Norfolk State University Theatre and the Virginia Stage Company are partnering for a special virtual presentation of The Parchman Hour: Songs and Stories of the ’61 Freedom Riders. First performed as part of VSC’s Season 39, this virtual production will include a mixture of zoom performances from the original cast as well as recorded musical … Continue reading
Category Archives: Arts & Entertainment
“The Amen Corner” captured audiences just before spring break
by Sarah Campos Norfolk State University is home to Virginia’s most nationally recognized collegiate theatre program. Also, America’s most nationally recognized HBCU Theatre program in the last five years, NSU has struck again with a stellar program. From March 5-8, 2020 NSU’s theatre company presented James Baldwin’s The Amen Corner. A three-act play, James Baldwin’s … Continue reading
Business / Campus Life / Local / Music
WNSB embracing brand changes after 40 years
by Keona Frasier Norfolk State’s WNSB celebrated 40 years of operation and partnership with community organizations. Although the station has a long history on NSU’s campus, they plan to implement some new changes to push their mission forward. NSU can expect to hear a fresh sound, see live performances and a brand new studio space … Continue reading
5 spring break destinations that are sure to please
by Halle Ellis It’s no secret that spring break is right around the corner. Spring break is a time in which it allows students the opportunity to take advantage of a much-needed rest from school and allows opportunities for travel with friends. While some students plan to go home and relax, others desire more of … Continue reading
Celebrities / Movies / TV
What to expect from the Oscars this weekend
by Jaila Manuel This Sunday the academy award for the most “dramatic” night on TV goes to the 92nd Oscars Academy Award Ceremony, and of course the Echo has all the details. The 92nd Academy Awards will be held on Sunday, Feb. 9th at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, CA. at 8p.m. EST. For all … Continue reading
What to expect from the Grammys this weekend
by Jaila Manuel This Sunday, January 26th is the biggest night for music. The 62nd annual Grammy award show is happening at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. We’ve got everything you need to know! This year’s host is the 15-time Grammy award winner and R&B icon herself Alicia Keys. It will be her … Continue reading
Bring Back Our Girls!! Daughters of Chibok Review
By: LaRey Wright “Bring back our girls!” was the cry heard around the globe when 276 female students were kidnapped by a terrorist organization in Chibok, Nigeria. Even first lady Michelle Obama retweeted this statement to raise awareness shortly after the initial attack in 2014. Since the initial attack, some of the girls have been … Continue reading
Virginia 2019 Commemoration’s “Customs, Cultures, and Cuisine Festival” features events statewide through November
Jamestown, VA (November 4, 2019) – Virginia’s 2019 Commemoration, American Evolution ’s Customs, Cultures, and Cuisine Festival will be celebrated across the Commonwealth throughout the month of November and will feature more than 40 events and programs. Presented by TowneBank, the premier events, festivals and special programming will draw on 400 years of Virginia’s unique … Continue reading
Virginia Stage presents MacArthur Genius Award-Winner Dominique Morisseau’s “Detroit ‘67”
Turntables turn to turmoil in the heart of Detroit when a mysterious woman enters the lives of siblings Chelle and Lank. Underground basement parties are the talk of the town as the spirit of Motown breaks barriers across neighborhoods. As race riots erupt in their beloved city, tensions escalate at home. How will this family … Continue reading
Campus Life / Featured / Local / Music
Stay safe during L.I.T. Homecoming
by Autumn Basara The biggest and greatest event at Norfolk State University, homecoming, is almost upon us. This year, homecoming starts Friday, Oct. 25, and ending Sunday, Nov. 3, with a theme of “It’s L.I.T.” With events such as a carnival; a concert featuring Lil Durk, Q Da Fool, and the Ying Yang Twins; a … Continue reading
Attucks Theatre celebrates 100 years of community with two-day concert and celebration
NORFOLK, VA – Oct. 4 and 5, the historic Attucks Theatre will continue its celebration of the anniversary of its founding with the 100th Anniversary Community Celebration. The two-day celebration will add a community element to the Attucks Centennial celebration by inviting local artists and organizations to showcase the history of the Attucks and the … Continue reading
Editorial: Jay-Z’s NFL deal disappoints fan base
An editorial by Jared Lambert It is no question that Jay-Z is one of the top millionaire entrepreneurs and artists in the world. His partnership with the Home of the Brooklyn Nets Barclays Center, selling his own clothing line Roc Nation for two hundred and four million dollars, and now this brand-new NFL deal prove … Continue reading
“Epic Weekend” comes to downtown Norfolk
NORFOLK, VA – (May 30, 2019) – Mark your calendars now for Friday- Sunday, June 7 – 9, 2019 as Downtown Norfolk, VA prepares for a truly spectacular EPIC WEEKEND. FROM THE STAGE TO THE SKY TO THE WATER Experience Norfolk (EXP NFK) from sun up to well after sundown throughout one explosive weekend filled … Continue reading
Art / Campus Life / Celebrities / Featured / Local / Music / Theater & Dance
Norfolk State provides police liaison for SITW and offers safety tips
The NSU Police Department realizes that many students may choose to participate in the annual College Beach Weekend. While we know that you are there to have fun, we encourage you to celebrate safely and to respect the Virginia Beach Resort Area. As a result, the Department is providing the following safety tips information and … Continue reading
Lalah Hathaway performs Sunday, July 7 at the Attucks Theatre
Attucks at 100 celebrations continue this summer as five-time Grammy winner, singer Lalah Hathaway takes the Attucks stage on Sunday July 7 at 7:30pm. Tickets go on sale this Friday, April 26 and will be available online at vafest.org, ticketmaster.com, by phone at 757-282-2822 and in person at the Virginia Arts Festival Box Office located … Continue reading
Campus Life / Local / Music
Have fun and be safe at Something in the Water festival this weekend
~~ Be sure to stay safe at the Something in the Water festival this weekend! ~~ The Norfolk State Police Department wants you to have plenty of fun at the Something in the Water Music Festival this weekend, but we also want you to be safe. NSU Police Detective D. Hyman (see video below) will … Continue reading
Mathew Knowles and Je’Caryous Johnson collaborate on “Survivor: The Destiny’s Child Musical”
Since its inception in 1990, Destiny’s Child has sold more than 150 million records worldwide, won multiple Grammy Awards, served as an inspiration to many musical acts and garnered generations of fans. Now audiences will be treated to a behind-the-scenes look at how one of the greatest girl groups of all time was created courtesy … Continue reading
Campus Life / Local / Music
Upcoming artists find support with NSU record label
by Tamia Boyd With numerous talents dispersed over campus, Gerald Thompson worked with Imani Mathews and Johnny Watkins on creating the record label Entertainment Alliance. Entertainment Alliance was founded to support upcoming artists across Norfolk State University’s campus. The organization became the first ever HBCU record label in 2014. The motivation behind creating the label … Continue reading
Free NEON District Art Tours begin April 19 through NEON Festival in October
Downtown Norfolk Council has partnered with Norfolk Tour Company to offer free monthly walking tours of the NEON District April through October. The tours explore the District that now has more than 87 pieces of public art and a multitude of local businesses that make up the neighborhood fabric. Art installations include murals, statues and … Continue reading
Norfolk State University Division of Music to hold regional music exhibition
The Norfolk State University Division of Music will present “The Arts in Our Town,” a concert highlighting some of the extraordinary artists who showcase their artistry and talents in the cities of Hampton Roads. The program will be held on Sunday, April 28, at 4 p.m. in the L. Douglas Wilder Performing Arts Center on … Continue reading
Campus Life / Local / Music
Spartan Spotlight: Professor Stephanie K. Sanders
by B. Marie Johnson This Spartan Spotlight shines on someone well known in the Fine Arts building. She is an assistant professor of music, the associate director of the very popular Spartan Legion Band and the Norfolk State Jazz Ensemble. She obtained her Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Jackson State University and received her … Continue reading
TV judge motivates students
By Tamia Boyd Spartan Echo Editor Referencing Martin Luther King Jr.’s quote, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is what are you willing to do for others,” Hatchett noted that everyone in the audience is a beneficiary of King’s dream for freedom and equality. By acknowledging King’s words and legacy, his dream is destined to … Continue reading
HBO’s ‘Random Acts of Flyness’ soars
By LaRey Wright HBO’s new late night series “Random Acts of Flyness” is an eccentric variety show that plays out like a piece of contemporary art. Music, art, dance, live action and animation come together to shine light on the African-American experience. Instead of leading the audience with a storyline, the pieces are put together … Continue reading
YBN Cordae defies the generational divide in hip-hop
By Keona Frasier Hip-hop has long been home to a generationally charged musical divide. Yet, newcomer YBN Cordae seems to be making a favorable impression among his followers. The Maryland rapper made his way into the industry by joining the burgeoning YBN collective, alongside fellow rappers YBN Almighty Jay and YBN Nahmir. Cordae’s visibility in … Continue reading
Beyoncé funds HBCU scholarship Program
By Keona Frasier Following a historical performance at the 2018 Coachella Music Festival, Beyoncé, through the BeyGOOD initiative, has announced that one student from four different historically black colleges or universities (HBCUs) will be awarded with a $25,000 scholarship through the Homecoming Scholars Award Program. The 2018-2019 academic year’s BeyGOOD scholars program will be extended … Continue reading
