Last week, I had the pleasure of attending a Q&A session with Jonathan Batista, the talented dancer who recently debuted in the lead role of George Balanchine's "Prodigal Son" with the Pacific Northwest Ballet.

The Nooksack 306, a group of Indigenous families in Washington state, are facing an impending humanitarian crisis according to Gabe Galanda, an Indigenous rights lawyer representing the Nooksack 306, who has been sounding the alarm for twelve years, warning of human rights violations and imminent displacement of these families from their ancestral homes on Nooksack tribal lands.

Marjorie's globally-inspired, locally-sourced menu is already a hit, with Jamaican jerk chicken, hush puppies, and bread pudding being crowd favorites. Besa raved about the hush puppies, saying, "I don't even like hush puppies, but I loved those." She also praised the restaurant's warm and inviting atmosphere, noting the thoughtful decor and overall ambiance.

Falling in love with music at a young age while listening to greats such as Earth, Wind & Fire, The O’Jays, Stevie Wonder, and Luther Vandross, Jay Dot found music sticking to him like glue. Mimicking sounds without even noticing, his journey since adolescence has been filled with learning more about the art. Understanding what music means while discovering his own talents, Jay Dot has put together an amazing career from his youth to the present day.

Business owner Franchesca Vargas joins The Day with Trae to have a conversation with guest host Deontay Damper, discussing her PR management company Elevate’s mission is to empower and amplify the voices of local businesses, artist, community organizations and black/brown led nonprofits through exceptional PR and event planning services.

By Deaunte Damper - Alright y'all, let's dive deeper into this Kiki ballroom scene, a place where community, growth, and expression collide. I had the chance to chop it up with some key figures in the scene, and let me tell you, their insights were powerful.

LeNard Jones of Goody Bagg was a basketball player before he became a musician. While his primary focus during his youth was basketball, the rich musical environment surrounding him left an enduring impression that would draw him back into the world of music years later.

Located in Benton City, in the heart of Washington's Red Mountain wine-growing region, a unique winery has been making waves, not just for its exceptional wines but also for its heartwarming story and inviting atmosphere. Frichette Winery, co-owned and operated by the dynamic duo of Shae and Greg Frichette, is a testament to the power of following your dreams, embracing community, and a dash of spontaneity.

On this episode of The Day with Trae, guest host Deontay Damper sits down with award-winning playwright, composer, lyricist, and actor Justin Huertas. Known for his unique, comic-inspired musical style, Huertas discusses his latest project, TRIPLE FIRE SIGN, a concert event at Intiman Theatre’s new cabaret series running November 4-5, 2024.

I recently had the incredible opportunity to sit down with my brother, Romell Witherspoon, the Youth Mentorship Director for the City of Seattle, for an episode of "The Day with Trae." It was a truly special experience for me, as we've known each other for years and have witnessed each other's journeys. Romell's story is one of inspiration, leadership, and a deep commitment to community.

On November 2nd at Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center, Kutt’N’Up held their 20 year reunion show, which featured Klass'N'Sass! This dynamic dance crew, originally created by Koach Giggz is now led by the fiery Chyna Moneii.

By Omari Salisbury - Returning to Spokane always feels like a homecoming. It's a city where the Black community's strength and resilience are palpable, and its future is being rewritten with every step forward. Last month, we were honored to witness a momentous occasion: the Black Homeownership Spokane graduation. The atmosphere was electric, charged with the graduates' shared sense of accomplishment, relief, and a burning desire to build a brighter future.

By Besa Gordon - It’s Sunday, so once again, it’s time we take a moment to slow it down to focus on our mental well-being. In the whirlwind of our daily lives, amidst the constant buzz of notifications, deadlines, and social engagements, it's easy to lose sight of something truly essential; I am talking about the profound power of solitude. Today, I want to discuss with you the transformative power of alone time. Something we feel guilty about at times. Buy why?

Terrain, the region's largest multimedia art and music event, recently celebrated its 15th year, showcasing a vibrant array of artistic expression. Ginger Ewing, Terrain co-founder, shared her insights on Terrain's impact and its significance for the local community.

The Washington State Department of Commerce has made a groundbreaking commitment to addressing systemic inequities and fostering economic empowerment in communities disproportionately affected by the war on drugs. Through a substantial investment of $39.8 million in grants to 19 organizations and institutions, the Community Reinvestment Project (CRP) is set to make a tangible difference in the lives of Washingtonians.

Last Tuesday, I had the privilege of attending the premiere of Jaebadiah Gardner's new short documentary film, "Sarah," at the SIFF Egyptian Theater as part of the Scope Screenings. It was a truly special evening, filled with emotion, excitement, and a powerful sense of community.

Besa Gordon joined Good Day Seattle host Erin Mayovsky to give a preview of this week's episode of Back2Besa, which focuses on the legacy of local golf legend Bill Wright. The episode highlights the recent renaming of Jefferson Golf Course to the Bill Wright Golf Complex, a testament to Wright's efforts to break down barriers and promote inclusivity in the sport. 

Get ready for another exciting episode of Back2Besa, packed with heartwarming stories and vibrant experiences from across the region. Host Besa Gordon takes you on a culinary journey, starting with the grand opening of Lil Brown Girl, a collaboration between That Brown Girl Cooks and Métier Brewing in Seattle's Central District. Chef Lynn Lewis's reimagined dishes are sure to tantalize your taste buds!

Toby “Fresh” Campbell, better known as DJ DV One, got his start in DJing through an unexpected twist of fate. Initially aspiring to be a rapper, he was forced to take over DJ responsibilities when his own DJ was incarcerated.

The Fifth Installment of Season Three of Scope Screenings was another fantastic showcase of PNW talent and creative works with quite a few that caught my eye from the city of Spokane. The SIFF Egyptian Theater on Capitol Hill was packed, and I was thrilled to see so many familiar faces.