Join us for a conversation between music journalist Ogden Payne and Kei Henderson, manager of multi-platinum recording artist 21 Savage and founder and CEO of the Motown/Capitol Records-backed boutique record label, management and publishing company, SinceThe80s. Prior to her current roles, Henderson worked alongside the product development team at Complex Media, focusing on social media marketing and branded content.
The Upright Citizens Brigade is a Chicago-based improv and sketch comedy group famous for its many SNL writers. UCB will be workshopping with UMD’s own comedy group, The Bureau, to put on a 90-minute show that will have you in stitches.
The intimate music of Den-Mate—the project from DC-based songwriter/producer Jules Hale—is arresting, like peering into a funhouse mirror. Her sparse, dreamy songs reflect and distort private nighttime thoughts of desperation and isolation, transforming abstract fears into throbbing bass lines and static-washed riffs. Drawing a bridge from haunting pop and the exciting world of progressive electronica, Den-Mate brings a new style for adventurous listeners.
Hailing from Minneapolis, Early Eyes formed in 2016 as a temporary pop-up ensemble, garnering a sizable local following almost instantly. Drawing from all sorts of musical backgrounds, their songwriting abilities were worthy of winning The National Endowment of The Arts Songwriting Challenge.
Downtown Boys have been clear from the start: they are here to destroy white-cis-het hegemony with their explosive, radically-minded rock. In the words of vocalist and lyricist Victoria Ruiz, they are “five unique and individual people who believe in the spectrum of people, experiences and emotions.” Downtown Boys combines these revolutionary ideals with boundless energy and contagious, all-inclusive fun.
Rooted in Washington, DC, singer-songwriter Ari Lennox blends elements of modern R&B with new aged soul to create something sweet, but daring. She draws influences from soul and jazz icons including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Whitney Houston. Lennox’s 2016 EP, PHO, breaks thematic and harmonic barriers while remaining vulnerable and representative of her own soul.
From nearby Lititz, PA, the Districts bring their invigorating indie-rock performances to many diverse stages. The Districts have gained increasing popularity over the past six years, and have released three full-length albums, which earned them the respect and acknowledgement of Rolling Stone, NPR, and more. So, throw on your favorite thrift store sweater and join us for an electrifying experience!
CupcakKe turned her love of poetry and her experiences growing up in Chicago into music that alleviates sexual tension while bringing into dialogue serious societal issues. Best known for edgy music such as “Deepthroat,” CupcakKe sheds light on sex, violence, abuse, police brutality, and much more. Music has always played an important role in CupcakKe’s life, having grown performing in churches, and listening to 50 cent, Da Brat, and Lil’ Kim. Her works Cum Cake, S.T.D., and Audacious have all been all been received with critical acclaim.
NextNOW Fest is an arts festival for Terps, by Terps. Co-curated with student groups and on-campus departments, this artistic playground amplifies the voices of intriguing, inventive performing and visual artists from around campus and the country.
Come hear the powerful testimony of Rose Mapendo, a genocide survivor, refugee, and human rights activist. Learn from her journey as a refugee to better understand the mind, heart, and challenges of refugees. Then, learn of specific ways you and your church can begin serving, empowering, and resourcing refugees in Riverdale, MD for Kingdom impact.
