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Inside's Open Mic Night Returns: How Sierra Jones Is Rebuilding a Home for Underrepresented Creativity at Colman Commons
After a year-long hiatus, Inside, the beloved BIPOC-centered open mic series, is returning to Seattle, this time in partnership with Colman Commons in the historic Colman Building. For founder Sierra-Leone Jones, the comeback represents the restoration of a sanctuary for Black and brown creative expression.
Seattle’s ‘What the Funk?!’ Festival Returns to Prove Joy is a Form of Resistance
Seattle’s Puckduction is set to celebrate the 7th anniversary of its flagship event, What the Funk?! An All BIPOC Burlesque Festival next month.
Zoom In: Why You Can’t Miss Takiyah Ward’s "The RETROspective"
If you are anywhere near Pioneer Square during Seattle Art Fair week (July 23–26, 2026), you need to pull up to Colman Commons. Ward—the visionary behind Seattle’s iconic 2020 Black Lives Matter street mural and the founder of the Pacific Northwest's premier sneaker care facility, The Re-Sole 206—is debuting her first-ever solo exhibition: The RETROspective.
Art & Evolution: Cal Bonner Brings Personal Growth and Creative Visions to 'The Pop-Up!'
Multi-disciplinary artist Cal Bonner returned to the Black Media Matters studios for a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, hosted by The Big O. Over an expansive, emotionally raw interview, the Seattle-based creative entrepreneur opened up about his creative journey, past public controversies, struggles with accountability, and how fatherhood has radically elevated his life frequency.
Seattle’s Premier Open Mic is Back, And It’s Finally Home At Colman Commons
The wait is over, Seattle. After nearly a year, healing arts studio Inside’s Open Mic Night is officially back, and this time, they’re planting roots. Starting Friday, July 31st, Inside has found its forever home at Colman Commons. This return isn’t just a restart; it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the voices that make our city incredible.
Centering Art, History, and Home: Takiyah “T-Dub” Ward on The Pop-Up!
On a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, Converge Media welcomed back a familiar face whose fingerprints are quite literally all over Seattle: Takiyah “T-Dub” Ward. From the iconic “Black Media Matters. Period.” wall inside the Converge studio to murals, footwear, and community activations across the city, Takiyah’s work has quietly shaped how Seattle sees itself.
Honoring Craft, Health, and Legacy: A Night with Damon Brown on The Pop-Up!
Last night’s episode of The Pop-Up! was one of those rare conversations where we stopped worrying about the rundown and just followed the heart. Host The Big O sat across from multidisciplinary artist Damon Brown, also known as Creative Lou, inside the Black Media Matters Studio.
Sentu Taylor and the ‘Random Idiot’ Philosophy: Authenticity Over Algorithms
In a recent episode of The Pop-Up!, guest host Elisha Michelle welcomed the multifaceted Sentu Taylor to the Black Media Matter Studio as part of the second ever Tacoma Takeover.
The Hereditary Hustle: KGodd on Dance, Legacy, and Authenticity on The Pop-Up!
The energy at Black Media Matter Studio was electric during the second ever Tacoma Takeover episode of The Pop-Up! with guest host Elisha Michelle. The guest of honor was Federal Way’s own KGodd, a rapper, dancer, and marketing expert who is quickly becoming the face of the region’s music scene.
Jeffrey Cheatham II Unveils New Literacy Program ‘Literally Ours’ on The Day With Trae
Author and program coordinator Jeffrey Cheatham II recently appeared on The Day With Trae to announce the launch of "Literally Ours," a new literacy initiative under the organization Acts On Stage.
Artist Karlos Farrar: From Detroit Roots to Seattle’s Music Scene
Multifaceted artist Karlos Farrar recently joined host Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae to discuss his career as a singer, songwriter, actor, and scriptwriter.
Reign Of Style Honors Washington's Talented Beauty Professionals at 7th Annual MANE Awards
The Washington State beauty community gathered recently for the 7th annual MANE Awards. Hosted by Reign Of Style, the ceremony was dedicated to nominating, crowning, and celebrating the region's talented beauty professionals.
Wa Na Wari Takes Center Stage: Elisheba Wokoma Talks Black Graduation and Keeping the CD Vibrant
The Central District’s own Elisheba Wokoma, Executive Director of Wa Na Wari, recently stopped by The Pop-Up! to discuss the incredible work happening at the intersection of art and community.
PHOTOS: "Black. Power. Black Panthers." Exhibition at ARTE NOIR
ARTE NOIR's newest flagship exhibition, Central District Legacy: Black. Power. Black Panthers., is now open in Seattle's Midtown Square. This powerful exhibit honors the Seattle Chapter of the Black Panther Party—the very first chapter established outside of California in the spring of 1968.
A New Chapter: Avery Barnes Gallery Announces Strategic Expansion
The Seattle art scene is evolving, and at the heart of this transformation is the Avery Barnes Gallery. Formerly known as TASWIRA, the gallery has officially rebranded and is now embarking on a significant strategic expansion, including a transition to a new, larger Seattle location.
Bridging Heritage and Horizon: How Dorianne Attiogbé Weaves Togo, Paris, and Seattle into Jewelry
On a recent episode of The Day With Trae, host Trae Holiday welcomed Dorianne Attiogbé, the visionary founder and designer behind the jewelry brand Atiwo.
Darren Drone Talks Seattle Opera’s ‘Carmen’ and Historically Relevant Power Dynamics
Opera singer Darren Drone recently joined host Trae Holiday on “The Day With Trae” to discuss his history as a singer, his current role in Seattle Opera’s Carmen, and the show’s harrowing relevance in modern society.
Bringing the Brilliance Home: J'Nai Bridges Returns to Seattle for ‘Carmen’
Mezzo-soprano opera singer J'Nai Bridges is making a triumphant return to her hometown of Seattle for her official, fully staged operatic debut with Seattle Opera in the title role of Carmen.
Screening Black Excellence: Taylor Freeman Talks the 23rd Annual Seattle Black Film Festival
On a recent episode of We Live In Color, host Deaunte Damper sat down with Taylor Freeman, the program manager for the historic Seattle Black Film Festival, to discuss the festival's return this weekend and the importance of supporting Black art.
PNB’s ALL LANG Triple-Bill: The Dance Event Featuring Jessica Lang’s Artistic Prowess
Pacific Northwest Ballet (PNB) is closing out its 25-26 season with a triple-bill dedicated entirely to Resident Choreographer Jessica Lang, one of the region’s most-celebrated dancemakers.