Broad Street Review

Philly's home for arts, culture, and conversation

Suzanne Cloud

Contributor

BSR Contributor Since December 19, 2018

Singer/songwriter Suzanne Cloud, founding director of Jazz Bridge, is currently the chief project advisor for the Philly Jazz Legacy Project. Find her on Twitter @suzannecloud.

Suzanne Cloud, writer, historian, and jazz singer, has appeared with Philadelphia’s top musicians. She received her doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania, authored six young-adult history books, contributed to Harvard's African-American National Biography Project, and was the founding director of Jazz Bridge. Her original play Last Call at the Downbeat was chosen for the 2013 Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts. Cloud has recorded critically acclaimed albums on the Dreambox label, which recently reissued her political 1995 release With a Little Help from My Friends.

Search

By this Author

34 results

Page 1

The Study Hall troupe used to be onstage, but now you can catch it on Zoom. (Image courtesy of the artists.)

Philly Fringe 2020: Study Hall presents 'Comedy Inspired by Lectures'

Riffs on academia

Three academics lecture a group of improv actors in Study Hall's 'Comedy Inspired by Lectures,' now streaming for the Philly Fringe. Hilarity ensues. Suzanne Cloud reviews.

Sep 14, 2020 Articles 3 minute read

A book for all people who use their voice. (Image courtesy of Barcelona Publishing.)

‘The Use of Voice in Music Therapy’ by Kelly Meashey

Long live every voice

‘The Use of Voice in Music Therapy,’ the first book from Philadelphia jazz singer Kelly Meashey, teaches singers and clinicians alike how to connect with an audience. Suzanne Cloud reviews.

Aug 18, 2020 Articles 4 minute read

Why does Philadelphia get a zero in the arts and culture column? (Image courtesy of Philly Culture United.)

Philly Culture United urges City Council not to defund the arts

Philly artists rally against defunding

Suzanne Cloud spotlights Philly Culture United, an action campaign to save the city’s funding for arts and culture.

Jun 17, 2020 Essays 4 minute read

A comfortable home for conspiracies…especially if you don’t remember the days before a polio vaccine. (Photo by Paul Becker, via Wikimedia Commons.)

Surviving the coronavirus conspiracy kickoff

Get a grip, friends

Suzanne Cloud was getting more messages than usual—and the contents were worrying. Instead of inhaling vinegar, she’s talking with her friends about some critical thinking in the age of COVID.

May 11, 2020 Essays 4 minute read

Jazz photographer captured drummer Robert Henderson, and sales of the picture benefit the artist. (Photo by Anthony Dean.)

Philly’s jazz community is still playing, and lifting each other up, in the pandemic

COVID-19 won’t cancel Jazz Appreciation Month

Local musicians had their calendars wiped clean as the COVID-19 pandemic descended. But they’re streaming and supporting each other. Suzanne Cloud stays connected so you can, too.

Mar 31, 2020 Articles 5 minute read

Be ready to meet homegrown piano star Orrin Evans, whenever he’s back in town. (Photo by Salvatore Corso.)

Your Philly guide to reclaiming Jazz Month in the age of social distancing

Singing the coronavirus blues

Suzanne Cloud sings the blues about the sounds of silence in the city, just as we were looking forward to all the Philly concerts for Jazz Month in April. But there’s hope for homebound jazz lovers—and neophytes who want in on the fun.

Mar 16, 2020 Articles 4 minute read

The men behind ‘Music for the New Revolution’: Rodney Whittenberg (left) and David Heitler-Klevans. (Photo by Rodney Whittenberg.)

Philly podcast ‘Music for the New Revolution’ spotlights today’s protest music

The sounds of change

Musician David Heitler-Klevans and filmmaker/composer Rodney Whittenberg bring the 'Music for the New Revolution' podcast to Philly, getting everyone ready for the 2020 election and beyond. Suzanne Cloud chats with the creators.

Jan 14, 2020 Essays 4 minute read

A musical tribute to Philadelphia: ‘Crossing the Bridge 2’ is available for download. (Image courtesy of the Philadelphia Heritage Art Ensemble.)

The Philadelphia Heritage Art Ensemble presents ‘Crossing the Bridge 2’

What jazz musicians have given Philly

Philadelphia Heritage Art Ensemble’s latest album is a musical tribute to 1950s/60s hard bop Philly jazz history. Suzanne Cloud reviews.

Nov 11, 2019 Articles 3 minute read

Aplomb and energy: Brian McManus and Steve Carpenter in ‘Stones in His Pockets.’ (Photo courtesy of South Camden Theatre Company.)

South Camden Theatre Company presents Marie Jones’s ‘Stones in His Pockets’

Americans in Ireland in New Jersey

A dazzling duo of actors tackle Irish tragicomedy ‘Stones in His Pockets’ at South Camden Theatre Company. Suzanne Cloud reviews.

Nov 04, 2019 Articles 3 minute read

Finally, fans know what Vernell would say. Cover of ‘The Vernell Poems’ chapbook courtesy of Moonstone Press.

‘The Vernell Poems’ by Herman Beavers

What would Vernell say?

Poet Herman Beavers, in his new chapbook 'The Vernell Poems,' riffs on the stories of the indomitable Vernell Spraggins—folk philosopher, lover, liar, and trickster. Suzanne Cloud considers.

Aug 27, 2019 Articles 5 minute read

The REC Philly team in its new space at 9th and Market. (Photo by Kevin Kilkinney.)

REC Philly announces a major footprint in the new Fashion District

A new creators’ space by the old Market East

After meeting in school and building their business from the ground up, REC Philly cofounders David Silver and Will Toms announce a big new space on Market Street. Suzanne Cloud was there.

Aug 06, 2019 Articles 4 minute read

The cosmos in grains of sand: Andrew Yang’s 2019 ‘A Beach (for Carl Sagan).’ (Image courtesy of the Berman Museum.)

The Berman Museum of Art presents ‘Science Fiction’

Before and after the moon

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing at the Berman Museum of Art, where world-renowned international artists born in that era interpret science fiction alongside climate change, space tourism, and technological revolution. Suzanne Cloud reviews.

Jul 23, 2019 Articles 3 minute read

Richness and dignity in janitorial work: pieces in wood by Lucia Garzón. (Photo courtesy of DVAA.)

Da Vinci Art Alliance presents Lucia Garzón’s ‘With Hands Like Bootsoles’

Timely work

‘With Hands Like Bootsoles,’ Lucia Garzón’s solo show at Da Vinci Art Alliance, is necessary viewing as the US government’s systemic cruelty to Central and South American immigrant refugees dominates the news. Suzanne Cloud reviews.

Jul 16, 2019 Articles 3 minute read

Iraisa Ann Reilly: a perceptive performer who lives her creations. (Photo courtesy of the artist.)

SoLow Fest 2019: Iraisa Ann Reilly’s ‘A Beginner’s Guide to Interpreting Aphasia’

When you can't find the words

This new show, still in development at this year’s SoLow Fest, reveals life for people with aphasia and those who work to support them. Suzanne Cloud reviews.

Jun 23, 2019 Articles 4 minute read

Marshall Allen, a living “jazz deity.” (Image courtesy of sunraarkestra.com.)

Union Transfer presents 'Marshall Allen’s 95th Birthday Celebration'

The spirit of the day, for almost a century

Close your airlock and engage your warp drive to find out why “Space Is the Place” where you’ll find “Cosmo Aliens” dancing to “Interplanetary Music.” The Sun Ra Arkestra is coming to Philly for Marshall Allen’s 95th birthday tour. Suzanne Cloud talks to the ones who know him best.

Jun 06, 2019 Articles 4 minute read

1