9/6/26 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Promises – Lisa Knowles-Smith and The Brown Singers

The soul-stirring rendition of “Promises” by Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers is a powerful anthem that has taken the gospel community by storm. Continue reading

9/6/26 O&A NYC THE WORD: The Jubalaires – Noah (First RAP Performance)

The 1940s gospel song Noah by the African American vocal group The Jubalaires is widely celebrated as an early precursor to Hip Hop, with many music fans calling it the first rap performance ever recorded. Continue reading

8/23/26 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: The Rance Allen Group ft. Paul Porter – You That I Trust

You That I Trust is a powerful, celebrated traditional live gospel song by The Rance Allen Group, featuring a guest performance by the renowned vocal powerhouse Paul Porter. Continue reading

8/9/26 O&A NYC SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ: Anita Baker at Montreux Jazz Festival Switzerland (1986)

On July 16, 1986, Jazz, R&B, Soul icon Anita Baker delivered a legendary performance at the Casino Montreux during the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. Billed alongside George Duke conducting The Al Jarreau Band, her set occurred during her historic Rapture Tour, which celebrated her breakthrough sophomore album, Rapture. Continue reading

8/2/26 O&A NYC SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ CONCERT: Tatiana Tate Performs Live at Wonder Full – Stevie Wonder Tribute at Grand Performances

On Saturday, July 18, 2026, standout trumpeter Tatiana Tate delivered an acclaimed live performance at the Wonder Full Tribute to the music of Stevie Wonder hosted by Grand Performances. Continue reading

7/31/26 O&A NYC DANCE REVIEW BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Philadanco – A Must See

By Walter Rutledge

Question: What do you get when you combine strong performers, stellar choreography and exceptional production elements? 
Answer: You get Philadanco! Continue reading

7/28/26 O&A NYC INSPIRATIONAL TUESDAY: Diana Ross Central Park – No Wind, No Rain Can Stop Me

On July 21, 1983, music icon Diana Ross gave one of the most legendary performances of her career when a massive, torrential thunderstorm struck her free benefit concert on The Great Lawn in New York City’s Central Park. Continue reading

7/26/26 O&A NYC DANCE BY WALTER RUTLEDGE: Danni Gee Talks Ballet Festival Curated by Misty Copeland

By Walter Rutledge

The Joyce Ballet Festival 2026 returns to the Joyce’s Tino & Rajika Puri Auditorium for a two-week, fourteen performance season August 4th through August 16th. Former American Ballet Theater Principal Dancer Misty Copeland will curate the festival and will offer an international showcase of world class performers, outstanding classic and contemporary choreography, and rarely seen masterworks. The festival will offer two programs (one each week) with artists from some to the most prestigious companies worldwide including American Ballet Theatre, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Houston Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet, New York City Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, and other leading companies. Continue reading

7/26/26 O&A NYC SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ CONCERT: John Coltrane Quartet – My Favorite Things Live in Comblain-La-Tour 1965

The John Coltrane Quartet’sperformance of My Favorite Things at the Comblain-la-Tour Jazz Festival in Belgium on August 1, 1965, stands as one of the most legendary live recordings in jazz history. Captured during a pivotal European tour, this concert showcases Coltrane’s Classic Quartet pushing the boundaries of Modal Jazz  into furious, avant-garde territory. Continue reading

7/26/26 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Tye Tribbett – Everything (Bless The Lord)

Everything (Bless The Lord) is a powerful traditional gospel track by legendary worship leader Tye Tribbett, released on March 3, 2023. The song is featured on his live album, All Things New (Live In Orlando). Continue reading