This past October, I walked into the Wythe Hotel eager to see the screening of the film and docuseries, Foster Care Film. I could feel the anticipation in the room, I had heard a few things about the Foster Care Film episode, Absence Presence, but nothing prepared me to be as moved and inspired as I was watching the film […]
Author: Roderick Thomas
A-Zal’s Musical Journey: From the UK to New York & Marvel Movies
A-Zal, the rising musical artist who navigated NYC in pursuit of his authentic sound and success, now stands in the spotlight. Today, we dive into A-Zal’s journey from a dreamer to a dazzling star, right here in the heart of the Big Apple. Roderick Thomas: Glad to finally speak to you A-Zal. A-Zal: Thank you, R.T. It’s a pleasure […]
Unveiling the Power of Representation: The QVNYC Film Festival Opening Party, by Roderick Thomas
The QVNYC Film Festival’s Opening Party set the stage for a remarkable showcase of diverse stories to come, shedding light on the lives and struggles of marginalized communities. One film, Vice’s series Transnational, brought attention to the devastating murder of Kelly Stough, a Black trans woman in Detroit by pastor Albert Weathers. Through the eyes of journalist Eva Rayne, who […]
Skip Marley: Caribbean Music at Coney Island’s Amphitheater
I eagerly waited in line at the Coney Island Amphitheater to see the music royal, Skip Marley. Built in 2016, Coney Island’s Amphitheater is an awesome beach-side venue, built for live music. Hosted by Shani Kuture, the Summer Stage concert also included the likes of accomplished Caribbean musicians and DJs like King Cruff, Patrice Roberts, Sarkodie, Bobby Konders, and DJ […]
The T.J. Martell Foundation Gala: Giving Back Through Music
TJ Martell Foundation: The Fight Against Cancer Cancer remains one of the most prevalent and devastating diseases worldwide, affecting countless lives. Cancer research plays a pivotal role in unraveling the complexities of this formidable illness. In the month of July, the T.J. Martell Foundation, a renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to funding innovative cancer research, orchestrated its awe-inspiring fundraising event, the […]
SummerStage Concerts are Everything
SummerStage Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage is yet again bringing forth an unforgettable free musical experience. I attended my first SummerStage concert and was blown away. I sat in my seat and I looked around at the impressive stage set up and lighting. From the bleachers to the grass, concert goers decorated the venue with picnic mats and colorful […]
Riverside Odds: Rock Will Make a Come Back, by Roderick Thomas
As a genre, rock n’ roll hasn’t seen the heights it flourished in during the 70s and 80s, or the pop culture dominance of the grunge and pop rock mid to late 90s. However, that hasn’t stopped Riverside Odds from continuing to tour and create some classic rock music. I spoke with band front man R.W Hellborn about their new […]
Black Masc – A New Look at Black Masculinity
On the heels of releasing my first documentary feature Black Masc, I knew I had to talk to someone who understood Black Masculinity from experience but knew what it meant to be an entrepreneur. I had the pleasure of speaking with Jordan Green, owner of Exit18 Creative Agency. My interview with with Jordan Green below Jordan Green: Hey Roderick […]
Nabaté Isles Returns With Black Girl Magic
Grammy award-winning trumpeter Nabaté Isles is back with a new album, En Motion. His career boasts performances at the White House and collaborations with legends like Mos Def (Yasiin Bey), Jimmy Owens, and Jill Scott. And yes, Nabaté is still hungry to create and inspire us all to move. My interview with the incredibly talented Nabaté Isles below. Roderick Thomas: […]
Daytona Starsky: A hell of a concert in Purgatory, by Roderick Thomas
I walked into the colorful and dramatically lit club, Purgatory in Brooklyn. Everything about the space screamed Bushwick— offbeat aesthetic, yet not lacking any cool whatsoever. Daytona Starsky was performing tonight for an arriving crowd. I had the pleasure of speaking with both him and his management. More on his album, Reality Station, and live performance below. Reality Station begins […]