The Score

CrazySexyCoon

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0500

Happy spring, Scorekeepers! This week, in honor of it finally being spring picnic season, we're gonna call this our "Picky Bits" episode. Since there's so much going on in the culture right now, we're just gonna cook for an hour and a half, jumping from topic to topic and hopefully, we'll hit on something that interests you! The MAGAfication of Black celebrities! Kanye! Drag Race! Traitors! Ciara Miller and Black representation on reality television! And so much more! Plus, since you deserve a sweet treat, we'll end with a little PBJ to keep you going til the end of the week. Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you're listening is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

Artistic Indifference and Tyler Perry

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0500

Good day, Scorekeepers! It's time for another jam-packed episode of your favorite podcast, THE SCORE. This week, we're once again tackling the somewhat mystifying career of Mr. Tyler Perry. Recently Youtuber F.D. Signifier released a scathing 4-hour critique of Perry's oeuvre and we were sat for the whole thing. Highly recommend it! And with so much material to work with, naturally there were some things we agreed with, some we didn't, and some that just straight up confused us. Let's talk about it! Plus, some current events up top and, as always, a little PBJ at the end. Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

A Short Video about Tyler Perry by F.D. Signifier (YouTube)

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

Timothée & Tyra

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0500

Dearly beloved Scorekeepers, we are gathered here today to join these two in a good ol' fashioned dragging. First up, we haven't had an episode since Mr. Chalamet said what he said about ballet and opera, and if you know us, then you know we have some opinions about that. (But those opinions just might surprise you!) And then we turn to Ms. Banks. We watched the new docu-series Reality Check: America's Next Top Model over on Netflix, and let's just say we weren't impressed. In fact, we found Tyra's performance and lack of accountability for the harms done to the ANTM contestants a little reminiscent of a certain Cheeto-in-Chief. Just sayin. But fear not, after all that reading, as always we'll end with a little Pure Black Joy. Let's do it to y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

Streets of Puerto Vallarta

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0500

Hola Scorekeepers! It's been a tough couple of weeks, huh? ICE is still in Minnesota. Trans folks in Kansas are under attack. World War 3's officially breaking out. And if that wasn't enough, Rocky was actually in Puerto Vallarta last weekend when the cartel violence broke out and had to take shelter while cars and buses and things exploded around him. Let's talk about it. Plus, a little Traitors, a little Drag Race and a little Pure Black Joy!

Oh, and it's our 5th anniversary! Can you believe it? Happy birthday us! And thank you all so much for sticking around and supporting us. We love you!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

Streets of Minneapolis

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0500

Oh, hello Scorekeepers! We're back! Apologies our little hiatus went longer than we planned. As many of you know, we started this show in the Twin Cities back in 2021. Paige and Rocky are both still based there and, to say the absolute least, it's been a lot. Let's talk about it.

We love you, Minnesota. Fuck ICE.

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Living Queer (Podcast)

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

The Best & Least Best of 2025

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Happy holidays, Scorekeepers! 2025 was quite the rollercoaster, wasn't it? It had some high highs and some very low lows, so for this episode we're taking a look back and taking stock of the year that was. First, we'll chat about the news and events that affected us individually and collectively. Then, we'll take a look at the culture that shaped 2025, both the stuff we loved and the stuff we didn't love quite as much. (And, yes, that means, another conversation about Sinners! We can't get enough!). Plus, our last PBJ for the year! Let's do it to it!

Also, after this, we're going to be taking a little break to rest and get all refreshed and rejuvenated for the new year. We hope you have a wonderful holiday season and we can't wait to talk to you again this January! xo

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

The Birthday Show! (Carnival Catwalk: S1, E2)

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Good day, Scorekeepers! It's a very special week! Why? It's Rocky and Paige's birthdays! And it's also time for another episode of your favorite podcast, THE SCORE! On this edition, we're recapping episode 2 of our new fave, Carnival Catwalk. "Pan Melody Couture," finds the designers teaming up to create fashions inspired by the steel pan. Join us as we dissect every bead and bauble and take the mansplaining bullies down a peg. Then, as always, we end with a supersized edition of Pure Black Joy. Let's do it to it!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Watch Carnival Catwalk along with us: Peacock

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Anxiety Keep on Tryin' Me

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Oh my goodness, Scorekeepers! We're back with another episode of your favorite podcast, THE SCORE! This week, we chat through some of the big news items of the past few weeks. First, we get grossed out by the Epstein emails, but then we cleanse our palates with a little update on House of Masks. Lee then gives us some hope about this year's Grammy nominations, followed, of course, by a little Sinners-flavored Pure Black Joy! Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Get your tickets to House of Masks (BUY NOW!)

2025 Naked Stages Artist Fellows (Website)

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

Blow Your Whistle (Carnival Catwalk: S1, E1)

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Dear Scorekeepers, we've got an announcement to make. We simply couldn't finish Season 11 of RDPR. The shade stopped being fun, our eyes were starved for eleganza and we so were tired of getting on here and complaining at you. So you can imagine our delight when Lee found a little show on Peacock called Carnival Catwalk, a Project Runway-inspired competition show where 10 contestants from Trinidad and beyond create fashion inspired by Carnival! Black people, queer people and West Indian people making clothes for us to judge? Where do we sign up? So as we close the book on our RPDR era, we hope you'll join us for this new adventure. It's gonna be a party! Plus, stayed tuned our election day thoughts and a PBJ where Kayla Nicole get her well-deserved flowers, because you did that, girl! Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Watch Carnival Catwalk along with us: Peacock

Get your tickets to House of Masks (BUY NOW!)

2025 Naked Stages Artist Fellows (Website)

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram and Bluesky!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

Musical Reparations (w/Big Freedia & Hannah Mayree) [RE-RELEASE]

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Hey there, Scorekeepers! On our off weeks for the next few months, we're revisiting ART CLASS, the 12-episode series all about arts and arts education that we released last year. We hope you enjoy taking this stroll down memory lane with us!

This episode was originally released on March 26, 2024.

Let's get straight to it, Classmates! Today on ART CLASS, we are honored to be talking with a bonafide legend! Whom you ask? How about the ambassador for New Orleans bounce music, who's also an iconic entrepreneur, and a fierce advocate for racial justice and queer rights? Yes, that's right, on this episode we will be chatting with the Queen Diva herself, BIG FREEDIA (0:13:55)!!! 🤯 And as if that weren't exciting enough, we're also bringing you the next installment of our Kinfolk series with Hannah Mayree of the Black Banjo Reclamation Project (0:42:28). In this first conversation of two, Hannah and Paige talk all about BBRP and their mission to reconnect Black people with the banjo, an incredibly important part of our musical and cultural history. All that, plus the Morning Announcements with Emile (0:39:11) and a special PB&J for all you soap opera fans (0:59:14). Take your seats, y'all, because class is in session!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Mabolé Inawale)

Guests: Big Freedia, Hannah Mayree

Contributor: Emilia Mettenbrink

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Big Freedia (Website) (Instagram)

Black Banjo Reclamation Project (Website)

Hip Hop Education Center (Website)

Generations with Jonelle Allen and Vivica A. Fox

Syllabus

Ashley N. Payne (2024), “Hip Hop, identity, & Black girlhood: how Black girls (re)construct racial and gender identity through Hip Hop”

Ashley N. Payne & Aria S. Halliday (2023), “From #HotGirlSummer to #HotNerdFall: Megan Thee Stallion, ratchet-respectability, and the Socioeducational identities of Black girls/women”

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram and Bluesky!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

House of Masks

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Hello, dear Scorekeepers! On today's very special episode of THE SCORE, we celebrate an amazing milestone in the career of our very own Paige Reynolds! A few months ago, we were so thrilled to announce Paige's selection as one of Pillsbury House and Theatre's 2025 Naked Stages Artist Fellows. Well, now their performance, House of Masks, is premiering at Pillsbury House and Theatre in Minneapolis on Thursday, November 13! House of Masks invites audiences to “The Porch,” where three Black queer ancestors come out to play through the Afro-diasporic cultural tradition of masquerade. Tricksters, sirens, and aunties share stories that call us to remember what is sacred for here and now. Join us as Paige invites us behind the scenes to tell us all about the making of and inspiration behind this amazing new project and gives some pretty important advice to other young creatives embarking on a new adventure. All this, plus a tribute to the dearly departed D'Angelo and, of course, a bit of Pure Black Joy to get you through the end of the week. Let's do it to it, y'all!

And you better get your tickets to House of Masks before they sell out, or we're gonna be mad!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Get you tickets to House of Masks (BUY NOW!)

2025 Naked Stages Artist Fellows (Website)

Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley Playable Games (Website)

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

The Fantasy is Interesting (RuPaul's Drag Race: S11, E7)

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Morning, dear Scorekeepers! It's time for another pit stop on our journey through season 11 of RuPaul's Drag Race. This week, it's episode 7: "From Farm to Catwalk," a design challenge where the queens must take "all-natural" materials like straw, feathers, tree bark, and eggs(?) and turn them into haute couture. The results? Well, as the legendary Alyssa Edwards says, "The fantasy is... interesting!" So come for the terrible fashions and Ru's werkroom mind games, but stay for Alyssa being an absolute delight in an all-to-brief cameo. Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Watch RDPR along with us: Paramount+

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram and Bluesky!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

It's a Different World

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Greetings, dear Scorekeepers! And congrats to the Rapture Class of 2025! "It's a Different World" couldn't be more apt for today's political climate as well as today's episode. As is now customary, we start off with a little rant about this week's Republican shenanigans, but this time it's tempered with a chat about some of the art-making we've been doing in our spare time to stay sane. And then, for years now, we've been wanting to talk about one of our favorite things, but haven't had the chance. Until now! Hopefully, you love Black 90s sitcoms as much as we do. From A Different World to Martin to Living Single to In Living Color and more, these shows had a profound affect on us as kids and really helped shaped how we saw ourselves and the world around us. Join us as we take a stroll down memory lane and chat about our favorite shows, characters and moments and why they just don't make 'em like they used to (0:27:25). Plus, of course, a super-sized PBJ, because God knows we could all use it (1:15:33). Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

Banjos and Beyoncé (w/Jake Blount & Kao Kalia Yang) [RE-RELEASE]

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Hey there, Scorekeepers! On our off weeks for the next few months, we're revisiting ART CLASS, the 12-episode series all about arts and arts education that we released last year. We hope you enjoy taking this stroll down memory lane with us!

This episode was originally released on March 12, 2024.

Howdy, Classmates! It's time for another episode of your favorite podcast all about decolonizing the arts and arts education, Lincoln Center's ART CLASS! This week, we're talking all about Black folks' contributions to folk and country music, which we're told is very much in the zeitgeist thanks to the queen of everything, Mrs. Beyoncé Giselle Knowles Carter. We'll be joined for a chat by musician, scholar, and all around lovely person, Jake Blount, who takes us through his journey to the heart of Black folk music both on and offstage (0:14:40). Later, we're joined by author and friend of the show, Kao Kalia Yang (0:51:48), for another inspirational Career Day for all you up-and-coming writers. And of course, the Morning Announcements with Emile (0:48:05) and a moment of Pure Black Joy (0:58:09). (Spoiler alert: somebody wrote about us in a book!) So take your seats, y'all, because class is in session!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Mabolé Inawale)

Guests: Jake Blount, Kao Kalia Yang

Contributor: Emilia Mettenbrink

Producer: Rocky Jones

Extra Credit

To read more about country and folk music’s Black roots (through a queer and feminist theory framework), check out Francesca T. Royster’s Black Country Music: Listening for Revolutions.

Links

Jake Blount (Website) (Insta)

Kao Kalia Yang (Website)

Raising the Curtain: Technology Success Stories from Performing Arts Leaders and Arts (Now available for purchase!)

Rhiannon Giddens (Website)

Fort Worth African American Roots Festival (Website)

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram and Bluesky!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

A Rant on Our Spirits (RuPaul's Drag Race: S11, Ep. 6)

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Happy Tuesday, Scorekeepers! Welcome to another episode of THE SCORE! This week, we take another step on our journey through Season 11 of RuPaul's Drag Race and this week's stop is Episode 6: The Draglympics (0:38:52). And if the Trump episode was the worst episode we've ever seen, this one is definitely the most confounding. Now we aren't left speechless very often, but this one left us with more questions than answers. Namely, why? Also, how dare you? But before we get to all that, what started as a little RFK, Jr. shade turned into the rant of all rants (0:04:00). So if you're also frustrated about having to live through all these absurd and unprecedented events, come have a seat and exorcise some demons with us. Why scream into a pillow when you've got a podcast mic, right? All that, plus an exciting little Pure Black Joy (1:23:27) to set you straight before you head back out there. Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Watch RDPR along with us: Paramount+

Carnival Catwalk (Peacock)

Rachel Klinger Cain (TikTok)

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram and Bluesky!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

No Shade to the Robots (w/Stephanie Dinkins & C. Quintana) [RE-RELEASE]

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0500

This episode was originally released on February 27, 2024.

Good morrow, dear Classmates! For today's episode of ART CLASS, we're thinking about how the art of the future intersects with the art of the present. Have you ever wondered what art will look like in the age of artificial intelligence? Well, so have we, and so has this week's guest: the brilliant artist and scholar, Professor Stephanie Dinkins (0:18:10). Join us for an absolutely fascinating conversation all about the dangers and the limitless possibilities of an AI-generated world as well as insight into her conversations with the world's first Black female robot, BINA48. Later, we're joined for Career Day with playwright C. Quintana (0:57:23). Plus, Morning Announcements with Emile (0:54:28) and a little Pure Black Joy (1:09:08) to get you through to the end of week. Take your seats, because class is in session, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Mabolé Inawale)

Guests: Stephanie Dinkins, C. Quintana

Contributor: Emilia Mettenbrink

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Stephanie Dinkins (Website) (Insta) (Insta)

C. Quintana (Website)

AiArtists (Website)

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

Johnetta Appleseed (w/Tanya Denise Fields)

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0500

What it do, Scorekeepers?! Have we got a guest for you today! At long last, we are joined once again by our dear friend, chef and Executive Director of The Black Feminist Project, Tanya Denise Fields! You may recognize Tanya (aka Mama Tanya) from her numerous appearances on The Food Network, but did you also know that she's an activist, philanthropist, philosopher, community builder and all-around badass? It's true! This week, she's here to chat with us about Cardamom & Thyme, BFP's new social justice cafe in the South Bronx and how she's fighting injustice and white supremacy with love, care, and of course, food. All that, plus a little chat about the incomparable Law Roach and the best parties we've ever been to. Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guest: Tanya Denise Fields

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links:

Black Feminist Project (Website) (Donate)

Tanya Denise Fields (Bio) (Instagram)

Cardamom & Thyme (Website) (Video)

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

Protecting Our Peace (w/Jonathan McCrory & Jennifer Lisette Lopez) [RE-RELEASE]

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0500

This episode was originally released on February 13, 2024.

Happy Black History Month, Classmates! This week's ART CLASS is all about healing and self-care. As Black folks and Black artists especially, it's so easy to over-extend ourselves during the month of February, so this week we devote the first part of the episode to delving into our self-care routines. How does one establish boundaries in a world that doesn't want you to have any? Where does self-care intersect with community care? Then, we're joined by an exceptional guest! Last October, we recorded a live show at Lincoln Center's David Geffen Hall, where we were joined by the amazing Jonathan McCrory, Artistic Director of the National Black Theatre, which produced the recent Broadway hit Purlie Victorious starring Leslie Odom, Jr. and Kara Young. We had a powerful conversation all about this incredible piece of theater, its relevance in these times, and what he does to take care of himself (0:26:36). Later, it's time for another installment of Career Day with choreographer, Jennifer Lisette Lopez (0:53:51). Plus, the Morning Announcements with Emile (0:50:55) and a little Pure Black Joy (1:02:02) to get you through the week. Please take your seats, because class is back in session!

Hosts: Lee Bynum (Insta), Rocky Jones (Insta), Paige Reynolds (Insta)

Guests: Jonathan McCrory, Jennifer Lisette Lopez

Contributor: Emilia Mettenbrink

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Jonathan McCrory (Website) (Insta)

National Black Theatre (Website)

Jennifer Lisette Lopez (Website)

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

Eleganza, Where? (RuPaul's Drag Race: S11, Ep5)

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Hi Scorekeepers! Have we got a spicy one for you today! We're back to our coverage of RuPaul's Drag Race and this time we're diving into Season 11, Episode 5: The Monster Ball. Join us as we dissect all 33 looks from this (underwhelming) supersized runway. Plus, we finally break down our feelings about this last season of All-Stars and dare to ask the question: Gen Z, what is up with your shoe game? All that, plus a quick Pure Black Joy to get you through the week! Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Watch RDPR along with us: Paramount+

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram and Bluesky!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

Even Cowboys Sing the Blues (w/Christopher Fuller & Dr. Michael C. Mason) [RE-RELEASE]

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Hey, Scorekeepers! On our off weeks for the next few months, we're revisiting ART CLASS, the 12-episode series all about arts and arts education that we released last year. We hope you enjoy this stroll down memory lane!

This episode was originally released on January 30, 2024.

Welcome back, Classmates! And thank you so much for joining us for episode 2 of Lincoln Center's ART CLASS! This week is all about preserving the legacy of Black art and culture, specifically Black music. COVID-19 and the murder of George Floyd in 2020 brought about a racial reckoning here in the US, the likes of which hadn't been seen in decades. In 2024, however, with the conservative backlash against progressive ideals and initiatives like Critical Race Theory and DEI gaining momentum in many places, it seems the pendulum has swung hard back in the other direction. This week, we talk with two scholars and artists working tirelessly to keep Black stories, Black culture, and Black art at the forefront of the national imagination. First, we chat with Dr. Michael C. Mason, PhD the first chair of the new Africana Studies Department at the Berklee College of Music, all about the creation of this exciting new program at one of the most prestigious music schools in the country (0:26:37). And later, Paige sits down with Christopher Fuller, the creator of the Black Music Project, for the first installment of their series, Kinfolk (0:57:49). They talk all about how this invaluable repository of Black history and art came to be and make the case that the story of Black music is the story of American music. All that plus, the Morning Announcements with Emile (0:54:52) and a bit of Pure Black Joy (1:32:06) to get you through the rest of the week. Class is in session, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guests: Christopher Fuller, Dr. Michael C. Mason

Contributor: Emilia Mettenbrink

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Africana Studies at Berklee College of Music (Website) (Insta)
Black Music Project (Website)

Reading List

If you're interested in learning more about the topics discussed today, here are some resources we recommend:

Collins, Patricia Hill. Intersectionality as Critical Social Theory. Durham: Duke UP, 2019.
Crenshaw, Kimberlé. On Intersectionality: Essential Writings. The New Press: New York, 2017.
Katznelson, Ira. When Affirmative Action Was White: An Untold History of Racial Inequality in Twentieth-century America. W. W. Norton & Company: New York, 2005.
Muhammad, Khalil Gibran. The Condemnation of Blackness: Race, Crime, and the Making of Modern Urban America. Harvard UP: Cambridge, 2010.

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

The Essence of Exclusion

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Happy Tuesday, Scorekeepers! It's time for another episode of your favorite podcast, THE SCORE! This week, we examine the strange turn to the right taken by several Black American celebrities and institutions of late. From Laverne Cox coyly revealing her MAGA ex-boyfriend to the backlash to this year's Essence Festival, it seems like there are some influential Black people who are using their platforms to (both wittingly and unwittingly) parrot conservative talking points, prop up the broken status quo, and/or create division between different members of the African diaspora. And it seems rather sinister and frustrating and unnecessary! So let's talk about it. But don't fret, because after that we have a nice, long Pure Black Joy to get us back to homeostasis. Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

Fahrenheit 2024 (w/Junauda Petrus & Nathan Horowitz) [ART CLASS Re-Release]

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Originally aired January 16, 2024.

What's up, Classmates?! Class is officially in session! Welcome to the first episode of ART CLASS, a provocative, thoughtful and often humorous podcast all about art and artists creating at the intersection of beauty and innovation. This week, hosts Lee Bynum, Paige Reynolds, and Rocky Jones are joined by author, activist, and multi-disciplinary artist Junauda Petrus, whose novel The Stars and the Blackness Between Them, has appeared on multiple banned books lists in the past few years. We talk art and censorship, other influential, inspirational artists who have also showed up on banned book lists, and how Junauda's West Indian ancestry influences her life and work. Later, we're joined for "Career Day" by Nathan Horowitz, who gives us behind-the-scenes peek at a day in the life of a Hollywood stunt performer. Plus, contributor Emilia Mettenbrink brings us the "Morning Announcements," a list of live and virtual arts offerings that we think you might want to check out. And, as always, we end with a moment of PBJ aka Pure Black Joy, a weekly little snack for your soul that highlights the Black people, culture, and art that are making us happy this week. Let's do it to it, y'all.

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guests: Junauda Petrus, Nathan Horowitz

Contributor: Emilia Mettenbrink

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Junauda Petrus (Website) (Instagram)
The Black Joy Project by Kleaver Cruz (HarperCollins)
Legacy of Orisha Series by Tomi Adeyemi (MacMillan)

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

Rotten Oranges (Rupaul's Drag Race: S11, E4)

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Good day, Scorekeepers! It's time for another step on our journey through Season 11 of RuPaul's Drag Race. This week, we're covering episode 4, and we must have all memory-holed this one, because we had all completely forgot it existed and, quite frankly, it just might be the worst episode of Drag Race ever. Of course, we are talking about the dreaded "Trump: The Rusical." So come for the weak satirization of modern history's greatest existential threat to the entire planet and stay for the absolutely hideous all-orange runway! 'Cause If you like it when we throw shade for an entire hour, then this is the episode for you. Plus, a little bit of Pure Black as always to help the medicine go down. Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Watch RDPR along with us: Paramount+

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

A Salute to Sinners

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Good tidings, dear Scorekeepers! Have we got a show for you today! We've finally all seen Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan's latest cinematic masterpiece, Sinners, and we can't wait to talk about it. From the music to the history to the messages the movie sends, we loved it all - a few small critiques notwithstanding, of course. (Spoilers abound!) But before that we have a little chat about reality TV and what we're currently watching. This time around we're covering Love Island, RuPaul's Drag Race: All-Stars, and so much more! Plus, we'd never leave you without a little PBJ to get you through the rest of the week. Let's do it to it!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

Stink! Stank! Stunk! (RuPaul's Drag Race: S11, Ep3)

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Greetings and salutations, dear Scorekeepers! It's time for another installment of our journey through season 11 of RuPaul's Drag Race! After a quick chitchat about some hot topics, including our wrap-up of last week's Tony Awards, we dive into episode 3, "Diva Worship". This week the queens are tasked with creating "she-vangelical" talk shows devoted to the pop diva of their choice, and let's just say... one team does fine and the other is a train wreck the likes we haven't seen before or since. All that, plus a fringe-tastic runway and questionable lip sync, make for a juicy, messy, hilarious discussion! Plus, we could never leave you without a little PBJ and a little advice for all the courageous protesters out there. Keep fighting the good fight, y'all! Let's do it to it!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Watch RDPR along with us: Paramount+

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

Death by Cracker

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Greetings, dear Scorekeepers! This week, it's another one of those situations where we were hoping to have a guest join us, but sadly it didn't work out. So we're kind of winging it. But these unexpected conversations always turn out to be some of our favorites and this one is no exception! Basically, this week's show is about assholes and America's obsession with them. From Donald Trump to the Black conservatives who grift in his name to Diddy, why do we give these people so much of our time and attention. We should maybe stop doing that. Anyway, just our $.02. But if you're as frustrated as we are, come kiki with us as we have a messy, shady li'l time! Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

Black Fatigue (RuPaul's Drag Race: S11, Ep2)

Tue, 20 May 2025 05:00:00 -0500

What's shakin', Scorekeepers?! It's time for another episode of THE SCORE and another step on our journey through season 11 of RuPaul's Drag Race. This time we'll cover episode 2, "Good God Girl Get Out", in which the queens divide into teams to spoof the films Black Panther and Get Out. The results are... ummm... interesting. It's all worth it, however, because afterwards we are blessed with a runway full of our two favorite things: fashion and astrology!!! But before that, we dive into some current events and hot button political issues. Have you heard about the co-opting of the phrase "Black Fatigue"? We wish we hadn't. And, as always, we end with a little Pure Black Joy! Let's do it to it!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

HOW TO HELP: TORNADO RELIEF

Watch RDPR along with us: Paramount+

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

You Can't Spell "Dire" Without "DEI"

Tue, 06 May 2025 08:00:00 -0500

What's up, Scorekeepers? It's time for a fresh episode of THE SCORE and have we got a jam-packed episode for you today. First up, we have a chat about this year's Tony nominees, including the incredible Kara Young, who's been nominated now four years in a row (0:16:45)! Talk about Pure Black Joy! Then, we have an important and timely conversation about DEI in the arts (0:31:40). In light of the poicy shifts of the new administration, all over the country we're seeing arts organizations slash their DEI programs and DEI professionals like Rocky getting restructured out the door. We take a look at the current landscape and ponder the next steps for those of us who believe that our art spaces shouldn't be uniform, inequitable, and exclusive. And, of course, we couldn't leave you without a little Pure Black Joy to get you through the rest of the week (1:27:23). Let's do it to it!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

The DragWives: Very Rich (YouTube)

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

Cyst-em of a Gown (RuPaul's Drag Race, S11, Ep 1)

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Start your engines, Scorekeepers! It's time for us to dive into the show we were born to recap: RuPaul's Drag Race! In this episode, we kick off our new series with a deep dive into RPDR Season 11. (It's the one with Yvie, Brooke, Vanjie, Silky, and them!) Join us as we break down Episode 1 from the runway look, to the questionable judging, all gag-worthy moments, and, of course, all the drama. And we're looking at it all through our unapologetically Black, queer lens. We'll start the ep off with a little drag herstory lesson from Dr. Bynum before we dissect the entrance looks of these legendary queens and examine how the show intersects with pop culture and art. And what would a Drag Race recap be without copious amounts of shade! So grab your popcorn and join us on this new adventure! We hope you enjoy the fresh perspective THE SCORE brings to the Drag Race fandom!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Watch RDPR along with us: Paramount+

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

Skipping Down Memory Lane

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Hey there, Scorekeepers! Huzzah! For it's a day of jubilation here at THE SCORE! You may have heard already, but our dear Dr. Lee Bynum has a new full-time gig and what a dope gig it is! So since some of you may have seen the news and are therefore new to the show, we thought it would be nice to take a trip down memory lane. So join us as we give you a little insight into who we are as humans, how the three of us became friends, and just what it is we've been doing around here on this little podcast for the past four years. All that, plus some Pure Black Joy, as always to get you through the week. Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

Remember Love (Noah's Arc: The Finale)

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500

What's shaking, Scorekeepers?!?! It's time for another episode of your favorite podcast, THE SCORE. It's a bittersweet day for us, because it's the last episode (for now) in our series revisiting 2006 and the classic queer, Black sitcom, Noah's Arc. We'll be covering episodes 8 and 9 of the second season and y'all it's a whole mess. But a fun mess with a wild cliffhanger. So come along for the ride as we take a walk down memory lane and celebrate this seminal work of gay, Black art one last time. Plus, a little Pure Black Joy to get you through the week. Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Watch Noah's Arc along with us: Paramount+ | Amazon | Apple

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

State of the Arts (w/Pablo Siqueiros)

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Good tidings, Scorekeepers! It's time for another episode of THE SCORE! For the past few months, the three of us have been going it alone, but recently we thought wouldn't it be nice to add another voice to the mix for a change? So we are over the moon to welcome back our dear friend and past guest, Pablo Siqueiros! Pablo is a brilliant singer, arts advocate, and all-around talented, lovely person and the perfect first guest for THE SCORE 2.0! We had great conversation with him about what supporting artists looks like in 2025, how to rekindle a lost creative spark, and the joys and fears that come with impending parenthood! But before that chat, we have to midseason check-in real quick with RPDR 17 and, of course, you know we'd never let you go without a little Pure Black Joy to get you through the rest of the week! Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Guest: Pablo Siqueiros

Follow Pablo on Insta here!

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

The Age of Aqueerius (Noah's Arc: S2, Eps. 4-6)

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Hey Scorekeepers! It's time for another episode of THE SCORE! This week, we continue our journey back to the mid-2000's and the groundbreaking queer dramedy, Noah's Arc. And if you can believe it, in this batch of episodes, things somehow get even messier for our four intrepid friends. Join us as we examine all the love triangles, the psycho closet cases, and the devastating reads. Plus, a look back at the queer politics of the time from the two geezers who were actually there! If you like to watch along with us, check out the links below. Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Watch Noah's Arc along with us: Paramount+ | Amazon | Apple

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

PBJ All Day, Part Deux

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Well, hey there, Scorekeepers! Have the last few weeks got you feeling scared? Anxious? Overwhelmed? Well, much like any rational, thinking human being living in 2025, we are feeling that way too. So we thought about it and figured that one thing that we could do is bring a little bit of joy into the proceedings, because even in these darkest of times, it's important to remember there's still joy to be had. So ladies and germs, we're doing an episode-long edition of Pure Black Joy! All episode we will be highlighting the beautiful Black people, art, and culture that are making a positive difference vis-à-vis our mental health. And we hope they do the same for you!

Oh, and if you're not currently in a space mentally and emotionally to receive this joy, we understand and we're holding you in our hearts. This ep will still be here whenever you're ready.

Love to all! Let's do it to it, y'all.

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

ZoraRene - Black-Owned Business Guide (TikTok)

Black History Film Festival (Website)

Homecoming: Edmond Dédé’s “Morgiane” (Website)

Black Europe Film Festival (Website)

Black Garnet Books (Website)

Junauda Petrus (Website)

Junauda Petrus on ART CLASS!!! (Listen)

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

Gender Fugitives (Noah's Arc: S2, Eps 1-3)

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

G'day, lovely Scorekeepers! And welcome to another episode of your favorite podcast, THE SCORE! It's been quite a year so far to say the least, so up top we take stock of the first week of Trump II. Spoiler alert: It's not great. But then things get happy, because we're on to season 2 of Noah's Arc (0:12:39) and things are getting juicy, y'all! Come along with us as we take a trip back to 2006 with more shambolic exes, secret lesbians and questionable childcare decisions than you can shake a stick at! And finally, as always, a bit of Pure Black Joy (1:05:39) to get you to the end of the week. (Please send Rocky your condolences about the Washington Commanders.). Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Watch Noah's Arc along with us: Paramount+ | Amazon | Apple

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

Emilia Pérez and Representation Frustration

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Happy new year, Scorekeepers! It's the first episode of 2025 and have we got spicy one for you today. First, there's a new season of RuPaul's Drag Race upon us, so you know we have to have a chat about these new girls (and drag Katy Perry)! Then, Rocky recently tried dipping his toe into the fiction pond with presumptive Oscar contender Emilia Pérez and... it didn't go well. It got us thinking that, of course, representation of minoritized groups in art is important, but what happens when the things being represented are tired stereotypes and problematic tropes? Who or what does that serve? And then, as always, we end with a little PBJ for your soul to snack on. Let's do it to it!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

Therapists for Everyone! (Noah's Arc: S1, Eps. 7-9)

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Habari Gani, Scorekeepers! And Happy New Year's Eve! We hope you've all had a wonderful holiday season and we are so excited to be back with our recap of the last three episodes of season 1 of Noah's Arc (0:17:30). We're very happy to report that it gets juicy and very, very messy and y'all know we love some mess! But before we get into that, we break down the queen's Christmas Day gift to us all, the Beyoncé Bowl, and make some resolutions for 2025 (0:04:14). And then of course, we couldn't end the show without one last Pure Black Joy for 2024 (1:14:36). Let's do it to it, y'all and we can't wait to see you in 2025!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Watch Noah's Arc along with us: Paramount+ | Amazon | Apple

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

Ghosts of Kwanzaa Past

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

It's the most wonderful time of the year, Scorekeepers! Welcome to another episode of your favorite podcast, THE SCORE! This week, we're talking about the holiday season (0:23:29). What are we celebrating this year? What are we definitely NOT celebrating this year? And how do our identities inform those feelings and decisions? But first, we finally wade into the Wicked discourse and Lee gives us their review of the new all-Black production of Gypsy on Broadway, starring the legendary Audra McDonald (0:00:32). Last but certainly not least, for PBJ we celebrate the life of Black and queer artist, activist and icon, Nikki Giovanni (0:54:17). Let's do it to it, y'all! And HAPPY HOLIDAYS to you and yours!!!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Hey hey, THE SCORE is now on social! Follow us @thescorepod on Instagram here and Bluesky here!

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Your Hosts on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

Development by Dumbledore (Noah's Arc: S1, Eps. 4-6)

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Hey there, Scorekeepers! Apologies for our tardiness, but we've been going through it, y'all. I mean we all have, of course, but your hosts had some personal emergencies to tend to these last few weeks that meant putting the show on the back burner for a sec. But we're back and so happy to be with all of you lovely people! This week, we start with a quick chat about how we're all feeling about the state of the world. Spoiler alert: NOT GOOD (0:47:07). But if you want to skip to the fun part, go right ahead (0:11:33), because we're returning to our series about the iconic early 2000's sitcom, Noah's Arc, and it's just getting better and better. Join us as we dive into episodes 4-6 of the first season and issues like messy relationship drama, femmephobia, slut-shaming, magical non-profits, and much more. And, of course, we couldn't end without a little PBJ to get you on through to the weekend (1:27:10). Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Watch Noah's Arc along with us: Paramount+ | Amazon | Apple

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Election Day 2024: Nauseously Optimistic

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0500

It's finally here, Scorekeepers. It's Election Day 2024 here in the US. So if you haven't yet voted and made your voice heard, may we kindly suggest you pause the pod and go do that. And then while you're waiting in line or when you get back, you can listen to us chat about the literal life and death choice before us (00:33), the strange celebrity political endorsement industrial complex that seems especially present this election cycle (43:23), and then -- because we all need it desperately today -- a supersized dose of Pure Black Joy to help us all get through this anxious day (1:06:00).

But if you don't listen to anything else listen to this: VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! And whatever happens, we'll get through it together. Stay safe and make good choices! We love you, Scorekeepers! Let's do it to it.

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Zora Neale Hurston Summit (Home) (Donate)

The Black Feminist Project (Home)

"Louisiana students who solved the Pythagorean theorem discover nine more solutions to it" (NOLA.com)

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

So Black & So Gay (Noah's Arc: S1, Eps. 1-3)

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Hey hey, Scorekeepers! We're back for another episode of your favorite podcast, THE SCORE! This week, after a little election update, we're gonna try something new. Noah's Arc was the first of its kind: a funny and frank dramedy about four Black gay men living in Los Angeles that ran for two seasons on LogoTV in the mid-2000s. For the next few months, we'll be revisiting this trailblazing show episode by episode, chatting about the friendships, the sex, the romance, the fashions, and what seeing these characters on our screens meant to us then and still means to us today. This week, we'll be covering episodes 1-3 of the first season and it's wild, gay ride! (If you'd like to watch along with us, check out the links below!) Plus, as always, we end with a little PBJ, this week with André 3000, the ladies of The Real Housewives of Potomac, and legendary playwright Dominique Morrisseau. Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Watch Noah's Arc along with us: Paramount+ | Amazon | Apple

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Us on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

The Score 2.0: Spinning the Block

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Don't call it a comeback, dear Scorekeepers! Call it a homecoming! Welcome to the new iteration of your favorite podcast, which we're affectionately calling The Score 2.0. The Minnesota Opera era is over. The Lincoln Center era is over. We're now proudly coming to you as a wholly independent, Black and queer media enterprise, liberated from the shackles of any institutional pressure. What does that mean? It means we're going to keep bringing you the same Black, queer arts and culture commentary you've come to enjoy, but a bit freer and a lot spicier. Plus, we're excited to dip our toes into some completely new topics that we've always wanted to explore. It also means, however, that we need your support more than ever, so if you love The Score and you want it to continue, please tell everyone you can about us, share our content on your socials and, of course, rate, review, and subscribe wherever you're listening. We love you all and thank you a million times for joining us on this new journey!

On this week's inaugural episode of The Score 2.0, we chat about our hopes and fears for next month's election, union-busting at the Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and, of course, we end with a little Pure Black Joy featuring Doechii, the reboot of classic sitcom A Different World, and remembering Frankie Beverly. Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links:

"Dallas Black Dance Theatre fires 9 dancers over social media video; city council calls for probe" (Fox4News.com)

Dancers of Dallas Black Dance Theatre (Instagram)

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. Email your questions or comments to thescorepodcast2.0@gmail.com.

Ways to Listen: Apple | Spotify | YouTube

Follow Us on Insta! Lee | Paige | Rocky

ART CLASS: Episode 1 - Fahrenheit 2024 w/Junauda Petrus and Nathan Horowitz

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Hey hey, Scorekeepers! At long last, it's time for the premiere of our new show with Lincoln Center, ART CLASS! If you loved The Score, you'll absolutely adore ART CLASS! We've kept a lot of the things you've come to know and love about The Score, but we've expanded our scope beyond classical music and we're shining a light on Global Majority artists creating in all sorts of different art forms, like books, film, theater and so much more. We figured we'd drop the first episode here on this feed, but moving forward new episodes will be dropping over on the new ART CLASS feed. So if you're into it, make sure you follow, subscribe and review us over there. And of course, tell all your friends! Thanks so much for all your support!!! <3

What's up, Classmates?! Class is officially in session! Welcome to the first episode of Lincoln Center's new podcast, ART CLASS, a provocative, thoughtful and often humorous podcast all about art and artists creating at the intersection of beauty and innovation. This week, hosts Lee Bynum, Paige Reynolds, and Rocky Jones are joined by author, activist, and multi-disciplinary artist Junauda Petrus, whose novel The Stars and the Blackness Between Them, has appeared on multiple banned books lists in the past few years (0:22:33). We talk art and censorship, other influential, inspirational artists who have also showed up on banned book lists, and how Junauda's West Indian ancestry influences her life and work. Later, we're joined for "Career Day" by Nathan Horowitz, who gives us behind-the-scenes peek at a day in the life of a Hollywood stunt performer (1:03:46). Plus, contributor Emilia Mettenbrink brings us the "Morning Announcements," a list of live and virtual arts offerings that we think you might want to check out (1:00:52). And, as always, we end with a moment of PBJ aka Pure Black Joy, a weekly little snack for your soul that highlights the Black people, culture, and art that are making us happy this week (01:12:03). Let's do it to it, y'all.

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guests: Junauda Petrus, Nathan Horowitz

Contributor: Emilia Mettenbrink

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Junauda Petrus (Website) (Instagram)
Seen, Sound, Scribe (lincolncenter.org)
Spectral Evidence: Gregory Pardlo with Imani Perry (nypl.org)
Antonia Hylton + Craig Melvin: Madness: Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum (strandbooks.com)
The Black Joy Project by Kleaver Cruz (HarperCollins)
Legacy of Orisha Series by Tomi Adeyemi (MacMillan)

New episodes of ART CLASS drop every other Tuesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. For more info about the show, please visit lincolncenter.org/ArtClass. Email your questions or comments to artclasspod@gmail.com.

Thanks to Our Supporters!

Major support for Campaign for One Million Kids provided by Leonard and Judy Lauder

Lead support for educational programming is provided by Anonymous

Major support for educational programming is provided by LuEsther T. Mertz Charitable Trust and The Walt Disney Company

Additional support is provided by Constans Culver Foundation, NBCUniversal, the Richmond County Savings Foundation, Alice L. Walton Foundation, the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation, the Theodore H. Barth Foundation, The Katz Family Charitable Lead Trust, Tom and Musa Mayer, the May and Samuel Rudin Family Foundation, Giants Foundation, Henry and Lucy Moses Fund, Inc., William Sherman, trustee for the Murray G. and Beatrice H. Sherman Charitable Trust

Educational programming is made possible, in part, with public support facilitated by New York City Council Members Julie Menin and Keith Powers

ART CLASS Trailer: Subscribe now! New episodes start Tuesday!

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 07:00:00 -0500

What's up, Scorekeepers?! As Mariah would say, "It's tiiiiiiime!" ART CLASS, Paige, Rocky and Lee's new podcast with Lincoln Center premieres this Tuesday, January 16. So if you've been missing us popping up in your feed on the regular, you can now officially check out the new show on our page at lincolncenter.org and subscribe to ART CLASS on your podcast platform of choice. Platforms such as...

And of course, wherever you listen, please don't forget to leave a 5-star review!!! Thanks so much for all your support these last few years. We can't wait to go on this new adventure with all of you!

-xo, P, R, & L

ART CLASS: Come See Us Live Sunday, 10/29!

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 11:00:00 -0500

It's been way too long, Scorekeepers! Did you miss us? We missed you! How was your summer? How has your fall been? How's your mama and them? Well, we have been hard at work on our next endeavor since we last left you and we are so excited to FINALLY share the details of our new adventure! So... if we may, we'd like to proudly introduce you to... ART CLASS, a brand new podcast from the one and only Lincoln Center Education. Yes, you read that correctly, THE Lincoln Center! ART CLASS will consist of the same news and interviews you've come to expect and love from The Score, but with an expanded scope and a chance for us to spread our wings and try some new ways to showcase art and artistry from our Black, queer perspectives. So hit play and let us tell you all about it!

ART CLASS officially launches everywhere you get fine podcasts on January 16, 2024. However, we'll be soft launching the new show with a live recording this Sunday, October 29 at 4pm at Lincoln Center's David Geffen Hall in New York City. The recording is free and open to the public, so come on by if you're in town. Check out this page for more details. But if you can't make it, don't worry, the live show will be released on ART CLASS' new feed in November. We're still building all that infrastructure, however, so watch this space for all of those links and details.

Thanks so much for all your patience, love and support and we hope you'll be a part of this chapter. We can't wait to keep the party going with all of you wonderful, beautiful Classmates!

The Final Score (w/3rd Annual Juneteenth Panel)

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Hello, all you wonderful, gorgeous Scorekeepers! It's a momentous and bittersweet day here at THE SCORE HQ. After 2 years, 3 seasons, 58 episodes, a murderers' row of amazing guests and countless engrossing conversations, it's our last episode. BUT! It won't be the last you hear from the three of us, because we haven't been cancelled. Far from it! We can't spill all the details yet, but this fall we'll be embarking on a ridiculously exciting brand new podcasting adventure and we can't wait to share all the details with you! But until then, we are so happy to go out on one of our favorite notes, our 3rd annual Juneteenth panel, moderated by our very own Dr. Lee Bynum! This year, we're talking about the intersection of Blackness and arts education with panelists Queen Herawin (Hip Hop Education Center), John Lucas (Step Into the Light), Curtis Stewart (American Composers Orchestra) and Dacia Washington (Lincoln Center). All that, plus one last PBJ to carry you through the summer! We love you all so much and thank you for your support these last few years. It means more to us than you know. Now... let's do to it!

Oh, and don't unsubscribe from this channel! We'll be back periodically throughout the summer with more details about where to come find us this fall! We can't wait to share this news with you, btw. It's BIG!!!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Mabolé Iya Inawale)

Guests: Queen Herawin, John Lucas, Curtis Stewart, Dacia Washington

Producers: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones

LINKS

Hip Hop Education Center (Website)

American Composers Orchestra (Website)

Step Into the Light Foundation (Website)

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Wednesday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help people find our show. For more info about the exciting EDI work happening at MN Opera, please visit mnopera.org/edi. Email your questions or comments to thescore@mnopera.org.

The Main Course (w/Damian Norfleet)

Wed, 14 Jun 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Hi hi, Scorekeepers! It's time for another episode of your favorite podcast, THE SCORE! This week's episode has been two years in the making and, considering he's married to one of us, I can't believe it's taken all this time to finally nab today's fabulous guest: singer, composer, activist and all-around brilliant and lovely person, Damian Norfleet! Join us as he shares his insightful thoughts and opinions on the state of arts education and what institutions should avoid when commissioning work from Black artists. Plus, we have a chit-chat about the commercialization of Juneteenth and, of course, a little PBJ to help you finish out the week strong! Let's do it to it, y'all!

Oh, and mark your calendars, because next episode is our annual Juneteenth panel. Plus, we'll be making a HUGE announcement about the show! Don't miss it!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Iya Inawale)

Guest: Damian Norfleet

Producer: Rocky Jones

Music: "Praise Pecola!" by Damian Norfleet

Links

Damian Norfleet (Website) (Insta)

Open Road Fund (Website)

The Trans Takeover!

Wed, 31 May 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Oh my goodness, Scorekeepers, do we have a special episode for you today! Get ready, cuz it's time for the Trans Takeover! It's almost Pride month, and given what's happening in statehouses around the country, this year's vibe is less "love is love" and more "please do something, because queer and trans people are under attack." So we hope this week you'll join us for an important roundtable discussion all about the issues specifically facing our trans and non-binary siblings, moderated by our very own Paige Reynolds, and featuring three incredible non-binary artists and activists of color: friend-of-the-show Frankie Charles, activist and birth worker Nadine Ashby, and opera singer and educator Jeremiah Sanders. It's an insightful and personal look into the opportunities and struggles facing trans people today from the arts to healthcare to housing and so much more. We hope it inspires you to listen and join the fight for liberation! All that, plus a tribute to the dearly departed legend of all legends herself, Tina Turner, and a bit of Pure Black Joy to carry you to the end of this short week! Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Iya Inawale)

Guests: Nadine Ashby, Frankie Charles, Jeremiah Sanders

Producers: Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Links

Jeremiah Sanders (Website)

MN Transplant Project (Website)

Birth Revolution (Website)

REP for MN (Website)

Queer Equity Institute (Website)

Our Birthright (w/Morgan-Paige Melbourne)

Wed, 17 May 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Mornin', Scorekeepers! Welcome to another edition of your favorite podcast, THE SCORE! And this week, we've another banger for you. We are so excited to welcome an incredible, young Canadian composer who is making huge waves: Morgan-Paige Melbourne! Join us as we chat about what it's like to be a child piano prodigy, what music educators need to do to better support students of marked identities, and the messages of love and resilience she hopes to send fellow Black folks and queer folks with her music. Also, we talk about some of the amazing shows that have recently opened in NYC like Terence Blanchard's Champion and Larissa FastHorse's The Thanksgiving Play, we celebrate the erasure of gendered categories in some of the major New York theater awards, and end, as always, with a bit of Pure Black Joy. Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Iyawo Inawale)

Guest: Morgan-Paige Melbourne

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Morgan-Paige Melbourne (Insta) (Bandcamp)

Queen Cleopatra (Netflix)

Birth Revolution (Website)

Winging It

Wed, 03 May 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Hi hi, dear Scorekeepers! Congratulations, it's time for a new episode of your favorite podcast, THE SCORE! And this week, we've got a very special episode for you. For the very first time in Score theirstory, our wonderful guest unfortunately had to bow out at the last minute due to illness, so it's just us 3 and... we're kinda winging it this week. So join us for a fun, free-wheeling hour that's a little bit EDI in the arts, a little bit Icebreakers, and a supersized edition of Pure Black Joy! Let's do it to it, ya'll!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Iyawo Inawale)

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

ArtEquity (Website)

Birth Revolution (Website)

Stepping into New Spaces... w/JULIA BULLOCK!!!

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Oh hello, dear Scorekeepers! It's time for another episode of your favorite podcast, THE SCORE! This week, we are absolutely blessed to be in conversation with the one and only, JULIA BULLOCK! Join us for an intimate chat with the legendary soprano and activist all about using art as a means to heal and create new spaces, what institutions could be doing to support young artists of color, and her fabulous new solo debut album, Walking in the Dark. And so much more! You don't want to miss this one, folks! And if that wasn't enough, we've got more Drag Race commentary, another rousing game of Icebreakers, and of course, your weekly moment of Pure Black Joy! Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Iyawo Inawale)

Guest: Julia Bullock

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Julia Bullock (Website) (FB) (Insta)

Walking in the Dark (Buy Now)

An Incendiary Passion (w/William Henry Curry)

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Greetings, dear Scorekeepers! It's high time for another episode of your favorite podcast, THE SCORE! And this week, we have quite a show for you! First, we'll gingerly dip out toes into a quick discussion of the current political moment. Then we are honored to welcome to the show veteran composer, educator and conductor, William Henry Curry (0:19:00)! Maestro Curry takes us on a journey through his storied career from growing up a poor Black kid with a burning passion for music in 1950s Pittsburgh to performing in some of the most famous concert halls in the world. And while it can be hard to stay optimistic given today's divisive political climate, he talks in depth about what gives him hope for the future of our industry and our country. And, of course, we could possibly leave you without a little PBJ to get your through the rest of the week (0:58:48). Let's do it to it, y'all!

(Oh, and if you're in the Twin Cities and you'd like to see the film Chevalier we mentioned in this week's PBJ or another opera-themed film Il Boemo, you can get a discount through the MSP International Film Festival. Just use the code: MNOPERA42 at purchase!)

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Iyawo Inawale)

Guest: William Henry Curry

Producer: Rocky Jones

LAWRENCE BROWNLEE!!!

Wed, 22 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Good morrow, dear Scorekeepers! It's time for another episode of your favorite podcast, THE SCORE! This week, we are joined by one of the most celebrated, world-renowned operatic tenors working today: LAWRENCE BROWNLEE! And we couldn't be more excited! Join us for an insightful and personal chat all about his musical upbringing, the ways he is keeping the doors open for the next generation of Global Majority operatic talent, and the surprising hobbies that he's passionate about when he's not busy being a once-in-a-generation operatic superstar (0:23:34)! All that plus: our Oscars recap (0:09:44), a long overdue dip into RuPaul's Drag Race season 15 (0:03:52), and, of course, a little Pure Black Joy to get you through the rest of the week (1:07:54). Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Iyawo Inwale)

Guest: Lawrence Brownlee

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Lawrence Brownlee (Website) (Insta) (Twitter)

"Black Women Are Dominating The White House Press Briefing and It's About Time" (The Root)

African Queens (Netflix)

"Zaya Wade’s gender resistance" (Dazed)

The Song Poet (w/Kao Kalia Yang & Josephine Yang)

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Happy Wednesday, Scorekeepers! It's time for another episode of THE SCORE and have we got a show for you! Thursday, March 9 is the world premiere of The Song Poet, the first Hmong story adapted for the operatic stage! Join us for an emotional and insightful conversation with Kao Kalia Yang, author of both the book The Song Poet as well as the opera's libretto, all about this incredible story's journey from the page to the stage. We're also joined local Hmong-American artist Josephine Yang, MN Opera's Community Engagement Consultant. We'll chat about the genesis of Kao Kalia's beautiful story, the resilience and strength of the Hmong people and the special relationship between the Hmong and Black communities here in the Twin Cities. It's a fascinating, powerful conversation that you won't want to miss (0:21:51)! Plus, as always, a little PBJ to help you get through the rest of the week (1:17:24). Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Iyawo Inawale)

Guests: Kao Kalia Yang, Josephine Yang

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

MN Opera's The Song Poet (Buy Tickets)

Kao Kalia Yang (Website)

Josephine Yang - Blink Artisan (Website)

Wisdom of the Sphinx (w/Emilia Mettenbrink)

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Helloooo, Scorekeepers! It's time for another episode of your favorite podcast, THE SCORE. For our second Black History Month pod, we thought we'd have a little family reunion. So for the whole episode, we are joined once again by a world-class violinist and the woman who makes this podcast go zoom, Emilia Mettenbrink! This week, we (shadily) discuss our profound disappointment over Beyoncé not winning AOTY at this year's Grammys, our recent trip to Detroit for the Sphinx Organization's annual conference (0:37:07), and of course, a little PB&J to keep your week going strong (0:59:09)! Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Iyawo Inawale)

Guest: Emilia Mettenbrink

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Sphinx Organization (Website)

Known MPLS (Website)

When Broadway Was Black (Buy Now)

A Darker Wilderness (Buy Now)

MONÉT X CHANGE!!!

Wed, 08 Feb 2023 07:00:00 -0500

G'day, darling Scorekeepers! We're far too excited today, so let's get straight down to business. On THE SCORE this week, in advance of her MN Opera debut as the Duchess of Krakenthorp in Donizetti's Daughter of the Regiment, we are joined by the legendary legend herself: singer, artist, sponge enthusiast, and the first Black inductee into the RuPaul's Drag Race Hall of Fame... MONÉT X CHANGE! We stan and so will you, so let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Iyawo Inawale)

Guest: Monét X Change

Links

MN Opera's Daughter of the Regiment (Buy Tickets)

Monet X Change (Website) (Insta) (Twitter)

Sibling Rivalry (Website)

Ebony and Irony (Website)

Harlem State of Mind (w/L. Adé Williams)

Wed, 25 Jan 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Hey hey, Scorekeepers! Happy Aquarius Season, and welcome to a brand new episode of THE SCORE! In honor of Lee's big move, this week is all about one of our favorite places in the world: the Big Apple herself, New York City! First up, we'll discuss the Metropolitan Opera's very exciting plan to invest $30 million dollars into new opera works and what that could mean for the future of the industry. Next, we're joined by the delightful L. Adé Williams, Musical Conductor and Executive Producer of The Harlem Connection, a weekly radio show which showcases the sounds that have made Harlem a cultural Mecca for decades. Come along for a fascinating and fun chat about what makes Harlem so special, Adé's time seeing the stars shine (or not) during his time at the Apollo Theater, and his time developing Black characters at DC Comics! And, of course, we'd never leave you without a little PBJ at the end. (That's Pure Black Joy for the newbies!) Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Iyawo Inawale)

Guest: L. Adé Williams

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

The Harlem Connection (WBAI) (Twitter) (FB) (Insta) (RASR)

"Pandemic Woes Lead Met Opera to Tap Endowment and Embrace New Work" (NYT)

Doula 4 All (Website)

A Good Ol' Nasty Hour of Therapy (w/Ginger Klee)

Wed, 11 Jan 2023 07:00:00 -0500

Happy 2023, Dear Scorekeepers! It's a brand new year, which means it's time for a brand new episode of THE SCORE! And this year, we're starting off with a topic that's near and dear to our hearts: protecting the mental health of our Global Majority community. This week, we're joined by Licensed Professional Counselor and all-around smart, funny, lovely person Ginger Klee (0:13:35), who's here to chat with us about the various ways white dominant culture can harm us physically and psychologically along with some of the things we can do this year to help protect our mental! And then our Pure Black Joy is all about our very own Dr. Lee Bynum! You may have read about him in the papers lately, because has some very VERY big and exciting news to share with everyone (1:09:55)! And we couldn't be more proud! Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Iwayo Inawale)

Guest: Ginger Klee

Producer: Rocky Jones

Link

Ginger Klee (Website)

THE BEST OF 2022!

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Hello, dear Scorekeepers! Welcome back to THE SCORE and we hope you're all having a very happy holiday season! All of us are on vacation, but we didn't want to leave you without anything to listen to in case you're stuck at the airport (looking at you, Southwest) or you need a respite from all the family togetherness. This week, we're taking a look back at some of our favorite conversations from this past year. And they're in shareable bite-sized pieces, so if you're new to the show or you'd like to introduce someone to what we do, here's a handy little primer on what we've been up to this year. So sit a spell and look back at this crazy year with us. (Obviously, there's lots of Beyoncé!) And of course, we'll see you again next year with a fresh batch of all-new shows! Happy New Year, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Iyawo Inawale)

Producer: Rocky Jones

Timestamps

Lizzo & The Crystal Flute - 0:04:23

If Eun Lee Ruled the World - 0:21:35

Garrett McQueen and the New Normal - 0:32:41

Rick Hoops and Degendering Music Education - 0:43:34

Zoie Reams: The Hip-Hopera - 1:01:25

DENYCE GRAVES!!! - 1:22:13

PBJ: Beyoncé's Renaissance Has Landed - 1:33:41

By the Numbers (w/Robert Mack)

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Good morning, Scorekeepers! It's time for a holly, jolly edition of your favorite podcast, THE SCORE! This week, we are honored to have an hour with the brilliant Robert Mack, tenor extraordinaire, educator, and co-founder of Opera Noire (0:12:12). Join us as he regales us with all sorts of stories from his illustrious career and lets us know why he's dedicated so much of it to supporting future generations of Black singers. And then, as always, we end with a little nugget of Pure Black Joy (1:14:24)! Let's do it to it, y'all!

Oh, and of course, happy holidays, everybody!!! xo

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones and Paige Reynolds (Iyawo Inawale)

Guest: Robert Mack

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Opera Noire (FB) (Insta)

Radical Collaboration (w/Debi Wong & Ashley Daniel Foot)

Wed, 30 Nov 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Happy Sagittarius Season, lovely Scorekeepers! This week on the pod, we're going to try something a little different. As we mentioned on the last show, Rocky was recently invited up to Vancouver, BC to participate in IndieFest, a 10-day festival of art, music and panels and a radical imagining of the future of opera, presented by re:Naissance Opera and Vancouver Opera. And it was really, really transformative and lovely and cool! Luckily, while there, he was able to snag a few minutes to talk with two brilliant, passionate Global Majority opera pros and changemakers, who are turning opera in Canada on its head (in the best way)! So today on the show, please enjoy an extended conversation with Debi Wong, founding Artistic Director of re:Naissance Opera, and Ashley Daniel Foot, Vancouver Opera's Senior Manager of Partnerships, Engagement and EDI. And after our chat, be sure to stay tuned for your weekly dose of Pure Black Joy! Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Iyawo Inawale)

Guests: Ashley Daniel Foot, Debi Wong

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Re:Naissance Opera (Website) (Insta)

Vancouver Opera (Website) (Insta)

IndieFest (Website)

Catharsis (w/Alex Laing)

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Good morning, dearest Scorekeepers! It's time for another episode of your favorite podcast, THE SCORE! This week, we are thrilled to be joined by Alex Laing, principal clarinetist for the Phoenix Symphony, educator, and all-around lovely person! We have a fantastic, and thoroughly edifying conversation about how we can diversify orchestra spaces, how his artistic practice has evolved over the course of his life, and his advice to other young Black artists in the field (0:40:58). Before that, however, I'm not sure if you heard about it, but last week there was little election type situation here in the US. So this week we take a few minutes up top to talk about some of our takeaways from this year's midterms. Then, we have a deeply personal conversation about the frustrations and the hopes of being Global Majority EDI practitioners in a white supremacist world. It gets real, y'all. (And for anyone out there doing this work, we see you! Please know you're not crazy and you're not alone!) Finally, we could never leave you without a moment of Pure Black Joy (1:25:10)! Let's do it to it, everybody!

Oh, and hey, if you or anyone you know is gonna be in Vancouver, BC on Saturday 11/19, come see Rocky speak about the state of Black opera in North America as part of re:Naissance Opera and Vancouver Opera's IndieFest! Get your tickets now!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Iyawo Inawale)

Guest: Alex Laing

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Alex Laing (Website)

re:Naissance Opera and Vancouver Opera's IndieFest (Website)

Fueled by Ackee and Saltfish (w/Othalie Graham)

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Happy Wednesday, Scorekeepers! It's time for another jam-packed episode of your favorite podcast, THE SCORE! First up, we touch on one of the (many) recent scandals to hit Broadway, specifically all the hubbub around the new production of 1776 and what it brings up for us around being an artist from a marginalized identity in the workplace (0:11:39). Then we're joined by the thoroughly delightful Canadian soprano, Othalie Graham (0:41:22)! We have a fun, funny and poignant conversation about how her Jamaican heritage has helped shape her career, her unusual road to the opera stage, her advice to young singers, and what strategies opera companies might want to employ when it comes to some of the more problematic pieces in the canon. And then, of course, we'd never leave you without a bit of Pure Black Joy! One word: RIHANNA! (1:31:43) Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Iyawo Inawale)

Guest: Othalie Graham

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Othalie Graham (Website) (Facebook)

1776’s Sara Porkalob Has Some Notes (Vulture)

Radical Imagination (w/Imagine Joy)

Wed, 19 Oct 2022 12:00:00 -0500

Happy Wednesday, Scorekeepers! It's time for another installment of your favorite podcast, THE SCORE! This week, we realized that we never actually had a chat about Lizzo and the crystal flute! So first up, we give Lizzo her flowers, which naturally leads to a lively discussion about the current, bewildering political divide here in the US. But then comes a breath of fresh air in the form of this week's guest, Minnesota-based artist, dancer, and activist, Imagine Joy. Join us for an inspirational chat about creating through the pandemic, the art of community organizing, and the importance of Black feminism (0:40:15)! And, of course, we'll send you off into the week with a bit of Pure Black Joy (1:12:38)! Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Iyawo Inawale)

Guest: Imagine Joy (Demetrius McClendon)

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Imagine Joy (Instagram) (Facebook)

Classical Agitators (w/Garrett McQueen)

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Happy Wednesday, Scorekeepers! That's right; new episodes of THE SCORE will now be released every other Wednesday. And have we got a guest to break in our new schedule! This week, we're joined by musician, activist, tastemaker, radio presenter, and host of the deservedly popular Trilloquy podcast: Garrett McQueen! Tune in for a lively and informative discussion about Garrett's life in music, the stagnation of white supremacy in classical music spaces, and the thriving community of brilliant Global Majority artists here in Minnesota. And of course, we couldn't possibly leave you without a little Pure Black Joy to get you through the rest of the week. Let's do it to it, ya'll!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Iyawo Inawale)

Guest: Garrett McQueen

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Garrett McQueen (website)

Trilloquy Podcast (website)

Fetch the Icebreakers

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 07:00:00 -0500

So sorry, we're late Scorekeepers! And thank you for bearing with us during this crazy summer! We're back with a quick (for us, at least) and guestless episode this week. First, we have a little catch up and then dive into some current events, namely this loud and long overdue global conversation about decolonization we are all finally having out in the open. What a blessing! Then, we play another round of our favorite new game, Icebreakers. And when we talk about our favorite albums, to say we learn more about each other in 10 minutes than we have in two years, that is not an understatement! And, finally, of course, a moment of Pure Black Joy to carry you into a brand new week on the happiest of notes. Let's do it to it, y'all!

Oh, and after this we'll be back to our regularly scheduled programming! We have some amazing guests coming up this fall that you're not going to want to miss, so be sure to stay tuned and subscribe to THE SCORE on your podcatcher of choice!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds (Iyawo Inawale)

Producer: Rocky Jones

LINKS

Serita Yoga (Website)

Rest & Liberation Retreat (Website)

“The Case for Reparations” by former Jamaican Prime Minister Percival James Patterson in The Jamaica Reader: History, Culture, Politics

Taxing Colonial Africa: The Political Economy of British Imperialism by Leigh Gardner

The Building of an Empire: Italian Land Policy and Practice in Ethiopia by Haile Larebo

Death and the King’s Horseman by Wole Soyinka

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Monday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help get the word out. For more info about the exciting EDI work happening at MN Opera, please visit mnopera.org/edi. Email your questions or comments to thescore@mnopera.org

A Summer in Chautauqua (w/Emilia Mettenbrink)

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Happy Virgo Season, Scorekeepers! On this week's episode of THE SCORE, we are without the indomitable Lee Bynum, but fear not, because Rocky and Paige are joined all show by violinist extraordinaire and our first returning guest, Emilia Mettenbrink, who also just so happens to be the brand new EDI Coordinator at MN Opera!!! After a reading from the Book of Renaissance and quick catch up, Emilia gives us the lowdown on all the highs and lows of playing violin all summer with the world-renowned orchestra in idyllic Chautauqua, New York (0:27:24). She tells us about meeting idols like Rhiannon Giddens and (almost) Misty Copeland, being there in the immediate aftermath of Salman Rushdie's stabbing, and her experience as a Black woman in a rather conservative area. Finally, we couldn't leave you without a Pure Black Joy (1:11:39), in which we celebrate all the Black women musicians, who aren't Beyoncé, that are helping us release the wiggle. Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Special Co-Host: Emilia Mettenbrink

Producer: Rocky Jones

A Requiem for the Binary (w/Rick Hoops)

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0500

It's a been a long summer without you, dear Scorekeepers, but we're finally back with a new episode of THE SCORE! This week, we start with a conversation about what did on our summer vacations (0:00:53) before we have a chat about gender identity and transphobia in opera education, sparked by some brutal comments leaked from an Opera America listserv earlier this summer (0:29:06). We're then joined by MN Opera's brand new Youth Programs Music Director, Rick Hoops, who gives us some insight into our new educational offerings this fall and what they're doing to "de-gender" opera education and make opera a more inclusive art form for young artists (0:55:25). And, finally, despite the state of the world there is plenty of Black joy to be found! This week we celebrate the ladies of Abbot Elementary, Alexis Nikole Nelson, Mishael Morgan, Emilia Mettenbrink and you know you're not getting out of here without listening to us meltdown over Beyoncé's latest masterpiece, Renaissance (1:15:24)! Let's do it to it, y'all!

(And for more information about auditioning for any of our education programs this fall, please visit mnopera.org/community or contact MN Opera's Creative Development Manager Fei Chen at ychen@mnopera.org!)

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guest: Rick Hoops

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

"UPDATED: Email Leaks Reveal Opera America’s Professional Development Listserv Complaining About Young Artists’ ‘Entitlement’ & Pronouns" (OperaWire)

Pronouns.org

The Genderbread Person

"White Supremacy" by Tema Okun

Let Black Women Lead (w/Elizabeth Clay Roy, Jasmin A. Young, Ph.D., Nicole Richards Diop, Ph.D., & Tanya Denise Fields)

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Greetings, Scorekeepers! It's another episode of your favorite podcast, THE SCORE! This week, we've got a very special show for you. In honor of our second Juneteenth together, we've brought together a group of Black women leaders and scholars from around the globe for a conversation that is equal parts empowering, hopeful, tactical, and provocative (0:16:10). We asked what organizations and communities like ours can do to support their work and the issues they champion, and their answers reflect the multiple perspectives and diverse experiences of the communities they represent. We invite all of you to join us in this opportunity to think in new ways about engaging this vital part of our community. Plus, a much-needed Pure Black Joy featuring The Circle, Jennifer Hudson, and the Queen Bey herself (1:05:45)! Let's do it to it, y'all!

(And Lee, Rocky, and Iyawo would like to thank our friend, Fei Chen, for picking up the logistical responsibilities at a moment’s notice!)

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Iyawo Inawale, Rocky Jones

Guests: Elizabeth Clay Roy, Jasmin A. Young, Ph.D., Nicole Richards Diop, Ph.D., Tanya Denise Fields

Producer: Rocky Jones

About Our Panelists:

Elizabeth Clay Roy - Chief Executive Officer, Generation Citizen

Twitter: @lizclayroy

LinkedIn: Elizabeth Clay Roy

Elizabeth Clay Roy is a lifelong leader of civic engagement and social change initiatives, and the CEO of Generation Citizen (GC), a national nonprofit committed to providing youth with the knowledge and skills they need to actively participate in our democracy. Named a 40 Under 40 Rising Star by New York Nonprofit Media and a Trailblazer by Community Resource Exchange, she has worked toward a more inclusive, participatory and equitable democracy in several roles. These include TakeRoot Justice and South Bronx Rising Together in NYC, the Opportunity Nation campaign and serving Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick as a Policy Advisor and the Director of Grassroots Governance. She began her career working in participatory planning in India and remains engaged in international education as a member of the Board of World Learning.

Jasmin A. Young, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor, University of California, Riverside

Jasmin A. Young is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ethnic Studies. Prior to joining the faculty at UCR, she was a University of California President’s Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of African American Studies at UCLA. Dr. Young holds a B.A. in Africana Studies from California State University, Northridge, an M.A. in African American Studies from Columbia University and an M.S.c in Gender Studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Dr. Young received her Ph.D. in History from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in 2018.

Nicole Richards Diop, Ph.D. - Founder, Rose Pan African Education

Instagram: rosepanafrica_

Nicole Richards Diop lives in Senegal and was born and raised in Upstate New York. As a scholar, her research focuses on queer Black fatherhood- a theoretical contribution to the field of Black Studies. Nicole is the founder and executive director of Rose Pan African Education, a nonprofit that seeks to foster ties to West Africa through education, arts, and eco service. RPA will be running its inaugural Global Black Summer Institute this June and July in Senegal and will be welcoming 11 students for arts and immersive learning. Nicole is mother to three- year-old named Frederick— her little light —and wife to a handsome Leo named Moustapha. In her spare time, she enjoys them, food, and Netflix.

Tanya Denise Fields - Executive Director, Black Feminist Project

Facebook: Tanya, Black Feminist Project

Instagram: Mama Tanya’s Kitchen

Inspired by her experiences as a single working mother living in a marginalized community, Tanya Denise Fields founded the Black Feminist Project (formerly the BLK Projek) in 2009 as a response to sexist institutional policies, structurally reinforced cycles of poverty, and harsh inequities in wealth and access to capital that result in far too many women being unable to rise out of poverty and sustain their families. The group’s work has been covered by the New York Times, MSNBC’s The Melissa Harris Perry Show, The New York Daily News and numerous other print and digital platforms. Tanya’s numerous fellowships and commitment to professional development has connected her with a national cohort of social justice change agents. With a Bachelor’s in Political Science from Baruch College, and a talent for public speaking, blogging and singing, Tanya has become a sought-after public speaker. She provided widely praised keynote speeches at the 2012 Just Food conference, the City University of New York School of Professional Studies 2013 commencement, the Marion Institute’s Connecting Through Change conference and the 2016 Greenthumb Conference: Grow Together, to just name a few. She has served on several plenary panels, lead and facilitate workshops across the country. Previous to the Black Feminist Project, Tanya worked with several high-profile environmental organizations located in the South Bronx - Mothers on the Move, Sustainable South Bronx and the Majora Carter Group.

Tanya built upon the network, skills, resources and knowledge she gained through those experiences to create the Black Feminist Project. She is a reputed and rising public speaker and educator. She has spoken, conducted workshops and participated on panels at Just Food Annual Conference, NOFA NY Winter Conference, Manhattanville College, Kingsboro College, Brooklyn Food Coalition, NEWSAWG and others. In addition to her work as a nonprofit and community leader, she is a thought-leader, cultural influencer and social media personality. With a strong following on Facebook and Twitter, Tanya created and stars in Mama Tanya’s Kitchen, a web-based cooking and lifestyle show.

With a heaping amount of humor and a dash of sass, Tanya teaches viewers how to cook affordable, diverse meals with gourmet flair. Her episodes and Facebook Lives are popular and attract attention in the food world and beyond. She is a sometimes writer previously writing a column on food and food justice for EBONY.com, giving astute commentary on radical Black motherhood and fashions herself a “rachet feminist.” She has also contributed a chapter for the book The Next Eco-Warriors by Emily Hunter and has been cited in many other academic and educational texts.

Plam Beach Pride (w/One Voice Mixed Chorus)

Mon, 13 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Happy Pride, Scorekeepers! And welcome to our Pride Extravaganza 2022! This week, we talk about some of our favorite Pride memories and play another round of Icebreakers. This time around, we get real (meet) cute as we each share the story of how we met our partners. Awwwww... <3 After that, we're honored to be joined by Jane Ramseyer Miller and Kymani Kahlil of One Voice Mixed Chorus, one the largest LGBTQ+ choruses in North America, based right here in St. Paul, MN! They talk about the incredible equity and advocacy work they are doing around the state and tell us about their upcoming concert, Sound Mind, which explores mental health from a queer perspective through music, art and song. Finally, we couldn't end the show without a thorough accounting of all the QUEER Black things that are bringing us joy this week, so shout-outs to Angel Maxine and Saucy Santana! Let's do it to it, y'all!

STAY SAFE, HAVE FUN, AND HAPPY PRIDE!!!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Iyawo Inawale, Rocky Jones

Guests: Kymani Kahlil, Jane Ramseyer Miller

Producer: Rocky Jones

Music: Angel Maxine - "Wo Fie" feat Wanlov the Kubolor & Sister Deborah

Links

One Voice Mixed Chorus (Website) (Facebook)

Sound Mind (Buy Tickets) (Podcast)

Bayard Rustin (Wikipedia)

Pauli Murray (Wikipedia)

Angel Maxine: Emergency Fund (GoFundMe)

PBJ All Day!

Mon, 30 May 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Well, hey there, Scorekeepers! It's time for another episode of your favorite podcast, THE SCORE! Lee can't be with us today, so we decided to try something a little different. With all the miserable, awful things going on in the world, we decided we desperately need to take a little time to shine a spotlight on some of the good things happening around us. And there are some, we promise! And I mean if we can't take a few minutes to focus on some joy, what are we doing all this fighting for, nah mean? So join us for an episode-long segment of Pure Black Joy, where we take a little time to talk about all the Black people, places, ideas, and art that are currently bringing us joy. This week, we talk a little about some magically delicious things that have happened to us personally over the last few weeks before we dive into some opera and classical music news, featuring a post-mortem of MN Opera's thoroughly Black production of Carmen, friend of the pod Nia Imani Franklin, and 9-year-old opera phenom Victory Brinker! Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Iyawo Inawale, Rocky Jones

Producer: Rocky Jones

Music: "Extended" - Nia Imani Franklin, "Queen of the Night (Der Hölle Rache)" - Victory Brinker

Rebel, Rebel (w/Mia Athey)

Mon, 16 May 2022 07:00:00 -0500

G'day, Scorekeepers! Welcome back to THE SCORE and if you like light Lin-Manuel Miranda shade, have we got an episode for you! This week, we are joined by multi-hyphenate mezzo-soprano Mia Athey, who is currently singing Mercédès in MN Opera's new production of Bizet's Carmen through May 22. She talks to us about working with the legendary Denyce Graves as well as how colorism and her biracial identity have impacted her career and the kind of stories she'd like to tell (0:42:11). But before that, get to know Lee, Paige and Rocky a bit better as they play a round of Icebreakers (0:05:31). What are their most unpopular opinions? All will be revealed (but spoiler alert: we apologize in advance to the Hamilton stans). And, finally, as always, start your week off with some Pure Black Joy, a segment highlighting the Black people, places and things that are making us happy this week (1:26:28). Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guest: Mia Athey

Links

Mia Athey (Website) (FB) (Insta)

MN Opera's Carmen (Buy Tickets)

Patti Labelle - Where My Background Singers (YouTube)

School Daze (Amazon)

DENYCE GRAVES!!!

Mon, 02 May 2022 06:00:00 -0500

What more is there to say, Scorekeepers? Today on THE SCORE we are joined by the incomparable Denyce Graves: world-renowned opera singer, recording artist, philanthropist and, now, stage director. Be sure to catch her directorial debut when the curtain goes up on MN Opera's new production of Bizet's Carmen from May 7-22!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guest: Denyce Graves

Music: Das Rheingold: "Erda’s Warning" (MN Opera)

Links

MN Opera's Carmen (Buy Tickets)

Come work on our team!!! (Website)

Strength in Numbers (w/Symone Harcum)

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0500

It's another beautiful fake spring Monday here in Minneapolis, so you know what that means! It's time for another episode of your fave podcast, THE SCORE! This week, we've learned that when it comes to equity, diversity, inclusion and access work, you've got to celebrate the victories when they come along. So up top, don't mind us as we toot our own horns and those of our colleagues at MN Opera for something we think is pretty darn cool (0:04:36). Then join us for an in-depth conversation with soprano Symone Harcum, who is singing the role of Micaëla in our upcoming production of Carmen (0:26:04). She tells us all about her HBCU experience, what it's like working on Carmen with her mentor Denyce Graves, and her complicated feelings about Ms. Micaëla. Then, we watched another Carmen-adjacent movie! This time the four us revisited the 1954 classic, Carmen Jones, starring Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte (0:52:36). And we had some complicated feelings about that too. Finally, we'd never leave you without a Pure Black Joy (1:12:49). This time, we celebrate friend of the pod, Ari Fulton, Jelly's Last Jam at Theater Latté Da and... whatever Rocky's going on about. You'll see. Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guest: Symone Harcum

Music: "De tendre amour" (Symone Harcum) from MN Opera's The Anonymous Lover

Links

Symone Harcum (Website) (Instagram)

MN Opera's Carmen (Website)

"2022 Lucille Lortel Awards: See the Complete List of Nominees" (Playbill)

Jelly's Last Jam at Theater Latté Da (Website)

From Bizet to Beyoncé (w/Zoie Reams)

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Guten morgen, dear Scorekeepers! It's another beautiful Monday in Post-Slap America! Y'all... we tried. I swear we tried. We tried so, so hard not to dip our toes into The Slap Discourse, but after a chat about the grace of soon-to-be-Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, we just couldn't resist (0:02:40). But the good lord invented timestamps for a reason, so for those of you who just can't, we have the most delightful, insightful and hilarious guest on the show today! Zoie Reams is an incredible young, Black mezzo soprano, Minnesota Opera's first Company Member, and is about to take the stage this May in the title role of our brand new production of Bizet's Carmen, directed by the legendary Denyce Graves (0:40:27). Plus, in honor of Carmen, we thought it would be fun for the four of us to take a look back at 2001's Carmen: A Hip Hopera, a modern-day adaptation, starring our queen... Beyoncé, of course (1:07:53)! And as if that wasn't enough Pure Black Joy, as always, we'll start your week with a little snack for your soul (1:30:46). Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guest: Zoie Reams

Music: Minnesota Opera's Albert Herring - "Meet Me at Quarter Past Eight in the Street"

Links

MNOp's Carmen (Website)

Zoie Reams (Website) (Instagram) (FB)

The Golf Course Mentality (w/Eun Lee)

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Happy Monday, Scorekeepers! And happy Women's History Month! We've got a humdinger of an episode for your listening pleasure this week. First up, one thing I bet you didn't know about Paige is that she's been training to become a doula, and recently, she experienced her first birth. She talks about this glorious, life-altering event and why doulas and midwives are so important when it comes to addressing the healthcare disparities that women - especially Black women - experience every day (0:08:13). Next, we're joined by the brilliant Eun Lee, artist, scholar, and Executive Director of The Dream Unfinished, NYC's activist orchestra (0:34:54). And, real talk, if any of you are still questioning what anti-racist activism can look like in the classical music space, you gon' learn today! But whether you are or not, you'll thoroughly enjoy this inspiring, heartfelt conversation with one of the most dynamic leaders in this space. Lastly, we end with a bit of Pure Black Joy (1:21:52), featuring Mitchell-Hamline School of Law's Center for the Study of Black Life and the Law, Jennie Joseph, and Brendan Slocumb's The Violin Conspiracy. Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guest: Eun Lee

Links

The Dream Unfinished (Website) (Insta) (Twitter) (FB)

SMC Full Circle Doula Training (Website)

Minnesota Healing Justice Network (Website)

National Black Doulas Association (Website)

Divine Birth Wisdom (Website)

Sherry Arnstein's Ladder of Citizen Participation (Website)

Mitchell Hamline School of Law's Center for the Study of Black Life and the Law (Website)

Jennie Joseph (Time Magazine)

Lee's Interview with Brendan Slocumb (Website)

The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb (Purchase)

One Year Anniversary! (w/Ryan Taylor & Nina Yoshida Nelsen)

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0500

What a glorious day, Scorekeepers! It's the first anniversary of THE SCORE and we're celebrating with two saucy, provocative and heartfelt conversations about representation with two brilliant artists! First, we're joined by MN Opera President and General Director, Ryan Taylor, who's here to talk with us about MN Opera's just-announced 2022-23 season, the new Luminary Arts Center, and why the IDEA work we're doing in every facet of the company is so important to him and our industry (0:02:41). Next, we have a chat with mega-talented mezzo-soprano, activist, and co-founder of the Asian Opera Alliance, Nina Yoshida Nelsen (0:44:10). She tells us all about her career in opera as an Asian woman and how a deep desire to see an increase in both the quantity and quality of roles for Asian singers on American stages has inspired her activism. And with all that, we even found time for quick hit of Pure Black Joy, featuring the PBJ queen herself, Ms. Beyonce Giselle Knowles Carter (1:20:58)! Let's do it do it, y'all!

LINKS

MN Opera 2022-23 Season (Website)

Asian Opera Alliance (Website) (Instagram) (Facebook)

Nina Yoshida Nelsen (Website) (Instagram)

More Than "The Black Mozart" (w/Dr. Julian Ledford)

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Greetings, dear Scorekeepers! It's time for episode 26 of THE SCORE! This week is the first time we've all been together since the tragic death of Amir Locke, here in Minneapolis. So we invite you to process with us and invite you to join us in a conversation about what artists and arts organizations can and should do in the face of such senseless tragedy (0:04:16). Then, it's the conclusion of our three-part series on Black composer, Joseph Bologne! Today, we are so happy to be joined by Dr. Julian Ledford, Assistant Professor of French and French Studies at Sewanee, University of the South and author of "Joseph Boulogne, the Chevalier de Saint-George and the Problem With Black Mozart". Dr. Ledford gives us his passionately well-honed insights into Bologne's life, his rightful place in classical music history, and why the moniker "Black Mozart" is not only problematic, but highly inaccurate (0:37:38). And finally, it's more important than ever to end this episode with a moment of Pure Black Joy, and this week we've got art, food, and wellness (1:10:26)! What more could you ask for? Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guest: Dr. Julian Ledford

Links

"Joseph Boulogne, the Chevalier de Saint-George and the Problem With Black Mozart" by Dr Julian Ledford

MN Opera's The Anonymous Lover (Website) (YouTube)

"Invitation to a Die-IN" by Dr. Nkeiru Okoye (YouTube)

"Yet Unheard" by Courtney Bryan (YouTube)

Mending Walls RVA (Website)

Alanna Morris Van Tassel (Website)

MOVE Fitness (YouTube)

MCE Creations (Website)

Music Is Not a Finite Resource (w/Opera Ritrovata)

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0500

En garde, Scorekeepers! In honor of The Anonymous Lover, the first opera by a Black composer to be performed on MN Opera's mainstage, we're back this week with the second episode of our Joseph Bologne trilogy! This week, we are joined by George N. Gianopoulos, Stephen Karr, Leila Núñez-Fredell, and Mishkar Núñez-Fredell, all members of Opera Ritrovata, an amazing company of artists dedicated to restoring and performing classical works composed by women musicians and musicians of the global majority thought to have been lost to history. Join us for a fascinating chat about Bologne's life, how one goes about restoring a piece of musical history, and why it's important to excavate these pieces and re-introduce them to the canon (0:32:52). (How many times do we have to say we've been here the whole time?!?!) Also, we're joined all show by the fabulous Samuel Phillips, classical music expert, MN Opera's new Access and Civic Engagement Director and all around lovely and smart human (0:04:21). Shout-out to more Black leadership at MN Opera! And, as always, we end with a moment of Pure Black Joy (1:06:03)! This week: Rihanna, Abbot Elementary (again), Macro, and the Black Film Archive. Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Samuel Phillips, Paige Reynolds

Guests: Opera Ritrovata (George N. Gianopoulos, Stephen Karr, Leila Núñez-Fredell, Mishkar Núñez-Fredell)

Music: Trio from L’ Amant Anonyme by Joseph Bologne “Chevalier de Saint-Georges” (Courtesy of Opera Ritrovata)

Links

Opera Ritrovata (Website) (Facebook) (Instagram) (YouTube)

MN Opera's The Anonymous Lover (Website)

Macro (Website)

Black Film Archive (Website)

Shake the Culture (w/Ari Fulton, Joseph Li & Maria Todaro)

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 07:00:00 -0500

G'day, Scorekeepers! So... this weekend is an incredibly special and exciting one for us, because MN Opera is producing a live opera on our mainstage for the first time in almost two years! And which opera, you ask? The Anonymous Lover by Joseph Bologne (aka Chevalier de Saint-Georges), the first mainstage opera by a Black composer in MN Opera's nearly 60 years history! But who was Joseph Bologne and why isn't he more well-known? Well, fear not, because for our next 3 episodes, we're having a Bologne-a-Palooza! We're devoting the next few shows to learning more about Bologne, his fascinating life, and his incredible music. And you know we'll be joined by all sorts of special guests, so get excited! On this week's show, it's all about The Anonymous Lover. First up, we're joined by Maria Todaro, director of MN Opera's The Anonymous Lover, and Joseph Li, MN Opera's new Vice President, Artistic, to give us an inside look at this brand new production and to chat about what Bologne's life and legacy mean to them (0:26:46). Then, we're joined by The Anonymous Lover's costume designer, Ari Fulton. She gives us her heartfelt insight into designing her very first opera, what inspires her craft, and how the earth-shaking events of the past few years have affected her as a Black creator (1:00:31). And, of course, we'll end as always with a moment of Pure Black Joy, featuring Abbott Elementary and British Vogue (1:32:21). Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Frankie Charles, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guests: Ari Fulton, Joseph Li, Maria Todaro

Links

MN Opera's The Anonymous Lover (Learn More) (Buy Tickets)

Ari Fulton (Website) (Instagram)

Butterflies Over Broadway (w/Janinah Burnett)

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 10:00:00 -0500

Happy New Year, Scorekeepers! Our Sagittarius Season Sabbatical is officially over, so we're back, back, back again with a brand new episode for a brand new year! This week, we're honored to be joined by the incomparable, legendary Janinah Burnett! Broadway actress, Metropolitan Opera performer, teacher, advocate, what can't she do? The list of her accomplishments goes on and on, plus she's lovely and hilarious! Join us for a chat about her illustrious career, growing up around the greats of jazz, her advice for young Black artists, and she'll tell us all about her new album Love the Color of Your Butterfly!

Also, unfortunately, Lee can't be with us for the whole show this time around, but that means Paige and Rocky get to catch up with dear friend, Frankie Charles, and talk all about their hopes and fears for 2022. And perhaps make a resolution or two? What's your resolution? Let us know!

And then we'll end the show with a bit of Pure Black Joy, because there is some, we promise. It's January in Minnesota and we are decidedly inside, so this week's offerings are all about what we're watching and they include Issa Rae, Selling Tampa, The Harder They Fall, and Rocky puts a period on the end of Michelle Young's season of The Bachelorette. Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Frankie Charles, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guest: Janinah Burnett

Links

Janinah Burnett (Website)

Love the Color of Your Butterfly available on ALL platforms! (Listen Now)

Catch Janinah Burnett in "New Year, New World" Jan. 15 at Toledo Symphony (Buy Tickets)

"FUN 3 Mile Walk/Dance workout with @KeairaLaShae" (YouTube)

Black Garnet Books (Website)

THE BEST OF 2021, PT. 2

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0500

Happy Kwanzaa, dear Scorekeepers! We hope you're all safe and healthy, having a lovely, festive time with family and friends and/or taking some time to rest and get yourself ready for the year to come. This week, we're coming at you with the second installment of our 2021 retrospective. This year we've had some provocative conversations, met some amazing people, and had a lot of fun. So come along as we take a look back at the second half of this wild and wonderful year on THE SCORE! And if you like what you hear and you've got some time off to fill or need something new for your commute, be sure to go back and check out some of our older episodes from the past year. We're fun, I promise! Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Timestamps

Our Protest against The Activist (0:03:24)

Tenor Andrew Stenson Talks POC Solidarity in Opera (0:26:01)

Fire the Canon: Aida Edition w/Rebecca Blackwell (0:31:50)

Prof. Trevor Weston & The New American Sound (0:41:53)

T. Mychael Rambo on "People of the Global Majority" vs. BIPOC (0:48:16)

T. Mychael's Advice to Young Artists (0:54:07)

PB&J: Silky Nutmeg Ganache! (1:01:21)

A Pure Black Joy to End 2021 (1:09:26)

Links

Valerie June (Facebook)

Black Opry (Website)

THE BEST OF 2021, PT. 1

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0500

Hey hey, Scorekeepers! Oh lord, it's a blizzard! It's officially snowing here in the Twin Cities, so we thought it appropriate to start the winter and end the year on a cozy and nostalgic note. It's Part 1 of our Best of 2021 series! This year we've had some provocative conversations, met some amazing people, and had a lot of fun. So come along as we take a look back at this wild and wonderful year on THE SCORE! Plus, we pay tribute to Bill Cottman, a Twin Cities arts legend who recently passed on to glory, and of course we'll send you into the holidays with a festive PB&J! Let's do it to it, y'all.

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Timestamps:

Tribute to Bill Cottman (0:02:34)

Emilia Mettenbink Talks Tiny Balcony Concerts (0:06:13)

The Trouble with BIPOC (0:13:31)

Fire That Canon: Butterfly Edition (0:29:11)

"Remembrance and Restitution" Panel (0:43:13)

Dr. Nkeiru Okoye Talks Inclusion (0:52:44)

1st PB&J (1:05:09)

Holiday PB&J ft. Chocolate Ballerina Company (1:10:53)

Links

Bill Cottman (Website) (MinnPost)

Chocolate Ballerina Company (Website)

Fashioning Disruption (w/TIM+THOM)

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0500

Happy Monday, dear Scorekeepers! We hope you are refreshed and rejuvenated after that hectic holiday week. As you know, Paige, Lee, and Rocky are beginning their Sagittarius Season Sabbatical, but we didn't want to leave you hanging! For your listening pleasure, we offer this dope conversation with Minnesota fashion designers and Project Runway alums, TIM+THOM! Through their incredible designs and their annual Black Hearts Ball, they are celebrating and inspiring diversity, inclusion, growth and representation in the fashion scene. Plus, they're opera lovers and incorporate it into their shows! Join us for a lively chat with the Brothers Navarro all about interdisciplinary inspiration, growing up fashionable in Rochester, and maybe a little Tim Gunn tea. Just a little... Oh, and shout out to Greg! Let's do it to it, y'all.

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guests: TIM+THOM

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

TIM+THOM (Facebook) (Instagram)

Swaddled in Blackness (w/T. Mychael Rambo)

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 06:00:00 -0500

Greetings, Scorekeepers! We're back back back again with episode 19 of THE SCORE and today we are honored to be joined by living legend and Twin Cities icon, T. MYCHAEL RAMBO (0:24:20)! Star of stage and screen, singer, activist, educator, the list goes on and on. Join us for a funny, entertaining and at times poignant chat about his illustrious career, what he feels makes the arts scene here in Minnesota so special, and what audiences, artists, and institutions can do to better support artists and kids of the Global Majority. We also touch on some of the things we missed these last few weeks. Fun stuff like Halloween (0:00:28)! Not so fun stuff like the election (0:07:34). And really cool stuff like an inclusive new production of Beauty and the Beast at Maryland's Olney Theatre Center (0:18:11)! And finally, as always we'll start your week off with some Pure Black Joy (1:14:31). This week: Judge Tanya Chutkan, Mustafa Briggs, and another one of Rocky's messy Bachelorette recaps, which are now apparently a thing. Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guest: T. Mychael Rambo

Producer: Rocky Jones

(Also, please note that Sagittarius season is coming up, and Paige and Rocky need to go be in their full power, so we won't have any new episodes this December. But don't worry, we'll have something special on the store for you! Stay tuned!)

Links

"Take an Exclusive First Look at Beauty and the Beast at the Olney Theatre Center" (Playbill)

Boys in the Cave Episode #82 - Islam in West Africa, Racism, and Arabisation of Islam with Mustafa Briggs (Spotify)

The Malcolm Effect Episode #49 - Is Islam an anti Black religion? - Mustafa Briggs (Spotify)

Breaking Through False Barriers (w/Trevor Bowen)

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Oh my goodness, we're back for episode 18 of THE SCORE! Can you believe it? We're all grown up and after a month apart, all of three of us are reunited in the Pod Closet and it feels so good. This week, after a quick catch-up (0:00:59), we dive into Professor George E. Lewis' essay "New Music Decolonization in Eight Difficult Steps" (0:17:43). We chat about how some of his ideas could be used to bring a new generation of people into the concert hall and might - just maybe - pull opera and classical music kicking and screaming into the future. Next, we're joined by exquisite human, costume designer and recent McKnight Artist Fellow, Trevor Bowen (0:57:18). He shares his process when designing for opera, gives us his insight into what activism can look like in the costume shop, and gives us a sneak peek at the upcoming projects he's most excited about. And finally, what else? A moment of Pure Black Joy and a warm welcome to the newest member of our team (1:38:14)! Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guest: Trevor Bowen

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

"New Music Decolonization in Eight Difficult Steps" by George E. Lewis (Outer National)

Trevor Bowen Design (Website)

Good Art Friends

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Hey there, Scorekeepers! It's episode 17 of your favorite podcast, THE SCORE! This week, Lee is away, so we invited back our dear friend, Frankie Charles, for a spirited, freewheeling convo all about artistic freedom by way of NYT's messy "Bad Art Friend" saga, Dave Chappelle's transphobia, and, naturally, problematic operas (0:05:14). Then Paige takes center stage with a fascinating look into the process of creating MN Opera's land acknowledgement and what land stewardship can look like at an opera company beyond a written statement (0:38:20). And then it's PB&J time! This week we feature The Bachelorette's Michelle Young, Million Artist Movement, and... wild turkeys (1:17:05)? Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Frankie Charles, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Videodokumentation zur Sun Dance Opera [by Zitkala Sa](YouTube)

"The Forest at Dawn" by Juantio Becenti (YouTube)

"Who Is the Bad Art Friend?" (New York Times)

"Dave Chappelle's Brittle Ego" (New York Times)

MN Opera Land Acknowledgement (Website)

Friends of the Mississippi River (Website)

Million Artist Movement (Website)

People of the Global Majority (w/Frankie Charles)

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the 16th episode of MN Opera's New York Times-very-briefly-mentioned podcast, THE SCORE! This week, to celebrate our Sweet Sixteen, we are joined by a dear friend, a brilliant colleague, and our favorite Cubano, Frankie Charles, the Impact Department Coordinator here at MN Opera (0:00:27). This episode is a little different. Given Frankie's background in technical theater, things started out as a discussion about equity and colorism in production, but then it turned into something we weren't quite expecting. So if you want to get to know us a bit better, please join us for a fun, poignant and deeply personal conversation that delves into race, higher education, queerness, family and so much more. And since it's Latinx Heritage Month, we send you into the week with a little Pure Latinx Joy to compliment our usual PB&J (1:26:55). This week we celebrate Cima Funk, Lil Nas X, Full Circle Everest Expedition and the historic opening of Terence Blanchard and Kasi Lemmons' Fire Shut Up in My Bones, the first opera by a Black composer to premiere at the Metropolitan Opera! Let's do it to it, ya'll!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guest: Frankie Charles

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

"The Podcasts Opera Pros Tune To" (New York Times)

Cima Funk, Cun Cun Prá (Spotify)

"The Met Comes Alight Again With Fire Shut Up in My Bones" (Vulture)

Full Circle Everest Expedition (Website)

Stop Auditioning for a Gig You've Already Booked (w/Trevor Weston)

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Greetings, dear Scorekeepers! It's time for episode 15 of THE SCORE!!! This week, we are thrilled to welcome our wonderful guest, composer, Juilliard professor and all-around smart and lovely person, Trevor Weston! Join us for a fun and fascinating conversation as we take a journey through Black music history from Africa to the present and discuss the state of arts education. (0:31:16) Before that though, we give our take on CBS' incredibly upsetting and much-pilloried disaster-in-the-making, The Activist. Who could have possibly thought a reality competition show that pits activists against each other for funding would be a hellish, craven dystopian nightmare, y'all? 🙄 (0:00:33) And finally, we'll get your week started with a little PB&J! And as we all know Pure Black Joy starts at home. (1:26:39) Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guest: Trevor Weston

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Trevor Weston (Website) (Instagram)

Temple University New Music Ensemble - Oct. 6 (Buy Tickets)

Network for New Music, Phila. - Nov. 7 (Buy Tickets)

Chamber Orchestra of the Strings, Colo. - Nov. 7 (Buy Tickets)

Harvard University Collegium Musicum - Nov. 7 (Learn More)

There She Is (w/Nia Imani Franklin)

Mon, 06 Sep 2021 07:00:00 -0500

It's episode 14 of THE SCORE and we have an absolutely jam-packed episode for you this week! First, we couldn't be more excited for this week's guest, composer and Miss America 2019, Nia Imani Franklin! Nia joins us to talk about her illustrious career, her inspiring advocacy work, and her new album, Extended, out 9/17 (0:30:57). Also, Rocky took a little adventure to the West Coast while we were away, so we spend some time catching up (0:00:25). Then, did you know that 20+ HBCUs that have used their COVID relief funds to cancel student debt? We chat about the incredible impact that will have on the next generation of Black artists and citizens (1:09:10). And finally, in this week's Pure Black Joy, it's Black History time as we highlight the Buffalo Soldiers. Then it's Black Herstory time as we give the Rev. Dr. Silky Nutmeg Ganache her well-deserved flowers (1:31:11). Let's do it to it, y'all!

And don't forget to grab your copy of Nia imani Franklin's Extended, streaming everywhere on 9/17!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guest: Nia Imani Franklin

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Nia Imani Franklin (Website) (Instagram) (Twitter)

Sing For Hope

Compose Her

"Why 20+ HBCUs Cancelling Student Loan Debt Matters" by Kori Hale (Forbes)

"After 114 Years, Buffalo Soldiers Honored with Statue at U.S. Military Academy at West Point" (GoodBlackNews)

The Story of Us

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 07:00:00 -0500

It's lucky episode 13 of THE SCORE and it's August, the world is on fire both literally and figuratively, and we're hot and tired, but, hey, that doesn't mean we can't find a little joy to celebrate! First, Paige has discovered a passion for Caribbean Carnival Masquerade, so she gives us a fascinating lesson on the history of Carnival and the inspiration for The Cotton Jab, the new character and costume she's just finished creating (0:00:26). Then, we've received a lot of questions, and even a little skepticism, when it comes to MN Opera's equity work, so join us for a little walk down memory lane as we go back to the very beginning of the EDI work at MN Opera through our 2020 Diversity Charter and up to the present day (0:27:29). Finally, as always, we'll send you into the week with a little Pure Black Joy (1:15:46)! Let's do it to it!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Links

Haitian Relief Funds

"How You Can Help People in Afghanistan" (Time)

Caribbean Yard Campus

Traditional Mas Archive

MN Opera Diversity Charter

"Sculpture of Iconic Contralto Marian Anderson in Philadelphia to Move Forward" (Opera Wire)

...And We Took That Personally

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 05:00:00 -0500

Greetings, Scorekeepers! Welcome back to MN Opera's THE SCORE! As you can see we're on Mondays now, so let's get this week started off right with... some COVID chat? Like every other human on earth we are doing our best to stay upright as we ride this fourth wave, so we spend a little time trying to process our feelings and find a little oasis of sanity. Come breathe with us! Fortunately, however, we do have something to celebrate in the form of another woman of color doing big things in the classical music world. This time, we're congratulating Shanta Thake and her recent ascension to Chief Artistic Officer at Lincoln Center. Amazing! Then we get our Kid Fury and Crissle on for a few minutes, b/c we're afraid someone needs to get read. Apparently, according to a certain "secular conservative," classical music is under racial attack and DEI programs that aim to dismantle white supremacy inside of classical music and opera institutions will be the death of us all! And naturally, to paraphrase the great Michael Jordan, we took that personally. So it's time to go to school! And then we'll send you into the rest of your week as usual with a moment of Pure Black Joy (plus Suni Lee)! Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Timestamps

The COVID of It All - 0:00:27

Congratulations Shanta Thake! - 0:26:38

The "Racial Attack" on Classical Music - 0:34:03

History Lesson Time: Classical's Role in Colonization & The Anti-Colonial Orchestra Movement - 0:58:34

PB&J - 1:24:20

Links

"Lincoln Center Appoints Shanta Thake to Lead Its Revival" by Justin Davidson (Vulture)

"Anti-Colonial Orchestras: A Cultural Response to Classical Music Imperialism" by Jon Silpayamanant (Wordpress)

Gateways Music Festival (Learn More and Buy Tickets)

Gateways Music Festival Orchestra Performs "Lift Every Voice and Sing" (YouTube)

New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Monday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help get the word out. For more info about the exciting EDI work happening at MN Opera, please visit mnopera.org/edi. Email your questions or comments to thescore@mnopera.org

Fire That Canon II! (w/Rebecca Blackwell)

Fri, 23 Jul 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Greetings, Scorekeepers! We're back from our vacation with a very special new episode of THE SCORE! And why is it so special, you ask? Because for the very first time ever, Paige, Rocky and Lee are actually recording the show in person in the same room at the same time! What a treat! And on this week's episode, after a brief lamentation on the state of the world, we celebrate some of the incredible POC making huge strides in the opera world, like MN Opera's very own Priti Gandhi who will take the reins as the amazing new Artistic Director at Portland Opera this fall! (Yay, Priti!) Then we're joined by artist, educator and MN Opera Creative Programs Manager, Rebecca Blackwell, who gives us some frank and frankly beautiful insights into what it's like to live and work at the intersection of education and EDI, as well as the immeasurable ways equity-focused arts education programs can change kids' lives for the better. Then it's time for another round of America's favorite new game show, Fire That Canon! This time around we discuss Aida and Porgy and Bess. Can either be presented responsibly in 2021? And finally, as always, we've found more than a few reasons to be joyful this week, so we'll send you out into the weekend with a little PB&J! Let's do it to it!

And please note, we'll be switching our release day to Monday starting with our next episode! See you then!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guest: Rebecca Blackwell

Producer: Rocky Jones

Timestamps:

Welcome & Current Events - 0:00:33

Big BIPOC News in Opera - 0:19:58

In Conversation w/Rebecca Blackwell - 0:28:00

Fire That Canon! - 1:00:10

PB&J - 1:17:44

If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help get the word out. For more info about the exciting EDI work happening at MN Opera, please visit mnopera.org/edi. Email your questions or comments to thescore@mnopera.org

Vacation Mode (w/Andrew Stenson)

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 10:00:00 -0500

Episode 10! Can you believe it, Scorekeepers?! We kind of can't, so we're celebrating this momentous occasion by... going on vacation! But fear not, even though this is an abbreviated episode, we've still got that sweet, sweet content you've been craving. First up, we're joined for a chat by our first real-life full-time professional opera singer, lyric tenor Andrew Stenson. Andrew has sung in opera houses all over the U.S. and Europe and gives us his perspective on navigating the opera industry as an Asian-American performer. Also, we get into how opera institutions can improve both the qualitative and financial impacts of their productions when they intentionally create more diverse and inclusive spaces for their artists on and off stage. Then in a pre-recorded PB&J, we send some love to the Black athletes competing in this year's Olympic Games. However, we recorded this before the world learned of Sha'Carri Richardson's disqualification (and all the other very unfortunate events to befall Black athletes here and abroad), so I have a feeling we'll be having another, very different chat when we return. We love you, Sha'Carri! <3

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guest: Andrew Stenson

Producer: Rocky Jones

Timestamps:

Chat w/Andrew Stenson - 0:06:21

PB&J: - 0:47:38

Links:

Andrew Stenson (Facebook)

The Italian Straw Hat: Act II (Andrew Stenson and Victoria Vargas)

Once More for the People in the Back (w/Dr. Nkeiru Okoye)

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 10:00:00 -0500

Hello, dear Scorekeepers! And welcome to a jam-packed ninth episode of The Score. On today's episode, we voyage all the way to the stars and back with a quick chat about Rocky's recent reading with acclaimed Black astrologer Mecca Woods, followed by a dip into MN Opera's newly announced 2021-22 Season, and a conversation about our conflicted feelings around the well-intentioned acronym BIPOC. Then sit back, relax and enjoy a super-sized and super soul-cleansing interview with our guest, composer and recent Guggenheim Fellow Dr. Nkeiru Okoye. We're honored to have Dr. Okoye with us to share a bit about her creative process, what she believes institutions need to change in order help attract audiences and artists of color, and she gives us a little sneak peek at some of her upcoming work. And of course, we'd never leave you without a PB&J. This week, we're sending some love to Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall, rising political superstars India Walton and Chris Jones, and the luminous Angela Bassett. Let's do it to it, y'all!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guest: Dr. Nkeiru Okoye

Producer: Rocky Jones

Timestamps

Astrology and the new MN Opera Season - 0:53

Unpacking BIPOC - 14:35

In Conversation with Dr. Nkeiru Okoye - 43:29

PB&J - 1:30:48

Links

MN Opera's 2021-22 Season (Learn More)

"'BIPOC' Isn't Doing What You Think It's Doing | Opinion" (Newsweek)

Dr. Nkeiru Okoye (Website)

Mecca Woods - My Life Created (Website)

"Katori Hall Wins Drama Pulitzer for ‘The Hot Wing King’" (NY Times)

India Walton for Buffalo (Learn More)

Chris Jones for Governor (Learn More)

If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also leaving a 5-star REVIEW is a great way to help get the word out. For more info about the exciting EDI work happening at MN Opera, please visit mnopera.org/edi. Email your questions or comments to thescore@mnopera.org

...And Deborah Cox Will Be There!

Fri, 11 Jun 2021 10:00:00 -0500

Welcome to episode 8 of Minnesota Opera’s podcast THE SCORE! On this week’s episode, it’s June and we're all vaxxed up and ready see our people again. So we think it's high time for a little bit of celebration after such a long, dreadful year! First up, it's Pride Month all over the world, so it's time to give it up for all of our precious, beautiful LGBTQIA+ siblings! This week we’re having a good old-fashioned kiki at the top of the show with a chat about what Pride means to those of us sitting here at the intersection of Black and queer. Next, we turn the show over to Lee, who recently moderated a panel conversation, presented by The Dream Unfinished and The Harlem Chamber Players, called "Remembrance and Restitution." Lee talks with history professors Ashley Jackson, Ashleigh Lawrence-Sanders, and Jasmin A. Young all about the Tulsa Race Massacre as well as another upcoming celebration - Juneteenth - and their impacts on the past, present and future of Black Americans everywhere. And then, of course, as always we’ll send you into the weekend with a PB&J. This week we've got some local Black artists and a mighty engine for social justice that could use your support! Thanks for joining us and HAPPY PRIDE!!! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Hosts: Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Timestamps:

Talkin' 'Bout Pride - 01:06

"Remembrance and Restitution" Panel - 45:00

PB&J - 01:20:06

Links

Combahee River Collective Statement

The Dream Unfinished

Harlem Chamber Players

Pity These Ashes: Tulsa 1921-2021 (RSVP Here)

Body Prayers (Walker Art Center)

ArtEquity

If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also leaving a 5-star REVIEW is a great way to help get the word out. For more info about the exciting EDI work happening at MN Opera, please visit mnopera.org/edi. Email your questions or comments to thescore@mnopera.org

Almost Doesn't Count (w/Dr. Adolphus Hailstork & Dr. Herbert Martin)

Fri, 28 May 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Welcome to lucky episode number 7 of MN Opera's The Score. Today, Paige, Lee and Rocky are joined by not one, but two, legendary guests! We are honored to speak with composer Dr. Adolphus Hailstork and librettist and poet Dr. Herbert Martin, two incredibly accomplished Black artists and titans of the classical music scene. We'll talk with them about their decades of experience in the industry, how they believe the industry can change to allow space for more Black artists in the future, and all about their new piece Pity These Ashes: Tulsa 1921-2021, which commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre. Also, this past Tuesday was the first anniversary of George Floyd's murder. We'll reflect on a death which shook the world and how it's still affecting us and our community one year later. (Spoiler alert: It's complicated and we get a little spicy.) And, as always, we'll send you off into Memorial Day Weekend with a PB&J, a moment of Pure Black Joy. This week, we'll talk a brand new honor for the late, great Chadwick Boseman and Rocky's obsession with this year's surprisingly Black Eurovision Song Contest.

Also, don't miss Pity These Ashes: Tulsa 1921-2021 on Saturday, June 19 at 7pm EDT, presented by The Greene Space in partnership with The Harlem Chamber Players, Harlem Stage and the Harlem School of the Arts and featuring mezzo-soprano J'Nai Bridges. Get your tickets below!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guests: Dr. Adolphus Hailstork, Dr. Herbert Martin

Producer: Rocky Jones

Timestamps

The Murder of George Floyd: One Year On - 0:44:20

Conversation with Drs. Hailstork and Martin - 0:38:00

PB&J - 1:08:48

Links

Pity These Ashes: Tulsa, 1921 to 2021, Saturday, June 19 at 7pm EDT (Tickets)

Remembrance and Restitution: A Conversation on Juneteenth, the Tulsa Race Massacre, and Their Legacy in African American History, Thursday, June 10 at 12pm EDT (Watch)

"Emails show Minneapolis police chief coordinated with PR pros to fight council, protect budget" (Minnesota Reformer)

"Howard University Names College of Fine Arts After Chadwick Boseman" (CBR.com)

Watch Eurovision Song Contest (YouTube and Peacock)

If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also leaving a 5-star REVIEW is a great way to help get the word out. For more info about the exciting EDI work happening at MN Opera, please visit mnopera.org/edi. Email your questions or comments to thescore@mnopera.org

Fire That Canon! (w/Pablo Siqueiros)

Fri, 14 May 2021 11:00:00 -0500

Hi, Scorekeepers! It's episode 6 of Minnesota Opera's THE SCORE! On this week's ep, Paige, Lee and Rocky are all vaxxed up and just in time it seems for the world to start opening up again. We'll talk about the huge impact this will have on the arts and live performance and, of course, our sanity. Next, we're joined by the lovely and talented Pablo Siqueiros, Associate Director of Public Programs at MN Opera. He'll talk about some of the lessons he's taking away from this crazy year and giving us all some insight into the exciting work coming out of MN Opera's Impact Department in the next few months. Then he joins us for the first installment of the brand new game show, FIRE THAT CANON! We're not sure if you've heard, but some of the more popular pieces in the operatic canon are a bit problematic. We take a look at three operas through the lens of civic dramaturgy and ask can we perform them responsibly or do we need to fire them out of a cannon! And lastly, we've got a PB&J, a little snack of Pure Black Joy for your soul, this week honoring the incomparable Phylicia Rashad, the new Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Howard University!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guest: Pablo Siqueiros

Producer: Rocky Jones

Timestamps

The Return of Live Performance - 01:05

Interview with Pablo Siqueiros - 23:06

Fire That Canon! - 48:56

PB&J - 1:24:09

Links

Opera Connections Podcast (Soundcloud)

Scott Joplin's Treemonisha - Houston Grand Opera (Youtube)

If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also leaving a 5-star REVIEW is a great way to help get the word out. For more info about the exciting EDI work happening at MN Opera, please visit mnopera.org/edi. Email your questions or comments to thescore@mnopera.org

It's Complicated (w/Emilia Mettenbrink)

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -0500

On this week's episode of The Score, Paige, Lee and Rocky unpack their complicated feelings around last week's verdict heard 'round the world before turning their attention to the incredible art and artists you can find right here in the Twin Cities. They're joined by renowned violinist Emilia Mettenbrink to talk about growing up in Minneapolis, her experiences as a Black woman in classical music, and the Tiny Balcony Concerts, a series of concerts she performed from her home during lockdown that helped a community stay connected through the darkest and most isolating of times. And then, as always, we end on a moment of Pure Black Joy! Join us, won't you?

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Guest: Emilia Mettenbrink

Producer: Rocky Jones

Timestamps:

Reflecting on the Chauvin Verdict: 01:09

Emilia Mettenbrink Interview: 34:29

PB&J: 01:23:50

Links:

Tiny Balcony Concerts (Website)

Tiny Balcony Concerts (Facebook)

Ballet Co. Laboratory Presents An American in Paris June 5 & 6 (Get Tickets!)

Black Restaurant Week

MCE Creations

It's So Impor'ant

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 09:00:00 -0500

What's up, Scorekeepers! It's week 4 of The Score! It's been another depressing and infuriating week here in Minneapolis and on this week's ep, Lee, Paige and Rocky do their best to absorb the shock of seeing another young Black man's life taken by police officers in their community. Rest in Power, Daunte Wright, Sr. (Please scroll down in the show notes to see ways you can help Daunte's family and the Brooklyn Center community.) Next, they tackle Amazon Prime's ultraviolent, new horror show Them, a series which begs the question who exactly is the violent degradation of Black bodies in art for? And finally, after a hard week, as always we'll all head into the weekend with a moment of Pure Black Joy. Let's do it to it!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Timestamps

Daunte Wright - 01:10

Them and the Banality of Black Trauma in Art - 29:51

PB&J: Uplifting the Southern Black Girls and Women's Consortium - 1:02:31

Links

Donate to the Daunte Wright Sr. Memorial Fund

Support Daunte's son by sending direct help to his mother, Chyna

Check here for updates on how to help Brooklyn Center protesters and residents

"Don’t Call African-American Theatre Black Theatre: It’s Like Calling a Dog a Cat" by Dominic Taylor

The Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium

Email your questions or comments to thescore@mnopera.org and we just might read them on the air!

Diversity Is Not Enough

Fri, 02 Apr 2021 10:00:00 -0500

On this week’s episode of The Score, hosts Paige, Lee, and Rocky chat about finding hope through music in these troubled times. They reflect on recent events here in Minneapolis and the blessed relief of MN Opera’s recent MNiatures program. Next, they discuss the responsibility of opera makers and opera lovers alike to join the movement to #StopAsianHate. Then they tackle the question of how to safely and authentically invite BIPOC artists into predominantly white spaces. Diversity is a great first step, but is it effective without either equity or inclusion? And finally, as always, get your weekend off to the best start with a moment of Pure Black Joy… this time with puppets! 'Cuz everybody loves puppets!!!

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Timestamps:

Recent Events in MPLS - 01:02

Reflecting on MNiatures - 23:10

#StopAsianHate - 42:03

Supporting BIPOC Artists - 54:08

PB&J - 1:29:25

Links

Watch MN Opera's MNiatures - https://mnopera.org/mniatures-tiny-operas-big-ideas/

Yes 4 Minneapolis - https://yes4minneapolis.org/

Free Bystander Intervention Training - https://www.ihollaback.org/bystanderintervention/

Opera Philadelphia Channel - https://www.operaphila.org/whats-on/2020-2021/

Welcome to the Mini Apple

Fri, 19 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0500

On this week’s episode... It’s Minneapolis Day! Lee is officially a Minnesotan! He gives us his first impressions of his new city and, with the Derek Chauvin trial beginning, what it’s like to move here at this particular moment in history. Plus, Paige takes us inside what’s going on in the local Black arts scene. Then we reflect on Black History Month at Minnesota Opera, and as always we’ll send you into the weekend with a PB&J: a moment of Pure Black Joy.

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Timestamps:

Welcome to MPLS, Lee! - 00:53

A New Space for Black Table Arts - 19:48

Black History Month Reflections - 32:08

PB&J - 51:23

Links:

Black Table Arts: https://www.blacktablearts.com/

Alanna Morris Van-Tassel (Black Light Research): https://www.alannamvt.com/

Superhero Fitness TV: https://www.youtube.com/user/superherofitnesstv/videos

If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also leaving a 5-star REVIEW is a great way to help get the word out. For more info about the exciting EDI work happening at MN Opera, please visit mnopera.org/edi.

Ready or Not, Here We Come

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Ready or not, here we come! It’s the very first episode of Minnesota Opera’s first podcast... THE SCORE!

On this week’s episode:

Black people? Talking about opera? What is this? Who are these people? And why? All these questions answered and more.

Also, there’s a new Diversity Officer at the Metropolitan Opera. Let’s celebrate her! (And pray for her…)

Plus, we’ll touch on recent controversies in Paris and Indiana, and as always, we'll send you into the weekend with a PB&J: a moment of Pure Black Joy.

This week's PB&J: Thaddeus Miles and the Black Joy Project

Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds

Producer: Rocky Jones

Timestamps:

Meet Lee, Paige and Rocky: 00:58

Met taps Marcia Sells as new Diversity Officer: 21:38

The Metropolitan Opera Hires Its First Chief Diversity Officer (NY Times)

EDI Controversies in Paris and Indiana: 37:32

New culture war erupts over Paris Opera diversity push (The Guardian)
Head of Indiana museum resigns (CNN)

PB&J: 1:01:16

If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also leaving a 5-star REVIEW is a great way to help get the word out. For more info about the exciting EDI work happening at MN Opera, please visit mnopera.org/edi.

Episode 0: The Score Trailer

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 09:00:00 -0500

Ready or not, it's time to put opera on game! Hosts Lee Bynum (VP, Impact), Paige Reynolds (Civic Engagement Manager), and Rocky Jones (EDI Director) are three Black artists, pop culture aficionados, and arts administrators at Minnesota Opera, who are working every day to bring more diversity, equity, and inclusivity into opera and classical music. The Score is their provocative, thoughtful, and humorous commentary on opera's past, present, and future, as seen through an anti-racist and anti-oppressive lens. But you definitely don't need to be a classical music head to join the conversation. Come on over, still a spell, and get to know us a little better!