(no title)

THE JOHN COLTRANE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL

September 17, 2025Pink and Blue NotesLeave a comment

The John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival was held Labor Day weekend. The weather was perfect for the two days fans, artists, and volunteers alike enjoyed an array of music. Fans filled Oak Hollow Park in High Point, NC alongside the beautiful lake both days that ended in serene sunsets and cool evenings. Amidst the music, artists, and performances, one of the most important moments of the festival is when young aspiring students are awarded instruments. Thus, honoring John Coltrane and his legacy.

The warm and lovely first day of festival had an amazing line-up that began with the John Coltrane Youth Jazz Workshop. Followed by Take 6 – Nnenna Freelon – Clint Holmes, The Headhunters, Meshell Ndegeocello, Lizz Wright, and Snarky Puppy. It was a great way to start the festival and spark excitement for the next day. The second day began with West End Mambo, then the NC Coltrane All-Star Band with John Brown + special guest Jose James, Ruthie Foster, Rick Braun – Richard Elliott – Peter White, The Baylor Project, and the festivals finale was the one and only Stanley Clarke.

HOSTING ADRIAN CRUTCHFIELD AND CEELO GREEN

August 19, 2025Pink and Blue NotesLeave a comment

HOSTING JONATHAN BUTLER

August 9, 2025Pink and Blue NotesLeave a comment

NATHAN AND NOAH EAST ARE “FATHER AND SON”

August 4, 2025Pink and Blue NotesLeave a comment

My conversation with Nathan and Noah East was about the father and son duo, dreams, family, and music. It wasn’t long ago that Noah decided he wanted to fulfill his desire and pursue music as a career. Having been surrounded by not only his legendary father Nathan, but by countless legendary musicians his whole life, he was poised to flourish as a professional artist. Nathan nurtured and watched his son pour his life into playing the piano. When their faith and destinies aligned at the right time, the obvious choice was to then work together. As a proud father, Nathan’s dream came to life when the two decided to collaborate. The result: their debut album “Father and Son” – an incredible masterpiece of music. With Noah on piano and the Hammond B3 and Nathan on bass, this body of art features quite a few stellar musicians working alongside them. During the course of his illustrious career, Nathan has worked with a plethora of the best. He and Noah chose an incredible cast, and they agree that each member was divinely sent. Billy Valentine and Merry Clayton lend their incredible vocals to cover songs “Hard Times” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” And joining the elite group is flautist Hubert Laws, Eric Clapton, and Greg Phillinganes – just to name a few.

The heart and soul of this album is set by the introduction – a heartfelt exchange between father and son: “You ready, dad? Ready, son. Come on, let’s make an album. Okay, let’s go.” The dream, realized; and the soul, heard in the music.

STOKLEY “RARE (NO, NO, NO)”

July 7, 2025July 10, 2025Pink and Blue NotesLeave a comment

GRAMMY-NOMINATED ARTIST STOKLEY RETURNS WITH INFECTIOUS NEW SINGLE “RARE (NO, NO, NO)”

ANNOUNCES FORTHCOMING ALBUM “iAmTheCulture,” SET FOR RELEASE LATER THIS YEAR

Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, producer, and sonic architect Stokley makes a dynamic return with his latest single, “RARE (No, No, No),” via Bluraffe Entertainment. Written and produced by Stokley, the track is already garnering strong support from iHeartRadio, SiriusXM, MusicChoice, and stations around the country in cities including DC, Detroit, Charlotte, Louisville, Raleigh, Greensboro (see below) and is poised to make noise across airwaves nationwide, serving as the first release from his forthcoming album, iAmTheCulture, due out later this year.

Blending Caribbean influences, addictive rhythms, and Stokley’s signature genre-blending brilliance, “RARE (No, No, No)” is a vibrant anthem of self-worth, identity, and bold expression. The track opens the door to a deeper conversation that will flow throughout the new album.

CLICK HERE TO STREAM “RARE (NO, NO, NO)

Introducing “iAmTheCulture”

Stokley’s forthcoming album, iAmTheCulture, is more than a title — it’s a statement. It reflects a powerful truth about his personal journey, his contributions to music, and the broader cultural impact of Black people throughout American & world history.

“This isn’t just about me, it’s about all of us,” says Stokley. “We make up so much of the American culture. We’re an essential part of the foundation, the soul, the soil. Black culture is the most influential on the planet it seems. Whether it’s art, food, language, style, sports, rhythm, resistance, or innovation, Black culture IS the culture. Infinitely everywhere, even if the world tries to erase it.”

As the voice of the iconic R&B band Mint Condition, Stokley has long been recognized by fans and industry insiders alike as one of music’s most respected vocalists and musicians. His influence has touched generations — he’s toured with legends like Prince and Whitney Houston, recorded with icons including Elton John, Janet Jackson, Luther Vandross, and New Edition, and collaborated with a new wave of stars from the likes of Wale to Usher. His artistic reach is far and wide, with a legacy that continues to resonate across genres and eras.

iAmTheCulture pays homage to that legacy — not just Stokley’s, but the legacy of Black creators who have molded American culture from the ground up. From the journey of Harriett Tubman leading Black people to freedom to Barack Obama becoming the first Black President, to the birth of Rock & Roll, Jazz, & Hip-Hop. Black people have created, innovated, and built the foundation of this country, often without recognition.

“We’ve contributed everything and we still have to fight for our space. But this album is about reclaiming it. Our joy, our genius, our rhythm, our brilliance. That’s the culture. That’s me, That’s us,” Stokley adds.

Continuing the “Sankofa” Legacy

iAmTheCulture follows the success of Stokley’s 2021 album Sankofa, which delivered five Billboard Adult R&B Top 10 singles, including the Snoop Dogg-assisted tracks “Vibrant” and “Casscade” featuring The Bonfyre, hit love letter “WOMAN” featuring Ghanian superstar KiDi, and collaborations with H.E.R., Wale, and more. The album’s standout single “She” hit #1 on the Billboard Adult R&B chart, solidifying Stokley’s reintroduction as a solo force while honoring the sounds and stories of the past.

Fresh Off Tour – Back to the Studio

Stokley recently wrapped the first leg of his 2025 tour, which began in January and brought his electrifying live show to cities nationwide. He’s now back in the studio finalizing iAmTheCulture, with the second leg of his tour picking back up in August.

Experience Stokley live and witness a master of music in motion:

🎶 Upcoming Show Dates