Hear About BTAR Anita Levels’ Segment on Pittsburgh Today Live!
It felt serendipitous that my first BTAR blog would include thoughts after my Pittsburgh Today Live (KDKA/CBS) segment which aired on November 10, 2021 (Click here to watch the full segment!)
Serendipitous? Absolutely! Because of the timing.
Serendipitous? For sure! Because of the vision of my BTAR focus.
Serendipitous? No question! Because of my passion.
The segment was filmed at The Afro-American Music Institute (AAMI) in Homewood (Pittsburgh PA), which was founded in 1982 by Dr. James T. Johnson, Jr. and Pamela Johnson. https://www.afroamericanmusic.org/about
The AAMI has cultivated the talents of many musicians you hear in the Pittsburgh area. I would even dare to say that it is sacred in its longevity and purpose of preserving Black American musical culture. “Dr. J”, as some affectionately call him, told me the story of how Patti Labelle shared the same sentiment. Yes! Ms. Labelle herself also had a special feeling when she visited AAMI. Dr. Johnson went on to say that instead of Patti Labelle going to dinner she insisted on going to AAMI instead! (See picture.) The Afro-American Music Institute has been a consistent beacon of Black American musical culture in the heart of Pittsburgh.
And I’m so, so glad.
During my time as a BTAR, I will explore the legacy and future of
Black American music (Blues, Jazz, Rock & Roll, Hip Hop. etc.) through people, places, our oral traditions, and in the historical parallels of culture and art.
In the meantime, check out the Pittsburgh Today Live segment of “Dr. J” and me at the historical AAMI. We enjoyed it! We hope you enjoy watching it!
Thank you again to Act3 Consulting and UniSound for my selection as a BTAR 2021. I look forward to cultivating impactful artistic exchanges within our region and beyond!
“Don’t worry that’s it’s not good enough for anyone else to hear.
Just sing, sing a song.” –Joe Raposo
