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Jazmyn Scott Talks Redefining Power in Seattle Arts at Colman Commons
The recent Colman Commons Grand Opening featured a historic panel of Black women in Seattle arts. Among the visionaries honored was Jazmyn Scott, the force behind cultural hub and fine art gallery ARTE NOIR, who shared her truths about resilience, community, and what it truly means to fund Black creativity.
Jwavy Talks ‘Northern Flow,’ Community Advocacy, and Staying Authentic on The Pop-Up!
The Seattle music and cultural landscape is witnessing the rise of a multi-talented force. On a recent episode of The Pop-Up! with host The Big O, artist Jwavy stopped by the Black Media Matters studios to discuss her unique artistry, community initiatives, and the philosophy driving her success.
Isiah Anderson Jr. Pulls Back the Curtain on Peter Pan: Ready to Rise on The Day With Trae
When Isiah Anderson Jr. steps onto a stage or walks into a room, you can always count on a few things: an unyielding dedication to Seattle’s youth, a respect for the cultural architects who came before him, and, as host Trae Holiday fondly pointed out, a razor-sharp Midwest crease.
Ready to Rise: Jamie-Michelle Charles Delivers Breathtaking Wendy Solo at Colman Commons
The Seattle waterfront was recently flooded with pure musical magic as Jamie-Michelle Charles, starring as Wendy in Acts on Stage's Teen Summer Musical production Peter Pan: Ready to Rise, delivered a breathtaking sneak-peek performance of the show, happening this weekend.
Cameron Lavi-Jones Talks Black and Loud Fest on The Day With Trae
Cameron Lavi-Jones, the frontman for rock outfit King Young Blood and co-founder of Black and Loud Fest, recently joined The Day With Trae to discuss the upcoming iteration of the music festival, his personal ethos, and his recent star-turn in musical theater.
Seattle Office of Arts & Culture Opens Applications for 2027 King Street Station Exhibitions
The Seattle Office of Arts & Culture (OAC) has officially begun accepting applications for 2027 exhibitions at its premiere cultural space and gallery, ARTS at King Street Station.
Honoring Giants: Barbara Earl Thomas Inspires at Colman Commons Grand Opening Celebration
At the Colman Commons Grand Opening Celebration earlier this month, the atmosphere was charged with reflection, gratitude, and artistic excellence. Among the esteemed honorees was legendary Seattle artist Barbara Earl Thomas, whose insights into her lifelong creative journey left a lasting impression.
J. Rycheal Lester-Peters Talks LANGSTON and the Seattle Black Nerd Festival on The Day With Trae
Recently on The Day With Trae, host Trae Holiday sat down with J. Rycheal Lester-Peters, the interim marketing director for LANGSTON, a cultural cornerstone in Seattle's Central District to discuss the history of local community spaces and the upcoming second annual Seattle Black Nerd Festival.
Celebrating Black Culture: Grady Austin Previews Festival Sundiata on The Day With Trae
A cherished Seattle tradition is returning to the Seattle Center, promising an expansive celebration of Black art, love, and community resilience. Grady Austin, Executive Director of Festival Sundiata, recently appeared on The Day With Trae to talk with host Trae Holiday about what attendees can expect from the festival’s upcoming 46th annual iteration.
The Magic of Hogwarts Arrives in Seattle: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child To Open at The Paramount Theatre
The wizarding world is making its way to Seattle as the six-time Tony Award-winning Best Play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, prepares to make its Seattle premiere at The Paramount Theatre. This highly anticipated first-ever touring production will run for a limited three-week engagement from August 22 through September 12.
How Made Space Seattle Founder Stephanie Morales Created Her Own Blueprint for Radical Belonging
Earlier this month, the Seattle arts and culture community gathered to witness the historic grand opening of Colman Commons. Among the esteemed visionaries on stage was Stephanie Morales, the founder behind Made Space Seattle.
Sierra Jones Explains The Radical Act of Rest at the Colman Commons Grand Opening
Earlier this month, the Colman Commons Grand Opening celebrated the launch of a new community space and honored incredible Black women in Seattle’s creative community. Among these women was Sierra Jones, who made it clear we cannot build sustainable sanctuaries for others if we are running ourselves into the ground.
A Citywide Family Reunion: Festival Sundiata Returns to Seattle Center
The heartbeat of the Pacific Northwest is about to get a whole lot louder and more soulful. On August 22 and 23, Festival Sundiata presents Black Arts Fest is taking over Seattle Center, and this year, it’s all about creating a citywide family reunion.
Culture & Couture: Nate Alexander Brings Custom Flair to The Pop-Up!
Fashion designer and culture creator Nate Alexander joined host The Big O on The Pop-Up! last week. Fresh off a decade-long stint in Atlanta, Alexander returned to his hometown of Tacoma, Washington in 2025 to shake up the Pacific Northwest fashion landscape.
Welcome Home: Recapping A Space Inside Open Mic Night at Colman Commons
If you were with us at Colman Commons last Friday, you felt the room shift the second you walked through the doors. The energy was warm, heavy in the best way, and electric with shared purpose. We were honored to host A Space Inside for their first open mic in over a year—marking the beginning of an exciting new partnership as their long-term home.
Unpacking Artistry and Heritage: Darryl Foto’s Soul-Baring Appearance on The Pop-Up!
Cameroonian poet and spoken word artist Darryl Foto recently joined The Pop-Up! with host The Big O where he discussed his rich background, creative journey, and the roots of Black Joy in the Pacific Northwest.
Finding Timelessness in the Mirror: LIVt Discusses Authentic Black Storytelling on The Pop-Up!
Recently on The Pop-Up!, hosted by The Big O, the Black Media Matter Studio transformed into a haven for raw, artistic reflection when R&B and hip-hop artist LIVt discussed the complexities of the Black experience, filmmaking, and the courage it takes for creators to truly find their voice.
Turning Pain Into Art: Sheila K. Blackwell Shares Her Musical and Healing Journey on 'The Day With Trae'
On a recent episode of The Day With Trae, host Trae Holiday sat down with Seattle artist, music minister, and entrepreneur Sheila Kay Blackwell (known artistically as Sheila Kay) to discuss the upcoming release of her album, Dancing Naked, and the mission behind her company, Inspirational Productions.
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.
