The Creatives

The Charlotte native and Northwest School of the Arts graduate makes his Broadway debut March 29 in "The Wiz." Richardson has an extensive acting resume with roles in NBC's "Chicago PD," TBS's "The Last OG" and the A24 film "Sharper." He's also showing music chops with the EP "Hurt People Squared" set to debut in summer 2024.

Melvin Crispell III is on a roll with his second Grammy nomination in three years for his rendition of "God Is" for Best Gospel Performance/Song. The Charlotte resident talks about going to the 2024 Grammy Awards, inspiration from his parents and the best gospel performers of all time.

Rory Sheriff, founder of BNS Productions, looks back at the theater company's first decade, toward the future and kicking off Season 10 with August Wilson's classic "The Piano Lesson."

The Sol Kitchen and Blumenthal Performing Arts present Black Notes Project, a two-day indoor music festival Jan. 26-27 in Charlotte. The first-year initiative honors classical orchestra traditions with contemporary music innovation.

Artist and activist Makayla Binter talks about her latest outreach project in the Historic West End community that includes a neighborhood cleanup and collaborations that promote self-love and self-care.

Gastonia-born vocalist Maria Howell talks about her latest music, performing during a pandemic and acting in the Oprah Winfrey Network dramatic series "Delilah."

UNC Charlotte senior Marcus Fitzpatrick stars in Brand New Sheriff Productions' "Boys to Baghdad," which debuts Sept. 12 at Duke Energy Theater at Spirit Square. He talks about his acting journey and learns about a surprise announcement during the podcast.

West Charlotte High School senior Kaycee Hailey talks about performing in the EduHam initiative, playing violin with UNC Charlotte's Philharmonic Orchestra and starting a campus newspaper. She is The Charlotte Post Foundation's 2019 Top Senior runner-up.

Chanel Blanchett, director of Actor's Theater of Charlotte production of "Four Women," talks about the play's focus on North Carolina Nina Simone, music activism and the process of bringing a play to life.