Your guide to Philly's diverse creative scene, nightlife, music, food & more
You’ve probably heard the buzz, but we had to make sure you knew that Red Tails is going to be a big deal. After years of trying to sell the idea, George Lucas has created an action-packed film honoring the heroic Tuskegee Airmen starring notable actors Terrence Howard, Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Nate Parker.
To get the full story behind the movie, Philly 360˚ Legacy partnered with the National Constitution Center for the screening of Double Victory, a complementary documentary about the recruitment, training and combat missions of the Tuskegee Airmen. It brilliantly depicts the struggles that African-American men faced while fighting against both fascism and racism during World War II. One word: incredible!
While we were there, we caught up with Red Tails star Nate Parker (Pride, The Great Debaters, Secret Life of the Bees, etc.) to talk about the importance of the Tuskegee Airmen story. Not only were we impressed with what he had to stay, but we also loved every minute of his conversation with our Greatest Generation heroes. Let’s be real—how many chances do you get to hear the moving stories of the Tuskegee Airmen themselves? Believe us, it was unforgettable.
Take a look at our interview with Nate Parker and Philly's own Tuskegee Airmen Dr. Eugene Richardson and Ted Ramsey.
Insider tip: Make sure you check out Red Tails when it hits theaters on January 20. We can’t wait!
Philly 360˚ Shout Out: Much love to the National Constitution Center and the Different Drummer marketing agency for partnering with us on a fabulous event!
Jeff Bradshaw may be more soul than you can handle, but you'll definitely be up for the challenge. The first time I laid my ears on the sounds of Jeff, I was at a Jill Scott show. He was part of her new horn section. From the moment he blew into his trombone, you could tell there was something different in him. The combo of Philly mixed with a church and musical upbringing, seeped from his pores. So much so that he has to dance it out as he blows into his horn.
His debut album on Hidden Beach Records - home to his North Philly sister Jill Scott - Bone Deep exploded with all types of great soul sounds, including some super soulful voices like Creative Ambassador Carol Riddick, Glen Lewis, Ndambi, Bilal and Jill Scott. He has this way of pairing the perfect vocalist with the perfect song. Unlike other horn and vocal collabos you've heard, Jeff has a way of actually getting his horn to sing. If you don't believe me just give it a listen and you may hear his horn enunciate actual lyrics! And, if you cant understand what the horn is saying, Jeff might just sing it for you.
Needless to say, I am more than ready for his second studio album, which is also a double album called, Bon Appetit and Introducing Brass Heaven (Jeff's other project, a full brass brand).
I caught up with Jeff at the video shoot for his new single, "Til Tomorrow" with Philly's own Miss Jade and a Philly cousin, Raheem Devaughn. I asked him, "What is it about Philly?" Check out what he had to say.
With 60 million records sold and four Grammy wins, Boyz II Men - dubbed as the most successful R&B group of all time - have been breaking records for the past 20 years. And now, the Philly icons can add another accolade to their list of accomplishments.
Yesterday, all four original members - Shawn Stockman, Wayna Morris, Nathan Morris and Michael McCary - came together to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On hand at the ceremony to honor the group were music powerhouses Babyface, Michael Bivins, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.
The star's location along the Walk of Fame is in good company. Boyz II Men's star sits near Motown legends, like the Temptations, Stevie Wonder and the Supremes. Now that Boyz II Men's star has been added to that section of the Walk, Motownphilly really is back again.
For more on Boyz II Men, go here.