, dances and brings the heat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953290\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053278167.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953290\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053278167.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053278167-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053278167-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053278167-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053278167-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053278167-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nicki Minaj performs ‘Feelin’ Myself’ during the opening night of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour at the Oakland Arena on March 1, 2024. \u003ccite>(Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>This was clear right from the start of the show, when Nicki rose from below the stage rapping with noticeable vigor on the throwback opener “I’m the Best” (key line: “Which world tour should I go on today?”). In one moment, all the \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/NICKIMINAJ/status/1751290347957911700\">Ben Shapiro tweets\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2021/09/14/nicki-minaj-covid-19-vaccine-conspiracy/\">COVID conspiracies\u003c/a>, irredeemable \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/rateyourmusic/comments/1aeyxcl/nicki_minajs_bigfoot_is_now_the_second_lowest/\">diss tracks\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/C3jycgCO7ih/\">scattered whisper-rambles on Instagram Live\u003c/a> became distant memories. She was not here to play. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We are talking about a \u003ca href=\"https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/nicki-minaj/2024/oakland-arena-oakland-ca-53ad7bb5.html\">36-song setlist\u003c/a>, with smash hits and deep cuts alike. Six costume changes, robot dancers, a subway train, phone booths for her different alter egos. Lots of simulated copulation — group, duo and solo. Nicki, at age 41, coming for vengeance on workouts like “Roman’s Revenge,” and showing off her vocals on “Save Me.” And, just three months after being released, Nicki’s new songs from \u003cem>Pink Friday 2\u003c/em> — a smoldering “Big Difference,” set closer “Everybody” — coming off like classics. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953294\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279794.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953294\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279794.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279794-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279794-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279794-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279794-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279794-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nicki Minaj performs during the opening night of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour at the Oakland Arena on March 1, 2024. \u003ccite>(Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>What’s evident is Nicki is \u003cem>hungry\u003c/em> again. Maybe the competition got to her, and she upped her game. Maybe it was always in hiding. While she performed, I found myself wondering if her whole meandering, is-she-on-drugs-or-isn’t-she thing of late has been an elaborate psy-op to hide intense training and rehearsal. Whatever happened, it’s resulted in her giving 100% again. The show (“this magical historic night,” Nicki declared) recalled the first time I saw her headline the Bay Area, \u003ca href=\"https://bohemian.com/live-review-nicki-minaj-at-the-paramount-theater-oakland/\">in 2012 at the Paramount Theatre\u003c/a> — how unstoppable she seemed then, how she gave her all to the crowd. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There have been rough patches in the interim, to be sure. Bay Area fans may remember a fraught Concord Pavilion show in 2015 that suffered from beleaguered choreography and a strange detachment that seemed concerning, especially after \u003cem>The Pinkprint\u003c/em>’s multiple references to Percocet. The show ended with a \u003ca href=\"https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/nicki-minaj-concert-brawl-video-369856/\">giant brawl in the crowd\u003c/a>; as I left I saw one guy \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/gmeline/status/632463878668943360\">face-down, knocked out\u003c/a>. The vibes, as they say, were off.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953293\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279787.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953293\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279787.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279787-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279787-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279787-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279787-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279787-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nicki Minaj performs during the opening night of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour at the Oakland Arena on March 1, 2024. \u003ccite>(Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Friday night, fans got the old Nicki. And not just with older deep cuts like “Favorite” and “Win Again,” which roused diehards but caused the overall energy to dip. One of the show’s early peaks was “FTCU,” and the modern phenomenon of an arena screaming the \u003ca href=\"https://www.tiktok.com/tag/ftcu?lang=en\">30 seconds of a song that are famous on TikTok\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The inspirational Nicki showed up too, during “The Night Is Still Young.” “I wanna tell you guys something right now,” she said. “No matter what is happening right now outside of Gag City, inside here, we are radiating positivity, success, prosperity, intelligence and wisdom” — later telling her audience, many clad in in sequined skirts, pink wigs, fuzzy hats and platform heels, “You still have time to do what you have to do! Don’t waste a minute of your life! Promise me that!” \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953295\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284188.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953295\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284188.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284188-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284188-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284188-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284188-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284188-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nicki Minaj performs ‘Cowgirl’ during the opening night of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour at the Oakland Arena on March 1, 2024. \u003ccite>(Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Fans also got the sex-positive Nicki. After a costume change into a basketball jersey-inspired yellow dress and boxing hoodie, Nicki did her best impression of Prince’s “Darling Nikki” upon the stage floor, complete with 90-degree leg lifts and a strategically positioned microphone. Cue the Beyoncé duet “Feelin’ Myself,” followed by undulating with three leather-clad beefcakes on steel beds (“Cowgirl”) and a straight-up face sit (“RNB”). \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Provocative? Sure. But she knows what she’s doing. Nicki is hyper-aware of the meta narratives around her every move — and I’m not sure that’s always a good thing. As a longtime fan, part of my hesitation about this tour is that she’s seemed less interested in being the world’s greatest rapper, and more interested in \u003cem>hearing people say\u003c/em> she’s the world’s greatest rapper. It’s been giving self-doubt, and made me hear her music as telegraphing “greatness” instead of embodying it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953291\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284690.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953291\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284690.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284690-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284690-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284690-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284690-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284690-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nicki Minaj performs ‘Red Ruby da Sleeze’ during the opening night of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour at the Oakland Arena on March 1, 2024. \u003ccite>(Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>But if anyone’s earned the right to rest on her laurels, it’s Nicki. You can hear her carefree flamboyance in Doja Cat, her winking humor in Cardi B, her boss-bitch confidence in — yes — Megan Thee Stallion. But primarily, 24 years into her career, Nicki’s influence is in the fact we are talking about any of these talented women at all.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It is really, really hard to convey to younger fans the unfair reality in which we lived, for years, that allowed for one and only one female rapper at a time. Nicki blew that notion apart. With her many alter egos and endless flows, she paved a multitude of ways for women to make their mark in the industry. On Friday, she also let \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/BARIJUKU/status/1763827847473635820\">national treasure Monica\u003c/a> perform a simmering set of a half-dozen songs during her headlining set, rather than making her open to a half-full arena.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953292\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053288493.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953292\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053288493.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053288493-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053288493-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053288493-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053288493-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053288493-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nicki Minaj performs ‘FTCU’ during the opening night of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour at the Oakland Arena on March 1, 2024. \u003ccite>(Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>During the show, I thought of the prom scene in \u003cem>Mean Girls\u003c/em>, where Cady Heron hands out pieces of her crown to the other girls at school. That’s what Nicki did. I don’t think she really wants the crown back. She just wants people to know where it came from. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During her joyous finale in Oakland — with favorites “Moment for Life,” “Starships” and the eternal “Super Bass” — she made a convincing closing argument for that fact. This jury’s verdict is in: Nicki’s resurrected herself. \u003c/p>\n\n",
"stats": {
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"hasAudio": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"wordCount": 1253,
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"paragraphCount": 16
},
"modified": 1710174100,
"excerpt": "Forget what you've heard. In a revelatory two-hour set, Nicki Minaj proved she’s hungry again.",
"headData": {
"twImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"socialTitle": "Live Review: Nicki Minaj Reclaims Her Crown at Tour Kickoff in Oakland %%page%% %%sep%% KQED",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twDescription": "",
"description": "Forget what you've heard. In a revelatory two-hour set, Nicki Minaj proved she’s hungry again.",
"socialDescription": "Forget what you've heard. In a revelatory two-hour set, Nicki Minaj proved she’s hungry again.",
"title": "Live Review: Nicki Minaj Reclaims Her Crown at Tour Kickoff in Oakland | KQED",
"ogDescription": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Live Review: Nicki Minaj Reclaims Her Crown at Pink Friday 2 Tour Kickoff in Oakland",
"datePublished": "2024-03-02T12:42:10-08:00",
"dateModified": "2024-03-11T09:21:40-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "nicki-minaj-review-oakland-arena-pink-friday-2-tour",
"status": "publish",
"templateType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"sticky": false,
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/arts/13953284/nicki-minaj-review-oakland-arena-pink-friday-2-tour",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953285\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053270171-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"a woman in a silvery bodysuit smiles on stage with a microphone in a big arena with pink and purple lighting behind her\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1797\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953285\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053270171-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053270171-800x562.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053270171-1020x716.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053270171-160x112.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053270171-768x539.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053270171-1536x1078.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053270171-2048x1438.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053270171-1920x1348.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nicki Minaj performs during the opening night of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour at the Oakland Arena on March 1, 2024. \u003ccite>(Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>You’d be right to have worried that the first show of Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday 2 tour in Oakland on Friday might be, well, a mess.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Known more for controversies and \u003ca href=\"https://variety.com/2024/music/news/nicki-minaj-megan-thee-stallion-feud-timeline-1235890487/\">feuds\u003c/a> in recent years than the immense talent that once made her the world’s most feared rapper, Nicki Minaj victoriously spent two hours at her tour kickoff reminding a sold-out Oakland Arena that she still sings, raps, dances and brings the heat.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953290\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053278167.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953290\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053278167.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053278167-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053278167-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053278167-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053278167-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053278167-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nicki Minaj performs ‘Feelin’ Myself’ during the opening night of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour at the Oakland Arena on March 1, 2024. \u003ccite>(Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>This was clear right from the start of the show, when Nicki rose from below the stage rapping with noticeable vigor on the throwback opener “I’m the Best” (key line: “Which world tour should I go on today?”). In one moment, all the \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/NICKIMINAJ/status/1751290347957911700\">Ben Shapiro tweets\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.washingtonpost.com/arts-entertainment/2021/09/14/nicki-minaj-covid-19-vaccine-conspiracy/\">COVID conspiracies\u003c/a>, irredeemable \u003ca href=\"https://www.reddit.com/r/rateyourmusic/comments/1aeyxcl/nicki_minajs_bigfoot_is_now_the_second_lowest/\">diss tracks\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/C3jycgCO7ih/\">scattered whisper-rambles on Instagram Live\u003c/a> became distant memories. She was not here to play. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We are talking about a \u003ca href=\"https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/nicki-minaj/2024/oakland-arena-oakland-ca-53ad7bb5.html\">36-song setlist\u003c/a>, with smash hits and deep cuts alike. Six costume changes, robot dancers, a subway train, phone booths for her different alter egos. Lots of simulated copulation — group, duo and solo. Nicki, at age 41, coming for vengeance on workouts like “Roman’s Revenge,” and showing off her vocals on “Save Me.” And, just three months after being released, Nicki’s new songs from \u003cem>Pink Friday 2\u003c/em> — a smoldering “Big Difference,” set closer “Everybody” — coming off like classics. \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953294\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279794.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953294\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279794.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279794-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279794-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279794-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279794-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279794-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nicki Minaj performs during the opening night of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour at the Oakland Arena on March 1, 2024. \u003ccite>(Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>What’s evident is Nicki is \u003cem>hungry\u003c/em> again. Maybe the competition got to her, and she upped her game. Maybe it was always in hiding. While she performed, I found myself wondering if her whole meandering, is-she-on-drugs-or-isn’t-she thing of late has been an elaborate psy-op to hide intense training and rehearsal. Whatever happened, it’s resulted in her giving 100% again. The show (“this magical historic night,” Nicki declared) recalled the first time I saw her headline the Bay Area, \u003ca href=\"https://bohemian.com/live-review-nicki-minaj-at-the-paramount-theater-oakland/\">in 2012 at the Paramount Theatre\u003c/a> — how unstoppable she seemed then, how she gave her all to the crowd. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There have been rough patches in the interim, to be sure. Bay Area fans may remember a fraught Concord Pavilion show in 2015 that suffered from beleaguered choreography and a strange detachment that seemed concerning, especially after \u003cem>The Pinkprint\u003c/em>’s multiple references to Percocet. The show ended with a \u003ca href=\"https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/nicki-minaj-concert-brawl-video-369856/\">giant brawl in the crowd\u003c/a>; as I left I saw one guy \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/gmeline/status/632463878668943360\">face-down, knocked out\u003c/a>. The vibes, as they say, were off.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953293\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279787.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953293\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279787.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279787-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279787-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279787-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279787-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053279787-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nicki Minaj performs during the opening night of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour at the Oakland Arena on March 1, 2024. \u003ccite>(Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Friday night, fans got the old Nicki. And not just with older deep cuts like “Favorite” and “Win Again,” which roused diehards but caused the overall energy to dip. One of the show’s early peaks was “FTCU,” and the modern phenomenon of an arena screaming the \u003ca href=\"https://www.tiktok.com/tag/ftcu?lang=en\">30 seconds of a song that are famous on TikTok\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The inspirational Nicki showed up too, during “The Night Is Still Young.” “I wanna tell you guys something right now,” she said. “No matter what is happening right now outside of Gag City, inside here, we are radiating positivity, success, prosperity, intelligence and wisdom” — later telling her audience, many clad in in sequined skirts, pink wigs, fuzzy hats and platform heels, “You still have time to do what you have to do! Don’t waste a minute of your life! Promise me that!” \u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953295\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284188.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953295\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284188.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284188-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284188-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284188-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284188-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284188-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nicki Minaj performs ‘Cowgirl’ during the opening night of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour at the Oakland Arena on March 1, 2024. \u003ccite>(Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Fans also got the sex-positive Nicki. After a costume change into a basketball jersey-inspired yellow dress and boxing hoodie, Nicki did her best impression of Prince’s “Darling Nikki” upon the stage floor, complete with 90-degree leg lifts and a strategically positioned microphone. Cue the Beyoncé duet “Feelin’ Myself,” followed by undulating with three leather-clad beefcakes on steel beds (“Cowgirl”) and a straight-up face sit (“RNB”). \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Provocative? Sure. But she knows what she’s doing. Nicki is hyper-aware of the meta narratives around her every move — and I’m not sure that’s always a good thing. As a longtime fan, part of my hesitation about this tour is that she’s seemed less interested in being the world’s greatest rapper, and more interested in \u003cem>hearing people say\u003c/em> she’s the world’s greatest rapper. It’s been giving self-doubt, and made me hear her music as telegraphing “greatness” instead of embodying it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953291\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284690.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953291\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284690.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284690-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284690-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284690-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284690-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053284690-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nicki Minaj performs ‘Red Ruby da Sleeze’ during the opening night of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour at the Oakland Arena on March 1, 2024. \u003ccite>(Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>But if anyone’s earned the right to rest on her laurels, it’s Nicki. You can hear her carefree flamboyance in Doja Cat, her winking humor in Cardi B, her boss-bitch confidence in — yes — Megan Thee Stallion. But primarily, 24 years into her career, Nicki’s influence is in the fact we are talking about any of these talented women at all.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It is really, really hard to convey to younger fans the unfair reality in which we lived, for years, that allowed for one and only one female rapper at a time. Nicki blew that notion apart. With her many alter egos and endless flows, she paved a multitude of ways for women to make their mark in the industry. On Friday, she also let \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/BARIJUKU/status/1763827847473635820\">national treasure Monica\u003c/a> perform a simmering set of a half-dozen songs during her headlining set, rather than making her open to a half-full arena.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953292\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053288493.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953292\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053288493.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053288493-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053288493-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053288493-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053288493-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/GettyImages-2053288493-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nicki Minaj performs ‘FTCU’ during the opening night of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour at the Oakland Arena on March 1, 2024. \u003ccite>(Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>During the show, I thought of the prom scene in \u003cem>Mean Girls\u003c/em>, where Cady Heron hands out pieces of her crown to the other girls at school. That’s what Nicki did. I don’t think she really wants the crown back. She just wants people to know where it came from. \u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>During her joyous finale in Oakland — with favorites “Moment for Life,” “Starships” and the eternal “Super Bass” — she made a convincing closing argument for that fact. This jury’s verdict is in: Nicki’s resurrected herself. \u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/arts/13953284/nicki-minaj-review-oakland-arena-pink-friday-2-tour",
"authors": [
"185"
],
"categories": [
"arts_1",
"arts_69",
"arts_235",
"arts_75"
],
"tags": [
"arts_10342",
"arts_10278",
"arts_831",
"arts_21987",
"arts_1143",
"arts_21988",
"arts_974",
"arts_769"
],
"featImg": "arts_13953288",
"label": "arts"
},
"arts_13953137": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "arts_13953137",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13953137",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1709153166000
]
},
"parent": 0,
"labelTerm": {
"site": "arts"
},
"blocks": [],
"publishDate": 1709153166,
"format": "standard",
"title": "Live Review: Madonna Gives a Master Class in ‘Eras’ in San Francisco",
"headTitle": "Live Review: Madonna Gives a Master Class in ‘Eras’ in San Francisco | KQED",
"content": "\u003cp>Let’s get this out of the way: She looked great. Sure, we could talk about Madonna’s face — about how we require aesthetic perfection from women, demand they stay frozen in amber after 40, then become cruel if they try \u003cem>too\u003c/em> hard to maintain the appearance that’s tied to their economic and cultural value — but it’s actually the least interesting thing about her. And if that’s what you wanna talk about, you clearly were not at her Celebration Tour at Chase Center in San Francisco on Tuesday night, because if you were, the only thing you would say about Madonna’s appearance is: Bitch looked \u003cem>great\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even more impressive? This show was rescheduled from October, because the whole Celebration Tour was postponed for six months after a bacterial infection put Madonna in a medically induced coma for several days. Then she got better, got back to rehearsals and went on the damn tour, because she’s Madonna.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953149\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697593-scaled.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953149\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697593-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"a young Black man and an older blonde woman stand side by side on a stage with guitars in western gear\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697593-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697593-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697593-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697593-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697593-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697593-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697593-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697593-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Madonna and her son David Banda perform during The Celebration Tour at The O2 Arena in London on Oct. 15, 2023. \u003ccite>(Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“We honor our mothers, always, don’t we? They gave us life. No matter what, we honor our mothers. Even if they’re motherfuckers!” said the 65-year-old pop star, clad in a leather corset, cowboy hat and fishnets, as the stadium full of people in sparkles, leather and fishnets roared back at her. This was about 90 minutes into a two-hour-and-15 minute set that careened sonically, visually and not-quite-chronologically across her four decades in show business — all for the cumulative effect of a sometimes unintentionally funny but nonetheless captivating musical about Madonna’s life, written, directed and produced by (and of course starring) Madonna.[aside postID='arts_13812867']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This show had everything: Versace bodysuits; a voguing competition; athletic and scantily clad dancers; Bob the Drag Queen; vaguely Y2K screensaver-esque visuals; Prince and Michael Jackson tributes; an abridged but otherwise transcendent version of “Like a Prayer” flanked by rotating neon crosses; and charming appearances by three of Madonna’s musically talented children (her youngest, voguing in a Versace bodysuit, natch). There was also such a high volume of pop culture references, delivered at such a frenetic clip, that when images of Che Guevara and James Baldwin flashed on screen amid clips of Cher and Ariana Grande sometime near the finale, I kinda just went “Sure, that makes sense.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953148\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-6-scaled.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953148\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-6-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"four people in sparkly outfits pose and vogue during a stadium show\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1750\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-6-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-6-800x547.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-6-1020x697.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-6-160x109.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-6-768x525.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-6-1536x1050.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-6-2048x1400.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-6-1920x1313.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bob the Drag Queen and Madonna’s daughter Estere perform during “Vogue” at Madonna’s Celebration Tour show in New York. \u003ccite>(Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you wanna talk “eras,” you have to talk about Madonna, who has — unlike some artists who use the word to describe album cycles — actually reinvented herself a dozen times over the course of 40 years. Back in the “mother” era of the show, as it were, she’d just performed “Mother and Father” with her son, guitarist David Banda, in front of giant photos of both their biological mothers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“And as a mother, I want to say a prayer for peace for the children of the world who are being killed, kidnapped, hurt, harmed, the list goes on,” said Madonna. After imploring the crowd to “do the research, learn the history…not just pick sides and call names,” she told us to turn our phone flashlights on, then led us in a stripped down sing-along of “Express Yourself,” her voice strong and unencumbered without a backing track. Four minutes later we were transported to “La Isla Bonita.” Tropical island breeze, all of nature wild and free, you know the one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953140\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-8-scaled.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953140\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-8-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"a blond woman performs on a rotating stage in a stadium with dancers\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1546\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-8-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-8-800x483.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-8-1020x616.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-8-160x97.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-8-768x464.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-8-1536x928.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-8-2048x1237.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-8-1920x1160.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Madonna performs during The Celebration Tour at Barclays Center in New York on Dec. 14, 2023. The pop star performed at Chase Center in San Francisco on Feb. 27, 2024. \u003ccite>(Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If the tonal shift seemed abrupt, well, Madonna had a lot of career left to pack in. As she reminded us over the course of seven musical “acts” about her life, Madonna has not just courted controversy over her four decades in the spotlight; she drew the blueprint for making a career of it. In the ’80s and ’90s, she challenged societal norms by expressing female sexuality in a way that made enemies out of the Catholic Church, Tipper Gore’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/pop/18111/the-tipper-sticker-at-30-the-most-entertaining-and-least-effective-attempt-at-censorship-in-rock-history\">Parents Music Resource Center\u003c/a> and countless other arbiters of so-called family values. (In one of several between-song skits with her dancers, she dramatized her 1990 near-arrest by Toronto police for simulating masturbation onstage while performing “Like a Virgin.”)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since the aughts, as Madonna herself noted in a voice-over during a montage of outraged headlines, she’s battled ageism along with misogyny: “The most controversial thing I’ve ever done is stick around.” I think that’s probably true. And yet… at some point, after I lost count of how many times she seemed to be visually likening herself to Jesus, I wrote in my notes that “Madonna is always being persecuted!!!?” Which is, frankly, a hilarious framing for someone worth an estimated $850 million, with seven Grammys and two Golden Globes, who was recently re-certified by the Guiness Book of World Records as the reigning \u003cem>best-selling female artist of all time.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953164\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-27-BL_qut.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953164\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-27-BL_qut.jpg\" alt=\"jeans with pictures of Madonna on them\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-27-BL_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-27-BL_qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-27-BL_qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-27-BL_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-27-BL_qut-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-27-BL_qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fan Heather Breiling wears Madonna pants while attending the Madonna Celebration Tour concert at Chase Center in San Francisco on Feb. 27, 2024. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Part of the dissonance, surely, is that pop has evolved since Madonna helped build MTV with shock value, and some of what made her a visionary now seems tame: “Like a Virgin” no longer ruffles feathers in a world with “WAP.” One could argue that’s what happens when visionaries are successful at pushing culture forward — what was once rule-breaking becomes the industry standard.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What is undeniable is just how much she still means to people. Specifically, to the LGBTQ community — to whom Madonna has been an outspoken ally since before the word “ally” was part of our lexicon — and who showed up and showed out last night in style. Local legends from the queer community were everywhere, if you looked, including Sister Roma, Peaches Christ, Honey Mahogany and more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953144\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-09-BL_qut.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953144\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-09-BL_qut.jpg\" alt=\"a drag performer in white makeup and a purple wig poses in front of a sign reading Madonna the celebration tour\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-09-BL_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-09-BL_qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-09-BL_qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-09-BL_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-09-BL_qut-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-09-BL_qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sister Roma poses before the Madonna Celebration Tour concert at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Feb. 27, 2024. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>It made sense, then, when the most genuinely moving moment of the show arrived with a tribute to people who died from AIDS, introduced as an ecstatic performance of “Holiday” drew to a close. The backing track suddenly sounded like a warped record as one of Madonna’s dancers slowly collapsed on the rotating stage. The singer bent to check his pulse, and draped her coat over his body before they both sank into the floor.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953151\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1736271119-scaled.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953151\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1736271119-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"a tribute to people who have died from AIDS\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1736271119-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1736271119-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1736271119-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1736271119-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1736271119-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1736271119-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1736271119-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1736271119-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A tribute to people who died from AIDS during Madonna’s Celebration Tour at The O2 Arena in London on Oct.14, 2023. \u003ccite>(Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Then, as she traversed the stadium in an aerial box performing “Live to Tell,” massive screens began to show black and white photos of Keith Haring, Martin Burgoyne, Alvin Ailey, Arthur Ashe, Freddie Mercury and more, until there were hundreds of tiny photos surrounding us, willing us, here in a city whose gay community was devastated by the AIDS crisis, to look each one of them in the eye.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Madonna has built a career out of pushing forward, and has until now eschewed the idea of a “greatest hits” show, which I’ve always respected. But that moment alone lifted the exercise out of the ordinary, for me. It was the kind of thing that could only really be pulled off, one might say, by someone who’s had the audacity to stick around.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12127869\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"78\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-400x39.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-768x75.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Madonna performs again tonight, Wednesday, Feb. 28, at Chase Center in San Francisco. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n",
"stats": {
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"hasAudio": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"wordCount": 1399,
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"paragraphCount": 17
},
"modified": 1709254447,
"excerpt": "The pop star’s captivating show at Chase Center careened through four decades of music and controversy.",
"headData": {
"twImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twDescription": "",
"description": "The pop star’s captivating show at Chase Center careened through four decades of music and controversy.",
"title": "Live Review: Madonna Gives a Master Class in ‘Eras’ in San Francisco | KQED",
"ogDescription": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Live Review: Madonna Gives a Master Class in ‘Eras’ in San Francisco",
"datePublished": "2024-02-28T12:46:06-08:00",
"dateModified": "2024-02-29T16:54:07-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "live-review-madonna-gives-a-master-class-in-eras-in-san-francisco",
"status": "publish",
"templateType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"sticky": false,
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/arts/13953137/live-review-madonna-gives-a-master-class-in-eras-in-san-francisco",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Let’s get this out of the way: She looked great. Sure, we could talk about Madonna’s face — about how we require aesthetic perfection from women, demand they stay frozen in amber after 40, then become cruel if they try \u003cem>too\u003c/em> hard to maintain the appearance that’s tied to their economic and cultural value — but it’s actually the least interesting thing about her. And if that’s what you wanna talk about, you clearly were not at her Celebration Tour at Chase Center in San Francisco on Tuesday night, because if you were, the only thing you would say about Madonna’s appearance is: Bitch looked \u003cem>great\u003c/em>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Even more impressive? This show was rescheduled from October, because the whole Celebration Tour was postponed for six months after a bacterial infection put Madonna in a medically induced coma for several days. Then she got better, got back to rehearsals and went on the damn tour, because she’s Madonna.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953149\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697593-scaled.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953149\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697593-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"a young Black man and an older blonde woman stand side by side on a stage with guitars in western gear\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697593-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697593-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697593-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697593-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697593-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697593-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697593-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1739697593-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Madonna and her son David Banda perform during The Celebration Tour at The O2 Arena in London on Oct. 15, 2023. \u003ccite>(Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>“We honor our mothers, always, don’t we? They gave us life. No matter what, we honor our mothers. Even if they’re motherfuckers!” said the 65-year-old pop star, clad in a leather corset, cowboy hat and fishnets, as the stadium full of people in sparkles, leather and fishnets roared back at her. This was about 90 minutes into a two-hour-and-15 minute set that careened sonically, visually and not-quite-chronologically across her four decades in show business — all for the cumulative effect of a sometimes unintentionally funny but nonetheless captivating musical about Madonna’s life, written, directed and produced by (and of course starring) Madonna.\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "arts_13812867",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This show had everything: Versace bodysuits; a voguing competition; athletic and scantily clad dancers; Bob the Drag Queen; vaguely Y2K screensaver-esque visuals; Prince and Michael Jackson tributes; an abridged but otherwise transcendent version of “Like a Prayer” flanked by rotating neon crosses; and charming appearances by three of Madonna’s musically talented children (her youngest, voguing in a Versace bodysuit, natch). There was also such a high volume of pop culture references, delivered at such a frenetic clip, that when images of Che Guevara and James Baldwin flashed on screen amid clips of Cher and Ariana Grande sometime near the finale, I kinda just went “Sure, that makes sense.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953148\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-6-scaled.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953148\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-6-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"four people in sparkly outfits pose and vogue during a stadium show\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1750\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-6-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-6-800x547.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-6-1020x697.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-6-160x109.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-6-768x525.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-6-1536x1050.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-6-2048x1400.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-6-1920x1313.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bob the Drag Queen and Madonna’s daughter Estere perform during “Vogue” at Madonna’s Celebration Tour show in New York. \u003ccite>(Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If you wanna talk “eras,” you have to talk about Madonna, who has — unlike some artists who use the word to describe album cycles — actually reinvented herself a dozen times over the course of 40 years. Back in the “mother” era of the show, as it were, she’d just performed “Mother and Father” with her son, guitarist David Banda, in front of giant photos of both their biological mothers.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“And as a mother, I want to say a prayer for peace for the children of the world who are being killed, kidnapped, hurt, harmed, the list goes on,” said Madonna. After imploring the crowd to “do the research, learn the history…not just pick sides and call names,” she told us to turn our phone flashlights on, then led us in a stripped down sing-along of “Express Yourself,” her voice strong and unencumbered without a backing track. Four minutes later we were transported to “La Isla Bonita.” Tropical island breeze, all of nature wild and free, you know the one.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953140\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-8-scaled.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953140\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-8-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"a blond woman performs on a rotating stage in a stadium with dancers\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1546\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-8-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-8-800x483.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-8-1020x616.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-8-160x97.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-8-768x464.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-8-1536x928.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-8-2048x1237.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Getty-Images-_-Kevin-Mazur-8-1920x1160.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Madonna performs during The Celebration Tour at Barclays Center in New York on Dec. 14, 2023. The pop star performed at Chase Center in San Francisco on Feb. 27, 2024. \u003ccite>(Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>If the tonal shift seemed abrupt, well, Madonna had a lot of career left to pack in. As she reminded us over the course of seven musical “acts” about her life, Madonna has not just courted controversy over her four decades in the spotlight; she drew the blueprint for making a career of it. In the ’80s and ’90s, she challenged societal norms by expressing female sexuality in a way that made enemies out of the Catholic Church, Tipper Gore’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/pop/18111/the-tipper-sticker-at-30-the-most-entertaining-and-least-effective-attempt-at-censorship-in-rock-history\">Parents Music Resource Center\u003c/a> and countless other arbiters of so-called family values. (In one of several between-song skits with her dancers, she dramatized her 1990 near-arrest by Toronto police for simulating masturbation onstage while performing “Like a Virgin.”)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Since the aughts, as Madonna herself noted in a voice-over during a montage of outraged headlines, she’s battled ageism along with misogyny: “The most controversial thing I’ve ever done is stick around.” I think that’s probably true. And yet… at some point, after I lost count of how many times she seemed to be visually likening herself to Jesus, I wrote in my notes that “Madonna is always being persecuted!!!?” Which is, frankly, a hilarious framing for someone worth an estimated $850 million, with seven Grammys and two Golden Globes, who was recently re-certified by the Guiness Book of World Records as the reigning \u003cem>best-selling female artist of all time.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953164\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-27-BL_qut.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953164\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-27-BL_qut.jpg\" alt=\"jeans with pictures of Madonna on them\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-27-BL_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-27-BL_qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-27-BL_qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-27-BL_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-27-BL_qut-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-27-BL_qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fan Heather Breiling wears Madonna pants while attending the Madonna Celebration Tour concert at Chase Center in San Francisco on Feb. 27, 2024. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Part of the dissonance, surely, is that pop has evolved since Madonna helped build MTV with shock value, and some of what made her a visionary now seems tame: “Like a Virgin” no longer ruffles feathers in a world with “WAP.” One could argue that’s what happens when visionaries are successful at pushing culture forward — what was once rule-breaking becomes the industry standard.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What is undeniable is just how much she still means to people. Specifically, to the LGBTQ community — to whom Madonna has been an outspoken ally since before the word “ally” was part of our lexicon — and who showed up and showed out last night in style. Local legends from the queer community were everywhere, if you looked, including Sister Roma, Peaches Christ, Honey Mahogany and more.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953144\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-09-BL_qut.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953144\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-09-BL_qut.jpg\" alt=\"a drag performer in white makeup and a purple wig poses in front of a sign reading Madonna the celebration tour\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-09-BL_qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-09-BL_qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-09-BL_qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-09-BL_qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-09-BL_qut-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240227-MadonnaFans-09-BL_qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sister Roma poses before the Madonna Celebration Tour concert at the Chase Center in San Francisco on Feb. 27, 2024. \u003ccite>(Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>It made sense, then, when the most genuinely moving moment of the show arrived with a tribute to people who died from AIDS, introduced as an ecstatic performance of “Holiday” drew to a close. The backing track suddenly sounded like a warped record as one of Madonna’s dancers slowly collapsed on the rotating stage. The singer bent to check his pulse, and draped her coat over his body before they both sank into the floor.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953151\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2560px\">\u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1736271119-scaled.jpg\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953151\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1736271119-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"a tribute to people who have died from AIDS\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1736271119-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1736271119-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1736271119-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1736271119-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1736271119-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1736271119-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1736271119-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1736271119-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\">\u003c/a>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A tribute to people who died from AIDS during Madonna’s Celebration Tour at The O2 Arena in London on Oct.14, 2023. \u003ccite>(Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Live Nation)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Then, as she traversed the stadium in an aerial box performing “Live to Tell,” massive screens began to show black and white photos of Keith Haring, Martin Burgoyne, Alvin Ailey, Arthur Ashe, Freddie Mercury and more, until there were hundreds of tiny photos surrounding us, willing us, here in a city whose gay community was devastated by the AIDS crisis, to look each one of them in the eye.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Madonna has built a career out of pushing forward, and has until now eschewed the idea of a “greatest hits” show, which I’ve always respected. But that moment alone lifted the exercise out of the ordinary, for me. It was the kind of thing that could only really be pulled off, one might say, by someone who’s had the audacity to stick around.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12127869\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"78\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-400x39.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-768x75.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Madonna performs again tonight, Wednesday, Feb. 28, at Chase Center in San Francisco. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/arts/13953137/live-review-madonna-gives-a-master-class-in-eras-in-san-francisco",
"authors": [
"7237"
],
"categories": [
"arts_1",
"arts_69",
"arts_235"
],
"tags": [
"arts_10342",
"arts_10278",
"arts_21808",
"arts_8572"
],
"featImg": "arts_13953153",
"label": "arts"
},
"arts_13952796": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "arts_13952796",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13952796",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1709147035000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "nimsins-vinay-ai-album-documentary-sensory-overload",
"title": "A Bay Area Rapper and Software Engineer Made an AI Album in 24 Hours",
"publishDate": 1709147035,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "A Bay Area Rapper and Software Engineer Made an AI Album in 24 Hours | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "arts"
},
"content": "\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: an East Oakland rapper and Berkeley software engineer fly to New York City to record an album at a DIY studio using beta open-sourced AI technology, then return to the Bay Area to finish it. Oh, and they do it all on a whim, within a total of 24 hours.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">That’s the universe (or metaverse?) we live in today — in which community and creativity are inescapably intertwined with technologies we don’t completely understand, but are learning to maneuver in fast-moving, self-directed ways. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">It’s a reality that \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/nimsins/?hl=en\">Nimsins\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/vinay___/?hl=en\">Vinay Pai\u003c/a> (the rapper and software engineer, respectively) hoped to leverage as friends and artists in their latest collaboration, \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://open.spotify.com/album/7C8vShKWOIcbNXhqMHI7wa\">\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">SENSORY OVERLOAD\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Using a test version of Meta’s\u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://musicgen.com/\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> MusicGen\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (which allows users to generate music from text prompts) and Hugging Face (an open source website where emerging AI research is shared for public use), the creative duo came together for what they’re claiming is the first album to use the latest generative music production technology.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://youtu.be/3DBv2ZxbOjU?feature=shared\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“One of my coworkers used to work on\u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://ai.meta.com/research/\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Fundamental AI Research [FAIR]\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> at Meta. He worked on deep system stuff, not audio. He told me about [MusicGen] existing [before it went fully public],” says Pai, a UC Berkeley computer science graduate who came up with the idea and reached out to Nimsins, with whom he had previously worked on an album. (Pai also produces music under his first name, Vinay.) \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The complete project includes the album, an AI-generated music video and a \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lowvJWnXbe4\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">two-part (human-made) documentary\u003c/span>\u003c/a> \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">about the process. The goal wasn’t necessarily to make the best rap record of all time. It was more about experimenting with new advancements in AI that, at the time the project was recorded last summer, had just leaked to the public on research back channels.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The eight-track, 15-minute effort may indicate a growing trend among Bay Area musicians and adjacent hobbyists, who will likely rely more heavily on AI-augmented tools to make art. And it certainly raises questions that the artists themselves are still attempting to answer.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So you might be wondering: Is the album any good? And what is lost when human artists yield such a substantial part of their creativity to machine-learning algorithms?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3917933877/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/\" width=\"100%\" height=\"500\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\" frameborder=\"0\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Bridging tech and hip-hop in the shadows of Silicon Valley\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pai isn’t your ordinary software engineer. While studying at Cal in the mid-2010s, he began making hip-hop instrumentals in his spare moments, and met producer \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/versaam__/\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Versâam\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, who was a student athlete on campus at the time. Versâam recognized Pai’s talents and enlisted him as an intern at\u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/a/eric-arnold/rap-atlas-oakland\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Emeryville’s famed The Grill Studios\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, where Bay Area rappers like SOB x RBE, Zaytoven, Richie Rich and so many others — including Nimsins — regularly appeared. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">After two years at The Grill, Pai ascended in the local music industry, and went on to produce commercials for major companies like Coca-Cola to air during the 2021 FIFA World Cup. However, he often felt underpaid and undervalued for his work. Once the pandemic forced the studio where he worked to temporarily close, Pai pivoted to his background in engineering, opting for a career that could afford him to continue making music on the side. The right opportunity came for him at that moment: AI development.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“I’m not going to sit here and negotiate with [music executives] about pennies when someone can give me life-changing money to work on AI,” Pai says. “That was a year before the big AI boom. I was really fortunate to be put in that position.” \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“AI is hitting a critical mass,” he continues. “The conversation I’m having with artists is about that. I feel lucky to be a bridge, being in the belly of the beast as far as knowing the technology. Let’s figure out a way [as artists] to use it and take advantage and elevate ourselves.”\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13863297\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-13863297\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/08/StephCurry.Concordia-800x500.jpg\" alt=\"Nimsins (with daughter) meets Steph Curry at Concordia Park in East Oakland after the Warriors star helped unveil a new basketball court at the park.\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/08/StephCurry.Concordia.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/08/StephCurry.Concordia-160x100.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/08/StephCurry.Concordia-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nimsins (and his daughter) with Steph Curry at a community event in 2019. \u003ccite>(@nimfromthaeast/Twitter)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">On the other hand, Nimsins — who is\u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13910282/nimsins-raps-about-east-oakland-with-love\"> \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">a father and mentor to younger artists in East Oakland\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, and is currently studying anthropology and Spanish at San José State University — isn’t embedded in tech. Listening to his discography, you get the sense he’s more interested in philosophy and breaking bread with his people than in profit gains and building an NFT portfolio.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">For Nimsins, \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">SENSORY OVERLOAD\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> stemmed from his relationship with Pai — who Nimsins praises for simultaneously juggling his roles as a sound engineer, talent manager and vocalist on the album — and his own belief in experimenting with the unknown. After all, isn’t that what artists do — regardless of their technological era?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“We recorded some good parts on the album, but there’s some duds, too,” Nimsins admits. “We would sit there for hella long trying to find the right beat, finding the right prompt [to type into MusicGen]. There’s a point in the documentary when you can see how everyone’s spirit changes when we find a good beat. The spirit of collaboration hit the room in a different way.”\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And yet, music is also ultimately about the final output, and not just the process.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the documentary’s first part, filmed in New York City, Pai riffs off the cuff: “The reason I play music is because it brings me joy to be in the wave. When you’re in the pocket playing [instruments] with other people, when you’re in sync with them, like when you’re freestyling or you’re in a cypher, when you’re in a band and everybody’s locked in, that’s the joy of music. At the end of the day though, the money doesn’t come from joy. The money comes from the product.” [aside postid='forum_2010101893314']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Pai’s outlook on the subject maintains a genuine \u003cem>h\u003c/em>\u003cem>ow can we learn to use this before it uses us?\u003c/em> tone throughout. But, of course, it may not be so simple in an industry where the “product” is also becoming devalued. Access to recording equipment has exploded, effectively decentralizing the music industry with an influx of content to stream on corporate platforms that, as Pai acknowledged, pay literal pennies.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To his credit, Pai seems to understand the layered, tangled mess of it all, and isn’t operating with AI blinders on, either.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you want to do what music is meant to do, which is uplift the spirit, to uplift the soul, to bring communities and people together, you have to keep those traditions alive somehow,” he says.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953130\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-13953130\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload3-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"Two artists look at a computer together. \" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload3-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload3-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload3-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload3-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload3-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload3-1920x1080.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nimsins and Vinay Pai (left to right) work in a studio in New York. \u003ccite>(Rudrani Ghosh)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Not completely automated… yet\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“Japanese jazz.” “Black church music.” “Early 2000s Missy Elliott.” “Experimental psychedelic reggae.” “Nigerian drill.” “’90s DMX type upbeat beat.” “Lo-fi hip-hop with futuristic soul sample.”\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">These are all phrases that a room full of creatives churned out together while using MusicGen. The documentary reveals a loose yet meticulous process of back-and-forth deliberation between the engineering producer (Pai), the MC (Nimsins) and a variety of guest artists (friends, rappers, photographers, videographers) who rotate within the 24-hour window to add their two cents, lay down a verse, then dip.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The differences between any beat the skeleton crew approved or canned could be as nearly imperceptible as typing “drill beat with Japanese jazz sample” instead of “drill beat with experimental flute sample” into the text box. Using screenshare recordings, the documentary captures the hivemind brainstorm as each word is collectively supplied, spraying AI-generated noise in random directions before calibrating the aim with each pull of the new-phrase trigger. It’s an admittedly mesmerizing experience to witness, and one which subtly highlights a different kind of creative problem solving that goes into making an AI-assisted soundtrack.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">At one point, the camera turns to Pai, who is asked about his thoughts on this emerging tech. His response is sobering, transparent and laden with complex truths: “It’s gonna make it a lot easier to express your ideas. People who don’t have the training, background or experience can get their ideas out way faster. So it’s going to empower a lot of people. But it’s definitely going to change the business.” \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“If AI can make [an instrumental] in five seconds, way faster than me… it’s gonna fuck up the producer game for sure,” he adds. “But as artists you gotta adapt and find a way to create new forms of art.”\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nimsims doesn’t shy away from the contradictory elements that underpin the duo’s forward-thinking, if not opportunistic, AI-rap dabbling, either.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953131\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-13953131\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload2-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"A rapper in the booth.\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload2-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload2-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload2-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload2-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload2-1920x1080.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Big Baby Gandhi records his feature on Nimsins’ ‘SENSORY OVERLOAD’ album. \u003ccite>(Rudrani Ghosh)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“I wouldn’t do it again myself,” says Nimsins. “I know hella dope producers. I like being hands on. It only worked because Vinay is someone I trust and enjoy. But I like to make my own beats, looking for samples, all that. It was something to do in the moment, like a challenge, something we should learn more about.”\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">On the opening track, “ALGORITHMS,” Nimsins spits with his usual word-bending subversion: “Face to the screen and screen to the face / …An algorithm with no rhythm to name / Had ideas, they beginning to fade / Was unique, now wе one and the same / With nobody to blamе, an entity without a thing we can name.” \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The project involves nine credited musical artists — among them are Indian American rappers and Puerto Rican lyricists, who references are as varied as Islamic teachings and a full verse in Spanish. Considering it was written and recorded using pirate studios on both coasts of the country, all in 24 hours, the album low-key slaps and shows no discernable signs of automated production.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Call it new school, but you can’t knock the cyber hustle. Maybe the Too $horts and E-40s of tomorrow will just have to be out-the-high-tech-trunk with their digitized game in ways previous generations didn’t have to be. Maybe AI developers will supplant record labels.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Maybe we’ll have to embrace what the future holds for tech-savvy artists, and what tech-savvy artists hold for the future.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-12127869\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"78\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-400x39.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-768x75.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">‘SENSORY OVERLOAD’ is available on Bandcamp. All proceeds from the album go to \u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003ca href=\"https://brl-inc.org/\">\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Beats Rhymes and Life\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/a>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, an Oakland-based non-profit for hip-hop education.\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": "Nimsins and Vinay Pai generated beats using text prompts. They still feel conflicted about it.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1726701906,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": true,
"iframeSrcs": [
"https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3917933877/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/"
],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 36,
"wordCount": 1884
},
"headData": {
"title": "A Bay Area Rapper and Software Engineer Made an AI Album in 24 Hours | KQED",
"description": "Nimsins and Vinay Pai generated beats using text prompts. They still feel conflicted about it.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "A Bay Area Rapper and Software Engineer Made an AI Album in 24 Hours",
"datePublished": "2024-02-28T11:03:55-08:00",
"dateModified": "2024-09-18T16:25:06-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"sticky": false,
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/arts/13952796/nimsins-vinay-ai-album-documentary-sensory-overload",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: an East Oakland rapper and Berkeley software engineer fly to New York City to record an album at a DIY studio using beta open-sourced AI technology, then return to the Bay Area to finish it. Oh, and they do it all on a whim, within a total of 24 hours.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">That’s the universe (or metaverse?) we live in today — in which community and creativity are inescapably intertwined with technologies we don’t completely understand, but are learning to maneuver in fast-moving, self-directed ways. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">It’s a reality that \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/nimsins/?hl=en\">Nimsins\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/vinay___/?hl=en\">Vinay Pai\u003c/a> (the rapper and software engineer, respectively) hoped to leverage as friends and artists in their latest collaboration, \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://open.spotify.com/album/7C8vShKWOIcbNXhqMHI7wa\">\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">SENSORY OVERLOAD\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Using a test version of Meta’s\u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://musicgen.com/\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> MusicGen\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> (which allows users to generate music from text prompts) and Hugging Face (an open source website where emerging AI research is shared for public use), the creative duo came together for what they’re claiming is the first album to use the latest generative music production technology.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/3DBv2ZxbOjU'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/3DBv2ZxbOjU'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“One of my coworkers used to work on\u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://ai.meta.com/research/\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Fundamental AI Research [FAIR]\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> at Meta. He worked on deep system stuff, not audio. He told me about [MusicGen] existing [before it went fully public],” says Pai, a UC Berkeley computer science graduate who came up with the idea and reached out to Nimsins, with whom he had previously worked on an album. (Pai also produces music under his first name, Vinay.) \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The complete project includes the album, an AI-generated music video and a \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lowvJWnXbe4\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">two-part (human-made) documentary\u003c/span>\u003c/a> \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">about the process. The goal wasn’t necessarily to make the best rap record of all time. It was more about experimenting with new advancements in AI that, at the time the project was recorded last summer, had just leaked to the public on research back channels.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The eight-track, 15-minute effort may indicate a growing trend among Bay Area musicians and adjacent hobbyists, who will likely rely more heavily on AI-augmented tools to make art. And it certainly raises questions that the artists themselves are still attempting to answer.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">So you might be wondering: Is the album any good? And what is lost when human artists yield such a substantial part of their creativity to machine-learning algorithms?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3917933877/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/\" width=\"100%\" height=\"500\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\" frameborder=\"0\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Bridging tech and hip-hop in the shadows of Silicon Valley\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pai isn’t your ordinary software engineer. While studying at Cal in the mid-2010s, he began making hip-hop instrumentals in his spare moments, and met producer \u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/versaam__/\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Versâam\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, who was a student athlete on campus at the time. Versâam recognized Pai’s talents and enlisted him as an intern at\u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/a/eric-arnold/rap-atlas-oakland\">\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> Emeryville’s famed The Grill Studios\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, where Bay Area rappers like SOB x RBE, Zaytoven, Richie Rich and so many others — including Nimsins — regularly appeared. \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">After two years at The Grill, Pai ascended in the local music industry, and went on to produce commercials for major companies like Coca-Cola to air during the 2021 FIFA World Cup. However, he often felt underpaid and undervalued for his work. Once the pandemic forced the studio where he worked to temporarily close, Pai pivoted to his background in engineering, opting for a career that could afford him to continue making music on the side. The right opportunity came for him at that moment: AI development.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“I’m not going to sit here and negotiate with [music executives] about pennies when someone can give me life-changing money to work on AI,” Pai says. “That was a year before the big AI boom. I was really fortunate to be put in that position.” \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“AI is hitting a critical mass,” he continues. “The conversation I’m having with artists is about that. I feel lucky to be a bridge, being in the belly of the beast as far as knowing the technology. Let’s figure out a way [as artists] to use it and take advantage and elevate ourselves.”\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13863297\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-13863297\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/08/StephCurry.Concordia-800x500.jpg\" alt=\"Nimsins (with daughter) meets Steph Curry at Concordia Park in East Oakland after the Warriors star helped unveil a new basketball court at the park.\" width=\"800\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/08/StephCurry.Concordia.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/08/StephCurry.Concordia-160x100.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/08/StephCurry.Concordia-768x480.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nimsins (and his daughter) with Steph Curry at a community event in 2019. \u003ccite>(@nimfromthaeast/Twitter)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">On the other hand, Nimsins — who is\u003c/span>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13910282/nimsins-raps-about-east-oakland-with-love\"> \u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">a father and mentor to younger artists in East Oakland\u003c/span>\u003c/a>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, and is currently studying anthropology and Spanish at San José State University — isn’t embedded in tech. Listening to his discography, you get the sense he’s more interested in philosophy and breaking bread with his people than in profit gains and building an NFT portfolio.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">For Nimsins, \u003c/span>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">SENSORY OVERLOAD\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\"> stemmed from his relationship with Pai — who Nimsins praises for simultaneously juggling his roles as a sound engineer, talent manager and vocalist on the album — and his own belief in experimenting with the unknown. After all, isn’t that what artists do — regardless of their technological era?\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“We recorded some good parts on the album, but there’s some duds, too,” Nimsins admits. “We would sit there for hella long trying to find the right beat, finding the right prompt [to type into MusicGen]. There’s a point in the documentary when you can see how everyone’s spirit changes when we find a good beat. The spirit of collaboration hit the room in a different way.”\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And yet, music is also ultimately about the final output, and not just the process.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the documentary’s first part, filmed in New York City, Pai riffs off the cuff: “The reason I play music is because it brings me joy to be in the wave. When you’re in the pocket playing [instruments] with other people, when you’re in sync with them, like when you’re freestyling or you’re in a cypher, when you’re in a band and everybody’s locked in, that’s the joy of music. At the end of the day though, the money doesn’t come from joy. The money comes from the product.” \u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "forum_2010101893314",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Pai’s outlook on the subject maintains a genuine \u003cem>h\u003c/em>\u003cem>ow can we learn to use this before it uses us?\u003c/em> tone throughout. But, of course, it may not be so simple in an industry where the “product” is also becoming devalued. Access to recording equipment has exploded, effectively decentralizing the music industry with an influx of content to stream on corporate platforms that, as Pai acknowledged, pay literal pennies.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To his credit, Pai seems to understand the layered, tangled mess of it all, and isn’t operating with AI blinders on, either.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“If you want to do what music is meant to do, which is uplift the spirit, to uplift the soul, to bring communities and people together, you have to keep those traditions alive somehow,” he says.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953130\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-13953130\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload3-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"Two artists look at a computer together. \" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload3-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload3-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload3-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload3-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload3-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload3-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload3-1920x1080.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Nimsins and Vinay Pai (left to right) work in a studio in New York. \u003ccite>(Rudrani Ghosh)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Not completely automated… yet\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“Japanese jazz.” “Black church music.” “Early 2000s Missy Elliott.” “Experimental psychedelic reggae.” “Nigerian drill.” “’90s DMX type upbeat beat.” “Lo-fi hip-hop with futuristic soul sample.”\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">These are all phrases that a room full of creatives churned out together while using MusicGen. The documentary reveals a loose yet meticulous process of back-and-forth deliberation between the engineering producer (Pai), the MC (Nimsins) and a variety of guest artists (friends, rappers, photographers, videographers) who rotate within the 24-hour window to add their two cents, lay down a verse, then dip.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The differences between any beat the skeleton crew approved or canned could be as nearly imperceptible as typing “drill beat with Japanese jazz sample” instead of “drill beat with experimental flute sample” into the text box. Using screenshare recordings, the documentary captures the hivemind brainstorm as each word is collectively supplied, spraying AI-generated noise in random directions before calibrating the aim with each pull of the new-phrase trigger. It’s an admittedly mesmerizing experience to witness, and one which subtly highlights a different kind of creative problem solving that goes into making an AI-assisted soundtrack.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">At one point, the camera turns to Pai, who is asked about his thoughts on this emerging tech. His response is sobering, transparent and laden with complex truths: “It’s gonna make it a lot easier to express your ideas. People who don’t have the training, background or experience can get their ideas out way faster. So it’s going to empower a lot of people. But it’s definitely going to change the business.” \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“If AI can make [an instrumental] in five seconds, way faster than me… it’s gonna fuck up the producer game for sure,” he adds. “But as artists you gotta adapt and find a way to create new forms of art.”\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Nimsims doesn’t shy away from the contradictory elements that underpin the duo’s forward-thinking, if not opportunistic, AI-rap dabbling, either.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953131\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 800px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-13953131\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload2-800x450.jpg\" alt=\"A rapper in the booth.\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload2-800x450.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload2-1020x574.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload2-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload2-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/sensoryoverload2-1920x1080.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Big Baby Gandhi records his feature on Nimsins’ ‘SENSORY OVERLOAD’ album. \u003ccite>(Rudrani Ghosh)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">“I wouldn’t do it again myself,” says Nimsins. “I know hella dope producers. I like being hands on. It only worked because Vinay is someone I trust and enjoy. But I like to make my own beats, looking for samples, all that. It was something to do in the moment, like a challenge, something we should learn more about.”\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">On the opening track, “ALGORITHMS,” Nimsins spits with his usual word-bending subversion: “Face to the screen and screen to the face / …An algorithm with no rhythm to name / Had ideas, they beginning to fade / Was unique, now wе one and the same / With nobody to blamе, an entity without a thing we can name.” \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">The project involves nine credited musical artists — among them are Indian American rappers and Puerto Rican lyricists, who references are as varied as Islamic teachings and a full verse in Spanish. Considering it was written and recorded using pirate studios on both coasts of the country, all in 24 hours, the album low-key slaps and shows no discernable signs of automated production.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Call it new school, but you can’t knock the cyber hustle. Maybe the Too $horts and E-40s of tomorrow will just have to be out-the-high-tech-trunk with their digitized game in ways previous generations didn’t have to be. Maybe AI developers will supplant record labels.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Maybe we’ll have to embrace what the future holds for tech-savvy artists, and what tech-savvy artists hold for the future.\u003c/span>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-12127869\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"78\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-400x39.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-768x75.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">‘SENSORY OVERLOAD’ is available on Bandcamp. All proceeds from the album go to \u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003ca href=\"https://brl-inc.org/\">\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">Beats Rhymes and Life\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/a>\u003ci>\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400\">, an Oakland-based non-profit for hip-hop education.\u003c/span>\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/arts/13952796/nimsins-vinay-ai-album-documentary-sensory-overload",
"authors": [
"11748"
],
"categories": [
"arts_1",
"arts_2303",
"arts_69"
],
"tags": [
"arts_21891",
"arts_8505",
"arts_10342",
"arts_10278",
"arts_1935"
],
"featImg": "arts_13953126",
"label": "arts"
},
"arts_13953112": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "arts_13953112",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13953112",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1709075704000
]
},
"parent": 0,
"labelTerm": {
"site": "arts"
},
"blocks": [],
"publishDate": 1709075704,
"format": "standard",
"title": "2 Men Convicted of Killing Run-DMC’s Jam Master Jay, Nearly 22 Years After His Death",
"headTitle": "2 Men Convicted of Killing Run-DMC’s Jam Master Jay, Nearly 22 Years After His Death | KQED",
"content": "\u003cp>Two men were convicted of murder Tuesday in the death of Run-DMC star Jam Master Jay, a brazen 2002 shooting in the rap legend’s studio.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>An anonymous Brooklyn federal jury found Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington guilty of killing the pioneering DJ over what prosecutors characterized as revenge for a failed drug deal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jam Master Jay, born Jason Mizell, worked the turntables in Run-DMC as it helped hip-hop break into the pop music mainstream in the 1980s with such hits as “It’s Tricky” and a fresh take on Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postid='arts_13827651']Like the slayings of rap icons Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G. in the late 1990s, the Oct. 30, 2002, shooting remained unsolved for years. Authorities were deluged with tips, rumors and theories but struggled to get witnesses to open up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s no mystery why it took years to indict and arrest the defendants,” Breon Peace, the top federal prosecutor in Brooklyn, told reporters after the verdict. “The witnesses in the recording studio knew the killers, and they were terrified that they would be retaliated against if they cooperated with law enforcement and identified the ruthless executioners of Mr. Mizell. But their strength and resolve in testifying at this trial were a triumph of right over wrong and courage over fear.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jordan, 40, was the famous DJ’s godson. Washington, 59, was an old friend who was bunking at the home of the DJ’s sister. Both men were arrested in 2020 and pleaded not guilty.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Y’all just killed two innocent people,” Washington yelled at the jury following the guilty verdict.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jordan’s supporters also erupted at the verdict, cursing the jury. “I love y’all,” Jordan said to the group who sat in the courtroom pews before they were escorted out by U.S. Marshalls after more yelling.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lawyers for both men said they’ve made a formal request for the judge to set aside the jury’s guilty verdict and acquit them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postid='arts_13952208']“We’re optimistic,” one of Washington’s lawyers, Susan Kellman, told reporters. “My client did not do this. And the jury heard testimony about the person who did.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The men’s names, or at least their nicknames, have been floated for decades in connection to the case. Authorities publicly named Washington as a suspect in 2007. He, meanwhile, told \u003cem>Playboy\u003c/em> magazine in 2003 he’d been outside the studio, heard the shots and saw “Little D” — one of Jordan’s monikers — racing out of the building.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mizell had been part of Run-DMC’s anti-drug message, delivered through a public service announcement and such lyrics as “we are not thugs / we don’t use drugs.” But according to prosecutors and \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/jam-master-jay-run-dmc-murder-trial-e6d4ce2e42e7f542f072a1ae17feb7bb\">trial testimony\u003c/a>, he racked up debts after the group’s heyday and moonlighted as a cocaine middleman to cover his bills and habitual generosity to friends.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“He was a man who got involved in the drug game to take care of the people who depended on him,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Artie McConnell said in his summation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Prosecution witnesses testified that in Mizell’s final months, he had a plan to acquire 10 kilograms of cocaine and sell it through Jordan, Washington and a Baltimore-based dealer. But the Baltimore connection refused to work with Washington, according to testimony.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to prosecutors, Washington and Jordan went after Mizell for the sake of vengeance, greed and jealousy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postid='arts_13927349']Two eyewitnesses, former studio aide Uriel Rincon and former Mizell business manager Lydia High, testified that Washington blocked the door and ordered High to lie on the floor. She said he brandished a gun.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rincon identified Jordan as the man who approached Mizell and exchanged a friendly greeting moments before shots rang out and one bullet wounded Rincon himself. Three other people, including a teenage singer who had just stopped by the studio to tout her demo tape, testified that they were in an adjoining room and heard but didn’t see what happened.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Other witnesses testified that Washington and Jordan made incriminating statements about the Mizell killing after it happened.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Neither Washington nor Jordan testified. Their lawyers questioned key prosecution witnesses’ credibility and their memories of the long-ago shooting, noting that some initially denied they could identify the attackers or had heard who they were.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Virtually every witness changed their testimony 180 degrees,” Kellman told the judge during legal arguments.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The witnesses said they had been overwhelmed, loath to pass along secondhand information or scared for their lives.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Washington’s defense also tapped a retired psychology professor, who testified that people’s recollections of any event can become a blend of what they actually experienced and subsequently learned.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The trial shed limited light on a third defendant, Jay Bryant, who was charged last year after prosecutors said his DNA was found on a hat at the scene. They assert that he slipped into the studio building and let Washington and Jordan in through fire door in the back so they could avoid buzzing up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bryant has pleaded not guilty and is headed toward a separate trial.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postid='pop_30466']Testimony suggested that he knew someone in common with his co-defendants, but there’s no indication that Bryant was close with Mizell, if indeed they ever met.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bryant’s uncle testified that his nephew told him he shot Mizell after the DJ reached for a gun, a scenario no other witnesses described.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>McConnell said Bryant was “involved, but he’s not the killer.” Prosecutors’ theory doesn’t even place Bryant in the studio, though that’s where authorities found the hat with DNA from him and other people — but not the other defendants, according to court filings.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Still, McConnell suggested that Jordan or Washington could accidentally have left the hat behind after Bryant came into contact with it. But lawyers for Washington and Jordan portrayed the garment as a key piece of evidence in their clients’ favor.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Jay Bryant is literally reasonable doubt,” one of Jordan’s lawyers, Michael Hueston, told jurors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While the case may complicate Mizell’s image, Syracuse University media professor J. Christopher Hamilton says it shouldn’t be blotted out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If he was indeed involved in dealing drugs, “that doesn’t mean to say his achievements shouldn’t be lauded,” said Hamilton, a former entertainment lawyer and Brooklyn prosecutor who grew up partly in Mizell’s neighborhood. Hamilton argues that acceptance from local underworld figures was a necessity for successful rappers of the ’80s and ’90s.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You don’t get these individuals without them walking through the gauntlet of the street,” Hamilton said.\u003c/p>\n\n",
"stats": {
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"hasAudio": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"wordCount": 1191,
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"paragraphCount": 34
},
"modified": 1709076093,
"excerpt": "An anonymous Brooklyn federal jury found Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington guilty of killing the beloved DJ.",
"headData": {
"twImgId": "",
"twTitle": "2 Men Convicted of Killing Run-DMC’s Jam Master Jay, Nearly 22 Years After His Death",
"socialTitle": "Jam Master Jay’s Killers Convicted in Brooklyn %%page%% %%sep%% KQED",
"ogTitle": "2 Men Convicted of Killing Run-DMC’s Jam Master Jay, Nearly 22 Years After His Death",
"ogImgId": "",
"twDescription": "",
"description": "An anonymous Brooklyn federal jury found Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington guilty of killing the beloved DJ.",
"title": "Jam Master Jay’s Killers Convicted in Brooklyn | KQED",
"ogDescription": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "2 Men Convicted of Killing Run-DMC’s Jam Master Jay, Nearly 22 Years After His Death",
"datePublished": "2024-02-27T15:15:04-08:00",
"dateModified": "2024-02-27T15:21:33-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "jam-master-jay-murder-convictions-karl-jordan-ronald-washington",
"status": "publish",
"templateType": "standard",
"nprByline": "Cedar Attanasio, Associated Press",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"sticky": false,
"showOnAuthorArchivePages": "No",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/arts/13953112/jam-master-jay-murder-convictions-karl-jordan-ronald-washington",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Two men were convicted of murder Tuesday in the death of Run-DMC star Jam Master Jay, a brazen 2002 shooting in the rap legend’s studio.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>An anonymous Brooklyn federal jury found Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington guilty of killing the pioneering DJ over what prosecutors characterized as revenge for a failed drug deal.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jam Master Jay, born Jason Mizell, worked the turntables in Run-DMC as it helped hip-hop break into the pop music mainstream in the 1980s with such hits as “It’s Tricky” and a fresh take on Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "arts_13827651",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Like the slayings of rap icons Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G. in the late 1990s, the Oct. 30, 2002, shooting remained unsolved for years. Authorities were deluged with tips, rumors and theories but struggled to get witnesses to open up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“It’s no mystery why it took years to indict and arrest the defendants,” Breon Peace, the top federal prosecutor in Brooklyn, told reporters after the verdict. “The witnesses in the recording studio knew the killers, and they were terrified that they would be retaliated against if they cooperated with law enforcement and identified the ruthless executioners of Mr. Mizell. But their strength and resolve in testifying at this trial were a triumph of right over wrong and courage over fear.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jordan, 40, was the famous DJ’s godson. Washington, 59, was an old friend who was bunking at the home of the DJ’s sister. Both men were arrested in 2020 and pleaded not guilty.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Y’all just killed two innocent people,” Washington yelled at the jury following the guilty verdict.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Jordan’s supporters also erupted at the verdict, cursing the jury. “I love y’all,” Jordan said to the group who sat in the courtroom pews before they were escorted out by U.S. Marshalls after more yelling.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Lawyers for both men said they’ve made a formal request for the judge to set aside the jury’s guilty verdict and acquit them.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "arts_13952208",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>“We’re optimistic,” one of Washington’s lawyers, Susan Kellman, told reporters. “My client did not do this. And the jury heard testimony about the person who did.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The men’s names, or at least their nicknames, have been floated for decades in connection to the case. Authorities publicly named Washington as a suspect in 2007. He, meanwhile, told \u003cem>Playboy\u003c/em> magazine in 2003 he’d been outside the studio, heard the shots and saw “Little D” — one of Jordan’s monikers — racing out of the building.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Mizell had been part of Run-DMC’s anti-drug message, delivered through a public service announcement and such lyrics as “we are not thugs / we don’t use drugs.” But according to prosecutors and \u003ca href=\"https://apnews.com/article/jam-master-jay-run-dmc-murder-trial-e6d4ce2e42e7f542f072a1ae17feb7bb\">trial testimony\u003c/a>, he racked up debts after the group’s heyday and moonlighted as a cocaine middleman to cover his bills and habitual generosity to friends.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“He was a man who got involved in the drug game to take care of the people who depended on him,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Artie McConnell said in his summation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Prosecution witnesses testified that in Mizell’s final months, he had a plan to acquire 10 kilograms of cocaine and sell it through Jordan, Washington and a Baltimore-based dealer. But the Baltimore connection refused to work with Washington, according to testimony.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>According to prosecutors, Washington and Jordan went after Mizell for the sake of vengeance, greed and jealousy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "arts_13927349",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Two eyewitnesses, former studio aide Uriel Rincon and former Mizell business manager Lydia High, testified that Washington blocked the door and ordered High to lie on the floor. She said he brandished a gun.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Rincon identified Jordan as the man who approached Mizell and exchanged a friendly greeting moments before shots rang out and one bullet wounded Rincon himself. Three other people, including a teenage singer who had just stopped by the studio to tout her demo tape, testified that they were in an adjoining room and heard but didn’t see what happened.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Other witnesses testified that Washington and Jordan made incriminating statements about the Mizell killing after it happened.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Neither Washington nor Jordan testified. Their lawyers questioned key prosecution witnesses’ credibility and their memories of the long-ago shooting, noting that some initially denied they could identify the attackers or had heard who they were.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Virtually every witness changed their testimony 180 degrees,” Kellman told the judge during legal arguments.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The witnesses said they had been overwhelmed, loath to pass along secondhand information or scared for their lives.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Washington’s defense also tapped a retired psychology professor, who testified that people’s recollections of any event can become a blend of what they actually experienced and subsequently learned.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The trial shed limited light on a third defendant, Jay Bryant, who was charged last year after prosecutors said his DNA was found on a hat at the scene. They assert that he slipped into the studio building and let Washington and Jordan in through fire door in the back so they could avoid buzzing up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bryant has pleaded not guilty and is headed toward a separate trial.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "pop_30466",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Testimony suggested that he knew someone in common with his co-defendants, but there’s no indication that Bryant was close with Mizell, if indeed they ever met.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Bryant’s uncle testified that his nephew told him he shot Mizell after the DJ reached for a gun, a scenario no other witnesses described.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>McConnell said Bryant was “involved, but he’s not the killer.” Prosecutors’ theory doesn’t even place Bryant in the studio, though that’s where authorities found the hat with DNA from him and other people — but not the other defendants, according to court filings.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Still, McConnell suggested that Jordan or Washington could accidentally have left the hat behind after Bryant came into contact with it. But lawyers for Washington and Jordan portrayed the garment as a key piece of evidence in their clients’ favor.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Jay Bryant is literally reasonable doubt,” one of Jordan’s lawyers, Michael Hueston, told jurors.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While the case may complicate Mizell’s image, Syracuse University media professor J. Christopher Hamilton says it shouldn’t be blotted out.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If he was indeed involved in dealing drugs, “that doesn’t mean to say his achievements shouldn’t be lauded,” said Hamilton, a former entertainment lawyer and Brooklyn prosecutor who grew up partly in Mizell’s neighborhood. Hamilton argues that acceptance from local underworld figures was a necessity for successful rappers of the ’80s and ’90s.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“You don’t get these individuals without them walking through the gauntlet of the street,” Hamilton said.\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/arts/13953112/jam-master-jay-murder-convictions-karl-jordan-ronald-washington",
"authors": [
"byline_arts_13953112"
],
"categories": [
"arts_1",
"arts_69",
"arts_235"
],
"tags": [
"arts_21822",
"arts_831"
],
"featImg": "arts_13884929",
"label": "arts"
},
"arts_13953009": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "arts_13953009",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13953009",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1708994696000
]
},
"parent": 0,
"labelTerm": {
"site": "arts",
"term": 140
},
"blocks": [],
"publishDate": 1708994696,
"format": "standard",
"title": "Berkeley Rapper LOE Gino's Got Birkenstocks — and Bars",
"headTitle": "Berkeley Rapper LOE Gino’s Got Birkenstocks — and Bars | KQED",
"content": "\u003cp>A few things to know about Berkeley’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/loe.gino/\">LOE Gino\u003c/a>: He’s a rapper, delivery truck driver, and a self-proclaimed foodie. He avidly rocks Birkenstock sandals, \u003cem>with\u003c/em> socks, and has a clever way of putting personal pain into his art.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The first part of his stage name, LOE, stands for \u003ca href=\"https://www.berkeleyside.org/2021/07/22/berkeley-hip-hop-artist-loe-gino\">loyalty over everything\u003c/a>. The second part, Gino, comes from his late mother, Gina.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At 6’3″ with locs, shaved at the side, he stands out in a crowd — and he’s often in one. He’s rocked stages all over the region, from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/CvxpteTyGdI/?img_index=1\">The Plant Queen\u003c/a> nursery shop in his hometown of Berkeley to \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/C3RNmJrR_Jd/\">LaRussell’s pergola in Vallejo\u003c/a>. Last fall, I saw him perform a full set at Lola’s Lounge in Sacramento — a good portion of it while holding his young son.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953018\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2458px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953018\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-1.01.06-PM.png\" alt=\"Berkeley rapper LOE Gino looks skyward.\" width=\"2458\" height=\"1616\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-1.01.06-PM.png 2458w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-1.01.06-PM-800x526.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-1.01.06-PM-1020x671.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-1.01.06-PM-160x105.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-1.01.06-PM-768x505.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-1.01.06-PM-1536x1010.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-1.01.06-PM-2048x1346.png 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-1.01.06-PM-1920x1262.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2458px) 100vw, 2458px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Berkeley rapper LOE Gino looks skyward. \u003ccite>(Jason 'Yeiseon' Hayes)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>His bars are cerebral and relatable; another human writing to process their thoughts, and at the same time escape their thought process.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Craft brew drinker, with the cold pizza / Thoughts everywhere, I’m a fucking over-thinker / Never trip when they catted, I just turned them into believers / Showed up for myself and that’s on Citas,” he says in the song “What’s Life Supposed To Look Like?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That idea of showing up for yourself, or SUFY, is a guiding principle in his career and brand. When he invited me over to listen to his new project, I had to show up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID='arts_13950855']Inside his home garage-slash studio space, Gino sat with his friend and multimedia producer, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/cheatcodeproductions_/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cheatcode\u003c/a>, who handed me a pair of studio headphones. The plan was for me to listen to Gino’s new release, \u003ca href=\"https://linktr.ee/loegino\">\u003ci>Everything Gone Be Aight\u003c/i>\u003c/a>, after which they’d film my reaction.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While I listened to the 15 minute-long project — head-nodding and stretching my legs on a pair of stairs in the backyard — they made small talk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I can’t recall the last time I pulled up to an artist’s crib and listened to their newest work. Nothing like standing next to someone while they play a recording of themselves, pouring out their heart over drums, snares and guitar riffs. Assessing someone’s latest contribution to humanity while being right next to them. It can make for a very awkward situation. \u003cem>What if the album doesn’t slap?!\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That wasn’t the case.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID='arts_13950431']The first three tracks of \u003ci>Everything Gone Be Aight\u003c/i> are fun, full of clever bars and quality production. There’s a cold guitar solo from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/gyrefunk/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gyrefunk\u003c/a> on “Lox n Stocks,” and a dope drum breakdown by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/deafheff/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Deaf Heff\u003c/a> on “Lavender Candles.” The EP’s lyrics reference the things that make Gino who he is: reflective walks in the Berkeley hills, thoughts about deceased loved ones, and Birkenstocks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Vices,” the fourth track, is a heavy one. I didn’t fully grasp the story being told on first listen, but two lines stood out: “Late night she was typing her essay / Bitch nigga came in the room gave her SA.” A few listens later, I understood that it’s Gino’s account of a young family member’s life both before and after surviving sexual assault.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Intimate details like these, both universal and personal, are present throughout the EP. Gino writes about seeing his mother take her last breath, his photosynthetic relationship with his radiant son and his appreciation for lavender and sage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Whats life supposed to look like?\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/YyqvBdS0lSI?list=OLAK5uy_ngXaY_qX7MZ28FRUug1Z1fjpIChdDAcdA\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen>\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The project ends with “Brandon Greene,” a 90-second track with bright keys, airy synths and wispy background vocals from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/shante_music/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shanté\u003c/a>. Gino writes about pills and anxiety, a nod to the life story of a guy named Brandon, who Gino met at work. During a 20-minute conversation, Brandon opened up about his youthful addiction to pills, and how it manifested as an adult. Gino hasn’t seen or talked to Brandon since, but it’s clear from the track that his story left a lasting impression.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Days later, after a few listens, I called Gino and asked him about the inspiration behind this project as a whole. While on the job, between shouting instructions and making deliveries, he answered with “the hard shit I go through.” Laughing, he noted that being able to adjust and persevere are key, and that ultimately, it’s his ever-cool mindset that pushed him to make this music.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As he says: “Everything gone be alright, even when it’s looking like it’s not.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12127869\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"78\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-400x39.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-768x75.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>LOE Gino’s ‘\u003ca href=\"https://linktr.ee/loegino\">\u003ci>Everything Gone Be Aight\u003c/i>\u003c/a>‘ is \u003ca href=\"https://linktr.ee/loegino\">out now\u003c/a>. He performs live on \u003ca href=\"https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/60493678/live-in-the-atriumloe-gino-dave-steezy-santa-cruz-the-catalyst-atrium\">Sunday, March 24 at the Catalyst Atrium in Santa Cruz\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
"stats": {
"hasVideo": true,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"hasAudio": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"wordCount": 829,
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"paragraphCount": 21
},
"modified": 1709071162,
"excerpt": "LOE Gino raps with equal ease about heavy moments, like his mother's dying breath, and everyday joys.",
"headData": {
"twImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twDescription": "",
"description": "LOE Gino raps with equal ease about heavy moments, like his mother's dying breath, and everyday joys.",
"title": "Berkeley Rapper LOE Gino's Got Birkenstocks — and Bars | KQED",
"ogDescription": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Berkeley Rapper LOE Gino's Got Birkenstocks — and Bars",
"datePublished": "2024-02-26T16:44:56-08:00",
"dateModified": "2024-02-27T13:59:22-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "loe-gino-berkeley-birkenstocks-and-bars",
"status": "publish",
"templateType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"sticky": false,
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/arts/13953009/loe-gino-berkeley-birkenstocks-and-bars",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>A few things to know about Berkeley’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/loe.gino/\">LOE Gino\u003c/a>: He’s a rapper, delivery truck driver, and a self-proclaimed foodie. He avidly rocks Birkenstock sandals, \u003cem>with\u003c/em> socks, and has a clever way of putting personal pain into his art.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The first part of his stage name, LOE, stands for \u003ca href=\"https://www.berkeleyside.org/2021/07/22/berkeley-hip-hop-artist-loe-gino\">loyalty over everything\u003c/a>. The second part, Gino, comes from his late mother, Gina.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>At 6’3″ with locs, shaved at the side, he stands out in a crowd — and he’s often in one. He’s rocked stages all over the region, from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/CvxpteTyGdI/?img_index=1\">The Plant Queen\u003c/a> nursery shop in his hometown of Berkeley to \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/C3RNmJrR_Jd/\">LaRussell’s pergola in Vallejo\u003c/a>. Last fall, I saw him perform a full set at Lola’s Lounge in Sacramento — a good portion of it while holding his young son.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13953018\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2458px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13953018\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-1.01.06-PM.png\" alt=\"Berkeley rapper LOE Gino looks skyward.\" width=\"2458\" height=\"1616\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-1.01.06-PM.png 2458w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-1.01.06-PM-800x526.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-1.01.06-PM-1020x671.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-1.01.06-PM-160x105.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-1.01.06-PM-768x505.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-1.01.06-PM-1536x1010.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-1.01.06-PM-2048x1346.png 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screenshot-2024-02-26-at-1.01.06-PM-1920x1262.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2458px) 100vw, 2458px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Berkeley rapper LOE Gino looks skyward. \u003ccite>(Jason 'Yeiseon' Hayes)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>His bars are cerebral and relatable; another human writing to process their thoughts, and at the same time escape their thought process.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Craft brew drinker, with the cold pizza / Thoughts everywhere, I’m a fucking over-thinker / Never trip when they catted, I just turned them into believers / Showed up for myself and that’s on Citas,” he says in the song “What’s Life Supposed To Look Like?”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That idea of showing up for yourself, or SUFY, is a guiding principle in his career and brand. When he invited me over to listen to his new project, I had to show up.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "arts_13950855",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Inside his home garage-slash studio space, Gino sat with his friend and multimedia producer, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/cheatcodeproductions_/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cheatcode\u003c/a>, who handed me a pair of studio headphones. The plan was for me to listen to Gino’s new release, \u003ca href=\"https://linktr.ee/loegino\">\u003ci>Everything Gone Be Aight\u003c/i>\u003c/a>, after which they’d film my reaction.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>While I listened to the 15 minute-long project — head-nodding and stretching my legs on a pair of stairs in the backyard — they made small talk.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I can’t recall the last time I pulled up to an artist’s crib and listened to their newest work. Nothing like standing next to someone while they play a recording of themselves, pouring out their heart over drums, snares and guitar riffs. Assessing someone’s latest contribution to humanity while being right next to them. It can make for a very awkward situation. \u003cem>What if the album doesn’t slap?!\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That wasn’t the case.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "arts_13950431",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>The first three tracks of \u003ci>Everything Gone Be Aight\u003c/i> are fun, full of clever bars and quality production. There’s a cold guitar solo from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/gyrefunk/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Gyrefunk\u003c/a> on “Lox n Stocks,” and a dope drum breakdown by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/deafheff/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Deaf Heff\u003c/a> on “Lavender Candles.” The EP’s lyrics reference the things that make Gino who he is: reflective walks in the Berkeley hills, thoughts about deceased loved ones, and Birkenstocks.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Vices,” the fourth track, is a heavy one. I didn’t fully grasp the story being told on first listen, but two lines stood out: “Late night she was typing her essay / Bitch nigga came in the room gave her SA.” A few listens later, I understood that it’s Gino’s account of a young family member’s life both before and after surviving sexual assault.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Intimate details like these, both universal and personal, are present throughout the EP. Gino writes about seeing his mother take her last breath, his photosynthetic relationship with his radiant son and his appreciation for lavender and sage.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Whats life supposed to look like?\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\" src=\"https://www.youtube.com/embed/YyqvBdS0lSI?list=OLAK5uy_ngXaY_qX7MZ28FRUug1Z1fjpIChdDAcdA\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen>\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The project ends with “Brandon Greene,” a 90-second track with bright keys, airy synths and wispy background vocals from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/shante_music/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shanté\u003c/a>. Gino writes about pills and anxiety, a nod to the life story of a guy named Brandon, who Gino met at work. During a 20-minute conversation, Brandon opened up about his youthful addiction to pills, and how it manifested as an adult. Gino hasn’t seen or talked to Brandon since, but it’s clear from the track that his story left a lasting impression.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Days later, after a few listens, I called Gino and asked him about the inspiration behind this project as a whole. While on the job, between shouting instructions and making deliveries, he answered with “the hard shit I go through.” Laughing, he noted that being able to adjust and persevere are key, and that ultimately, it’s his ever-cool mindset that pushed him to make this music.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>As he says: “Everything gone be alright, even when it’s looking like it’s not.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12127869\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"78\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-400x39.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-768x75.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>LOE Gino’s ‘\u003ca href=\"https://linktr.ee/loegino\">\u003ci>Everything Gone Be Aight\u003c/i>\u003c/a>‘ is \u003ca href=\"https://linktr.ee/loegino\">out now\u003c/a>. He performs live on \u003ca href=\"https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/60493678/live-in-the-atriumloe-gino-dave-steezy-santa-cruz-the-catalyst-atrium\">Sunday, March 24 at the Catalyst Atrium in Santa Cruz\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/arts/13953009/loe-gino-berkeley-birkenstocks-and-bars",
"authors": [
"11491"
],
"programs": [
"arts_140"
],
"categories": [
"arts_1",
"arts_69"
],
"tags": [
"arts_1270",
"arts_831",
"arts_21978",
"arts_974",
"arts_5779",
"arts_585",
"arts_3800"
],
"featImg": "arts_13953015",
"label": "arts_140"
},
"arts_13952983": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "arts_13952983",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13952983",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1708971236000
]
},
"parent": 0,
"labelTerm": {
"site": "arts"
},
"blocks": [],
"publishDate": 1708971236,
"format": "standard",
"title": "Suzanne Ciani Turns Grace Cathedral Into an Otherworldly House of Worship",
"headTitle": "Suzanne Ciani Turns Grace Cathedral Into an Otherworldly House of Worship | KQED",
"content": "\u003cp>Even before \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101904787/electronic-music-composer-suzanne-ciani-celebrates-groundbreaking-career\">Suzanne Ciani\u003c/a> played one note inside \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/grace-cathedral\">Grace Cathedral\u003c/a>, her headlining show on Saturday night felt like an \u003cem>event\u003c/em>. Outside, the full moon glistened behind the Top of the Mark, explosions of Lunar New Year fireworks reverberated from Chinatown below and a long line for her concert snaked down California Street on Nob Hill.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ciani, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101904787/electronic-music-composer-suzanne-ciani-celebrates-groundbreaking-career\">groundbreaking analog synth composer\u003c/a> and Bay Area treasure, was here to celebrate the 40th anniversary of her debut studio album \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RusmM57kAJ4&list=PLJPztq7aAo9yis1OnYgI04ex2WVp0zBWo\">Seven Waves\u003c/a>\u003c/em>. As the sold-out crowd made of mostly 30- and 40-somethings filed into the cathedral — outfitted with quadraphonic speakers for the occasion — dozens took photos of the high ceilings, Ciani’s synthesizer and even the tech specs on the back of the speakers themselves.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952973\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952973\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-07-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-07-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-07-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-07-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-07-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-07-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-07-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-07-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Suzanne Ciani speaks prior to her performance of ‘Seven Waves’ at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco on Feb. 24, 2024. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Ciani, who lives in Bolinas, welcomed her many friends in attendance, and introduced her Buchla 200e as “this instrument I’ve been playing for the past millions of years.” Then the 77-year-old icon sat down, started sending \u003cem>Seven Waves\u003c/em>’ distinct ocean wave sounds across the cathedral walls — bathed in light patterns — and took the audience on a journey.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Instead of performing a straight re-creation of the album, Ciani introduced an array of themes from \u003cem>Seven Waves\u003c/em>’ original multitracks, and over them hatched spontaneous compositions. Released in 1984, \u003cem>Seven Waves\u003c/em> is full of wondrous melodies, deep bass often in counterpoint and arpeggios typical of the New Age era. (I hesitate to say it, but in my brain, it’s filed next to \u003ca href=\"https://youtu.be/SCJKdajjYYM?si=qwv0KbyzMjaSWgdN\">Ray Lynch’s \u003cem>Deep Breakfast\u003c/em>\u003c/a>.) On Saturday night, however, her improvised deconstructions turned it into an entirely new, eerie, invigorating work for 2024.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952981\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952981\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-LIGHTS-GIF-MD-KQED.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A light projection show on the vaulted ceiling of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco as Suzanne Ciani performs on Feb. 24, 2024. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Immediately it became clear just how much Ciani is an influence on modern film composers like Atticus Ross and Cliff Martinez, as well as recent darkwave bands like Kavinsky or Com Truise. Even more in focus was Ciani’s command of dynamics. Soft passages stayed soft; no small feat considering Grace Cathedral’s famous seven-second delay, and she knew just when to drop a sharp bass stab to rattle the pews.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After a while, the music worked its magic on the audience’s various mindstates (the announcer had acknowledged that “ushers are here to make sure you have the best trip possible”). A series of tones in 6/8 time evoked seagulls flying over the ocean; a syncopated, fuzzy bass provided the foundation for what sounded like disembodied human voices humorously trying to hold a conversation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952970\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952970\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-03-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-03-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-03-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-03-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-03-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-03-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-03-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-03-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">People file into Grace Cathedral in San Francisco to watch Suzanne Ciani perform Particles & Waves on Feb. 24, 2024. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Finally, Ciani whittled her music down to pure percussive elements. Mixed with white noise, these transformed into near-gunshot sounds. As they fired out of successive speakers on either side of the nave, it felt for several minutes like being in the middle of a battlefield.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What came next? Peace, of course. Waves, waves and more waves, taking on new life with each audio ripple across the tall walls.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952971\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952971\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-05-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-05-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-05-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-05-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-05-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-05-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-05-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-05-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fans make photos of Suzanne Ciani’s Buchla 200e at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco on Feb. 24, 2024. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The cathedral is a haven for the spiritual. The synthesizer is a box for the mechanical. But with someone like Ciani in charge, mixing the two proved powerful, nearly human, as if the French Gothic building itself were speaking.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It even proved romantic. By the concert’s end, in the back, I counted five couples sitting with their arm around each other, head rested on the other’s shoulders, gazing into the sound and dreaming about forever.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12127869\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"78\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-400x39.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-768x75.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Suzanne Ciani performed as part of the Noise Pop Festival, which continues through March 3; \u003ca href=\"https://noisepopfest.com/\">details here\u003c/a>. Ambient synth composer Steve Roach revisits his 1984 album ‘Structures From Silence’ at Grace Cathedral on April 6; \u003ca href=\"https://ageofreflections.com/Calendar\">details here\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
"stats": {
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"hasAudio": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"wordCount": 714,
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"paragraphCount": 14
},
"modified": 1708971322,
"excerpt": "On her Buchla 200e synthesizer, the 77-year-old icon took the audience on a journey into sound and light.",
"headData": {
"twImgId": "",
"twTitle": "Live Review: Suzanne Ciani Revisits ‘Seven Waves’ at Grace Cathedral",
"socialTitle": "Live Review: Suzanne Ciani Revisits ‘Seven Waves’ at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco %%page%% %%sep%% KQED",
"ogTitle": "Live Review: Suzanne Ciani Revisits ‘Seven Waves’ at Grace Cathedral",
"ogImgId": "",
"twDescription": "",
"description": "On her Buchla 200e synthesizer, the 77-year-old icon took the audience on a journey into sound and light.",
"title": "Live Review: Suzanne Ciani Revisits ‘Seven Waves’ at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco | KQED",
"ogDescription": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Suzanne Ciani Turns Grace Cathedral Into an Otherworldly House of Worship",
"datePublished": "2024-02-26T10:13:56-08:00",
"dateModified": "2024-02-26T10:15:22-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "suzanne-ciani-grace-cathedral-san-francisco-review",
"status": "publish",
"templateType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"sticky": false,
"WpOldSlug": "suzanne-ciani-turns-grace-cathedral-into-an-otherworldly-house-of-worship",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/arts/13952983/suzanne-ciani-grace-cathedral-san-francisco-review",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Even before \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101904787/electronic-music-composer-suzanne-ciani-celebrates-groundbreaking-career\">Suzanne Ciani\u003c/a> played one note inside \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/grace-cathedral\">Grace Cathedral\u003c/a>, her headlining show on Saturday night felt like an \u003cem>event\u003c/em>. Outside, the full moon glistened behind the Top of the Mark, explosions of Lunar New Year fireworks reverberated from Chinatown below and a long line for her concert snaked down California Street on Nob Hill.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ciani, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101904787/electronic-music-composer-suzanne-ciani-celebrates-groundbreaking-career\">groundbreaking analog synth composer\u003c/a> and Bay Area treasure, was here to celebrate the 40th anniversary of her debut studio album \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RusmM57kAJ4&list=PLJPztq7aAo9yis1OnYgI04ex2WVp0zBWo\">Seven Waves\u003c/a>\u003c/em>. As the sold-out crowd made of mostly 30- and 40-somethings filed into the cathedral — outfitted with quadraphonic speakers for the occasion — dozens took photos of the high ceilings, Ciani’s synthesizer and even the tech specs on the back of the speakers themselves.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952973\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952973\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-07-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-07-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-07-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-07-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-07-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-07-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-07-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-07-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Suzanne Ciani speaks prior to her performance of ‘Seven Waves’ at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco on Feb. 24, 2024. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Ciani, who lives in Bolinas, welcomed her many friends in attendance, and introduced her Buchla 200e as “this instrument I’ve been playing for the past millions of years.” Then the 77-year-old icon sat down, started sending \u003cem>Seven Waves\u003c/em>’ distinct ocean wave sounds across the cathedral walls — bathed in light patterns — and took the audience on a journey.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Instead of performing a straight re-creation of the album, Ciani introduced an array of themes from \u003cem>Seven Waves\u003c/em>’ original multitracks, and over them hatched spontaneous compositions. Released in 1984, \u003cem>Seven Waves\u003c/em> is full of wondrous melodies, deep bass often in counterpoint and arpeggios typical of the New Age era. (I hesitate to say it, but in my brain, it’s filed next to \u003ca href=\"https://youtu.be/SCJKdajjYYM?si=qwv0KbyzMjaSWgdN\">Ray Lynch’s \u003cem>Deep Breakfast\u003c/em>\u003c/a>.) On Saturday night, however, her improvised deconstructions turned it into an entirely new, eerie, invigorating work for 2024.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952981\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952981\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-LIGHTS-GIF-MD-KQED.gif\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A light projection show on the vaulted ceiling of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco as Suzanne Ciani performs on Feb. 24, 2024. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Immediately it became clear just how much Ciani is an influence on modern film composers like Atticus Ross and Cliff Martinez, as well as recent darkwave bands like Kavinsky or Com Truise. Even more in focus was Ciani’s command of dynamics. Soft passages stayed soft; no small feat considering Grace Cathedral’s famous seven-second delay, and she knew just when to drop a sharp bass stab to rattle the pews.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After a while, the music worked its magic on the audience’s various mindstates (the announcer had acknowledged that “ushers are here to make sure you have the best trip possible”). A series of tones in 6/8 time evoked seagulls flying over the ocean; a syncopated, fuzzy bass provided the foundation for what sounded like disembodied human voices humorously trying to hold a conversation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952970\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952970\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-03-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-03-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-03-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-03-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-03-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-03-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-03-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-03-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">People file into Grace Cathedral in San Francisco to watch Suzanne Ciani perform Particles & Waves on Feb. 24, 2024. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Finally, Ciani whittled her music down to pure percussive elements. Mixed with white noise, these transformed into near-gunshot sounds. As they fired out of successive speakers on either side of the nave, it felt for several minutes like being in the middle of a battlefield.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>What came next? Peace, of course. Waves, waves and more waves, taking on new life with each audio ripple across the tall walls.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952971\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952971\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-05-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-05-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-05-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-05-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-05-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-05-KQED-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-05-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/240224-SUZANNE-CIANI-AT-GRACE-CATHEDRAL-MD-05-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fans make photos of Suzanne Ciani’s Buchla 200e at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco on Feb. 24, 2024. \u003ccite>(Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The cathedral is a haven for the spiritual. The synthesizer is a box for the mechanical. But with someone like Ciani in charge, mixing the two proved powerful, nearly human, as if the French Gothic building itself were speaking.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It even proved romantic. By the concert’s end, in the back, I counted five couples sitting with their arm around each other, head rested on the other’s shoulders, gazing into the sound and dreaming about forever.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12127869\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"78\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-400x39.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-768x75.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Suzanne Ciani performed as part of the Noise Pop Festival, which continues through March 3; \u003ca href=\"https://noisepopfest.com/\">details here\u003c/a>. Ambient synth composer Steve Roach revisits his 1984 album ‘Structures From Silence’ at Grace Cathedral on April 6; \u003ca href=\"https://ageofreflections.com/Calendar\">details here\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/arts/13952983/suzanne-ciani-grace-cathedral-san-francisco-review",
"authors": [
"185"
],
"categories": [
"arts_1",
"arts_69"
],
"tags": [
"arts_10278",
"arts_1626",
"arts_21976",
"arts_769",
"arts_1146",
"arts_21974",
"arts_21975"
],
"featImg": "arts_13952978",
"label": "arts"
},
"arts_13952712": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "arts_13952712",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13952712",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1708618452000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "kingmakers-of-oakland-black-history-month-film-festival-music-videos",
"title": "Celebrate Black History, Cinema and Music With Kingmakers of Oakland",
"publishDate": 1708618452,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "Celebrate Black History, Cinema and Music With Kingmakers of Oakland | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"term": 140,
"site": "arts"
},
"content": "\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kingmakersofoakland.org/\">Kingmakers of Oakland\u003c/a> (KOO) is an East Bay nonprofit best known for working with educators and kids to improve educational outcomes for young Black men. That the organization works hard to make that process as engaging, inventive and dope as possible gets less attention — but it’s a huge reason for KOO’s success.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On Feb. 23, KOO will finally let its ingeniously creative side shine bright — so bright, in fact, that it needs a big screen.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postid='arts_13952570']Held at Oakland’s New Parkway Theater, the KOO Film Festival will honor Black History Month with 18 short films by people involved with the organization’s programs. With a mixture of music videos, behind-the-scenes making-of summaries, and profiles of educators and students who’ve and made a difference in their communities, the evening celebrates Black animators, musicians, creators and everyone who’s made Kingmakers of Oakland what it is.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One film in the program is the music video for “I’m a King,” an empowering three-minute anthem featuring \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/basi.sts/\">Basi\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://soundcloud.com/amc_510\">Amari\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://music.apple.com/us/artist/42k-lil/1426737083\">42k Lil\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://soundcloud.com/antihero510\">Anti Hero 510\u003c/a>. The accompanying visuals juxtapose historical figures like Martin Luther King, Marcus Garvey and Malcolm X with thriving young men working together and finding their power today.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sefV3bBMk4\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The track and video perfectly encapsulate the work that KOO does; certain lyrics even explain the importance of the organization’s mission. Sample: “I read this book on Marcus Garvey and I loved it / But the crazy thing about all them schools being public / Is that my teachers made it seem like all that Black lit was radical.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I’m a King” and the animated video “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8_ZVmtzsTQ\">Glisten\u003c/a>” — which also screens at the festival — are both taken from \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://open.spotify.com/album/1Ekg7wQkF21Kkr3CPt818t\">Full Royalty\u003c/a>, \u003c/em>a 14-track album by Kingmakers of Oakland that’s available to stream and download now.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12127869\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/arts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-800x78.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"78\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-400x39.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-768x75.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>The KOO Film Festival takes place Friday, Feb. 23, at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.thenewparkway.com/\">New Parkway Theater\u003c/a> (474 24th Street, Oakland) at 5 p.m. \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/koo-film-festival-black-history-celebration-tickets-804078740157\">Tickets and more details here\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": "The KOO Film Festival honors Black History Month with a program of 18 short films in Oakland.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1726771025,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": true,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 10,
"wordCount": 360
},
"headData": {
"title": "KOO Film Festival Hits New Parkway Theater in Oakland | KQED",
"description": "The KOO Film Festival honors Black History Month with a program of 18 short films in Oakland.",
"ogTitle": "Celebrate Black History, Cinema and Music With the Kingmakers of Oakland",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "Celebrate Black History, Cinema and Music With the Kingmakers of Oakland",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"socialTitle": "KOO Film Festival Hits New Parkway Theater in Oakland %%page%% %%sep%% KQED",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "Celebrate Black History, Cinema and Music With Kingmakers of Oakland",
"datePublished": "2024-02-22T08:14:12-08:00",
"dateModified": "2024-09-19T11:37:05-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"sticky": false,
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/arts/13952712/kingmakers-of-oakland-black-history-month-film-festival-music-videos",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kingmakersofoakland.org/\">Kingmakers of Oakland\u003c/a> (KOO) is an East Bay nonprofit best known for working with educators and kids to improve educational outcomes for young Black men. That the organization works hard to make that process as engaging, inventive and dope as possible gets less attention — but it’s a huge reason for KOO’s success.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On Feb. 23, KOO will finally let its ingeniously creative side shine bright — so bright, in fact, that it needs a big screen.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "arts_13952570",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Held at Oakland’s New Parkway Theater, the KOO Film Festival will honor Black History Month with 18 short films by people involved with the organization’s programs. With a mixture of music videos, behind-the-scenes making-of summaries, and profiles of educators and students who’ve and made a difference in their communities, the evening celebrates Black animators, musicians, creators and everyone who’s made Kingmakers of Oakland what it is.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One film in the program is the music video for “I’m a King,” an empowering three-minute anthem featuring \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/basi.sts/\">Basi\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://soundcloud.com/amc_510\">Amari\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://music.apple.com/us/artist/42k-lil/1426737083\">42k Lil\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://soundcloud.com/antihero510\">Anti Hero 510\u003c/a>. The accompanying visuals juxtapose historical figures like Martin Luther King, Marcus Garvey and Malcolm X with thriving young men working together and finding their power today.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/8sefV3bBMk4'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/8sefV3bBMk4'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The track and video perfectly encapsulate the work that KOO does; certain lyrics even explain the importance of the organization’s mission. Sample: “I read this book on Marcus Garvey and I loved it / But the crazy thing about all them schools being public / Is that my teachers made it seem like all that Black lit was radical.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I’m a King” and the animated video “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8_ZVmtzsTQ\">Glisten\u003c/a>” — which also screens at the festival — are both taken from \u003cem>\u003ca href=\"https://open.spotify.com/album/1Ekg7wQkF21Kkr3CPt818t\">Full Royalty\u003c/a>, \u003c/em>a 14-track album by Kingmakers of Oakland that’s available to stream and download now.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12127869\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/arts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-800x78.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"78\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-400x39.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-768x75.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>The KOO Film Festival takes place Friday, Feb. 23, at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.thenewparkway.com/\">New Parkway Theater\u003c/a> (474 24th Street, Oakland) at 5 p.m. \u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/koo-film-festival-black-history-celebration-tickets-804078740157\">Tickets and more details here\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/arts/13952712/kingmakers-of-oakland-black-history-month-film-festival-music-videos",
"authors": [
"11242"
],
"programs": [
"arts_140"
],
"categories": [
"arts_1",
"arts_74",
"arts_69",
"arts_75"
],
"tags": [
"arts_4725",
"arts_10278",
"arts_1201",
"arts_1143",
"arts_585"
],
"featImg": "arts_13952735",
"label": "arts_140"
},
"arts_13952570": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "arts_13952570",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13952570",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1708535894000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "betty-reid-soskin-music-documentary-sign-my-name-to-freedom",
"title": "At 102 Years Old, Betty Reid Soskin Revisits Her Music From the Civil Rights Era",
"publishDate": 1708535894,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "At 102 Years Old, Betty Reid Soskin Revisits Her Music From the Civil Rights Era | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"site": "arts"
},
"content": "\u003cp>Betty Reid Soskin’s life story is a reminder that all of us are given just one life; and that, within it, there can be many lives lived. There’s now a film in production that’s set to drive that point home.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003ca href=\"https://www.signmynametofreedom.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sign My Name To Freedom: The Lost Music of Betty Reid Soskin\u003c/a>\u003c/i>, directed by Bryan Gibel and co-directed by A.K. Sandhu, is a close look at how the Bay Area’s form of racism and redlining impacted Reid Soskin and her family, and how she used music to fight back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Sign My Name to Freedom 4-Minute Work Sample\" src=\"https://player.vimeo.com/video/858289902?h=745443a01e&dnt=1&app_id=122963\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Reid Soskin has a fascinating story. She’s famously known as the woman who became the oldest United States Park Ranger in history, at age 85. This accomplishment was \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1510286021182771200\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">celebrated by President Obama\u003c/a> on multiple occasions, including a message he sent to her in 2022 after she announced her\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11910061/betty-reid-soskin-americas-oldest-park-ranger-retires-at-100\"> retirement at age 100\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Reid Soskin, who has\u003ca href=\"https://www.wccusd.net/bettyreidsoskin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> a middle school named in her honor\u003c/a>, was also once the owner of \u003ca href=\"https://www.berkeleyside.org/2019/02/05/reids-records-californias-oldest-record-shop-to-close-in-the-fall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Reid’s Records\u003c/a> in Berkeley. A community hub and resource in the historically Black community of South Berkeley, the store operated for nearly 75 years. At the time of its closing, it was the oldest record store in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952585\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2085px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952585\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/BettyYoungWomanPortrait1-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Betty Reid Soskin posing for a photo in the 1940s at Lake Merritt in Oakland.\" width=\"2085\" height=\"2560\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/BettyYoungWomanPortrait1-1-scaled.jpg 2085w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/BettyYoungWomanPortrait1-1-800x982.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/BettyYoungWomanPortrait1-1-1020x1252.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/BettyYoungWomanPortrait1-1-160x196.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/BettyYoungWomanPortrait1-1-768x943.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/BettyYoungWomanPortrait1-1-1251x1536.jpg 1251w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/BettyYoungWomanPortrait1-1-1668x2048.jpg 1668w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/BettyYoungWomanPortrait1-1-1920x2357.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2085px) 100vw, 2085px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Betty Reid Soskin, pictured in the 1940s. \u003ccite>(Via Betty Reid Soskin)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Gibel and Sandhu’s film goes even further back, picking up after Reid Soskin graduated from East Oakland’s Castlemont High School and started a family with her first husband, Mel Reid. After having children, Reid Soskin and her family moved to the other side of the Caldecott Tunnel, taking up residence in Walnut Creek, where they were one of the first African American families in town.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They were soon subject to racist harassment in their immediate community as well as at work, where Reid Soskin labored in the Boilermaker union during WWII.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These first-person experiences, coupled with reports of racist attacks across the country and war around the world, led to Reid Soskin writing songs to fight the powers that be.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sign My Name to Freedom \u003c/em>is the title of the film (as well as her memoir and \u003ca href=\"https://www.zspace.org/signmyname\">a stage play about her life which premieres March 28\u003c/a>); it’s also the name of her best-known song.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the documentary film, Reid Soskin (who’s now 102) listens to reel-to-reel tapes excavated from an old box that had been in her closet for nearly a half-century.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cameras roll as she time-travels by revisiting her old lyrics, prompting recollections about world events at the time. The film also features interviews with Reid Soskin and her family, plus beautiful archival photos and home videos.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952587\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1170px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952587\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Betty-in-60s-Asilomar-in-music-circle-1.jpg\" alt=\"A candid shot of Betty Reid Soskin in the 1960's holding a guitar while sitting in a music circle in the Asilomar area of Monterey Bay.\" width=\"1170\" height=\"1416\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Betty-in-60s-Asilomar-in-music-circle-1.jpg 1170w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Betty-in-60s-Asilomar-in-music-circle-1-800x968.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Betty-in-60s-Asilomar-in-music-circle-1-1020x1234.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Betty-in-60s-Asilomar-in-music-circle-1-160x194.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Betty-in-60s-Asilomar-in-music-circle-1-768x929.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Betty Reid Soskin, in the 1960s, in a music circle in the Asilomar area of Monterey Bay. \u003ccite>(Via Betty Reid Soskin)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In true Reid Soskin fashion, the film isn’t just about yesteryear, but what she’s doing now. It follows her to a 2018 performance at Oakland’s Paramount Theatre, where she, along with the Oakland Symphony and a 200-person choir, sang “Your Hand In Mine,” her tribute to the civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The film is still in production, and the team is throwing events \u003ca href=\"https://seedandspark.com/fund/sign-my-name-to-freedom?fbclid=IwAR1MtauBei87wdBoF18zwG8npB9z_1Bvp5ujLomq1h1nRVf2EEtP1QhRb1I#story\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">to raise funds\u003c/a> for it. Upcoming events include an online screening on \u003ca href=\"https://www.signmynametofreedom.com/events/screening-discussion-the-untold-story-of-betty-reid-soskin-cbd84\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tuesday, Feb. 29\u003c/a>, in collaboration with the Zaccho Dance Company; an in-person event on \u003ca href=\"https://www.signmynametofreedom.com/events/screening-discussion-the-untold-story-of-betty-reid-soskin-tkbjh\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Saturday, March 16, at the South Berkeley Library\u003c/a>; and a pop-up event held with the \u003ca href=\"https://rosietheriveter.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rosie The Riveter Trust\u003c/a> on\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sign-my-name-to-freedom-pop-up-tickets-824886566927?aff=erelexpmlt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Friday, March 22\u003c/a> at the old Ford Assembly Plant in Richmond.\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>More information about ‘Sign My Name To Freedom: The Lost Music of Betty Reid Soskin’ and upcoming events \u003ca href=\"https://www.signmynametofreedom.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">can be found here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": "An upcoming documentary unearths the famed park ranger's original songs, unheard for 50 years.",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1750185794,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": true,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 16,
"wordCount": 635
},
"headData": {
"title": "At 102 Years Old, Betty Reid Soskin Revisits Her Music From the Civil Rights Era | KQED",
"description": "An upcoming documentary unearths the famed park ranger's original songs, unheard for 50 years.",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "At 102 Years Old, Betty Reid Soskin Revisits Her Music From the Civil Rights Era",
"datePublished": "2024-02-21T09:18:14-08:00",
"dateModified": "2025-06-17T11:43:14-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"sticky": false,
"WpOldSlug": "at-102-years-old-betty-reid-soskin-revisits-her-music-from-the-civil-rights-era",
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/arts/13952570/betty-reid-soskin-music-documentary-sign-my-name-to-freedom",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Betty Reid Soskin’s life story is a reminder that all of us are given just one life; and that, within it, there can be many lives lived. There’s now a film in production that’s set to drive that point home.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>\u003ca href=\"https://www.signmynametofreedom.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sign My Name To Freedom: The Lost Music of Betty Reid Soskin\u003c/a>\u003c/i>, directed by Bryan Gibel and co-directed by A.K. Sandhu, is a close look at how the Bay Area’s form of racism and redlining impacted Reid Soskin and her family, and how she used music to fight back.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Sign My Name to Freedom 4-Minute Work Sample\" src=\"https://player.vimeo.com/video/858289902?h=745443a01e&dnt=1&app_id=122963\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; fullscreen; picture-in-picture; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; web-share\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Reid Soskin has a fascinating story. She’s famously known as the woman who became the oldest United States Park Ranger in history, at age 85. This accomplishment was \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1510286021182771200\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">celebrated by President Obama\u003c/a> on multiple occasions, including a message he sent to her in 2022 after she announced her\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11910061/betty-reid-soskin-americas-oldest-park-ranger-retires-at-100\"> retirement at age 100\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Reid Soskin, who has\u003ca href=\"https://www.wccusd.net/bettyreidsoskin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> a middle school named in her honor\u003c/a>, was also once the owner of \u003ca href=\"https://www.berkeleyside.org/2019/02/05/reids-records-californias-oldest-record-shop-to-close-in-the-fall\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Reid’s Records\u003c/a> in Berkeley. A community hub and resource in the historically Black community of South Berkeley, the store operated for nearly 75 years. At the time of its closing, it was the oldest record store in California.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952585\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2085px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952585\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/BettyYoungWomanPortrait1-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Betty Reid Soskin posing for a photo in the 1940s at Lake Merritt in Oakland.\" width=\"2085\" height=\"2560\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/BettyYoungWomanPortrait1-1-scaled.jpg 2085w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/BettyYoungWomanPortrait1-1-800x982.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/BettyYoungWomanPortrait1-1-1020x1252.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/BettyYoungWomanPortrait1-1-160x196.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/BettyYoungWomanPortrait1-1-768x943.jpg 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/BettyYoungWomanPortrait1-1-1251x1536.jpg 1251w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/BettyYoungWomanPortrait1-1-1668x2048.jpg 1668w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/BettyYoungWomanPortrait1-1-1920x2357.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2085px) 100vw, 2085px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Betty Reid Soskin, pictured in the 1940s. \u003ccite>(Via Betty Reid Soskin)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Gibel and Sandhu’s film goes even further back, picking up after Reid Soskin graduated from East Oakland’s Castlemont High School and started a family with her first husband, Mel Reid. After having children, Reid Soskin and her family moved to the other side of the Caldecott Tunnel, taking up residence in Walnut Creek, where they were one of the first African American families in town.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>They were soon subject to racist harassment in their immediate community as well as at work, where Reid Soskin labored in the Boilermaker union during WWII.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>These first-person experiences, coupled with reports of racist attacks across the country and war around the world, led to Reid Soskin writing songs to fight the powers that be.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Sign My Name to Freedom \u003c/em>is the title of the film (as well as her memoir and \u003ca href=\"https://www.zspace.org/signmyname\">a stage play about her life which premieres March 28\u003c/a>); it’s also the name of her best-known song.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In the documentary film, Reid Soskin (who’s now 102) listens to reel-to-reel tapes excavated from an old box that had been in her closet for nearly a half-century.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Cameras roll as she time-travels by revisiting her old lyrics, prompting recollections about world events at the time. The film also features interviews with Reid Soskin and her family, plus beautiful archival photos and home videos.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952587\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1170px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952587\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Betty-in-60s-Asilomar-in-music-circle-1.jpg\" alt=\"A candid shot of Betty Reid Soskin in the 1960's holding a guitar while sitting in a music circle in the Asilomar area of Monterey Bay.\" width=\"1170\" height=\"1416\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Betty-in-60s-Asilomar-in-music-circle-1.jpg 1170w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Betty-in-60s-Asilomar-in-music-circle-1-800x968.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Betty-in-60s-Asilomar-in-music-circle-1-1020x1234.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Betty-in-60s-Asilomar-in-music-circle-1-160x194.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Betty-in-60s-Asilomar-in-music-circle-1-768x929.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Betty Reid Soskin, in the 1960s, in a music circle in the Asilomar area of Monterey Bay. \u003ccite>(Via Betty Reid Soskin)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>In true Reid Soskin fashion, the film isn’t just about yesteryear, but what she’s doing now. It follows her to a 2018 performance at Oakland’s Paramount Theatre, where she, along with the Oakland Symphony and a 200-person choir, sang “Your Hand In Mine,” her tribute to the civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The film is still in production, and the team is throwing events \u003ca href=\"https://seedandspark.com/fund/sign-my-name-to-freedom?fbclid=IwAR1MtauBei87wdBoF18zwG8npB9z_1Bvp5ujLomq1h1nRVf2EEtP1QhRb1I#story\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">to raise funds\u003c/a> for it. Upcoming events include an online screening on \u003ca href=\"https://www.signmynametofreedom.com/events/screening-discussion-the-untold-story-of-betty-reid-soskin-cbd84\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tuesday, Feb. 29\u003c/a>, in collaboration with the Zaccho Dance Company; an in-person event on \u003ca href=\"https://www.signmynametofreedom.com/events/screening-discussion-the-untold-story-of-betty-reid-soskin-tkbjh\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Saturday, March 16, at the South Berkeley Library\u003c/a>; and a pop-up event held with the \u003ca href=\"https://rosietheriveter.org/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rosie The Riveter Trust\u003c/a> on\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sign-my-name-to-freedom-pop-up-tickets-824886566927?aff=erelexpmlt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Friday, March 22\u003c/a> at the old Ford Assembly Plant in Richmond.\u003c/p>\n\u003chr>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>More information about ‘Sign My Name To Freedom: The Lost Music of Betty Reid Soskin’ and upcoming events \u003ca href=\"https://www.signmynametofreedom.com/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">can be found here\u003c/a>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/arts/13952570/betty-reid-soskin-music-documentary-sign-my-name-to-freedom",
"authors": [
"11491"
],
"categories": [
"arts_1",
"arts_69",
"arts_235"
],
"tags": [
"arts_1270",
"arts_21955",
"arts_4097",
"arts_13672",
"arts_10342",
"arts_10278",
"arts_1143",
"arts_3652",
"arts_21957"
],
"featImg": "arts_13952624",
"label": "arts"
},
"arts_13952420": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "arts_13952420",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13952420",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1708474651000
]
},
"parent": 0,
"labelTerm": {
"site": "arts",
"term": 140
},
"blocks": [],
"publishDate": 1708474651,
"format": "standard",
"title": "‘Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala’ Is Like Taking Drugs That Never Leave Your System",
"headTitle": "‘Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala’ Is Like Taking Drugs That Never Leave Your System | KQED",
"content": "\u003cp>Do you like dogs? And \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13922004/dolly-partons-mountain-magic-christmas-special-nbc-miley-billy-ray-cyrus\">Dolly Parton\u003c/a>? And watching things that make you feel like your brain might fall out of your ear? Has CBS got a treat for you!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala \u003c/em>combines dog fashion shows, celebrity cameos, country music, active duty servicemembers, dog puns (“Ruff Lauren,” anyone?) and an uncomfortable amount of canned laughter. It is awkward and unintentionally hilarious and formulaic in an incredibly old-fashioned way. It also contains a segment where Jessica Simpson talks — entirely out of left field — about how large her breasts are. But I’m getting ahead of myself!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMpeG0u6fQE&t=15s\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In order to fully convey the chaos that is this television production, I have broken down Dolly Parton’s rhinestone-encrusted fever dream into manageable segments. Try and stay with me as this spirals into ever-more-surreal territory.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here is everything that happens in \u003cem>Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala\u003c/em>, premiering on CBS this week.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Dog fashion shows\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>There are five dog fashion shows peppered throughout this 90-minute special, with surprisingly few references to Dolly’s pet fashion line, \u003ca href=\"https://doggyparton.com/\">Doggy Parton\u003c/a>. (Not all of the pet outfits on display tonight are even in the line!)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Each fashion show is narrated by Jane Lynch (\u003cem>Best In Show\u003c/em>), who introduces dogs with names like Lucille Ball, La La, Lyra and — my personal favorite — Lieutenant Dan. (And yes, in case you were wondering, that dog \u003cem>is\u003c/em> missing two legs.) Lynch offers commentary like “Here’s Lemon, in a nod to heavy metal headbangers everywhere,” and starts the “Patriotic Pups”-themed runway by yelling “Are you ready to party like it’s 1776?” (She finishes it by shouting “Dog bless America!” because of course she does.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This is, for some reason, genuinely compelling television.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postid='pop_107990']One runway is soundtracked by KC of KC and the Sunshine Band performing “Boogie Shoes.” Another — specifically, the rock ‘n’ roll-themed runway — is soundtracked by teen guitar wizard \u003ca href=\"https://www.gracebowers.com/\">Grace Bowers\u003c/a>. Kelly Osborne wanders on a couple of times. Carson Kressley also shows up to co-commentate with Lynch and, in a subtle-not-subtle moment, tries to Jedi mind-trick middle America by staring directly into the camera and referring to “a beautiful trans …… formation.” All the while, the kid from \u003cem>Young Sheldon\u003c/em> sits in the front row chewing the scenery like a starving Rottweiler that’s just found a severed leg.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I can’t not look at all of it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Dolly sits in for the final runway — a tribute to her most iconic fashion moments. All of a sudden, the doggy outfits come complete with fake boobs, blond wigs and false arms. Outfits from this segment include Dolly’s\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1zJzr-kWsI\"> coat of many colors\u003c/a>, some of her festival get-ups and her \u003cem>9 to 5\u003c/em> lasso outfit. While watching this, I wrote in my notepad: “This runway is my new sleep paralysis demon.” I really, really mean that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952795\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952795\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/glastonbury-e1708630821301.png\" alt=\"A dog in a costume stands on a runway.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1223\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A dog wearing a wig. And also an outfit Dolly Parton wore when she played the Glastonbury Festival in 2014. Just go with it. \u003ccite>(CBS)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Country music: Live!\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Dolly opens the show with an absolutely preposterous rendition of “Puppy Love” that involves her barking and howling while cameras zoom in on the faces of happy dogs sitting in the audience. It might be the most wonderfully surreal television I have ever seen, with \u003cem>Twin Peaks\u003c/em> as the only serious contender.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postid='arts_13889581']A country gentleman named Chris Janson shows up next, singing a song that references river banks, cold beers, trucks and Bass Pro Shops. I have never in my life had a bad time in a Bass Pro Shop, so I feel immediate kinship with Mr. Janson. The spell is broken moments later, however, when he performs “Hound Dog” while a literal Bloodhound wearing a tiny top hat lies behind him on an amp, howling. This is a step too far, even for me. (I think it was the top hat that did it.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952798\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952798\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/hound-dog-e1708630968986.png\" alt=\"A man in a cowboy hat and black country shirt sits at a top hat-wearing Blood Hound.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1125\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">It’s the top hat, right? The top hat is offensive on some level. \u003ccite>(CBS)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Carly Pierce, wearing an incomprehensibly constructed dress, shows up for duets of “9 to 5” and “Jolene” with Dolly. This is, of course, a seamless way to introduce a Dollywood reference into the proceedings, as Pierce apparently started performing there at age 16. (\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13922004/dolly-partons-mountain-magic-christmas-special-nbc-miley-billy-ray-cyrus\">It’s not a Dolly Parton TV special if it doesn’t include flagrant Dollywood promotion\u003c/a>!)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Joy Oladokun’s straightforward performance of “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea9_egtJYMg\">If You’ve Got a Problem\u003c/a>” is gorgeous, but Lainey Wilson and Dolly performing “I Will Always Love You” is unequivocally the song of the night. Absolute belter, 10 out of 10. No notes if you ignore the outfits, both of which defy description.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Random celebrities, doing the least\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Here are some famous people that show up in pre-recorded-at-home videos to talk about and/or to their dogs: Margaret Cho, Neil Patrick Harris, Drew Barrymore, Kristen Bell and Kristin Chenoweth.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postid='arts_13922004']Here are some famous-ish people who show up in the studio to awkwardly introduce a segment, even though \u003cem>Entertainment Tonight\u003c/em>‘s Rachel Smith is doing most of the hosting: Kristin Cavallari, a musical duo named Tigirlily Gold, and Billy Ray Cyrus and his Australian wife. (Who is named Firerose, by the way. FIREROSE.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There is even — and I was thoroughly taken aback when this started — an “In Memoriam” section featuring recently deceased dog-lovers. These include \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13932485/tributes-angus-cloud-euphoria-oakland-osa-kehlani-zendaya-kev-choice-jwalt\">Angus Cloud\u003c/a>, Tony Bennett, Tina Turner, Sinead O’Connor, tWitch (from \u003cem>The Ellen DeGeneres Show\u003c/em>) and many more. This is kind of sweet, but also fairly uncomfortable within the context.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Dogs, doing the most\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Dogs that are service dogs. Dogs that are in the military. Dogs that do sports. Movie stunt dogs. Social media dogs. They all get a spotlight of one sort or another during \u003cem>Pet Gala\u003c/em>. At one point, Smith introduces a dog named Noodles like she’s just been asked out by Harry Styles, and I remain thoroughly confused hours after watching.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Oh, and Dolly reads a bedtime story to a room full of dogs too, but that’s to be expected, I suppose.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952799\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2508px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952799\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/bedtime.png\" alt=\"A woman in a rocking chair reads from a book. Scattered around her are dogs lying on blankets. A dalmatian approaches her.\" width=\"2508\" height=\"1476\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/bedtime.png 2508w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/bedtime-800x471.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/bedtime-1020x600.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/bedtime-160x94.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/bedtime-768x452.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/bedtime-1536x904.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/bedtime-2048x1205.png 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/bedtime-1920x1130.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2508px) 100vw, 2508px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">This is one of the more normal things that happens in ‘Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala.’ Just FYI. \u003ccite>(CBS)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Takeaways\u003c/h2>\n\u003col>\n\u003cli>That this made it onto network television in 2024 is astounding.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Famous people will do literally anything for Dolly Parton.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>This might be one of the greatest things I have ever seen on TV.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ol>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12127869\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/arts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-800x78.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"78\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-400x39.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-768x75.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>‘Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala’ airs on CBS and streams on Paramount+ on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 11 p.m. On demand viewing will also be available for Paramount+ Essential and Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers on Feb. 22.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
"stats": {
"hasVideo": true,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"hasAudio": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"wordCount": 1193,
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"paragraphCount": 23
},
"modified": 1708631964,
"excerpt": "Dogs in dresses! Canned laughter! Country music! Celebrities being awkward! You can't not watch it.",
"headData": {
"twImgId": "",
"twTitle": "‘Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala’ Is Like Taking Drugs That Never Leave Your System",
"socialTitle": "‘Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala’ TV Review: Surreal, Wholesome Hilarity %%page%% %%sep%% KQED",
"ogTitle": "‘Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala’ Is Like Taking Drugs That Never Leave Your System",
"ogImgId": "",
"twDescription": "",
"description": "Dogs in dresses! Canned laughter! Country music! Celebrities being awkward! You can't not watch it.",
"title": "‘Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala’ TV Review: Surreal, Wholesome Hilarity | KQED",
"ogDescription": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "‘Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala’ Is Like Taking Drugs That Never Leave Your System",
"datePublished": "2024-02-20T16:17:31-08:00",
"dateModified": "2024-02-22T11:59:24-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "dolly-doggy-parton-pet-gala-review-cbs-tv-special-puppy-love",
"status": "publish",
"templateType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"sticky": false,
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/arts/13952420/dolly-doggy-parton-pet-gala-review-cbs-tv-special-puppy-love",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>Do you like dogs? And \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13922004/dolly-partons-mountain-magic-christmas-special-nbc-miley-billy-ray-cyrus\">Dolly Parton\u003c/a>? And watching things that make you feel like your brain might fall out of your ear? Has CBS got a treat for you!\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala \u003c/em>combines dog fashion shows, celebrity cameos, country music, active duty servicemembers, dog puns (“Ruff Lauren,” anyone?) and an uncomfortable amount of canned laughter. It is awkward and unintentionally hilarious and formulaic in an incredibly old-fashioned way. It also contains a segment where Jessica Simpson talks — entirely out of left field — about how large her breasts are. But I’m getting ahead of myself!\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/pMpeG0u6fQE'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/pMpeG0u6fQE'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>In order to fully convey the chaos that is this television production, I have broken down Dolly Parton’s rhinestone-encrusted fever dream into manageable segments. Try and stay with me as this spirals into ever-more-surreal territory.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Here is everything that happens in \u003cem>Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala\u003c/em>, premiering on CBS this week.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Dog fashion shows\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>There are five dog fashion shows peppered throughout this 90-minute special, with surprisingly few references to Dolly’s pet fashion line, \u003ca href=\"https://doggyparton.com/\">Doggy Parton\u003c/a>. (Not all of the pet outfits on display tonight are even in the line!)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Each fashion show is narrated by Jane Lynch (\u003cem>Best In Show\u003c/em>), who introduces dogs with names like Lucille Ball, La La, Lyra and — my personal favorite — Lieutenant Dan. (And yes, in case you were wondering, that dog \u003cem>is\u003c/em> missing two legs.) Lynch offers commentary like “Here’s Lemon, in a nod to heavy metal headbangers everywhere,” and starts the “Patriotic Pups”-themed runway by yelling “Are you ready to party like it’s 1776?” (She finishes it by shouting “Dog bless America!” because of course she does.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>This is, for some reason, genuinely compelling television.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "pop_107990",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>One runway is soundtracked by KC of KC and the Sunshine Band performing “Boogie Shoes.” Another — specifically, the rock ‘n’ roll-themed runway — is soundtracked by teen guitar wizard \u003ca href=\"https://www.gracebowers.com/\">Grace Bowers\u003c/a>. Kelly Osborne wanders on a couple of times. Carson Kressley also shows up to co-commentate with Lynch and, in a subtle-not-subtle moment, tries to Jedi mind-trick middle America by staring directly into the camera and referring to “a beautiful trans …… formation.” All the while, the kid from \u003cem>Young Sheldon\u003c/em> sits in the front row chewing the scenery like a starving Rottweiler that’s just found a severed leg.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I can’t not look at all of it.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Dolly sits in for the final runway — a tribute to her most iconic fashion moments. All of a sudden, the doggy outfits come complete with fake boobs, blond wigs and false arms. Outfits from this segment include Dolly’s\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1zJzr-kWsI\"> coat of many colors\u003c/a>, some of her festival get-ups and her \u003cem>9 to 5\u003c/em> lasso outfit. While watching this, I wrote in my notepad: “This runway is my new sleep paralysis demon.” I really, really mean that.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952795\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952795\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/glastonbury-e1708630821301.png\" alt=\"A dog in a costume stands on a runway.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1223\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A dog wearing a wig. And also an outfit Dolly Parton wore when she played the Glastonbury Festival in 2014. Just go with it. \u003ccite>(CBS)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Country music: Live!\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Dolly opens the show with an absolutely preposterous rendition of “Puppy Love” that involves her barking and howling while cameras zoom in on the faces of happy dogs sitting in the audience. It might be the most wonderfully surreal television I have ever seen, with \u003cem>Twin Peaks\u003c/em> as the only serious contender.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "arts_13889581",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>A country gentleman named Chris Janson shows up next, singing a song that references river banks, cold beers, trucks and Bass Pro Shops. I have never in my life had a bad time in a Bass Pro Shop, so I feel immediate kinship with Mr. Janson. The spell is broken moments later, however, when he performs “Hound Dog” while a literal Bloodhound wearing a tiny top hat lies behind him on an amp, howling. This is a step too far, even for me. (I think it was the top hat that did it.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952798\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1920px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952798\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/hound-dog-e1708630968986.png\" alt=\"A man in a cowboy hat and black country shirt sits at a top hat-wearing Blood Hound.\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1125\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">It’s the top hat, right? The top hat is offensive on some level. \u003ccite>(CBS)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>Carly Pierce, wearing an incomprehensibly constructed dress, shows up for duets of “9 to 5” and “Jolene” with Dolly. This is, of course, a seamless way to introduce a Dollywood reference into the proceedings, as Pierce apparently started performing there at age 16. (\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13922004/dolly-partons-mountain-magic-christmas-special-nbc-miley-billy-ray-cyrus\">It’s not a Dolly Parton TV special if it doesn’t include flagrant Dollywood promotion\u003c/a>!)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Joy Oladokun’s straightforward performance of “\u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ea9_egtJYMg\">If You’ve Got a Problem\u003c/a>” is gorgeous, but Lainey Wilson and Dolly performing “I Will Always Love You” is unequivocally the song of the night. Absolute belter, 10 out of 10. No notes if you ignore the outfits, both of which defy description.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Random celebrities, doing the least\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Here are some famous people that show up in pre-recorded-at-home videos to talk about and/or to their dogs: Margaret Cho, Neil Patrick Harris, Drew Barrymore, Kristen Bell and Kristin Chenoweth.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "arts_13922004",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Here are some famous-ish people who show up in the studio to awkwardly introduce a segment, even though \u003cem>Entertainment Tonight\u003c/em>‘s Rachel Smith is doing most of the hosting: Kristin Cavallari, a musical duo named Tigirlily Gold, and Billy Ray Cyrus and his Australian wife. (Who is named Firerose, by the way. FIREROSE.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There is even — and I was thoroughly taken aback when this started — an “In Memoriam” section featuring recently deceased dog-lovers. These include \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13932485/tributes-angus-cloud-euphoria-oakland-osa-kehlani-zendaya-kev-choice-jwalt\">Angus Cloud\u003c/a>, Tony Bennett, Tina Turner, Sinead O’Connor, tWitch (from \u003cem>The Ellen DeGeneres Show\u003c/em>) and many more. This is kind of sweet, but also fairly uncomfortable within the context.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Dogs, doing the most\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Dogs that are service dogs. Dogs that are in the military. Dogs that do sports. Movie stunt dogs. Social media dogs. They all get a spotlight of one sort or another during \u003cem>Pet Gala\u003c/em>. At one point, Smith introduces a dog named Noodles like she’s just been asked out by Harry Styles, and I remain thoroughly confused hours after watching.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Oh, and Dolly reads a bedtime story to a room full of dogs too, but that’s to be expected, I suppose.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952799\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2508px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952799\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/bedtime.png\" alt=\"A woman in a rocking chair reads from a book. Scattered around her are dogs lying on blankets. A dalmatian approaches her.\" width=\"2508\" height=\"1476\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/bedtime.png 2508w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/bedtime-800x471.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/bedtime-1020x600.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/bedtime-160x94.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/bedtime-768x452.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/bedtime-1536x904.png 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/bedtime-2048x1205.png 2048w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/bedtime-1920x1130.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2508px) 100vw, 2508px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">This is one of the more normal things that happens in ‘Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala.’ Just FYI. \u003ccite>(CBS)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003ch2>Takeaways\u003c/h2>\n\u003col>\n\u003cli>That this made it onto network television in 2024 is astounding.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>Famous people will do literally anything for Dolly Parton.\u003c/li>\n\u003cli>This might be one of the greatest things I have ever seen on TV.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ol>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12127869\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/arts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-800x78.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"78\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-400x39.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-768x75.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>‘Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala’ airs on CBS and streams on Paramount+ on Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 11 p.m. On demand viewing will also be available for Paramount+ Essential and Paramount+ with Showtime subscribers on Feb. 22.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/arts/13952420/dolly-doggy-parton-pet-gala-review-cbs-tv-special-puppy-love",
"authors": [
"11242"
],
"programs": [
"arts_140"
],
"categories": [
"arts_1",
"arts_69",
"arts_75",
"arts_990"
],
"tags": [
"arts_9124",
"arts_8481",
"arts_7534",
"arts_8819",
"arts_4088",
"arts_769",
"arts_5422",
"arts_585",
"arts_2792"
],
"featImg": "arts_13952650",
"label": "arts_140"
},
"arts_13952372": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "arts_13952372",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13952372",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1708035796000
]
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "aja-monet-poetry-interview-noise-pop-san-francisco",
"title": "How the Struggle for Liberation Made aja monet Into a Poet",
"publishDate": 1708035796,
"format": "standard",
"headTitle": "How the Struggle for Liberation Made aja monet Into a Poet | KQED",
"labelTerm": {
"term": 140,
"site": "arts"
},
"content": "\u003cp>In an age of information overload and doom scrolling, poetry is essential. A good poem can cut to the core of an issue more immediately than an entire tome of research. It can jolt you awake, stir you to action or whisk you into a dream space in which you completely reimagine your life and its possibilities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In her work, \u003ca href=\"https://ajamonet.com/\">aja monet\u003c/a> accomplishes all of the above. The New York-raised, L.A.-based writer and performer calls herself a “surrealist blues poet.” Her Grammy-nominated 2023 album \u003ci>when the poems do what they do\u003c/i> pairs her words — alternately searing, comforting, grief-stricken or romantic — with jazz grounded in Afro-Caribbean rhythms. (Keyboard and flute stylings by Berkeley-raised siblings \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13911226/samora-pinderhughes-ybca-the-healing-project\">Samora\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13931138/liner-notes-flutist-and-vocalist-elena-pinderhughes-is-limitless\">Elena Pinderhughes\u003c/a> add to the record’s dynamic emotional landscape.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3097307146/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/\" width=\"100%\" height=\"500\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\" frameborder=\"0\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>monet’s years of community organizing inform her heart-swelling invocations of love and gut-wrenching reflections on violence inflicted upon Black Americans. She spent years in Florida working with \u003ca href=\"https://www.dreamdefenders.org/\">Dream Defenders\u003c/a>, a prison abolitionist organization formed after the killing of Trayvon Martin, and the \u003ca href=\"https://communityjusticeproject.com/\">Community Justice Project\u003c/a>, which offers free legal aid in Miami. When her star as a poet began to rise after winning the Nuyorican Poets Cafe Grand Slam competition in 2007, monet had already spent years immersed in work instead of chasing accolades. Her numerous poetry books and debut album alike blossomed out of the movement.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to fighting for racial justice, monet has long been an advocate for Palestinian liberation, using her words to draw throughlines between human rights struggles around the globe. Most recently, she authored the foreword to \u003ca href=\"https://www.haymarketbooks.org/books/1744-rifqa\">\u003ci>Rifqa\u003c/i>\u003c/a>, the debut poetry collection by Palestinian writer, activist and \u003ca href=\"https://www.thenation.com/authors/mohammed-el-kurd/\">\u003ci>The Nation\u003c/i>\u003c/a> correspondent \u003ca href=\"https://www.mohammedelkurd.com/\">Muhammed El-Kurd\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After sharing potent renditions of her poems on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert last year, monet and her band make their San Francisco debut at the \u003ca href=\"http://events.noisepop.com/events/2024/2/29/aja-monet-tickets\">Swedish American Hall as part of Noise Pop\u003c/a> on Feb. 29. Ahead of the show, I spoke with her about writing for liberation, her growing platform and how her work resonates with the Bay’s deep legacy of revolutionary organizing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>This interview has been edited for length and clarity.\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952375\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952375\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1407618974.jpg\" alt=\"A poet recites on stage with a keyboard player in the background.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1407618974.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1407618974-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1407618974-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1407618974-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1407618974-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">aja monet performs during 2022 BRIC celebrate Brooklyn at Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park on July 08, 2022 in New York City. \u003ccite>(Jason Mendez/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Nastia Voynovskaya: \u003c/b>I’m excited that Noise Pop will be your first time performing in San Francisco. You’ve cited [Black Arts Movement co-founder and former San Francisco State University professor] Amiri Baraka and [\u003ci>for colored girls who have considered suicide\u003c/i> playwright] Ntozake Shange as influences, both of whom had a huge impact here in the Bay Area. What excites you about performing in the Bay Area in particular?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>aja monet:\u003c/b> I think about the cultural legacy of what the Bay Area has created, in terms of people who have made an incredible impact, in this country and in the world. There’s the cultural work, but then there’s the organizing work that has made a huge impact on our movement and the ways that we approach ideas about social justice and freedom.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Bay has a lot of significance to me. It was one of the first places I traveled on my own for a poetry competition when I was about 17 for Brave New Voices, which was hosted by Youth Speaks. Some of my best friends that I adore are from the Bay, and some of my favorite poets are from the Bay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>When you mention your favorite poets from the Bay, who comes to mind? \u003c/b>[aside postid='arts_13916674']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/tongo-eisen-martin\">Tongo Eisen-Martin\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/chinakahodge/\">Chinaka Hodge\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://mobrowne.com/index.html\">Mahogany Browne\u003c/a> is originally from the Bay. June Jordan isn’t from the Bay, but she spent some time at Berkeley, and one of the most influential programs that she implemented has been a guiding light and force for me as an educator, as an organizer and a facilitator. So thinking about the revolutionary blueprint of \u003ca href=\"https://africam.berkeley.edu/poetry-for-the-people/\">Poetry for the People\u003c/a> and what she was able to implement at UC Berkeley.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>You’ve been an organizer for years. Whether it’s Black liberation or Palestinian liberation, these are long, multi-generational fights. How does poetry help fuel and sustain these movements for the long haul?\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I don’t want to make blanket statements about poetry because not all poets are effective in this way. Certain poets have reflected establishment values and have been very focused on an objective that is rooted in accolades and awards.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then there are poets who understand poetry as the function of the people’s heart and spirit and truth. Poetry, to me, is more of an approach. It’s a way of being in the world. When I think about that, I think about poetry as the measure of one’s true devotion to their craft. And so when I say someone dances like a poet, or someone sings like a poet, or someone plays an instrument like a poet, what I’m saying is they have a very different sort of profound orientation toward their gift. It’s taking it to an elevated dimension, and it’s bringing it new meaning and depth. And so I think poetry is really like a possessive, obsessive sort of devotion that transcends into a deeper sort of core truth that is really resonant to the spirit. [pullquote citation='aja monet' size='large']‘I don’t think poets create movements; I think movements create poets.’[/pullquote]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s no longer just a surface-level approach to an idea or a deep emotion that we all struggle with as humans, whether that be love or anger or war, frustration or death. It’s really delving into why, how, who, what’s the meaning behind that happening. And I think that when you can harness that sort of depth, it automatically elevates the consciousness of the people and the value system and the North Star — the thing that one ends up working towards.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So movements are incredibly powerful for the poets that are created through them. I don’t think poets create movements; I think movements create poets. When one is really accessing that real, urgent depth, then I think that all of us are transformed by that pursuit. It’s delving into the interior landscape, which is what we usually say is ultimately the final frontier of our freedom movements.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://youtu.be/_Y-X9CpSiQ0?si=R1gqf8oBAoH8GSps\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Live music is a big component of your work. Why is that important to you, and how does it change how the audience might receive your words?\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I’ve always seen myself as a sort of word musician. Finding musicians who hope to elevate what you’re doing, to be in conversation with you — I mean, that’s ultimately the dream, because being a poet on a stage by yourself is pretty lonely. The co-creative part of being with the band is what excites me, and it allows me to be less in my head and more playful. You feel more protected. You’re on a battlefield with others, with fellow soldiers that are trying to struggle with ideas and cultural norms and push against structures that have kept us from really expressing ourselves with authenticity.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ultimately on the stage, it’s one of the few places where Black people are able to express the full range of one’s emotions without the threat of death. One can be utterly angry, upset, crazed, even ecstatic, enthused, joyful. The range of our full humanity is safe when it’s seen as a performance. But what we do is — we ultimately know we’re doing ceremony. We’re doing spirit work. And I think somehow the stage protects that work. What the West has made into a consumer capitalist venture, it ultimately is really just ceremony, displaced.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952374\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952374\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1988922565.jpg\" alt=\"A woman poses on the red carpet.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1988922565.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1988922565-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1988922565-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1988922565-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1988922565-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">aja monet attends the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. \u003ccite>(Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cb> Powerfully said. With your recent Grammy nomination, you’re getting recognized on a much larger platform. How does it feel getting validation from the entertainment industry?\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I don’t know if I’ve necessarily been acknowledged by the establishment quite yet. For me, the most meaningful thing about the nomination was people being excited about the work. Ultimately it takes people to say, “Nah, yo, whether they give this record an award or not … I’m going to support it because I know that it’s actually a quality thing done with intention, done with skill, with artistry, with creativity, with innovation, with spirit, with soul, with Black people in mind” — whatever it is that your metrics are.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We have to have some sort of, what are we measuring our worth towards? Who determines our value? And to me, it’ll always be the people. So that’s why I keep trying to remind folks, you know, when you like something, when you love something, when something really resonates with you, support it in every way, shape or form. We usually wait until we’re dead and gone to get our flowers. That’s kind of the expectation of poets, at least. Any opportunity as a living poet to be able to be appreciated and valued, I will never take for granted, ever.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If I could give awards to Sekou Sindiata, Amiri Baraka, June Jordan, I would give them all the awards they deserved and never got. As Black folks, as people of this time who care about the heart, the spirit, the soul, integrity, we have to not wait until people are dead and gone to acknowledge the impact of the work, and we must find ways to celebrate the things we love that don’t have us searching outside of ourselves for validation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Well said. Now that you have more people’s attention, how do you want to use this moment?\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There are myriad issues that we are facing as humans in this time, in this life. And if I’m obedient to the gifts, if I’m obedient to the calling, then the work will do what it needs to do for this time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s the way I have been orienting myself. Before, I used to think, “Well, I gotta speak to this. I gotta touch on this.” I think poetry in and of itself and how one moves, how one thinks and how one loves and how one relates — that’s how you show your values, and that’s how you show the concerns of the time. [aside postid='arts_13937865']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And so I’m not concerned with Palestine because it’s popular and everybody’s talking about it right now, and now people see, “Oh wow, it’s a genocide.” I’m concerned with Palestine because I have relationships with people who are Palestinian, who have changed my life. I’m concerned with Palestine because it affects my day-to-day life. You know what I mean? I’m concerned with the Congo because I have relationships with people that have impacted my life, and I know how this impacts the day-to-day of their lives.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So it’s not so much of like, “OK, well now I have attention. So let me bring everybody to this thing.” It’s just, how do you remain steadfast, consistent and of service to one’s calling and gift and be truthful to that and sincere to that? And hopefully, the truth will rise. The meat of it, the heart of it, the spirit and the musicality of it will reflect the best of who you are and what you’re trying to struggle with and the ideas you’re working through.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So I think it’ll change. I think I just want to continue to be able to create and to be provided the resources, the access, the ability to reach the people that I care about. So long as I’m here, let me just continue. I want to continue to do what I’m here to do.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12127869\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"78\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-400x39.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-768x75.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad floatright]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>aja monet performs Thursday, Feb. 29, at the Swedish American Hall in San Francisco as part of Noise Pop. \u003ca href=\"http://events.noisepop.com/events/2024/2/29/aja-monet-tickets\">Tickets and details here\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
"blocks": [],
"excerpt": "Ahead of her SF debut at Noise Pop, the organizer and Grammy-nominated poet talks politics, Palestine and process. ",
"status": "publish",
"parent": 0,
"modified": 1726700552,
"stats": {
"hasAudio": false,
"hasVideo": false,
"hasChartOrMap": true,
"iframeSrcs": [
"https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3097307146/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/"
],
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"paragraphCount": 34,
"wordCount": 2125
},
"headData": {
"title": "How the Struggle for Liberation Made aja monet Into a Poet | KQED",
"description": "Ahead of her SF debut at Noise Pop, the organizer and Grammy-nominated poet talks politics, Palestine and process. ",
"ogTitle": "",
"ogDescription": "",
"ogImgId": "",
"twTitle": "",
"twDescription": "",
"twImgId": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "How the Struggle for Liberation Made aja monet Into a Poet",
"datePublished": "2024-02-15T14:23:16-08:00",
"dateModified": "2024-09-18T16:02:32-07:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"sticky": false,
"templateType": "standard",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/arts/13952372/aja-monet-poetry-interview-noise-pop-san-francisco",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>In an age of information overload and doom scrolling, poetry is essential. A good poem can cut to the core of an issue more immediately than an entire tome of research. It can jolt you awake, stir you to action or whisk you into a dream space in which you completely reimagine your life and its possibilities.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In her work, \u003ca href=\"https://ajamonet.com/\">aja monet\u003c/a> accomplishes all of the above. The New York-raised, L.A.-based writer and performer calls herself a “surrealist blues poet.” Her Grammy-nominated 2023 album \u003ci>when the poems do what they do\u003c/i> pairs her words — alternately searing, comforting, grief-stricken or romantic — with jazz grounded in Afro-Caribbean rhythms. (Keyboard and flute stylings by Berkeley-raised siblings \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13911226/samora-pinderhughes-ybca-the-healing-project\">Samora\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13931138/liner-notes-flutist-and-vocalist-elena-pinderhughes-is-limitless\">Elena Pinderhughes\u003c/a> add to the record’s dynamic emotional landscape.)\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr>\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"border: 0; width: 100%; height: 120px;\" src=\"https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3097307146/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/\" width=\"100%\" height=\"500\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\" frameborder=\"0\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>monet’s years of community organizing inform her heart-swelling invocations of love and gut-wrenching reflections on violence inflicted upon Black Americans. She spent years in Florida working with \u003ca href=\"https://www.dreamdefenders.org/\">Dream Defenders\u003c/a>, a prison abolitionist organization formed after the killing of Trayvon Martin, and the \u003ca href=\"https://communityjusticeproject.com/\">Community Justice Project\u003c/a>, which offers free legal aid in Miami. When her star as a poet began to rise after winning the Nuyorican Poets Cafe Grand Slam competition in 2007, monet had already spent years immersed in work instead of chasing accolades. Her numerous poetry books and debut album alike blossomed out of the movement.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In addition to fighting for racial justice, monet has long been an advocate for Palestinian liberation, using her words to draw throughlines between human rights struggles around the globe. Most recently, she authored the foreword to \u003ca href=\"https://www.haymarketbooks.org/books/1744-rifqa\">\u003ci>Rifqa\u003c/i>\u003c/a>, the debut poetry collection by Palestinian writer, activist and \u003ca href=\"https://www.thenation.com/authors/mohammed-el-kurd/\">\u003ci>The Nation\u003c/i>\u003c/a> correspondent \u003ca href=\"https://www.mohammedelkurd.com/\">Muhammed El-Kurd\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>After sharing potent renditions of her poems on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert last year, monet and her band make their San Francisco debut at the \u003ca href=\"http://events.noisepop.com/events/2024/2/29/aja-monet-tickets\">Swedish American Hall as part of Noise Pop\u003c/a> on Feb. 29. Ahead of the show, I spoke with her about writing for liberation, her growing platform and how her work resonates with the Bay’s deep legacy of revolutionary organizing.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ci>This interview has been edited for length and clarity.\u003c/i>\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952375\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952375\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1407618974.jpg\" alt=\"A poet recites on stage with a keyboard player in the background.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1407618974.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1407618974-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1407618974-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1407618974-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1407618974-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">aja monet performs during 2022 BRIC celebrate Brooklyn at Lena Horne Bandshell at Prospect Park on July 08, 2022 in New York City. \u003ccite>(Jason Mendez/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Nastia Voynovskaya: \u003c/b>I’m excited that Noise Pop will be your first time performing in San Francisco. You’ve cited [Black Arts Movement co-founder and former San Francisco State University professor] Amiri Baraka and [\u003ci>for colored girls who have considered suicide\u003c/i> playwright] Ntozake Shange as influences, both of whom had a huge impact here in the Bay Area. What excites you about performing in the Bay Area in particular?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>aja monet:\u003c/b> I think about the cultural legacy of what the Bay Area has created, in terms of people who have made an incredible impact, in this country and in the world. There’s the cultural work, but then there’s the organizing work that has made a huge impact on our movement and the ways that we approach ideas about social justice and freedom.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Bay has a lot of significance to me. It was one of the first places I traveled on my own for a poetry competition when I was about 17 for Brave New Voices, which was hosted by Youth Speaks. Some of my best friends that I adore are from the Bay, and some of my favorite poets are from the Bay.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>When you mention your favorite poets from the Bay, who comes to mind? \u003c/b>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "arts_13916674",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/tag/tongo-eisen-martin\">Tongo Eisen-Martin\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/chinakahodge/\">Chinaka Hodge\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://mobrowne.com/index.html\">Mahogany Browne\u003c/a> is originally from the Bay. June Jordan isn’t from the Bay, but she spent some time at Berkeley, and one of the most influential programs that she implemented has been a guiding light and force for me as an educator, as an organizer and a facilitator. So thinking about the revolutionary blueprint of \u003ca href=\"https://africam.berkeley.edu/poetry-for-the-people/\">Poetry for the People\u003c/a> and what she was able to implement at UC Berkeley.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>You’ve been an organizer for years. Whether it’s Black liberation or Palestinian liberation, these are long, multi-generational fights. How does poetry help fuel and sustain these movements for the long haul?\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I don’t want to make blanket statements about poetry because not all poets are effective in this way. Certain poets have reflected establishment values and have been very focused on an objective that is rooted in accolades and awards.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Then there are poets who understand poetry as the function of the people’s heart and spirit and truth. Poetry, to me, is more of an approach. It’s a way of being in the world. When I think about that, I think about poetry as the measure of one’s true devotion to their craft. And so when I say someone dances like a poet, or someone sings like a poet, or someone plays an instrument like a poet, what I’m saying is they have a very different sort of profound orientation toward their gift. It’s taking it to an elevated dimension, and it’s bringing it new meaning and depth. And so I think poetry is really like a possessive, obsessive sort of devotion that transcends into a deeper sort of core truth that is really resonant to the spirit. \u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "‘I don’t think poets create movements; I think movements create poets.’",
"name": "pullquote",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"citation": "aja monet",
"size": "large",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It’s no longer just a surface-level approach to an idea or a deep emotion that we all struggle with as humans, whether that be love or anger or war, frustration or death. It’s really delving into why, how, who, what’s the meaning behind that happening. And I think that when you can harness that sort of depth, it automatically elevates the consciousness of the people and the value system and the North Star — the thing that one ends up working towards.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So movements are incredibly powerful for the poets that are created through them. I don’t think poets create movements; I think movements create poets. When one is really accessing that real, urgent depth, then I think that all of us are transformed by that pursuit. It’s delving into the interior landscape, which is what we usually say is ultimately the final frontier of our freedom movements.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/_Y-X9CpSiQ0'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/_Y-X9CpSiQ0'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003cb>Live music is a big component of your work. Why is that important to you, and how does it change how the audience might receive your words?\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I’ve always seen myself as a sort of word musician. Finding musicians who hope to elevate what you’re doing, to be in conversation with you — I mean, that’s ultimately the dream, because being a poet on a stage by yourself is pretty lonely. The co-creative part of being with the band is what excites me, and it allows me to be less in my head and more playful. You feel more protected. You’re on a battlefield with others, with fellow soldiers that are trying to struggle with ideas and cultural norms and push against structures that have kept us from really expressing ourselves with authenticity.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Ultimately on the stage, it’s one of the few places where Black people are able to express the full range of one’s emotions without the threat of death. One can be utterly angry, upset, crazed, even ecstatic, enthused, joyful. The range of our full humanity is safe when it’s seen as a performance. But what we do is — we ultimately know we’re doing ceremony. We’re doing spirit work. And I think somehow the stage protects that work. What the West has made into a consumer capitalist venture, it ultimately is really just ceremony, displaced.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952374\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1024px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952374\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1988922565.jpg\" alt=\"A woman poses on the red carpet.\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1988922565.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1988922565-800x534.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1988922565-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1988922565-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/GettyImages-1988922565-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">aja monet attends the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 04, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. \u003ccite>(Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>\u003cb> Powerfully said. With your recent Grammy nomination, you’re getting recognized on a much larger platform. How does it feel getting validation from the entertainment industry?\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>I don’t know if I’ve necessarily been acknowledged by the establishment quite yet. For me, the most meaningful thing about the nomination was people being excited about the work. Ultimately it takes people to say, “Nah, yo, whether they give this record an award or not … I’m going to support it because I know that it’s actually a quality thing done with intention, done with skill, with artistry, with creativity, with innovation, with spirit, with soul, with Black people in mind” — whatever it is that your metrics are.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>We have to have some sort of, what are we measuring our worth towards? Who determines our value? And to me, it’ll always be the people. So that’s why I keep trying to remind folks, you know, when you like something, when you love something, when something really resonates with you, support it in every way, shape or form. We usually wait until we’re dead and gone to get our flowers. That’s kind of the expectation of poets, at least. Any opportunity as a living poet to be able to be appreciated and valued, I will never take for granted, ever.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>If I could give awards to Sekou Sindiata, Amiri Baraka, June Jordan, I would give them all the awards they deserved and never got. As Black folks, as people of this time who care about the heart, the spirit, the soul, integrity, we have to not wait until people are dead and gone to acknowledge the impact of the work, and we must find ways to celebrate the things we love that don’t have us searching outside of ourselves for validation.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cb>Well said. Now that you have more people’s attention, how do you want to use this moment?\u003c/b>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>There are myriad issues that we are facing as humans in this time, in this life. And if I’m obedient to the gifts, if I’m obedient to the calling, then the work will do what it needs to do for this time.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>That’s the way I have been orienting myself. Before, I used to think, “Well, I gotta speak to this. I gotta touch on this.” I think poetry in and of itself and how one moves, how one thinks and how one loves and how one relates — that’s how you show your values, and that’s how you show the concerns of the time. \u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "arts_13937865",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>And so I’m not concerned with Palestine because it’s popular and everybody’s talking about it right now, and now people see, “Oh wow, it’s a genocide.” I’m concerned with Palestine because I have relationships with people who are Palestinian, who have changed my life. I’m concerned with Palestine because it affects my day-to-day life. You know what I mean? I’m concerned with the Congo because I have relationships with people that have impacted my life, and I know how this impacts the day-to-day of their lives.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So it’s not so much of like, “OK, well now I have attention. So let me bring everybody to this thing.” It’s just, how do you remain steadfast, consistent and of service to one’s calling and gift and be truthful to that and sincere to that? And hopefully, the truth will rise. The meat of it, the heart of it, the spirit and the musicality of it will reflect the best of who you are and what you’re trying to struggle with and the ideas you’re working through.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>So I think it’ll change. I think I just want to continue to be able to create and to be provided the resources, the access, the ability to reach the people that I care about. So long as I’m here, let me just continue. I want to continue to do what I’m here to do.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-12127869\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"78\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-400x39.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-768x75.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "floatright"
},
"numeric": [
"floatright"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>aja monet performs Thursday, Feb. 29, at the Swedish American Hall in San Francisco as part of Noise Pop. \u003ca href=\"http://events.noisepop.com/events/2024/2/29/aja-monet-tickets\">Tickets and details here\u003c/a>. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/arts/13952372/aja-monet-poetry-interview-noise-pop-san-francisco",
"authors": [
"11387"
],
"programs": [
"arts_140"
],
"categories": [
"arts_1",
"arts_73",
"arts_835",
"arts_69"
],
"tags": [
"arts_10278",
"arts_1022",
"arts_1496",
"arts_585"
],
"featImg": "arts_13952417",
"label": "arts_140"
},
"arts_13952409": {
"type": "posts",
"id": "arts_13952409",
"meta": {
"index": "posts_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13952409",
"score": null,
"sort": [
1708032232000
]
},
"parent": 0,
"labelTerm": {
"site": "arts",
"term": 140
},
"blocks": [],
"publishDate": 1708032232,
"format": "standard",
"title": "J.Lo’s Very Wacky, Very Wild, Very J.Lo Journey to Love in ‘This Is Me … Now’",
"headTitle": "J.Lo’s Very Wacky, Very Wild, Very J.Lo Journey to Love in ‘This Is Me … Now’ | KQED",
"content": "\u003cp>OK, so maybe we’re not tracking her jet travel online like amateur spies, or worrying on a diplomatic level whether she’ll make it to a football game.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But current Swift-mania aside, let’s not forget that another force of nature, J.Lo, has been the ultimate celebrity for decades. Singer. Dancer. Rom-com actor, charismatic and charming. Social media queen, and yes, tabloid magnet, with the very public ups and downs of her love life. Jennifer Lopez, now 54, has been doing this pop goddess thing for a very long time, and very well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postid='pop_21655']All of which is to say that when she sings now that she and her lover — Ben Affleck, obviously — don’t need to give a $%& about how others feel, well, who are we to argue? Who are we, really, to argue with J.Lo about anything?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Which is perhaps the perfect vantage point from which to assess the curious 65-minute creation that is \u003cem>This is Me… Now: A Love Story\u003c/em>, the movie accompanying her album out Friday. Some will call it a mere music video — it’s directed by Dave Meyers, who’s done hundreds — but it’s heftier than that. And if the plot feels truly chaotic, blending (deep breath here, please) mythology, astrology, autobiography, confessional, modern romantic comedy and Old Hollywood glamour (still with us?), it is so J.Lo — so very, very J.Lo — that it feels logical, too.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Osu2N9gysYk&t=38s\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Whether that means the film is, well, good, is probably a matter of how you feel about Lopez. Certainly, she’s brought everything to the table here: her talents, her fertile imagination and her wallet, too, self-financing when money fell through, to the tune of a reported $20 million. Talk about self-belief, which is the moral of the film, if expressed rather too quickly and conveniently. If you can’t love yourself, Lopez and co-writer Mark Walton tell us, you can’t really love anyone else.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postid='pop_98212']Anyway, we told you there was a plot, so here goes. Lopez, though channeling her own life, doesn’t have a name in the film — she’s billed as “Artist.” But before we meet her, we begin with Puerto Rican mythology: the story of Alida and Taroo, star-crossed lovers from enemy tribes. They can’t be together, so the gods turn her into a red flower (Lopez appears in the animation as Alida), and Taroo into a hummingbird, destined to forever seek her. The Artist heard the tale as a child and decided what she wanted to be when she grew up: “in love.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now we see the modern Artist on the back of a motorcycle, riding across a beach, with a hunky man, face shielded. Then, screech — the motorcycle crashes. “Not all love stories have a happy ending,” she says.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Artist’s adventure with love takes us to a \u003cem>Metropolis\u003c/em>-like sequence in a very dystopian-looking factory, its purpose not fully clear but in any case a great setting for one of many dance numbers. Lopez still has it, if you wondered. Turns out, though, the depleting oxygen and dancers in hazmat suits are all part of a dream. We learn this in the Artist’s therapy session the next day with her shrink (rapper Fat Joe, naturally).\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952413\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1720px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952413\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2024-02-15-at-1.20.27-PM.png\" alt=\"A woman wearing dirty work clothes hangs from a rusty sphere inside a factory.\" width=\"1720\" height=\"1142\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2024-02-15-at-1.20.27-PM.png 1720w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2024-02-15-at-1.20.27-PM-800x531.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2024-02-15-at-1.20.27-PM-1020x677.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2024-02-15-at-1.20.27-PM-160x106.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2024-02-15-at-1.20.27-PM-768x510.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2024-02-15-at-1.20.27-PM-1536x1020.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1720px) 100vw, 1720px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jennifer Lopez in ‘This is Me… Now: A Love Story.’ \u003ccite>(Prime Video via AP)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>He asks how it’s going with the new guy. Not so well, it turns out — the guy’s a Libra (astrology is ever-present) and, more to the point, violent, as we learn in the song “Rebound” about a toxic relationship, with a powerful dance sequence that has her continually pulled back into an abuser’s clutches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Time for the Zodiac Council to weigh in. Yes, up in the stars, led by Jane Fonda — yes Jane Fonda — not as J.Lo’s mother-in-law this time but as Sagittarius, yes the sign, who peers down at our girl and says: “I don’t get it!” Yup, agrees Libra, played by Trevor Noah — Libras and Leos are supposed to go well together. And so it goes, with others chiming in: Keke Palmer as Scorpio, Post Malone as Leo, Sofia Vergara as Cancer, Kim Petras as Virgo and even astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson as Taurus.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postid='arts_13952322']This wacky group is a celestial counterpart to a band of well-meaning friends down on Earth, those typical rom-com buddies who stage an intervention into her love life. Is the Artist is a sex addict? A love addict? Another addiction — to weddings, wink wink! — is explored in a big number where Lopez marries three different grooms.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It won’t shock you that the Artist ultimately learns to love herself, with a return to her roots (this is, after all, Jenny From the Block). If she didn’t, we wouldn’t have an audacious — but fun — recreation of Gene Kelly in \u003cem>Singin’ in the Rain\u003c/em>. We also wouldn’t have reason to hear the triumphant songs that comprise the new album, coming more than 20 years after \u003cem>This is Me … Then\u003c/em>, written during her first go-round with Affleck.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Famously, they broke up. Famously, they reunited. (Now-husband Affleck appears here, in a sly cameo we won’t spoil.) We watched it all. And we’ll keep watching this most durable of superstars. There will be more to come. But this is her, now.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12127869\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/arts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-800x78.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"78\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-400x39.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-768x75.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>‘This is Me… Now: A Love Story’ (both album and short film) are released nationwide on Feb. 16, 2024.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n",
"stats": {
"hasVideo": true,
"hasChartOrMap": false,
"hasAudio": false,
"hasPolis": false,
"wordCount": 1007,
"hasGoogleForm": false,
"hasGallery": false,
"hasHearkenModule": false,
"iframeSrcs": [],
"paragraphCount": 17
},
"modified": 1708032232,
"excerpt": "‘This is Me… Now: A Love Story’ is a curious 65-minute creation to accompany J. Lo’s new album.",
"headData": {
"twImgId": "",
"twTitle": "J.Lo’s Very Wacky, Very Wild, Very J.Lo Journey to Love in ‘This Is Me … Now’",
"socialTitle": "Jennifer Lopez’s New Self-Financed Film Is Bonkers %%page%% %%sep%% KQED",
"ogTitle": "J.Lo’s Very Wacky, Very Wild, Very J.Lo Journey to Love in ‘This Is Me … Now’",
"ogImgId": "",
"twDescription": "",
"description": "‘This is Me… Now: A Love Story’ is a curious 65-minute creation to accompany J. Lo’s new album.",
"title": "Jennifer Lopez’s New Self-Financed Film Is Bonkers | KQED",
"ogDescription": "",
"schema": {
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "Article",
"headline": "J.Lo’s Very Wacky, Very Wild, Very J.Lo Journey to Love in ‘This Is Me … Now’",
"datePublished": "2024-02-15T13:23:52-08:00",
"dateModified": "2024-02-15T13:23:52-08:00",
"image": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png"
}
},
"guestAuthors": [],
"slug": "j-lo-this-is-me-now-album-short-film-review-weird",
"status": "publish",
"templateType": "standard",
"nprByline": "Jocelyn Noveck, Associated Press",
"excludeFromSiteSearch": "Include",
"featuredImageType": "standard",
"sticky": false,
"showOnAuthorArchivePages": "No",
"articleAge": "0",
"path": "/arts/13952409/j-lo-this-is-me-now-album-short-film-review-weird",
"audioTrackLength": null,
"parsedContent": [
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>OK, so maybe we’re not tracking her jet travel online like amateur spies, or worrying on a diplomatic level whether she’ll make it to a football game.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But current Swift-mania aside, let’s not forget that another force of nature, J.Lo, has been the ultimate celebrity for decades. Singer. Dancer. Rom-com actor, charismatic and charming. Social media queen, and yes, tabloid magnet, with the very public ups and downs of her love life. Jennifer Lopez, now 54, has been doing this pop goddess thing for a very long time, and very well.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "pop_21655",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>All of which is to say that when she sings now that she and her lover — Ben Affleck, obviously — don’t need to give a $%& about how others feel, well, who are we to argue? Who are we, really, to argue with J.Lo about anything?\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Which is perhaps the perfect vantage point from which to assess the curious 65-minute creation that is \u003cem>This is Me… Now: A Love Story\u003c/em>, the movie accompanying her album out Friday. Some will call it a mere music video — it’s directed by Dave Meyers, who’s done hundreds — but it’s heftier than that. And if the plot feels truly chaotic, blending (deep breath here, please) mythology, astrology, autobiography, confessional, modern romantic comedy and Old Hollywood glamour (still with us?), it is so J.Lo — so very, very J.Lo — that it feels logical, too.\u003c/p>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/Osu2N9gysYk'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/Osu2N9gysYk'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "ad",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"label": "fullwidth"
},
"numeric": [
"fullwidth"
]
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Whether that means the film is, well, good, is probably a matter of how you feel about Lopez. Certainly, she’s brought everything to the table here: her talents, her fertile imagination and her wallet, too, self-financing when money fell through, to the tune of a reported $20 million. Talk about self-belief, which is the moral of the film, if expressed rather too quickly and conveniently. If you can’t love yourself, Lopez and co-writer Mark Walton tell us, you can’t really love anyone else.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "pop_98212",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>Anyway, we told you there was a plot, so here goes. Lopez, though channeling her own life, doesn’t have a name in the film — she’s billed as “Artist.” But before we meet her, we begin with Puerto Rican mythology: the story of Alida and Taroo, star-crossed lovers from enemy tribes. They can’t be together, so the gods turn her into a red flower (Lopez appears in the animation as Alida), and Taroo into a hummingbird, destined to forever seek her. The Artist heard the tale as a child and decided what she wanted to be when she grew up: “in love.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Now we see the modern Artist on the back of a motorcycle, riding across a beach, with a hunky man, face shielded. Then, screech — the motorcycle crashes. “Not all love stories have a happy ending,” she says.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The Artist’s adventure with love takes us to a \u003cem>Metropolis\u003c/em>-like sequence in a very dystopian-looking factory, its purpose not fully clear but in any case a great setting for one of many dance numbers. Lopez still has it, if you wondered. Turns out, though, the depleting oxygen and dancers in hazmat suits are all part of a dream. We learn this in the Artist’s therapy session the next day with her shrink (rapper Fat Joe, naturally).\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_13952413\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 1720px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-13952413\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2024-02-15-at-1.20.27-PM.png\" alt=\"A woman wearing dirty work clothes hangs from a rusty sphere inside a factory.\" width=\"1720\" height=\"1142\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2024-02-15-at-1.20.27-PM.png 1720w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2024-02-15-at-1.20.27-PM-800x531.png 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2024-02-15-at-1.20.27-PM-1020x677.png 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2024-02-15-at-1.20.27-PM-160x106.png 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2024-02-15-at-1.20.27-PM-768x510.png 768w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Screen-Shot-2024-02-15-at-1.20.27-PM-1536x1020.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1720px) 100vw, 1720px\">\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jennifer Lopez in ‘This is Me… Now: A Love Story.’ \u003ccite>(Prime Video via AP)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>He asks how it’s going with the new guy. Not so well, it turns out — the guy’s a Libra (astrology is ever-present) and, more to the point, violent, as we learn in the song “Rebound” about a toxic relationship, with a powerful dance sequence that has her continually pulled back into an abuser’s clutches.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Time for the Zodiac Council to weigh in. Yes, up in the stars, led by Jane Fonda — yes Jane Fonda — not as J.Lo’s mother-in-law this time but as Sagittarius, yes the sign, who peers down at our girl and says: “I don’t get it!” Yup, agrees Libra, played by Trevor Noah — Libras and Leos are supposed to go well together. And so it goes, with others chiming in: Keke Palmer as Scorpio, Post Malone as Leo, Sofia Vergara as Cancer, Kim Petras as Virgo and even astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson as Taurus.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "component",
"content": "",
"name": "aside",
"attributes": {
"named": {
"postid": "arts_13952322",
"label": ""
},
"numeric": []
}
},
{
"type": "contentString",
"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>This wacky group is a celestial counterpart to a band of well-meaning friends down on Earth, those typical rom-com buddies who stage an intervention into her love life. Is the Artist is a sex addict? A love addict? Another addiction — to weddings, wink wink! — is explored in a big number where Lopez marries three different grooms.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>It won’t shock you that the Artist ultimately learns to love herself, with a return to her roots (this is, after all, Jenny From the Block). If she didn’t, we wouldn’t have an audacious — but fun — recreation of Gene Kelly in \u003cem>Singin’ in the Rain\u003c/em>. We also wouldn’t have reason to hear the triumphant songs that comprise the new album, coming more than 20 years after \u003cem>This is Me … Then\u003c/em>, written during her first go-round with Affleck.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Famously, they broke up. Famously, they reunited. (Now-husband Affleck appears here, in a sly cameo we won’t spoil.) We watched it all. And we’ll keep watching this most durable of superstars. There will be more to come. But this is her, now.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-medium wp-image-12127869\" src=\"https://ww2.kqed.org/arts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-800x78.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"78\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-400x39.jpg 400w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/09/Q.Logo_.Break_-768x75.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\">\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>‘This is Me… Now: A Love Story’ (both album and short film) are released nationwide on Feb. 16, 2024.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
"attributes": {
"named": {},
"numeric": []
}
}
],
"link": "/arts/13952409/j-lo-this-is-me-now-album-short-film-review-weird",
"authors": [
"byline_arts_13952409"
],
"programs": [
"arts_140"
],
"categories": [
"arts_1",
"arts_74",
"arts_69",
"arts_75",
"arts_990"
],
"tags": [
"arts_21948",
"arts_769",
"arts_585"
],
"featImg": "arts_13952412",
"label": "arts_140"
}
},
"podcastsReducer": {
"isFetching": false,
"fetchFailed": false,
"hasFetched": false,
"podcasts": {}
},
"radioProgramsReducer": {
"isFetching": false,
"fetchFailed": false,
"hasFetched": false,
"radioPrograms": {}
},
"radioSearchSegmentsReducer": {},
"programsReducer": {
"all-things-considered": {
"id": "all-things-considered",
"title": "All Things Considered",
"info": "Every weekday, \u003cem>All Things Considered\u003c/em> hosts Robert Siegel, Audie Cornish, Ari Shapiro, and Kelly McEvers present the program's trademark mix of news, interviews, commentaries, reviews, and offbeat features. Michel Martin hosts on the weekends.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 1pm-2pm, 4:30pm-6:30pm\u003cbr />SAT-SUN 5pm-6pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/All-Things-Considered-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/all-things-considered/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/all-things-considered"
},
"american-suburb-podcast": {
"id": "american-suburb-podcast",
"title": "American Suburb: The Podcast",
"tagline": "The flip side of gentrification, told through one town",
"info": "Gentrification is changing cities across America, forcing people from neighborhoods they have long called home. Call them the displaced. Now those priced out of the Bay Area are looking for a better life in an unlikely place. American Suburb follows this migration to one California town along the Delta, 45 miles from San Francisco. But is this once sleepy suburb ready for them?",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/American-Suburb-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/news/series/american-suburb-podcast",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 19
},
"link": "/news/series/american-suburb-podcast/",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/RBrW",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?mt=2&id=1287748328",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/American-Suburb-p1086805/",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/series/american-suburb-podcast/feed/podcast",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkMzMDExODgxNjA5"
}
},
"baycurious": {
"id": "baycurious",
"title": "Bay Curious",
"tagline": "Exploring the Bay Area, one question at a time",
"info": "KQED’s new podcast, Bay Curious, gets to the bottom of the mysteries — both profound and peculiar — that give the Bay Area its unique identity. And we’ll do it with your help! You ask the questions. You decide what Bay Curious investigates. And you join us on the journey to find the answers.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Bay-Curious-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Bay Curious",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/news/series/baycurious",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 3
},
"link": "/podcasts/baycurious",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bay-curious/id1172473406",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/500557090/bay-curious",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/category/bay-curious-podcast/feed/podcast",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9a90d476-aa04-455d-9a4c-0871ed6216d4/bay-curious",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/bay-curious",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/6O76IdmhixfijmhTZLIJ8k"
}
},
"bbc-world-service": {
"id": "bbc-world-service",
"title": "BBC World Service",
"info": "The day's top stories from BBC News compiled twice daily in the week, once at weekends.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 9pm-10pm, TUE-FRI 1am-2am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BBC-World-Service-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_world_service",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "BBC World Service"
},
"link": "/radio/program/bbc-world-service",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/global-news-podcast/id135067274?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/BBC-World-Service-p455581/",
"rss": "https://podcasts.files.bbci.co.uk/p02nq0gn.rss"
}
},
"californiareport": {
"id": "californiareport",
"title": "The California Report",
"tagline": "California, day by day",
"info": "KQED’s statewide radio news program providing daily coverage of issues, trends and public policy decisions.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-California-Report-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The California Report",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/californiareport",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 8
},
"link": "/californiareport",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kqeds-the-california-report/id79681292",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/26099305-72af-4542-9dde-ac1807fe36d5/kqed-s-the-california-report",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/432285393/the-california-report",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqedfm-kqeds-the-california-report-podcast-8838",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/tag/tcram/feed/podcast"
}
},
"californiareportmagazine": {
"id": "californiareportmagazine",
"title": "The California Report Magazine",
"tagline": "Your state, your stories",
"info": "Every week, The California Report Magazine takes you on a road trip for the ears: to visit the places and meet the people who make California unique. The in-depth storytelling podcast from the California Report.",
"airtime": "FRI 4:30pm-5pm, 6:30pm-7pm, 11pm-11:30pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-California-Report-Magazine-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The California Report Magazine",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/californiareportmagazine",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 10
},
"link": "/californiareportmagazine",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-california-report-magazine/id1314750545",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM3NjkwNjk1OTAz",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/564733126/the-california-report-magazine",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/the-california-report-magazine",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/tag/tcrmag/feed/podcast"
}
},
"city-arts": {
"id": "city-arts",
"title": "City Arts & Lectures",
"info": "A one-hour radio program to hear celebrated writers, artists and thinkers address contemporary ideas and values, often discussing the creative process. Please note: tapes or transcripts are not available",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/05/cityartsandlecture-300x300.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.cityarts.net/",
"airtime": "SUN 1pm-2pm, TUE 10pm, WED 1am",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "City Arts & Lectures"
},
"link": "https://www.cityarts.net",
"subscribe": {
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/City-Arts-and-Lectures-p692/",
"rss": "https://www.cityarts.net/feed/"
}
},
"closealltabs": {
"id": "closealltabs",
"title": "Close All Tabs",
"tagline": "Your irreverent guide to the trends redefining our world",
"info": "Close All Tabs breaks down how digital culture shapes our world through thoughtful insights and irreverent humor.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/CAT_2_Tile-scaled.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Close All Tabs",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/closealltabs",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 1
},
"link": "/podcasts/closealltabs",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/close-all-tabs/id214663465",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC6993880386",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/92d9d4ac-67a3-4eed-b10a-fb45d45b1ef2/close-all-tabs",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/6LAJFHnGK1pYXYzv6SIol6?si=deb0cae19813417c"
}
},
"code-switch-life-kit": {
"id": "code-switch-life-kit",
"title": "Code Switch / Life Kit",
"info": "\u003cem>Code Switch\u003c/em>, which listeners will hear in the first part of the hour, has fearless and much-needed conversations about race. Hosted by journalists of color, the show tackles the subject of race head-on, exploring how it impacts every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, sports and more.\u003cbr />\u003cbr />\u003cem>Life Kit\u003c/em>, which will be in the second part of the hour, guides you through spaces and feelings no one prepares you for — from finances to mental health, from workplace microaggressions to imposter syndrome, from relationships to parenting. The show features experts with real world experience and shares their knowledge. Because everyone needs a little help being human.\u003cbr />\u003cbr />\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510312/codeswitch\">\u003cem>Code Switch\u003c/em> offical site and podcast\u003c/a>\u003cbr />\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/lifekit\">\u003cem>Life Kit\u003c/em> offical site and podcast\u003c/a>\u003cbr />",
"airtime": "SUN 9pm-10pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Code-Switch-Life-Kit-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/code-switch-life-kit",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/1112190608?mt=2&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubnByLm9yZy9yc3MvcG9kY2FzdC5waHA_aWQ9NTEwMzEy",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/3bExJ9JQpkwNhoHvaIIuyV",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510312/podcast.xml"
}
},
"commonwealth-club": {
"id": "commonwealth-club",
"title": "Commonwealth Club of California Podcast",
"info": "The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. As a non-partisan forum, The Club brings to the public airwaves diverse viewpoints on important topics. The Club's weekly radio broadcast - the oldest in the U.S., dating back to 1924 - is carried across the nation on public radio stations and is now podcasting. Our website archive features audio of our recent programs, as well as selected speeches from our long and distinguished history. This podcast feed is usually updated twice a week and is always un-edited.",
"airtime": "THU 10pm, FRI 1am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Commonwealth-Club-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.commonwealthclub.org/podcasts",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "Commonwealth Club of California"
},
"link": "/radio/program/commonwealth-club",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/commonwealth-club-of-california-podcast/id976334034?mt=2",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jb21tb253ZWFsdGhjbHViLm9yZy9hdWRpby9wb2RjYXN0L3dlZWtseS54bWw",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Commonwealth-Club-of-California-p1060/"
}
},
"forum": {
"id": "forum",
"title": "Forum",
"tagline": "The conversation starts here",
"info": "KQED’s live call-in program discussing local, state, national and international issues, as well as in-depth interviews.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 9am-11am, 10pm-11pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Forum-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Forum with Mina Kim and Alexis Madrigal",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/forum",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 9
},
"link": "/forum",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kqeds-forum/id73329719",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM5NTU3MzgxNjMz",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/432307980/forum",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqedfm-kqeds-forum-podcast",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC9557381633"
}
},
"freakonomics-radio": {
"id": "freakonomics-radio",
"title": "Freakonomics Radio",
"info": "Freakonomics Radio is a one-hour award-winning podcast and public-radio project hosted by Stephen Dubner, with co-author Steve Levitt as a regular guest. It is produced in partnership with WNYC.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/05/freakonomicsRadio.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://freakonomics.com/",
"airtime": "SUN 1am-2am, SAT 3pm-4pm",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "WNYC"
},
"link": "/radio/program/freakonomics-radio",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/4s8b",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/freakonomics-radio/id354668519",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/WNYC-Podcasts/Freakonomics-Radio-p272293/",
"rss": "https://feeds.feedburner.com/freakonomicsradio"
}
},
"fresh-air": {
"id": "fresh-air",
"title": "Fresh Air",
"info": "Hosted by Terry Gross, \u003cem>Fresh Air from WHYY\u003c/em> is the Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues. One of public radio's most popular programs, Fresh Air features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 7pm-8pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Fresh-Air-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/fresh-air/",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/fresh-air",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/4s8b",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=214089682&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Fresh-Air-p17/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/381444908/podcast.xml"
}
},
"here-and-now": {
"id": "here-and-now",
"title": "Here & Now",
"info": "A live production of NPR and WBUR Boston, in collaboration with stations across the country, Here & Now reflects the fluid world of news as it's happening in the middle of the day, with timely, in-depth news, interviews and conversation. Hosted by Robin Young, Jeremy Hobson and Tonya Mosley.",
"airtime": "MON-THU 11am-12pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Here-And-Now-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://www.wbur.org/hereandnow",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/here-and-now",
"subsdcribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?mt=2&id=426698661",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Here--Now-p211/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510051/podcast.xml"
}
},
"hidden-brain": {
"id": "hidden-brain",
"title": "Hidden Brain",
"info": "Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices and direct our relationships.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/05/hiddenbrain.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/series/423302056/hidden-brain",
"airtime": "SUN 7pm-8pm",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "NPR"
},
"link": "/radio/program/hidden-brain",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hidden-brain/id1028908750?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/Science-Podcasts/Hidden-Brain-p787503/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510308/podcast.xml"
}
},
"how-i-built-this": {
"id": "how-i-built-this",
"title": "How I Built This with Guy Raz",
"info": "Guy Raz dives into the stories behind some of the world's best known companies. How I Built This weaves a narrative journey about innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists—and the movements they built.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/05/howIBuiltThis.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510313/how-i-built-this",
"airtime": "SUN 7:30pm-8pm",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/how-i-built-this",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/3zxy",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/how-i-built-this-with-guy-raz/id1150510297?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/Arts--Culture-Podcasts/How-I-Built-This-p910896/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510313/podcast.xml"
}
},
"hyphenacion": {
"id": "hyphenacion",
"title": "Hyphenación",
"tagline": "Where conversation and cultura meet",
"info": "What kind of no sabo word is Hyphenación? For us, it’s about living within a hyphenation. Like being a third-gen Mexican-American from the Texas border now living that Bay Area Chicano life. Like Xorje! Each week we bring together a couple of hyphenated Latinos to talk all about personal life choices: family, careers, relationships, belonging … everything is on the table. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Hyphenacion_FinalAssets_PodcastTile.png",
"imageAlt": "KQED Hyphenación",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/hyphenacion",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 15
},
"link": "/podcasts/hyphenacion",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hyphenaci%C3%B3n/id1191591838",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/2p3Fifq96nw9BPcmFdIq0o?si=39209f7b25774f38",
"youtube": "https://www.youtube.com/c/kqedarts",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/6c3dd23c-93fb-4aab-97ba-1725fa6315f1/hyphenaci%C3%B3n",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC2275451163"
}
},
"jerrybrown": {
"id": "jerrybrown",
"title": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown",
"tagline": "Lessons from a lifetime in politics",
"info": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown brings listeners the wisdom of the former Governor, Mayor, and presidential candidate. Scott Shafer interviewed Brown for more than 40 hours, covering the former governor's life and half-century in the political game – and Brown has some lessons he'd like to share. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Political-Mind-of-Jerry-Brown-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The Political Mind of Jerry Brown",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/jerrybrown",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 18
},
"link": "/podcasts/jerrybrown",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/790253322/the-political-mind-of-jerry-brown",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1492194549",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/series/jerrybrown/feed/podcast/",
"tuneIn": "http://tun.in/pjGcK",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/the-political-mind-of-jerry-brown",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/54C1dmuyFyKMFttY6X2j6r?si=K8SgRCoISNK6ZbjpXrX5-w",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/44420f75-3b0e-4301-ab3b-16da6b09e543/the-political-mind-of-jerry-brown"
}
},
"latino-usa": {
"id": "latino-usa",
"title": "Latino USA",
"airtime": "MON 1am-2am, SUN 6pm-7pm",
"info": "Latino USA, the radio journal of news and culture, is the only national, English-language radio program produced from a Latino perspective.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/latinoUsa.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://latinousa.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/latino-usa",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/xtTd",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=79681317&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Latino-USA-p621/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510016/podcast.xml"
}
},
"marketplace": {
"id": "marketplace",
"title": "Marketplace",
"info": "Our flagship program, helmed by Kai Ryssdal, examines what the day in money delivered, through stories, conversations, newsworthy numbers and more. Updated Monday through Friday at about 3:30 p.m. PT.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 4pm-4:30pm, MON-WED 6:30pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marketplace-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.marketplace.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "American Public Media"
},
"link": "/radio/program/marketplace",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=201853034&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/APM-Marketplace-p88/",
"rss": "https://feeds.publicradio.org/public_feeds/marketplace-pm/rss/rss"
}
},
"masters-of-scale": {
"id": "masters-of-scale",
"title": "Masters of Scale",
"info": "Masters of Scale is an original podcast in which LinkedIn co-founder and Greylock Partner Reid Hoffman sets out to describe and prove theories that explain how great entrepreneurs take their companies from zero to a gazillion in ingenious fashion.",
"airtime": "Every other Wednesday June 12 through October 16 at 8pm (repeats Thursdays at 2am)",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Masters-of-Scale-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://mastersofscale.com/",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "WaitWhat"
},
"link": "/radio/program/masters-of-scale",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "http://mastersofscale.app.link/",
"rss": "https://rss.art19.com/masters-of-scale"
}
},
"mindshift": {
"id": "mindshift",
"title": "MindShift",
"tagline": "A podcast about the future of learning and how we raise our kids",
"info": "The MindShift podcast explores the innovations in education that are shaping how kids learn. Hosts Ki Sung and Katrina Schwartz introduce listeners to educators, researchers, parents and students who are developing effective ways to improve how kids learn. We cover topics like how fed-up administrators are developing surprising tactics to deal with classroom disruptions; how listening to podcasts are helping kids develop reading skills; the consequences of overparenting; and why interdisciplinary learning can engage students on all ends of the traditional achievement spectrum. This podcast is part of the MindShift education site, a division of KQED News. KQED is an NPR/PBS member station based in San Francisco. You can also visit the MindShift website for episodes and supplemental blog posts or tweet us \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/MindShiftKQED\">@MindShiftKQED\u003c/a> or visit us at \u003ca href=\"/mindshift\">MindShift.KQED.org\u003c/a>",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mindshift-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED MindShift: How We Will Learn",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/mindshift/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 12
},
"link": "/podcasts/mindshift",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mindshift-podcast/id1078765985",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM1NzY0NjAwNDI5",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/464615685/mind-shift-podcast",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/stories-teachers-share",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/0MxSpNYZKNprFLCl7eEtyx"
}
},
"morning-edition": {
"id": "morning-edition",
"title": "Morning Edition",
"info": "\u003cem>Morning Edition\u003c/em> takes listeners around the country and the world with multi-faceted stories and commentaries every weekday. Hosts Steve Inskeep, David Greene and Rachel Martin bring you the latest breaking news and features to prepare you for the day.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 3am-9am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Morning-Edition-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/morning-edition/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/morning-edition"
},
"onourwatch": {
"id": "onourwatch",
"title": "On Our Watch",
"tagline": "Deeply-reported investigative journalism",
"info": "For decades, the process for how police police themselves has been inconsistent – if not opaque. In some states, like California, these proceedings were completely hidden. After a new police transparency law unsealed scores of internal affairs files, our reporters set out to examine these cases and the shadow world of police discipline. On Our Watch brings listeners into the rooms where officers are questioned and witnesses are interrogated to find out who this system is really protecting. Is it the officers, or the public they've sworn to serve?",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/On-Our-Watch-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "On Our Watch from NPR and KQED",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/onourwatch",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 11
},
"link": "/podcasts/onourwatch",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1567098962",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5ucHIub3JnLzUxMDM2MC9wb2RjYXN0LnhtbD9zYz1nb29nbGVwb2RjYXN0cw",
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/onourwatch",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/0OLWoyizopu6tY1XiuX70x",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/On-Our-Watch-p1436229/",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/show/on-our-watch",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510360/podcast.xml"
}
},
"on-the-media": {
"id": "on-the-media",
"title": "On The Media",
"info": "Our weekly podcast explores how the media 'sausage' is made, casts an incisive eye on fluctuations in the marketplace of ideas, and examines threats to the freedom of information and expression in America and abroad. For one hour a week, the show tries to lift the veil from the process of \"making media,\" especially news media, because it's through that lens that we see the world and the world sees us",
"airtime": "SUN 2pm-3pm, MON 12am-1am",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/onTheMedia.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/otm",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "wnyc"
},
"link": "/radio/program/on-the-media",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/on-the-media/id73330715?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/On-the-Media-p69/",
"rss": "http://feeds.wnyc.org/onthemedia"
}
},
"pbs-newshour": {
"id": "pbs-newshour",
"title": "PBS NewsHour",
"info": "Analysis, background reports and updates from the PBS NewsHour putting today's news in context.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 3pm-4pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PBS-News-Hour-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.pbs.org/newshour/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "pbs"
},
"link": "/radio/program/pbs-newshour",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pbs-newshour-full-show/id394432287?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/PBS-NewsHour---Full-Show-p425698/",
"rss": "https://www.pbs.org/newshour/feeds/rss/podcasts/show"
}
},
"perspectives": {
"id": "perspectives",
"title": "Perspectives",
"tagline": "KQED's series of daily listener commentaries since 1991",
"info": "KQED's series of daily listener commentaries since 1991.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Perspectives_Tile_Final.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Perspectives",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/perspectives/",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 14
},
"link": "/perspectives",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id73801135",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/432309616/perspectives",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/perspectives/category/perspectives/feed/",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly93dzIua3FlZC5vcmcvcGVyc3BlY3RpdmVzL2NhdGVnb3J5L3BlcnNwZWN0aXZlcy9mZWVkLw"
}
},
"planet-money": {
"id": "planet-money",
"title": "Planet Money",
"info": "The economy explained. Imagine you could call up a friend and say, Meet me at the bar and tell me what's going on with the economy. Now imagine that's actually a fun evening.",
"airtime": "SUN 3pm-4pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/planetmoney.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/sections/money/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/planet-money",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/M4f5",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/planet-money/id290783428?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/Business--Economics-Podcasts/Planet-Money-p164680/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510289/podcast.xml"
}
},
"politicalbreakdown": {
"id": "politicalbreakdown",
"title": "Political Breakdown",
"tagline": "Politics from a personal perspective",
"info": "Political Breakdown is a new series that explores the political intersection of California and the nation. Each week hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos are joined with a new special guest to unpack politics -- with personality — and offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics happens.",
"airtime": "THU 6:30pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Political-Breakdown-2024-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Political Breakdown",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/politicalbreakdown",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 5
},
"link": "/podcasts/politicalbreakdown",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/political-breakdown/id1327641087",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/e0c2d153-ad36-4c8d-901d-f1da6a724824/political-breakdown",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/572155894/political-breakdown",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/political-breakdown",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/07RVyIjIdk2WDuVehvBMoN",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/tag/political-breakdown/feed/podcast"
}
},
"possible": {
"id": "possible",
"title": "Possible",
"info": "Possible is hosted by entrepreneur Reid Hoffman and writer Aria Finger. Together in Possible, Hoffman and Finger lead enlightening discussions about building a brighter collective future. The show features interviews with visionary guests like Trevor Noah, Sam Altman and Janette Sadik-Khan. Possible paints an optimistic portrait of the world we can create through science, policy, business, art and our shared humanity. It asks: What if everything goes right for once? How can we get there? Each episode also includes a short fiction story generated by advanced AI GPT-4, serving as a thought-provoking springboard to speculate how humanity could leverage technology for good.",
"airtime": "SUN 2pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Possible-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.possible.fm/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "Possible"
},
"link": "/radio/program/possible",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/possible/id1677184070",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/730YpdUSNlMyPQwNnyjp4k"
}
},
"pri-the-world": {
"id": "pri-the-world",
"title": "PRI's The World: Latest Edition",
"info": "Each weekday, host Marco Werman and his team of producers bring you the world's most interesting stories in an hour of radio that reminds us just how small our planet really is.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 2pm-3pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-World-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.pri.org/programs/the-world",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "PRI"
},
"link": "/radio/program/pri-the-world",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/pris-the-world-latest-edition/id278196007?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/News--Politics-Podcasts/PRIs-The-World-p24/",
"rss": "http://feeds.feedburner.com/pri/theworld"
}
},
"radiolab": {
"id": "radiolab",
"title": "Radiolab",
"info": "A two-time Peabody Award-winner, Radiolab is an investigation told through sounds and stories, and centered around one big idea. In the Radiolab world, information sounds like music and science and culture collide. Hosted by Jad Abumrad and Robert Krulwich, the show is designed for listeners who demand skepticism, but appreciate wonder. WNYC Studios is the producer of other leading podcasts including Freakonomics Radio, Death, Sex & Money, On the Media and many more.",
"airtime": "SUN 12am-1am, SAT 2pm-3pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/radiolab1400.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/radiolab/",
"meta": {
"site": "science",
"source": "WNYC"
},
"link": "/radio/program/radiolab",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/radiolab/id152249110?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/RadioLab-p68032/",
"rss": "https://feeds.wnyc.org/radiolab"
}
},
"reveal": {
"id": "reveal",
"title": "Reveal",
"info": "Created by The Center for Investigative Reporting and PRX, Reveal is public radios first one-hour weekly radio show and podcast dedicated to investigative reporting. Credible, fact based and without a partisan agenda, Reveal combines the power and artistry of driveway moment storytelling with data-rich reporting on critically important issues. The result is stories that inform and inspire, arming our listeners with information to right injustices, hold the powerful accountable and improve lives.Reveal is hosted by Al Letson and showcases the award-winning work of CIR and newsrooms large and small across the nation. In a radio and podcast market crowded with choices, Reveal focuses on important and often surprising stories that illuminate the world for our listeners.",
"airtime": "SAT 4pm-5pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/reveal300px.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.revealnews.org/episodes/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/reveal",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/reveal/id886009669",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Reveal-p679597/",
"rss": "http://feeds.revealradio.org/revealpodcast"
}
},
"rightnowish": {
"id": "rightnowish",
"title": "Rightnowish",
"tagline": "Art is where you find it",
"info": "Rightnowish digs into life in the Bay Area right now… ish. Journalist Pendarvis Harshaw takes us to galleries painted on the sides of liquor stores in West Oakland. We'll dance in warehouses in the Bayview, make smoothies with kids in South Berkeley, and listen to classical music in a 1984 Cutlass Supreme in Richmond. Every week, Pen talks to movers and shakers about how the Bay Area shapes what they create, and how they shape the place we call home.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rightnowish-Podcast-Tile-500x500-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Rightnowish with Pendarvis Harshaw",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/rightnowish",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 16
},
"link": "/podcasts/rightnowish",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/721590300/rightnowish",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/arts/programs/rightnowish/feed/podcast",
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rightnowish/id1482187648",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/rightnowish",
"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkMxMjU5MTY3NDc4",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/7kEJuafTzTVan7B78ttz1I"
}
},
"science-friday": {
"id": "science-friday",
"title": "Science Friday",
"info": "Science Friday is a weekly science talk show, broadcast live over public radio stations nationwide. Each week, the show focuses on science topics that are in the news and tries to bring an educated, balanced discussion to bear on the scientific issues at hand. Panels of expert guests join host Ira Flatow, a veteran science journalist, to discuss science and to take questions from listeners during the call-in portion of the program.",
"airtime": "FRI 11am-1pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Science-Friday-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/science-friday",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/science-friday",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=73329284&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Science-Friday-p394/",
"rss": "http://feeds.wnyc.org/science-friday"
}
},
"snap-judgment": {
"id": "snap-judgment",
"title": "Snap Judgment",
"tagline": "Real stories with killer beats",
"info": "The Snap Judgment radio show and podcast mixes real stories with killer beats to produce cinematic, dramatic radio. Snap's musical brand of storytelling dares listeners to see the world through the eyes of another. This is storytelling... with a BEAT!! Snap first aired on public radio stations nationwide in July 2010. Today, Snap Judgment airs on over 450 public radio stations and is brought to the airwaves by KQED & PRX.",
"airtime": "SAT 1pm-2pm, 9pm-10pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Snap-Judgment-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Snap Judgment",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://snapjudgment.org",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 4
},
"link": "https://snapjudgment.org",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/snap-judgment/id283657561",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/449018144/snap-judgment",
"stitcher": "https://www.pandora.com/podcast/snap-judgment/PC:241?source=stitcher-sunset",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/3Cct7ZWmxHNAtLgBTqjC5v",
"rss": "https://snap.feed.snapjudgment.org/"
}
},
"soldout": {
"id": "soldout",
"title": "SOLD OUT: Rethinking Housing in America",
"tagline": "A new future for housing",
"info": "Sold Out: Rethinking Housing in America",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Sold-Out-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Sold Out: Rethinking Housing in America",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/soldout",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 13
},
"link": "/podcasts/soldout",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/911586047/s-o-l-d-o-u-t-a-new-future-for-housing",
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/introducing-sold-out-rethinking-housing-in-america/id1531354937",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/soldout",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/38dTBSk2ISFoPiyYNoKn1X",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/sold-out-rethinking-housing-in-america",
"tunein": "https://tunein.com/radio/SOLD-OUT-Rethinking-Housing-in-America-p1365871/"
}
},
"spooked": {
"id": "spooked",
"title": "Spooked",
"tagline": "True-life supernatural stories",
"info": "",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Spooked-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Spooked",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://spookedpodcast.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 7
},
"link": "https://spookedpodcast.org/",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spooked/id1279361017",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/549547848/snap-judgment-presents-spooked",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/76571Rfl3m7PLJQZKQIGCT",
"rss": "https://feeds.simplecast.com/TBotaapn"
}
},
"tech-nation": {
"id": "tech-nation",
"title": "Tech Nation Radio Podcast",
"info": "Tech Nation is a weekly public radio program, hosted by Dr. Moira Gunn. Founded in 1993, it has grown from a simple interview show to a multi-faceted production, featuring conversations with noted technology and science leaders, and a weekly science and technology-related commentary.",
"airtime": "FRI 10pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Tech-Nation-Radio-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://technation.podomatic.com/",
"meta": {
"site": "science",
"source": "Tech Nation Media"
},
"link": "/radio/program/tech-nation",
"subscribe": {
"rss": "https://technation.podomatic.com/rss2.xml"
}
},
"ted-radio-hour": {
"id": "ted-radio-hour",
"title": "TED Radio Hour",
"info": "The TED Radio Hour is a journey through fascinating ideas, astonishing inventions, fresh approaches to old problems, and new ways to think and create.",
"airtime": "SUN 3pm-4pm, SAT 10pm-11pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/tedRadioHour.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/?showDate=2018-06-22",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/ted-radio-hour",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/8vsS",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=523121474&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/TED-Radio-Hour-p418021/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510298/podcast.xml"
}
},
"thebay": {
"id": "thebay",
"title": "The Bay",
"tagline": "Local news to keep you rooted",
"info": "Host Devin Katayama walks you through the biggest story of the day with reporters and newsmakers.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Bay-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The Bay",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/thebay",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 2
},
"link": "/podcasts/thebay",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bay/id1350043452",
"amazon": "https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d800ea4c-7a2c-42f2-b861-edaf78a5db0b/the-bay",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/586725995/the-bay",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/the-bay",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/4BIKBKIujizLHlIlBNaAqQ",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC8259786327"
}
},
"thelatest": {
"id": "thelatest",
"title": "The Latest",
"tagline": "Trusted local news in real time",
"info": "",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/The-Latest-2025-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The Latest",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/thelatest",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 6
},
"link": "/thelatest",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-latest-from-kqed/id1197721799",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/1257949365/the-latest-from-k-q-e-d",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/5KIIXMgM9GTi5AepwOYvIZ?si=bd3053fec7244dba",
"rss": "https://feeds.megaphone.fm/KQINC9137121918"
}
},
"theleap": {
"id": "theleap",
"title": "The Leap",
"tagline": "What if you closed your eyes, and jumped?",
"info": "Stories about people making dramatic, risky changes, told by award-winning public radio reporter Judy Campbell.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Leap-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED The Leap",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/theleap",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 17
},
"link": "/podcasts/theleap",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-leap/id1046668171",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/447248267/the-leap",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/the-leap",
"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/3sSlVHHzU0ytLwuGs1SD1U",
"rss": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/programs/the-leap/feed/podcast"
}
},
"the-moth-radio-hour": {
"id": "the-moth-radio-hour",
"title": "The Moth Radio Hour",
"info": "Since its launch in 1997, The Moth has presented thousands of true stories, told live and without notes, to standing-room-only crowds worldwide. Moth storytellers stand alone, under a spotlight, with only a microphone and a roomful of strangers. The storyteller and the audience embark on a high-wire act of shared experience which is both terrifying and exhilarating. Since 2008, The Moth podcast has featured many of our favorite stories told live on Moth stages around the country. For information on all of our programs and live events, visit themoth.org.",
"airtime": "SAT 8pm-9pm and SUN 11am-12pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/theMoth.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://themoth.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "prx"
},
"link": "/radio/program/the-moth-radio-hour",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-moth-podcast/id275699983?mt=2",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/The-Moth-p273888/",
"rss": "http://feeds.themoth.org/themothpodcast"
}
},
"the-new-yorker-radio-hour": {
"id": "the-new-yorker-radio-hour",
"title": "The New Yorker Radio Hour",
"info": "The New Yorker Radio Hour is a weekly program presented by the magazine's editor, David Remnick, and produced by WNYC Studios and The New Yorker. Each episode features a diverse mix of interviews, profiles, storytelling, and an occasional burst of humor inspired by the magazine, and shaped by its writers, artists, and editors. This isn't a radio version of a magazine, but something all its own, reflecting the rich possibilities of audio storytelling and conversation. Theme music for the show was composed and performed by Merrill Garbus of tUnE-YArDs.",
"airtime": "SAT 10am-11am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-New-Yorker-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/tnyradiohour",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "WNYC"
},
"link": "/radio/program/the-new-yorker-radio-hour",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/id1050430296",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/WNYC-Podcasts/New-Yorker-Radio-Hour-p803804/",
"rss": "https://feeds.feedburner.com/newyorkerradiohour"
}
},
"the-sam-sanders-show": {
"id": "the-sam-sanders-show",
"title": "The Sam Sanders Show",
"info": "One of public radio's most dynamic voices, Sam Sanders helped launch The NPR Politics Podcast and hosted NPR's hit show It's Been A Minute. Now, the award-winning host returns with something brand new, The Sam Sanders Show. Every week, Sam Sanders and friends dig into the culture that shapes our lives: what's driving the biggest trends, how artists really think, and even the memes you can't stop scrolling past. Sam is beloved for his way of unpacking the world and bringing you up close to fresh currents and engaging conversations. The Sam Sanders Show is smart, funny and always a good time.",
"airtime": "FRI 12-1pm AND SAT 11am-12pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/The-Sam-Sanders-Show-Podcast-Tile-400x400-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.kcrw.com/shows/the-sam-sanders-show/latest",
"meta": {
"site": "arts",
"source": "KCRW"
},
"link": "https://www.kcrw.com/shows/the-sam-sanders-show/latest",
"subscribe": {
"rss": "https://feed.cdnstream1.com/zjb/feed/download/ac/28/59/ac28594c-e1d0-4231-8728-61865cdc80e8.xml"
}
},
"the-splendid-table": {
"id": "the-splendid-table",
"title": "The Splendid Table",
"info": "\u003cem>The Splendid Table\u003c/em> hosts our nation's conversations about cooking, sustainability and food culture.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Splendid-Table-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.splendidtable.org/",
"airtime": "SUN 10-11 pm",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/the-splendid-table"
},
"this-american-life": {
"id": "this-american-life",
"title": "This American Life",
"info": "This American Life is a weekly public radio show, heard by 2.2 million people on more than 500 stations. Another 2.5 million people download the weekly podcast. It is hosted by Ira Glass, produced in collaboration with Chicago Public Media, delivered to stations by PRX The Public Radio Exchange, and has won all of the major broadcasting awards.",
"airtime": "SAT 12pm-1pm, 7pm-8pm",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/thisAmericanLife.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.thisamericanlife.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "wbez"
},
"link": "/radio/program/this-american-life",
"subscribe": {
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=201671138&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"rss": "https://www.thisamericanlife.org/podcast/rss.xml"
}
},
"tinydeskradio": {
"id": "tinydeskradio",
"title": "Tiny Desk Radio",
"info": "We're bringing the best of Tiny Desk to the airwaves, only on public radio.",
"airtime": "SUN 8pm and SAT 9pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/300x300-For-Member-Station-Logo-Tiny-Desk-Radio-@2x.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/series/g-s1-52030/tiny-desk-radio",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/tinydeskradio",
"subscribe": {
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/g-s1-52030/rss.xml"
}
},
"wait-wait-dont-tell-me": {
"id": "wait-wait-dont-tell-me",
"title": "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!",
"info": "Peter Sagal and Bill Kurtis host the weekly NPR News quiz show alongside some of the best and brightest news and entertainment personalities.",
"airtime": "SUN 10am-11am, SAT 11am-12pm, SAT 6pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Wait-Wait-Podcast-Tile-300x300-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/wait-wait-dont-tell-me/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/wait-wait-dont-tell-me",
"subscribe": {
"npr": "https://rpb3r.app.goo.gl/Xogv",
"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=121493804&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/radio/Wait-Wait-Dont-Tell-Me-p46/",
"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/344098539/podcast.xml"
}
},
"weekend-edition-saturday": {
"id": "weekend-edition-saturday",
"title": "Weekend Edition Saturday",
"info": "Weekend Edition Saturday wraps up the week's news and offers a mix of analysis and features on a wide range of topics, including arts, sports, entertainment, and human interest stories. The two-hour program is hosted by NPR's Peabody Award-winning Scott Simon.",
"airtime": "SAT 5am-10am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Weekend-Edition-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/weekend-edition-saturday/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/weekend-edition-saturday"
},
"weekend-edition-sunday": {
"id": "weekend-edition-sunday",
"title": "Weekend Edition Sunday",
"info": "Weekend Edition Sunday features interviews with newsmakers, artists, scientists, politicians, musicians, writers, theologians and historians. The program has covered news events from Nelson Mandela's 1990 release from a South African prison to the capture of Saddam Hussein.",
"airtime": "SUN 5am-10am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Weekend-Edition-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/weekend-edition-sunday/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/weekend-edition-sunday"
}
},
"racesReducer": {},
"racesGenElectionReducer": {},
"racesGenElection2026Reducer": {},
"radioSchedulesReducer": {},
"listsReducer": {
"posts/arts?category=music": {
"isFetching": false,
"latestQuery": {
"from": 660,
"size": 12
},
"vitalsOnly": false,
"totalRequested": 12,
"isLoading": false,
"isLoadingMore": true,
"total": {
"value": 4897,
"relation": "eq"
},
"items": [
"arts_13953317",
"arts_13953284",
"arts_13953137",
"arts_13952796",
"arts_13953112",
"arts_13953009",
"arts_13952983",
"arts_13952712",
"arts_13952570",
"arts_13952420",
"arts_13952372",
"arts_13952409"
],
"complete": true
}
},
"recallGuideReducer": {
"intros": {},
"policy": {},
"candidates": {}
},
"savedArticleReducer": {
"articles": [],
"status": {}
},
"newslettersReducer": {
"isFetching": false,
"fetchFailed": false,
"hasFetched": false,
"newsletters": {},
"isSubscribing": false,
"isUnsubscribing": false,
"subscribedNewsletters": {}
},
"termsReducer": {
"about": {
"name": "About",
"type": "terms",
"id": "about",
"slug": "about",
"link": "/about",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"arts": {
"name": "Arts & Culture",
"grouping": [
"arts",
"pop",
"trulyca"
],
"description": "KQED Arts provides daily in-depth coverage of the Bay Area's music, art, film, performing arts, literature and arts news, as well as cultural commentary and criticism.",
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts",
"slug": "arts",
"link": "/arts",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"artschool": {
"name": "Art School",
"parent": "arts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "artschool",
"slug": "artschool",
"link": "/artschool",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"bayareabites": {
"name": "KQED food",
"grouping": [
"food",
"bayareabites",
"checkplease"
],
"parent": "food",
"type": "terms",
"id": "bayareabites",
"slug": "bayareabites",
"link": "/food",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"bayareahiphop": {
"name": "Bay Area Hiphop",
"type": "terms",
"id": "bayareahiphop",
"slug": "bayareahiphop",
"link": "/bayareahiphop",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"campaign21": {
"name": "Campaign 21",
"type": "terms",
"id": "campaign21",
"slug": "campaign21",
"link": "/campaign21",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"careers": {
"name": "Careers",
"type": "terms",
"id": "careers",
"slug": "careers",
"link": "/careers",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"checkplease": {
"name": "KQED food",
"grouping": [
"food",
"bayareabites",
"checkplease"
],
"parent": "food",
"type": "terms",
"id": "checkplease",
"slug": "checkplease",
"link": "/food",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"education": {
"name": "Education",
"grouping": [
"education"
],
"type": "terms",
"id": "education",
"slug": "education",
"link": "/education",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"elections": {
"name": "Elections",
"type": "terms",
"id": "elections",
"slug": "elections",
"link": "/elections",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"events": {
"name": "Events",
"type": "terms",
"id": "events",
"slug": "events",
"link": "/events",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"event": {
"name": "Event",
"alias": "events",
"type": "terms",
"id": "event",
"slug": "event",
"link": "/event",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"filmschoolshorts": {
"name": "Film School Shorts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "filmschoolshorts",
"slug": "filmschoolshorts",
"link": "/filmschoolshorts",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"food": {
"name": "KQED food",
"grouping": [
"food",
"bayareabites",
"checkplease"
],
"type": "terms",
"id": "food",
"slug": "food",
"link": "/food",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"forum": {
"name": "Forum",
"relatedContentQuery": "posts/forum?",
"parent": "news",
"type": "terms",
"id": "forum",
"slug": "forum",
"link": "/forum",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"futureofyou": {
"name": "Future of You",
"grouping": [
"science",
"futureofyou"
],
"parent": "science",
"type": "terms",
"id": "futureofyou",
"slug": "futureofyou",
"link": "/futureofyou",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"jpepinheart": {
"name": "KQED food",
"relatedContentQuery": "posts/food,bayareabites,checkplease",
"parent": "food",
"type": "terms",
"id": "jpepinheart",
"slug": "jpepinheart",
"link": "/food",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"liveblog": {
"name": "Live Blog",
"type": "terms",
"id": "liveblog",
"slug": "liveblog",
"link": "/liveblog",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"livetv": {
"name": "Live TV",
"parent": "tv",
"type": "terms",
"id": "livetv",
"slug": "livetv",
"link": "/livetv",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"lowdown": {
"name": "The Lowdown",
"relatedContentQuery": "posts/lowdown?",
"parent": "news",
"type": "terms",
"id": "lowdown",
"slug": "lowdown",
"link": "/lowdown",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"mindshift": {
"name": "Mindshift",
"parent": "news",
"description": "MindShift explores the future of education by highlighting the innovative – and sometimes counterintuitive – ways educators and parents are helping all children succeed.",
"type": "terms",
"id": "mindshift",
"slug": "mindshift",
"link": "/mindshift",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"news": {
"name": "News",
"grouping": [
"news",
"forum"
],
"type": "terms",
"id": "news",
"slug": "news",
"link": "/news",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"newsletters": {
"name": "newsletters",
"type": "terms",
"id": "newsletters",
"slug": "newsletters",
"link": "/newsletters",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"perspectives": {
"name": "Perspectives",
"parent": "radio",
"type": "terms",
"id": "perspectives",
"slug": "perspectives",
"link": "/perspectives",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"podcasts": {
"name": "Podcasts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "podcasts",
"slug": "podcasts",
"link": "/podcasts",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"pop": {
"name": "Pop",
"parent": "arts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "pop",
"slug": "pop",
"link": "/pop",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"pressroom": {
"name": "Pressroom",
"type": "terms",
"id": "pressroom",
"slug": "pressroom",
"link": "/pressroom",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"quest": {
"name": "Quest",
"parent": "science",
"type": "terms",
"id": "quest",
"slug": "quest",
"link": "/quest",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"radio": {
"name": "Radio",
"grouping": [
"forum",
"perspectives"
],
"description": "Listen to KQED Public Radio – home of Forum and The California Report – on 88.5 FM in San Francisco, 89.3 FM in Sacramento, 88.3 FM in Santa Rosa and 88.1 FM in Martinez.",
"type": "terms",
"id": "radio",
"slug": "radio",
"link": "/radio",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"root": {
"name": "KQED",
"image": "https://ww2.kqed.org/app/uploads/2020/02/KQED-OG-Image@1x.png",
"imageWidth": 1200,
"imageHeight": 630,
"headData": {
"title": "KQED | News, Radio, Podcasts, TV | Public Media for Northern California",
"description": "KQED provides public radio, television, and independent reporting on issues that matter to the Bay Area. We’re the NPR and PBS member station for Northern California."
},
"type": "terms",
"id": "root",
"slug": "root",
"link": "/root",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"science": {
"name": "Science",
"grouping": [
"science",
"futureofyou"
],
"description": "KQED Science brings you award-winning science and environment coverage from the Bay Area and beyond.",
"type": "terms",
"id": "science",
"slug": "science",
"link": "/science",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"stateofhealth": {
"name": "State of Health",
"parent": "science",
"type": "terms",
"id": "stateofhealth",
"slug": "stateofhealth",
"link": "/stateofhealth",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"support": {
"name": "Support",
"type": "terms",
"id": "support",
"slug": "support",
"link": "/support",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"thedolist": {
"name": "The Do List",
"parent": "arts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "thedolist",
"slug": "thedolist",
"link": "/thedolist",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"trulyca": {
"name": "Truly CA",
"grouping": [
"arts",
"pop",
"trulyca"
],
"parent": "arts",
"type": "terms",
"id": "trulyca",
"slug": "trulyca",
"link": "/trulyca",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"tv": {
"name": "TV",
"type": "terms",
"id": "tv",
"slug": "tv",
"link": "/tv",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"voterguide": {
"name": "Voter Guide",
"parent": "elections",
"alias": "elections",
"type": "terms",
"id": "voterguide",
"slug": "voterguide",
"link": "/voterguide",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"guiaelectoral": {
"name": "Guia Electoral",
"parent": "elections",
"alias": "elections",
"type": "terms",
"id": "guiaelectoral",
"slug": "guiaelectoral",
"link": "/guiaelectoral",
"taxonomy": "site"
},
"arts_category_music": {
"isLoading": true
},
"arts_69": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_69",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "69",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Music",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Music Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 70,
"slug": "music",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/category/music"
},
"arts_1": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_1",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "1",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Arts",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Arts Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1,
"slug": "arts",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/category/arts"
},
"arts_235": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_235",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "235",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "News",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "News Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 236,
"slug": "news",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/category/news"
},
"arts_21989": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_21989",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "21989",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "bad bunny",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "bad bunny Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 22001,
"slug": "bad-bunny",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/bad-bunny"
},
"arts_6926": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_6926",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "6926",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "chase center",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "chase center Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 6938,
"slug": "chase-center",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/chase-center"
},
"arts_10278": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_10278",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "10278",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "featured-arts",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "featured-arts Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 10290,
"slug": "featured-arts",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/featured-arts"
},
"arts_2519": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_2519",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "2519",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Latin music",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Latin music Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 2531,
"slug": "latin-music",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/latin-music"
},
"arts_769": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_769",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "769",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "review",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "review Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 787,
"slug": "review",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/review"
},
"arts_1146": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_1146",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "1146",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "San Francisco",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "San Francisco Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 701,
"slug": "san-francisco",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/san-francisco"
},
"arts_75": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_75",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "75",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Pop Culture",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Pop Culture Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 76,
"slug": "popculture",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/category/popculture"
},
"arts_10342": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_10342",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "10342",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "editorspick",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "editorspick Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 10354,
"slug": "editorspick",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/editorspick"
},
"arts_831": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_831",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "831",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Hip Hop",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"socialTitle": "Fresh Off the Streets: Get Amped by the Bay's Hottest Hip-Hop Stories",
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": "Discover rising stars, hidden gems, and live events that'll keep your head nodding. Find your next favorite local hip hop artist right here.",
"metaRobotsNoIndex": "index",
"title": "Fresh Off the Streets: Get Amped by the Bay's Hottest Hip-Hop Stories",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 849,
"slug": "hip-hop",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/hip-hop"
},
"arts_21987": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_21987",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "21987",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "nicki minaj",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "nicki minaj Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 21999,
"slug": "nicki-minaj",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/nicki-minaj"
},
"arts_1143": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_1143",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "1143",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Oakland",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Oakland Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 692,
"slug": "oakland",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/oakland"
},
"arts_21988": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_21988",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "21988",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "oakland arena",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "oakland arena Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 22000,
"slug": "oakland-arena",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/oakland-arena"
},
"arts_974": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_974",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "974",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "rap",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "rap Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 992,
"slug": "rap",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/rap"
},
"arts_21808": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_21808",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "21808",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "live review",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "live review Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 21820,
"slug": "live-review",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/live-review"
},
"arts_8572": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_8572",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "8572",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "madonna",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "madonna Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 8584,
"slug": "madonna",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/madonna"
},
"arts_2303": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_2303",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "2303",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Commentary",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Commentary Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 2315,
"slug": "commentary",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/category/commentary"
},
"arts_21891": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_21891",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "21891",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "ai",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "ai Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 21903,
"slug": "ai",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/ai"
},
"arts_8505": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_8505",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "8505",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "bay area hip-hop",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "bay area hip-hop Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 8517,
"slug": "bay-area-hip-hop",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/bay-area-hip-hop"
},
"arts_1935": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_1935",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "1935",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "tech",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "tech Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1947,
"slug": "tech",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/tech"
},
"arts_21822": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_21822",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "21822",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Crime",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Crime Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 21834,
"slug": "crime",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/crime"
},
"arts_140": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_140",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "140",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "The Do List",
"slug": "the-do-list",
"taxonomy": "program",
"description": null,
"featImg": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/11/The-Do-LIst-logo-2014-horizontal-015.png",
"headData": {
"title": "The Do List Archives | KQED Arts",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 141,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/program/the-do-list"
},
"arts_1270": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_1270",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "1270",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Berkeley",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Berkeley Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1282,
"slug": "berkeley",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/berkeley"
},
"arts_21978": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_21978",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "21978",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "LOE Gino",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "LOE Gino Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 21990,
"slug": "loe-gino",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/loe-gino"
},
"arts_5779": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_5779",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "5779",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "sacramento",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "sacramento Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 5791,
"slug": "sacramento",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/sacramento"
},
"arts_585": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_585",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "585",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "thedolist",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "thedolist Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 590,
"slug": "thedolist",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/thedolist"
},
"arts_3800": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_3800",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "3800",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "vallejo",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "vallejo Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 3812,
"slug": "vallejo",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/vallejo"
},
"arts_1626": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_1626",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "1626",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Grace Cathedral",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Grace Cathedral Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1638,
"slug": "grace-cathedral",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/grace-cathedral"
},
"arts_21976": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_21976",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "21976",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "new age",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "new age Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 21988,
"slug": "new-age",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/new-age"
},
"arts_21974": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_21974",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "21974",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "suzanne ciani",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "suzanne ciani Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 21986,
"slug": "suzanne-ciani",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/suzanne-ciani"
},
"arts_21975": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_21975",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "21975",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "synthesizer music",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "synthesizer music Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 21987,
"slug": "synthesizer-music",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/synthesizer-music"
},
"arts_74": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_74",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "74",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Movies",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Movies Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 75,
"slug": "movies",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/category/movies"
},
"arts_4725": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_4725",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "4725",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "education",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "education Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 4737,
"slug": "education",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/education"
},
"arts_1201": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_1201",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "1201",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "film festivals",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "film festivals Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1213,
"slug": "film-festivals",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/film-festivals"
},
"arts_21955": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_21955",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "21955",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Betty Reid Soskin",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Betty Reid Soskin Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 21967,
"slug": "betty-reid-soskin",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/betty-reid-soskin"
},
"arts_4097": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_4097",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "4097",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "black history",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "black history Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 4109,
"slug": "black-history",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/black-history"
},
"arts_13672": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_13672",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "13672",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "Documentaries",
"slug": "documentaries",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "Documentaries | KQED Arts",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 13684,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/documentaries"
},
"arts_3652": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_3652",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "3652",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "racism",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "racism Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 3664,
"slug": "racism",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/racism"
},
"arts_21957": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_21957",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "21957",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Walnut Creek",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Walnut Creek Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 21969,
"slug": "walnut-creek",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/walnut-creek"
},
"arts_990": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_990",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "990",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "TV",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "TV Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1008,
"slug": "tv",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/category/tv"
},
"arts_9124": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_9124",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "9124",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"name": "Animals",
"slug": "animals",
"taxonomy": "tag",
"description": null,
"featImg": null,
"headData": {
"title": "Animals | KQED Arts",
"description": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogDescription": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"twDescription": null,
"twImgId": null
},
"ttid": 9136,
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/animals"
},
"arts_8481": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_8481",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "8481",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "CBS",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "CBS Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 8493,
"slug": "cbs",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/cbs"
},
"arts_7534": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_7534",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "7534",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "country music",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "country music Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 7546,
"slug": "country-music",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/country-music"
},
"arts_8819": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_8819",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "8819",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "dogs",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "dogs Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 8831,
"slug": "dogs",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/dogs"
},
"arts_4088": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_4088",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "4088",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "dolly parton",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "dolly parton Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 4100,
"slug": "dolly-parton",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/dolly-parton"
},
"arts_5422": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_5422",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "5422",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "television",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "television Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 5434,
"slug": "television",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/television"
},
"arts_2792": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_2792",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "2792",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "tv",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "tv Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 2804,
"slug": "tv",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/tv"
},
"arts_73": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_73",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "73",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Books",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "category",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Books Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 74,
"slug": "literature",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/category/literature"
},
"arts_1022": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_1022",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "1022",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "noise pop",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "noise pop Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1039,
"slug": "noise-pop",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/noise-pop"
},
"arts_1496": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_1496",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "1496",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Poetry",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Poetry Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 1508,
"slug": "poetry",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/poetry"
},
"arts_21948": {
"type": "terms",
"id": "arts_21948",
"meta": {
"index": "terms_1716263798",
"site": "arts",
"id": "21948",
"found": true
},
"relationships": {},
"featImg": null,
"name": "Jennifer Lopez",
"description": null,
"taxonomy": "tag",
"headData": {
"twImgId": null,
"twTitle": null,
"ogTitle": null,
"ogImgId": null,
"twDescription": null,
"description": null,
"title": "Jennifer Lopez Archives | KQED Arts",
"ogDescription": null
},
"ttid": 21960,
"slug": "jennifer-lopez",
"isLoading": false,
"link": "/arts/tag/jennifer-lopez"
}
},
"userPermissionsReducer": {
"wpLoggedIn": false
},
"eventsReducer": {},
"fssReducer": {},
"tvDailyScheduleReducer": {},
"tvWeeklyScheduleReducer": {},
"tvPrimetimeScheduleReducer": {},
"tvMonthlyScheduleReducer": {},
"userAccountReducer": {
"user": {
"email": null,
"emailStatus": "EMAIL_UNVALIDATED",
"loggedStatus": "LOGGED_OUT",
"loggingChecked": false,
"articles": [],
"firstName": null,
"lastName": null,
"phoneNumber": null,
"fetchingMembership": false,
"membershipError": false,
"memberships": [
{
"id": null,
"startDate": null,
"firstName": null,
"lastName": null,
"familyNumber": null,
"memberNumber": null,
"memberSince": null,
"expirationDate": null,
"pfsEligible": false,
"isSustaining": false,
"membershipLevel": "Prospect",
"membershipStatus": "Non Member",
"lastGiftDate": null,
"renewalDate": null,
"lastDonationAmount": null
}
]
},
"authModal": {
"isOpen": false,
"view": "LANDING_VIEW"
},
"error": null
},
"youthMediaReducer": {},
"checkPleaseReducer": {
"filterData": {
"region": {
"key": "Restaurant Region",
"filters": [
"Any Region"
]
},
"cuisine": {
"key": "Restaurant Cuisine",
"filters": [
"Any Cuisine"
]
}
},
"restaurantDataById": {},
"restaurantIdsSorted": [],
"error": null
},
"userAgentReducer": {
"userAgent": "Mozilla/5.0 AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko; compatible; ClaudeBot/1.0; +claudebot@anthropic.com)",
"isBot": true
}
}
