The Roundtable with Robert Bannon

“Songs of Black Folk,” a stirring 26‑minute short film directed by Justin Emeka and Haley Watson, debuted at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival as part of the “Shorts: Embrace the Music” lineup. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Juneteenth, it chronicles the Pacific Northwest’s first official celebration in Seattle via an intergenerational musical event.

Centered around the visionary conductor and composer Ramón Bryant Braxton and his uncle, Rev. Dr. Leslie Braxton, the film brings together Black musical talent on one stage, weaving together personal stories, archival footage, and soul-stirring performances that resonate far beyond the region.

The documentary deftly explores themes of cultural reclamation, generational legacy, and community resilience. With sweeping performance sequences and moments of cinematic intimacy, the directors offer a poignant look at how this new Juneteenth tradition elevates Black artists and nurtures collective pride in an area often overlooked in broader cultural narratives. Through its heartfelt portrayal of a family-led celebration, “Songs of Black Folk” delivers a moving tribute to Black freedom, creativity, and the enduring power of music.

We find out all about it here on The Roundtable with Robert Bannon!

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The Rose: Come Back to Me is an intimate documentary chronicling the remarkable journey of The Rose— from their humble beginnings as a South Korean indie band to their emergence as a global sensation. Through heartfelt moments and honest reflection, the documentary captures how each member fell in love with music, as well as the challenges of navigating the K-pop system.

Directed by Eugene Yi, this is a story of reunion and rebirth. After three years of personal and professional challenges, four friends — Kim Woosung, Park Dojoon, Lee Hajoon and Lee Jaehyeong — come back together to create new music and reconnect with fans across the globe. From spontaneous busking on the streets of Seoul to electrifying performances at Coachella, The Rose: Come Back to Me is a celebration of artistry, friendship and the kind of magnetic charm that makes it impossible not to fall in love with this band and their rockin’ music.

Director Eugene Yi & Producer Diane Quon are here to tell us all about it! A fascinating chat about a fascinating band!

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On this episode of The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, we welcome the incredibly talented Juan Pablo Di Pace. Known for his charismatic performances on Fuller House, Dancing with the Stars, and countless stage and screen projects, Juan Pablo now takes a powerful turn in his new film Before We Forget — not only as its star, but also as co-director and writer. He opens up about stepping into a deeply personal and emotional role that explores memory, family, and the stories we hold onto when everything else begins to fade.

In this candid conversation, Juan Pablo shares what inspired him to create and tell this story, how the film resonates with audiences worldwide, and the artistic challenges of portraying a character facing such profound change. It’s an inspiring and moving look behind the scenes of a project that is truly his own from page to screen. Don’t miss this heartfelt chat with Juan Pablo Di Pace — tune in and experience the passion behind Before We Forget.

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Austin and the Powers is a high-energy band known for their electrifying blend of funk, soul, and rock that gets crowds dancing from the first note. Fronted by charismatic lead singer Austin, the group brings a retro flair with a modern twist, channeling the spirit of classic Motown and 70s funk while keeping things fresh and original. Their tight rhythm section, punchy horn lines, and infectious grooves make every live show an unforgettable experience.

In this podcast interview, we dive into the band’s creative process, their journey from small local gigs to festival stages, and the unique chemistry that powers their sound. Austin shares stories behind their most popular tracks, the influences that shaped their musical style, and what’s next for the band. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to their music, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most exciting live acts on the scene today.

For More Info: www.AustinandthePowers.com

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Check out "The Roundtable with Robert Bannon" here on BPN on the daily, on YouTube, Broadway World, and on social media! Like, comment, share, & subscribe!

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Welcome to The Roundtable with Robert Bannon, where today we’re thrilled to sit down with actor and producer Jay Ellis. Fresh off the stage in the electrifying new play Duke and Roya at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, Jay brings us behind the scenes of this gripping production, sharing what drew him to the project and how it connects with his powerful body of work across television and film. From his breakout role in Insecure to blockbuster hits like Top Gun: Maverick, Jay continues to push boundaries and redefine what it means to be a leading man in Hollywood.

In this conversation, Jay talks about the passion, challenges, and joy of returning to live theater, as well as the evolution of his career on screen and behind the camera. You’ll hear about his inspirations, artistic choices, and why Duke and Roya is a must-see experience for theater lovers. Don’t miss your chance to catch this phenomenal show — get your tickets now at lortel.org/tickets.

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Check out "The Roundtable with Robert Bannon" here on BPN on the daily, on YouTube, Broadway World, and on social media! Like, comment, share, & subscribe!

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Camp Broadway, Broadway’s Original Destination for Theater-loving kids, is returning to New York City on July 7-11, 2025, with its signature programs MAINSTAGE (ages 10-17) and SHINING STARS (ages 7-9) Founded in 1995 by Susan Lee of the Broadway Education Alliance (BEA) and 5 time Tony Award-Wining producer Dori Berinstein, Camp Broadway is an exciting and fun “crash course” into being a Broadway performer and interacting with people “in the biz.” It also provides a safe and enriching environment for children and teens from all backgrounds and skill levels to build confidence, hone presentation skills, and discover their unique talents-on and off stage.

Taught by a team of professional director/choreographers and music directors and held at Pearl Studios near the Broadway theatre district, Camp Broadway’s MAINSTAGE features vocal performance workshops, dancing, acting, stage craft and masterclasses finale showcase at Symphony Space. This year the camper’s will be divided into two groups and perform Peter Pan and Catch Me If You Can.  Camp Broadway’s annual fieldtrip to Times Square will include watching a performance of Boop! at the Broadhurst Theater. Broadway stars Ali Stroker, Adam Kantor, director Sammi Cannold, and NY1 “On Stage” Host Frank DiLella all attended Camp Broadway and came out of the program.

For younger kids, Camp Broadway’s SHINING STARS emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and crafts. Professional theater artists teach classes in singing, dancing, storytelling, and visual arts and their week culminates in a showcase for family and friends as well.

Camp Broadway is the recipient of a many industry recognitions including a Special Drama Desk Award for its decades long work in building theatre audiences and artists.

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Check out "The Roundtable with Robert Bannon" here on BPN on the daily, on YouTube, Broadway World, and on social media! Like, comment, share, & subscribe!

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The Lambchop is here! The iconic star is here with Mallory Lewis, the daughter of Shari Lewis, to talk the legacy and life of the trailblazing legend herself. They also announce a brand new documentary called " Shari & Lambchop" that will debut at Doc NYC before it rolls out across the country on July 18th.

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KILLING MARY SUE writer-director James Sunshine is here to talk all about his new film with an all-star cast that sounds like a blast!

Starring Dermot Mulroney and Sierra McCormick, James Sunshine's tongue-in-cheek satire of the "Mary Sue" archetype is explored in KILLING MARY SUE when a corrupt senator arranges for the murder of his biggest liability—his erratic burnout step-daughter—only for her to unwittingly discover her natural talent as an untouchable killer.

A creative powerhouse of film and TV, James Sunshine begin his entertainment industry career as a producer on some of the biggest TV shows of all time including BIG BROTHER, PROJECT RUNWAY, and HELL’S KITCHEN. He wrote and directed his first feature film, a satirical comedy titled SAFER AT HOME (and later re-titled to CORONAVIRUS CONSPIRACY by Lionsgate), in the summer of 2020. The film marked one of the first union-approved indie features to shoot in Los Angeles after the start of the Covid-19 lockdowns. His award winning short film CURIOSITY was in the Oscar qualifying 2022 LA Shorts Film Festival, and as a writer James has also semi-finaled the biggest screenwriting competition in the world, the Academy Nicholl Fellowship. 

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Check out "The Roundtable with Robert Bannon" here on BPN on the daily, on YouTube, Broadway World, and on social media! Like, comment, share, & subscribe!

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Abandoned at five years old and surviving a terminal cancer diagnosis by 28, accountant-turned-singer/songwriter Miist defied the odds when she discovered her musical gift at 34 and last year, became the 1st native Chinese artist to break into Billboard’s Top 25 AC chart, collaborating with legends like Santana and Curtis Williams (Kool & The Gang). When I tell you this is a story like no other, this is an inspiration for sure!

Now, the Bay Area mother (by way of China & Canada) is using her global platform to address one of the most pressing crises of our time: the loneliness epidemic. 

From her recent global anthem “Could You Lend Me a Smile” in 15 languages across 5 continents, featuring artists with 60 Grammy awards and nominations, to her podcast Make Me Smile with Miist (#13 on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube podcast charts in Mental Health), Miist champions meaningful connection as a powerful antidote to anxiety, disconnection, and emotional fatigue, especially in the digital age (The Atlantic, Inc., Fast Company). 

Listeners have responded with heartfelt praise, describing her as “spreading so much love and kindness in the world” and a “beautiful soul with depth of insight.”

Listen to this special chat with a special artist. I promise it will lift your spirits!

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Check out "The Roundtable with Robert Bannon" here on BPN on the daily, on YouTube, Broadway World, and on social media! Like, comment, share, & subscribe!

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Boundless Theater and producer Tommaso Cartia will present BOY MEETS GIRL - The Trials & Tribulations Of A Queer Man Living Under A Curse - written by Chetan Rao and Nalini Sharma and directed by David James Parr.

This unique and dynamic autobiographical coming-of-rage show is a life-affirming, irresistibly funny, and profoundly moving story chronicling the journey of self-discovery of an Indian American Drag queer performer living in NYC, struggling to find peace with his roots, his identity, and his desire for love and success. The play pays homage to the boy-meets-girl Bollywood tradition by reenacting popular pieces in the form of drag acts, as Chetan undergoes a figurative and literal transformation to shake off the "curse" and finally meet his true self.

The creative team includes Chetan Rao (Actor/Drag Artist/Writer), Nalini Sharma (Playwright), David James Parr (Director), Tommaso Cartia (Producer for Boundless Theater), Maria Weyer(Production Assistant/Stage Manager)

The theme song is written by Chetan Rao and produced by Chris Chianesi.

For More Info: www.boundlesstheater.com

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Check out "The Roundtable with Robert Bannon" here on BPN on the daily, on YouTube, Broadway World, and on social media! Like, comment, share, & subscribe!

For more info on Robert- www.RobertBannon.com

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