Entertainment
How the first-ever I Made Rock ‘N’ Roll festival celebrated the diversity of black music
Photo credit: Gabrielle Minion
For over a century, the origins of rock & roll have been disputed by fans, critics and historians alike. The sound derived from the rhythm and blues music of the Nineteen Forties defined a whole generation inside a decade. On Saturday, May 18, 1000’s of people got here to the American Legion Mall in Indianapolis, IN for the inauguration I did a rock’n’roll festival. The event, organized by GANGGANG and Forty5, aimed to focus on the Black influence on the rock genre.
The festival, which featured a range of artists, exuded a positive atmosphere and had an Indian vibe. During I Made Rock ‘N’ Roll, participants could enjoy performances by Inner Peace, Meet Me @ the Altar, Joy Oladokun, Robert Randolph, Gary Clark, Jr. and the evening’s fundamental star, Grammy-nominated musician Janelle Monáe. Monáe, known for her exceptional creativity and artistry, spoke about the pivotal role people of color played in the origins of rock & roll and the way continually pushing boundaries is crucial to its development.
“Our blackness is in the DNA of rock & roll, from gospel to blues to artists like Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Jimi Hendrix, Little Richard and Jackie Shane,” Monáe tells ESSENCE. “Rock & Roll would not exist without us and we’re continually redefining it. I all the time thought rock and roll was spirit. It’s greater than just wearing a leather jacket or playing the guitar. It’s the spirit of that person. I see it in lots of things and in many individuals and I am honored to represent it.
From the outside looking in, the development of the event seemed smooth, but in point of fact it was years in the making. In times of uncertainty for this country, the impetus for the festival was provided by the isolation of the global crisis. Although the initial idea was born out of a scarcity of connection to the world, I Made Rock ‘N’ Roll evolved into something much larger.
“In 2020, when everything in the world was disconnected from each other – from the race pandemic to the health pandemic – we thought that if everything in 2020 was about what divides people, then art and culture are what divides people connects,” says Alan Bacon, co-founder and president ALGAE. “We really just wanted to understand the power of art. How can we concentrate beauty, equality and culture in this sector, in this genre, within this platform, to activate the creative economy? But at the same time, convey a message that is needed, especially at this moment in time and history.”
accompanied throughout the entire festival. From murals paying homage to Black Rock & Roll to local vendors selling music and themed merchandise, guests were each informed and entertained during their stay at the American Legion Mall. The history of Chuck Berry’s breakthrough album “Sweet Like Sixteen” to Jimi Hendrix’s iconic performance at Woodstock occupied places for everybody to see. This timeline of greatness showed not only what Black people did for rock, but for music as a complete.
“It’s the culture we know today,” says Gary Clark Jr. about the power of black music. “I mean, it influenced the way people play instruments, the way people write songs, the way people dress, the way people talk. It’s in all the things we do. This culture is predicated on what people think is cool, and we’ve been cool for a very long time.
Staying true to its mission of creating equality in the arts, this historic event did just that. “I Made Rock ‘N’ Roll is just another big, visible experiment to show what GANGGANG does, which is to show beauty and truth,” says Melina Bacon, co-founder and executive director of the company. This truth overturned today’s narrow and exclusionary view of rock music and showed the world what the genre really was.
Beyond the festival itself, the beauty of Indianapolis was striking. With dozens of events happening in the area – including the Indy 500 and the Pacers playoff series – travelers from around the world flocked to boutique hotels like Bottling AND Alexander, where they may rest and in addition get a taste of the city. Right next to the former is the Garage Food Hall and Pins Mechanical Co., the perfect place to spend an awesome evening with delicious food and even higher drinks.
While Indy as a complete is an exceptional place, the true soul of the city lies along the legendary Indiana Avenue strip. In the late nineteenth century, this avenue was a bustling, well-known district of theaters, jazz clubs, shops, offices and residences. It also became the home of the Madam C. J. Walker Building, which served as the Walker Company headquarters, in addition to the center of entertainment, business and commerce for the city’s black community from the Nineteen Twenties to the Nineteen Fifties. Now it stands as a testament to African American ingenuity and a logo of the city’s wealthy history.
“The spirit of Indiana Avenue continues to drive us,” explains Melina. “We can integrate our local teams, employ lots of of people, and create jobs for the creative economy in Indianapolis. Indianapolis has an enormous base of creative resources. And it isn’t the typical narrative you hear from or about Indiana.
“And I think in terms of our history, the descendants of those great men of Indiana Avenue are still alive,” he continues. “We are literally still here. So it is not the spirit that is alive and well; so only people alive and well want to continue to push this narrative forward.”
Entertainment
An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit
Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.
Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”
She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.
Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.
On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”
One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.
Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.
Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, cropped a photograph of him in a jumpsuit and then set Instagram on fire with her look.https://t.co/n7YNGctQFE pic.twitter.com/DNKP2i9o9C
— Sean Joseph (@sjoseph_sports) December 2, 2024
When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.
Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”
Lauren Sanchez 2003 vs. Lauren Sanchez 2024
Nothing to see here, people, move on#LaurenSanchez pic.twitter.com/mgr4vj6mFq
— Occam was right (@OccamWasRight) November 21, 2024
Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”
Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.
Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.
Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.
Entertainment
Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape
India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.
“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”
Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.
Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.
Name:
India Shawn
Hometown:
Los Angeles
Artistic soundscape
Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric
The oldest musical memory
Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.
Influences
For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.
Creative process
Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”
Challenges and development
As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”
Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.
Current project
“There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”
Entertainment
ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence
With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.
Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.
From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.
In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.
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