4/12/26 O&A NYC SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ CONCERT: Erroll Garner – Jazz 625 . Part 1 . 1964

Erroll Garner (1921–1977) was a legendary American jazz pianist and composer, widely celebrated as one of the most virtuosic and distinctive musicians of the swing and bop eras. Known for his joyful “orchestral” approach to the piano, Garner was a self-taught “ear player” who never learned to read music, yet he composed nearly 200 works, including the timeless jazz standard “Misty.” Continue reading

4/2/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY Pt.2: Sade – Is It A Crime (Live Aid 1985)

Sade performing ‘Is It A Crime’ at Live Aid in front of 72,000 people in Wembley Stadium, London on the July 13, 1985. The event was organised by Sir Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for the Ethiopian famine disaster. Broadcast across the world via one of the largest satellite link-ups of all time, the concerts were seen by around 40% of the global population. Continue reading

3/30/26 O&A NYC HOLLLYWOOD MONDAY: The Harlem Sandman (1943) From Hit Parade of 1943

The Harlem Sandman features Nick Stewart, Count Basie, Jack Williams, Dorothy Dandridge, Ernest Morrison and Pops & Louie from Hit Parade of 1943. Continue reading

3/29/26 O&A NYC DANCE BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Hubbard Street Dance Chicago – Week One

By Walter Rutledge

The Hubbard Street Dance Chicago is presenting their New York City season from March 17th until Easter Sunday April 5th. The two-week season will offer two eclectic programs featuring a total of six works. The March season also marks the fifth anniversary of Artistic Director Linda-Denise Fisher-Harrell historic tenure. Her 2021 appointment broke many glass ceilings as the first alumna, woman, and person of color to lead the organization. Continue reading

3/19/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY – WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: Ella Fitzgerald A-Tisket-A-Tasket

A-Tisket, A-Tasket is the 1938 breakout hit that catapulted Ella Fitzgerald to national stardom. Co-written by Fitzgerald and arranger Al Feldman (Van Alexander), the song is a playful jazz adaptation of a 19th-century children’s nursery rhyme. Ella famously performed the song in her 1942 film debutRide ‘Em Cowboy. Continue reading

3/16/26 O&A NYC DIVA ALERT: Misty Copeland Performs In Sinners Musical Number At Oscars

The musical tribute to Sinner at the 98th Academy Awards featuring a special appearance by former American Ballet Theatre principal dance Misty Copeland. Continue reading

3/15/26 O&A NYC DANCE BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: A Conversation With Francesca Harper and Adanna Smalls – A Preview of Ailey II N.Y.C. Season


Ailey II returns to the Joyce Theater for their New York City season March 17 through 22. The all too short season will feature two programs. New Works featuring cutting edge choreography from inspired emerging dance makers and Legacy/Future which is an exciting mix of established and emerging artists including works by company founder Alvin Ailey. Out and About NYC Magazine Editor-in-Chief Walter Rutledge discussed the upcoming season and all things Ailey II with Artistic Director Francesca Harper and one of the newest company members Adanna Smalls. Continue reading

3/12/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: Sarah Vaughan – Misty (Live from Sweden 1964)

Sarah Lois Vaughan  was described by Scott Yanow as having “one of the most wondrous voices of the 20th century. Continue reading

3/5/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY- CELEBRATING WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH: Billie Holiday – Strange Fruit

Strange Fruit a song performed most famously by Billie Holiday, who first sang and recorded it in 1939. Continue reading

3/2/26 O&A NYC HOLLYWOOD MONDAY: Stormy Weather- Lena Horne, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Cab Calloway, Nicholas Brothers, Katherine Dunham and dancers

Stormy Weather is a 1943 film musical produced and released by 20th Century Fox. The movie is considered one of the best Hollywood musicals with an all African-American cast and serve to  showcase of some of the top African-American performers of the time. Continue reading