By Bill Vaughan
Entertainment Writer
Multi-platinum powerhouse vocalist, Grammy winner, Golden Globe Winner, and Academy Award nominee Andra Day has released her highly anticipated new album “Cassandra (cherith)” via Warner Records.
Penned and produced by Day herself, the album resonates with profoundly emotional lyrics, unwavering honesty, spiritual nourishment and the artist’s distinctive vocal prowess.
“[This] is a journey through my soul, a tapestry woven with threads of heartbreak and empowerment,” shared the singer of the massive hit “Rise Up.” “It’s an intimate reflection of my personal experiences and growth, presented through the language of music.”
From the infectious anthem “Probably,” a Top 20 hit at radio rapidly ascending the charts, and the single “Chasing,” to the atmospheric groove of “Nervous,” “Cassandra (cherith)” — named after Day’s birth name and a biblical allusion meaning “to cut away” — embodies her most intimate work to date, showcasing Day’s remarkable versatility.
For the vocalist who delivered a stirring rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at Super Bowl LVII, the album marks her first original music since the soundtrack of “The United States vs. Billie Holiday” in 2021.
Come see her May 14 as the Grammy Museum hosts “A Conversation with Andra Day” at 7:30 p.m. to be followed with a performance.
ON A ROLL: “They say this is the Netflix is a Joke Fest,” announced Maya Rudolph from the stage of the Hollywood Palladium May 5, “but this ain’t no joke. This is the s—t!” She was talking about the concert she was about to give with her former college roommate Gretchen Lieberum as the reunited tribute band Princess.
The show’s set list culled from Prince‘s catalog, songs associated with Sheila E and Morris Day and The Time, and TV theme songs. And the guests! Singer/songwriter/producer Beck came out for “Raspberry Beret” and the male cast members of Rudolph’s very funny Apple TV sitcom “Loot” supported as dancers while Ron Funches and Joel Kim Booster came up for a joke or two.
The biggest surprise came during the encore when Wendy & Lisa of The Revolution shocked the house with “Purple Rain.”
Rudolph’s big week continues as she returns to her “Saturday Night Live” roots to host the show May 11, to be followed by a guest appearance on “The View” May 13 with Robert De Niro.
TASTY QUIP: “I give about $1,000 [for a pedicure] because I know my feet stink. I know they’re ugly, and I like to paint them. I paint that s*** because it’s ugly, and I want it to look pretty.” – SHAQUILLE O’NEAL
HAPPS: On May 10, Netflix Is A Joke Presents: Kevin Hart at the Hollywood Bowl, Michelle Buteau at the Hollywood Palladium, Ali Wong at The Wiltern (for three nights), Nicole Byer at The Troubadour, London Hughes & Friends at The Hotel Café, and Brett Goldstein of “Ted Lasso” fame at the Orpheum Theatre for two nights …
On the music tip, Rebirth Brass Band is at the Miracle Theater, Benny The Butcher with Boldy James at The Novo, Mix Master Mike of the Beastie Boys at The Venice West,
Luenell headlines at the Regent Theater on May 11, while Trevor Noah is at the Hollywood Bowl, Chelsea Handler at YouTube Theater, Orlando Leyba at the Hollywood Improv, and Nate Jackson visits downtown’s Palace Theater …
The evening also features singers Carmen Lundy at the Kirk Douglas Theatre, Queen Esther at Santa Monica’s Broad Stage, and reggae icon Yellowman at The Venice West …
Keith Sweat, SWV, Ginuwine, and 112 are set May 12 for a Mother’s Day concert at Toyota Arena, as Frankie Beverly & Maze continue their farewell tour at The Forum, KRS-One is at Whiskey A Go Go, and Sommore brings her stand-up comedy to the Miracle Theater …
Hot off of her Tiny Desk performance, Willow comes to Amoeba Hollywood May 14 …
Shaunie Henderson, creator of “Basketball Wives,” signs copies of her new book, “Undefeated: Changing The Rules And Winning On My Own Terms” at Malik Books on May 15, while Michael Twitty Presents: A Koshersoul Pop Up at Post & Beam …
Also that date, Panic in L.A. returns to 1720 bringing together Rakim, Talib Kweli and Slum Village …
On May 16, bluesman Cedric Burnside is at the Troubadour, as Nikki Glaspie & The Nth Power rock The Venice West, and “Bond Lady” Gloria Hendry sings with an all-star 18piece orchestra at Catalina Jazz Club.
TASTY QUIP: “There’s so much white mediocrity that gets celebrated, and Black people, we have to be absolutely flawless to get half of [that] anyway. So, I’m slowly training myself out of that and being like, ‘No sh–. You deserve love just for existing.’” – NCUTI GATWA, the actor who has become the first Black “Doctor Who” (premiering May 10 on Disney+) to the Hollywood Reporter
TC ON TV: May 10 – “The Chi” (Paramount+/SHO): The sixth season spring premiere is said to lead to a few deaths and the rise of a new kingpin. “The Ultimatum: South Africa” (Netflix): A six-way partner-swap sparks wild attractions and tearful betrayals. Participants choose whom to love and leave in this heart-pounding experiment. “Friday Night Vibes” (TBS): It’s a Queen Latifah double feature with “Girls Trip” and “Just Wright” slated. “Great Performances” (PBS): This production of the Shakespearean classic “Hamlet” is directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon from The Public Theater’s Free Shakespeare in the Park at The Delacorte Theater in Central Park starring Tony Award nominee Ato Blankson-Wood.
May 11 – “Kevin Hart: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor” (Netflix): Dave Chappelle, Jerry Seinfeld and some of comedy’s biggest stars gather to honor and roast the comic/actor as he accepts the prestigious award in a heartfelt, hilarious ceremony. “Full Court Press” (ESPN+): A new series that chronicles the ongoing journeys of senior Iowa guard Caitlin Clark, senior South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso and sophomore UCLA guard Kiki Rice.
May 12 – “Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire” (AMC+): The compelling period series starring Jacob Anderson (“Game of Thrones”), Sam Reid and Eric Bogosian returns for a second season with a new Claudia (Delainey Hayles). “American Idol” (ABC): The Top 5 travel to Walt Disney World with guest mentor Kane Brown before performing two beloved favorites from the Disney Songbook. America votes live for the Top 3 heading to the finale. In addition, Jenifer Lewis performs. “Tracker” (CBS): Jensen Ackles (“Supernatural”) guest stars as the estranged brother of Colter (Justin Hartley). “TIME100: The World’s Most Influential People” (ABC): Taraji P. Henson hosts with special musical performances from Fantasia Barrino and Dua Lipa.
May 13 –“Celebrity Wheel of Fortune” (ABC): Neil deGrasse Tyson, Robin Thede and Tony Hale
May 14 – “The Express Way with Dulé Hill” (PBS): The season ends with a trip to “Chicago.” “BET News Presents” (BET): “What’s At Stake: 2024 Election Roundtable” “10 Years of the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” (NBC): A primetime two-hour special presentation of the show’s best moments and performances.
May 15 – “Queen Rock Montreal” (Disney+): A 1981 digitally re-mastered concert featuring the band’s greatest hits including “We Will Rock You,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and “Another One Bites the Dust.” “Royal Rules of Ohio” (Freeform): A docuseries following three Ghanaian sisters as they navigate their 20s in Columbus, Ohio. The Agyekum sisters live a lavish life as the daughters of royal descendants of two of the most wealthy and powerful Ghanaian kingdoms. However, with that privilege comes great responsibility. “Chicago Fire” (NBC): Prolific actor Eamonn Walker who portrays Capt. Bolden announced he’s leaving the series after 12 seasons.
May 16 – “Bridgerton” (Netflix): Season three launches with four episodes. “The View” (ABC): Author Bakari Sellars (“The Moment: Thoughts on the Race Reckoning That Wasn’t and How We All Can Move Forward Now”)’ “Tamron Hall” (Syn): “Tamron’s Cook Out” with Ja Rule, Fat Joe, Doug E. Fresh, DJ Cassidy and 702 “Young Sheldon” (CBS): The series ends with special back-to-back episodes featuring Jim Parsons and Mayim Bialik of “The Big Bang Theory” reprising their roles as the adult Sheldon Cooper and Amy Farrah Fowler. “Law & Order: Organized Crime (NBC): Despite lower ratings, the series has been renewed for a fifth season — only it will return on Peacock.
END QUOTE: “If you want to protest, protest. But if you really want to be effective and make change, go up to the legislation office, go up to your senator, call your council. Go to Congress — [the people] who make change. It would be way more effective. Go become a lobbyist and go talk to them.” – TIFFANY HADDISH to TMZ
As featured in the Los Angeles Wave and Independent, Tasty Clips is one of the leading entertainment columns in the nation, serving nearly one million weekly readers. Bill Vaughan may be reached attastyclips@yahoo.com, via Twitter @tastyclips, or Instagram @tasty_clips.
